Everyone knows Cortina in winter. Summer is when the town slows down and reveals a different character.
The days are longer, the pace is gentler and the mountains become a backdrop for hiking, cycling, swimming in alpine lakes or simply spending afternoons outdoors. Without the ski crowds, Cortina feels more local, more relaxed and unexpectedly cultural, with galleries, independent shops and cafés filling the space between mountain excursions.
At the centre of it all is Ambra Cortina, the design-led boutique hotel owned by third-generation hotelier Elisabetta Dotto. Set just off Corso Italia, the hotel offers a more personal alternative to traditional Alpine hospitality, combining contemporary design with the atmosphere of a private residence.
Ambra’s 24 rooms are spread across themed floors inspired by Cinema, Theatre, Nature and Fashion, reflecting Cortina’s longstanding connections to culture and creativity. Rather than following a single design language, each room has its own personality, making the hotel feel more like a collection than a conventional mountain retreat.
As the sun sets, guests gravitate towards Lanterna, Ambra’s Hi-Fi Bar and Lounge. Opened in late 2025 in partnership with DENHAM, the space combines cocktails, music and mountain views in a setting designed for lingering rather than rushing.
For travellers looking beyond the classic beach holiday, Ambra offers a different way to experience summer: cooler days, quieter evenings and the unique atmosphere of Cortina at its most relaxed.
