South Tyrol, Italy

Two friends, both named Cla(i)re, what could be better?

My dear friend Clare and I had the a long weekend off for Easter and decided to take a girls trip to the Italian Alps. She was about to leave Germany and I had just arrived so taking advantage of our two months of overlap living in Europe was a must.

We started by spending a night at Forestis in the Dolomites. It was so incredible in every way. Think clean, modern, sophisticated but still with the alpine touch. We enjoyed aperitif and then had the most decedent dinner. The next morning we went to the extensive spa with an indoor/outdoor pool. I could not recommend this hotel enough, minus the price tag.

We then drove to Bolzano and enjoyed the first spring day. It seemed like the whole town had just awoken from hibernation. The next day we went skiing in Val Senales. It was definitely slushy and classic spring conditions, but there is something about skiing that makes me feel like nothing is wrong in the world. That evening, we met up with one of Clare’s friends in Merano and got a tour of city from a local.

What a perfect weekend together in the most beautiful area of the world. I’m so grateful for this chapter living in Europe and forever friends.