Golf At Altitude

A fantastic morning of golf!

Manuela picked us up at 9am and drove us over Passo Gardena into the neighbouring Val Badia. The journey offered an unscheduled glimpse into one of the Dolomites' growing pains, tour buses and overconfident drivers navigating narrow mountain roads with cheerful disregard for anyone else on them. What should have been thirty minutes took the better part of an hour.

The destination, however, was worth it. Golf Club Alta Badia in Corvara sits at the foot of the Sella massif, a nine-hole course widely regarded as one of the most beautiful in the Dolomites, and it earns that reputation without much argument. This was Mal's day, really; golf in the Dolomites with his university days golfing buddy had been on his list for some time. I'll direct you to his FindPenguin post for a proper account, because if I'm honest, when I look at the photos I genuinely cannot tell one hole from another. Don't tell him that...

Lunch was at the nearby Rifugio Boconara — simple, hearty, and set against views of Mount Sassongher, the Boé massif and Passo Gardena that made it very easy to linger. There was, of course, a full golf debrief. These things are non-negotiable.

In the words of Rocky from Project Hail Mary - Amaze, amaze, amaze!!

The full experience must include golf carts

An easy and scenic walk to lunch

Rifugio Boconara

Hugo or Aperol elderflower to enjoy the view with

The yummiest mushroom and truffle tagliatelle

When in the Dolomites...dumplings the go

Manuela then collected us and delivered us to our accommodation for the next two nights: the very lovely Hotel Cappella. I had not previously considered that I might need two bathrooms in a hotel room. I now know that I do. On account of the views I can see out of our windows and balconies (yes plural), I now also need to learn more synonyms for "scenic".

Dinner was included on a half-board basis, which meant we didn't have to think about it — always a bonus after a long day. It turned out to be a multi-course affair, complete with salad bar, cheese buffet and dessert buffet. The quality was a little hit and miss, if I'm being honest, but the overall experience was undeniably fancy, and sometimes that's enough.

Our first sitting room

Our bedroom at the end of the hallway

Bathroom & toilet one with the bath

Bathroom and toilet 2 with the shower

View from balcony one

Balcony 2

View of balcony 2. Balcony 3 offers more views...

The indoor pool

The indoor/outdoor pool

The outdoor whirlpool

Sun loungers in the garden area

View from the hotel dining room into the town of Colfosco

Cheese anyone?

Half of the dessert bar

Appetiser

Soup - mountain potato with truffle

Starter. Tagliatelle with porcini and venison ragout

Veal fillet

Cheers to another excellent day!