After a considered renovation and thoughtful redesign by Renzo Rosso and the Charles & Co studio, the historic Ancora hotel has officially reopened its doors in the heart of Corso Italia…
Far from the conventional codes of hospitality, Ancora Cortina is designed for those who seek character, identity, and constant connection with the surrounding landscape and history.
Founded in 1826 and considered a symbol of hospitality in Cortina, Ancora is now brought to life thanks to the vision of Renzo Rosso, Founder of Diesel and President of fashion group Only The Brave (OTB) – parent company of Maison Margiela, Marni, Viktor & Rolf, and Jil Sander…
Image credit: Giorgio Baroni
A return that feels both timely and rooted
For almost 200 years, Ancora has offered more than hospitality – it has been a vital thread in the fabric of Cortina, a place where seasons shift and people come together. With its 2025 reopening, Ancora enters a new chapter, profoundly renewed and reaffirming its place at the heart of Cortina.
More than a restoration, it marks the hotel’s return as an active player in a pivotal moment of transformation for the entire destination. And at the core of the project is the vision of Renzo Rosso, who imagined Ancora not simply as a hotel, but as a space where creative energy and design sensitivity meet – a place defined by a bold, unmistakable style.
With the 2026 Winter Olympic Games on the horizon, Ancora aims to help shape the town’s future identity, restoring a place that has long served as both a backdrop to Cortina’s story and a protagonist within it.
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- Image credits: Giorgino Baroni
“I have always wanted to create a place that would surprise at first sight but also make everyone feel truly at home,” says Renzo Rosso.
“For me, home is where you meet your closest friends, where every detail reflects who you are. Ancora Cortina is the result of everything I have seen and experienced during my travels: a project designed to welcome with warmth, made possible thanks to the creative spirit of Vicky Charles, who managed to translate this vision into every room,” Rosso adds.
A complete reinvention of design, space, and style
The interior design of Ancora has been entrusted to renowned studio Charles & Co, led by Vicky Charles, former Design Director at Soho House.
The result is a complete reimagining of the hotel: natural materials like wood and stone, a palette of warm, earthy tones, and bespoke furnishings that reflect a distinctly personal, refined aesthetic.
The 38 rooms – spread across seven categories, are each unique. Every space has its own character, shaped by carefully curated details, distinctive objects, rich textures, and colours that echo the surrounding landscape. All rooms face the Dolomites, and each one offers a warm, intimate atmosphere that feels both elevated and deeply rooted in place.
Image credit: Giorgino Baroni
“For me, what made the entire process fascinating was that Renzo wanted to treat it like a restoration project,” says Vicky Charles, excited about the project.
“The hotel had so much to work with: wooden work, painted ceilings, alpine decorative motifs, colours. It has a strong aesthetic language and a lot of originality,” Charles continues. “Each room had to be a refuge, as Renzo wanted. Bold, without being noisy.”
A place to live
Ancora has been conceived as an open, dynamic space where every area serves a purpose, but also carries its own distinct spirit. The culinary offering begins with a focus on raw ingredients and seasonality, celebrating local suppliers and small regional producers.
Image credit: Giorgino Baroni
Dishes reinterpret the traditional flavours of the Dolomites with balance, creativity, and a deep respect for origin. The all-day bar tells the story of the mountains through alpine botanicals and carefully selected spirits. The terrace on Corso Italia – a long part of the hotel’s identity has been transformed into a true open-air living room: a space for connection, relaxation, and conviviality, from breakfast through to aperitivo.
At the heart of Ancora is the spa: over 200 square metres dedicated to wellbeing, including a hammam, sauna, Turkish bath, cryotherapy, cutting-edge aesthetic treatments, and serene relaxation zones. Complementing the wellness offering are a Technogym-equipped fitness area and a dedicated space for yoga and breathwork.
Below street level, the magic comes alive with the Brave Club – Ancora Cortina’s vibrant nightlife hub. This is the hotel’s rebellious spirit, a place where connections and energy collide. Open yet intimate, the Club is where the night truly awakens, and music sets the tone. It is an exclusive space that honours tradition by embracing privacy – no selfies or mobile phones allowed, just like in the old days.
Image credit: Giorgino Baroni
Ancora reclaims its place
With its return, Ancora redefines the essence of mountain hospitality. From Dolomite hikes to curated tastings, from botanical mixology to alpine mindfulness practices, the hotel invites guests to experience Cortina in a more mindful, personal way – deeply connected to its stunning natural surroundings.
“I chose Cortina because, for me, it is the most beautiful mountain resort in the world,” says Renzo Rosso.
“Here, you are surrounded by breathtaking beauty, nature in 360 degrees: it is the most extraordinary mountain range that exists. You can walk or bike at any time of year, and every kilometre offers an even more enchanting view than the last.”
Main image credit: Giorgio Baroni
