Expert Reveals How to Experience the Dolomites Like a Local as Holiday Demand Soars by Over 5,000%

With UK Google searches for “Dolomites holiday”, “Lago di Braies” and “Lake Carezza” all surging by more than 5,000% in the last month and #DolomitesItaly attracting over 67.5 million views on TikTok, the Dolomites are firmly on travellers’ radars this season. Yet while these alpine landmarks continue to dominate travel wish lists and social media feeds, Sensoria Dolomites is encouraging visitors to look beyond the famous viewpoints and embrace a slower, more mindful way of exploring the region. 

Set in the heart of the Dolomites, Sensoria Dolomites is rooted in a deep connection to nature, wellbeing and place. For the hotel’s Active & Wellbeing Guide, Patrick, the most memorable experiences are often found not in rushing between landmarks, but in arriving early, walking a little further and allowing time for the landscape to reveal itself.

“The Dolomites reward those who slow down,” says Patrick. “Many guests try to visit multiple highlights in a single day, but the most memorable experiences often happen when you spend time in one place and allow yourself to truly connect with the landscape.” 

The famous rainbow lake with nearly 10M views

Known for its jewel-like colours and reflections of the Rosengarten and Latemar peaks, Lago di Carezza, or Karersee, is one of the Dolomites’ most recognisable lakes. With #LagoDiCarezza, attracting over 9.7 million views on TikTok, the lake has become a must-visit for travellers seeking one of the region’s most photogenic spots. 

Patrick recommends arriving before 8am or later in the afternoon, when the crowds are thinner and the surrounding mountains are often mirrored beautifully in the still water. While many visitors stop at the main viewpoint, Patrick encourages guests to take the short circular trail around the lake, which offers changing perspectives and quieter viewpoints away from the busiest area.

“Most visitors stop at the first viewpoint, take a photo and leave,” says Patrick. “My advice is to walk the entire loop around the lake. The reflections change throughout the day, and some of the most beautiful views can only be experienced from the quieter side of the shoreline.”

Lago di Braies is one of the Dolomites’ most photographed lakes

Lago di Braies, also known as Pragser Wildsee, is among the most celebrated lakes in the Dolomites. With #LagoDiBraiesItaly attracting over 3.2 million views on TikTok, its famous boathouse has become an instantly recognisable image, but Patrick believes the lake is at its most powerful before the day begins. 

Arriving before 8am allows visitors to experience a very different atmosphere, often with morning mist hovering above the water and a sense of calm that fades as the day grows busier. Rather than focusing only on the boathouse, Patrick recommends walking the full circular trail around the lake.

“The most beautiful photograph isn’t always the famous boat rental,” he says. “Walk to the far end of the lake and look back towards the mountains. That’s where you’ll find some of the most spectacular perspectives and far fewer people.”

The hidden Dolomite gems most travellers miss

While the famous lakes deserve their reputation, Patrick believes some of the most rewarding Dolomite experiences are found away from the best-known routes.

One of his favourite lesser-known spots is Lech de Crespeina, hidden within the Puez-Odle Nature Park. Surrounded by alpine meadows and dramatic UNESCO landscapes, the lake offers a sense of space and solitude that feels far removed from the region’s busier viewpoints.

“Lech de Crespeina is one of those places that reminds you what the Dolomites are really about,” says Patrick. “There are no crowds, no queues and no distractions - just mountains, silence and an incredible sense of space.”

Closer to Sensoria Dolomites, Patrick also recommends Völser Weiher, a peaceful alpine lake with exceptional views of the Schlern massif and a much quieter atmosphere. For sunrise, one of his most memorable experiences is Tschafon Hut, where the first light catches the Rosengarten in dramatic colour.

“Watching the first light hit the Rosengarten from Tschafon is one of those moments that stays with you forever,” he says.

For panoramic views, Patrick highlights Bullaccia, also known as Puflatsch, an often-overlooked viewpoint above the Seiser Alm that is particularly beautiful at sunset. He also encourages guests to experience Seiser Alm at sunrise, before the day begins and Europe’s largest high-alpine meadow is at its quietest.

“The Seiser Alm before 8am feels like a completely different world,” says Patrick. “The silence alone is worth the early wake-up call.”

A slower way to explore the Dolomites

For Sensoria Dolomites, exploring the region is not about ticking off destinations, but about deepening the connection between travel, nature and wellbeing. By guiding guests towards quieter times of day, lesser-known trails and more mindful ways of experiencing the landscape, the hotel offers a perspective that feels both restorative and deeply rooted in place.

As the Dolomites continue to capture the imagination of travellers around the world, Sensoria Dolomites invites guests to discover the region beyond the crowds - one sunrise, lakeside walk and mountain viewpoint at a time.

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Editors notes

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Notes to editors: 

For more information on Sensoria Dolomites, please visit www.sensoriadolomites.com 

High-resolution Imagery available to download HERE 

Methodology

Google search data was collected looking at UK searches in the past month for the search terms. Data is correct as of 01/07/2026.

Prices & Transport:   

Price: Sensoria prices start from €200 per night per person on a double occupancy basis, including all day inclusive package (approx. £170). 

Nearest Airport: Bolzano, 28km from Sensoria Dolomites (direct flights from London Gatwick available via SkyAlps) 

Nearest Train Station: Bolzano, 22km from Sensoria Dolomites   

Press Contacts:   

Lemongrass Marketing    

Press Enquiries: Georgia Pethick , Immy Hockings 

Email: sensoria@lemongrassmarketing.com    

Tel: 01865 237 990   

About Sensoria Dolomites:   

Located at the foot of the Alpe di Siusi, the largest high plateau in Europe, Sensoria Dolomites combines panoramic mountain views, modern interiors and South Tyrolean warmth to create a place of wellbeing for the senses and soul. Surrounded by spectacular views of the surrounding UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites, the family-owned hotel exudes a sense of warm luxury, with natural materials paired with a minimalist, cosy interior. In the summer of 2022, the hotel opened with 45 elegant rooms and two suites with a private spa area and a spacious terrace deck with a view of the Sciliar. With a gourmet approach to all-inclusive dining, sample a six-course menu every evening and choose from a selection of 70 locally sourced wines. The spa is surrounded by peaceful forest views against a backdrop of mountain vistas, complete with a spruce bathing house, saunas, an indoor-outdoor swimming pool, relaxation rooms, fitness room, courtyard and Pilates and yoga studio. Offering aromatherapy, with daily sauna infusions and meditations, guests will benefit from a tailored treatment programme to enrich all the senses. A cable car is conveniently situated opposite the hotel, taking guests to the largest ski area in the Dolomites. Home to 181km of slopes and 80km of cross-country trails, Sensoria offers adventure ski tours through the Seiser Alm or famous Sella Ronda.