Search for my previous posts on Santa Fe, a premier cultural destination known for its UNESCO Creative City status, Pueblo-style adobe architecture, and status as the oldest state capital in the U.S. Founded in 1610, it offers a unique blend of Native American heritage, Spanish colonial history, and a thriving contemporary arts scene.
A newish dining transformation at Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi, has me plotting for Culinary Clients, craving the cookery of Chef Cristian Pontiggia, their new Executive Chef. With a career spanning Michelin-starred kitchens in Italy to Santa Fe’s most beloved dining rooms, Chef Pontiggia brings a globally inspired, locally grounded culinary vision to the The Anasazi Restaurant.
A revered name in the Santa Fe food scene, Chef Pontiggia was recently named a 2025 James Beard Award semi-finalist in the Best Chef: Southwest category for his work at Sassella, the fine dining Italian restaurant he co-founded in 2019. He was also honored as Chef of the Year by both the American Culinary Federation (2022) and the New Mexico Restaurant Association (2023) and is officially recognized as a Master Chef by the Italian government.
Ribbons and recognition aside, under Chef Pontiggia’s leadership, The Anasazi Restaurant enters a new era — one that honors its legacy of refined Southwestern cuisine while evolving with bold new flavors, seasonal ingredients, and a renewed commitment to storytelling through food. His spring menu includes standout dishes like Branzino Empapelado, Pappardelle Bolognese —a rich, soulful twist on the classic made with locally sourced buffalo—and a Burrata Caprese elevated with a distinctly New Mexican flair through the addition of green chili honey. With a tasting menu and Chef’s Table experience on the horizon, Chef Pontiggia is crafting a journey that celebrates both place and palate.
Originally from the Lombardy region of northern Italy, Chef Pontiggia began his culinary career at age 14 and brings over two decades of culinary experience to the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi. He has worked in prestigious kitchens across Europe and the U.S., including Hotel Cristallo and Hotel Margherita in Italy, and regionally at renowned restaurants such as El Nido, Osteria d’Assisi, and The Stakeout. His work at Sassella and The Deli at Sassella transformed the Santa Fe dining landscape, winning praise for its authenticity, hospitality, and innovation.
Oh, did I mention the Rosewood Private tequila or American Whiskey tastings? A unique guided tasting of a variety of distinguished premium tequilas, available for up to eight guests. American Whiskey Tastings offers a historic exploration of Rye, Bourbon, and Beyond. Join their in-house Spirits Experts and learn about the pioneering individuals who created our country’s whiskies.
Additional Praise: The Anasazi Restaurant and Chef Pontiggia continue their partnership with Cooking With Kids, a beloved local nonprofit dedicated to empowering children to make healthy food choices through hands-on education.
Lucky to have visited and loved so many Aman properties. Aman Rosa Alpina in the Dolomites is on our radar for many reasons. Our darling intrepid East Coast clients celebrated a summer Birthday here, when photos bounce across the Mountains on arrival, you know all is good in the world! Final thoughts: mind reading staff – they bring us what we need before we even think of it!
A contemporary take on classic Alpine elegance, San Cassiano’s historic hotel emerges as a fully-fledged Aman following an extensive renovation. Tucked into Italy’s spectacular UNESCO-protected mountains, the Dolomites resort offers unmatched exploration of the region’s natural beauty and outdoor adventures in summer and autumn, alongside access to the world-class ski resort of Dolomiti Superski in winter.
Celebrating the history of the property while uniting it with Aman’s philosophy, Aman Rosa Alpina’s 51 Rooms and Suites emerge renewed, redefining alpine living and setting a new standard for Dolomites accommodation. Inspired by the raw beauty of their surroundings, the rooms and suites reflect the very essence of the Dolomites using natural materials such as wood and natural stone. In fact, the great outdoors anchors every space, with expansive balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows offering immersive mountain views that ground guests in the majesty of the landscape.
Start with this delightful day: Set off on a full day of personalized activities, combining scenic hiking through the breathtaking Dolomiti mountain range with a memorable lunch atop a traditional mountain lodge. The day begins at Cinque Torri — the “Five Towers” — renowned for their striking pearl-grey stone formations rising dramatically against the Alpine sky. The area’s carefully maintained and clearly marked pathways make the hike especially enjoyable, even for beginners.
For those seeking a gentle walk, the experience can remain within the Cinque Torri area. For a more adventurous route, the day may begin at Averau, continue to Nuvolao, and conclude at Cinque Torri — a rewarding itinerary that covers three of the most iconic peaks of the Dolomites and showcases the very best of this extraordinary landscape.
Along the way, you may spot bold climbers scaling the towering rock faces — a common sight in the Dolomites, famed for their dramatic cliffs and varied surfaces. You may also notice traces of World War I battles etched into the stone, revealing the region’s rich and layered history.
After the morning excursion, enjoy lunch at Rifugio Scoiattoli — the “Squirrel Lodge” — a charming mountain refuge built by a local alpine guide and still lovingly run by his family. The cuisine features traditional home-style dishes thoughtfully updated for modern tastes. Set within a cozy indoor terrace overlooking all five towers, it offers a warm and scenic setting to conclude a truly unforgettable day in the mountains.
After lunch, enjoy some free time to explore the charming town of Cortina before returning to your hotel.
WOW! Sky Runners: Founded in 1992, the International Skyrunning Federation defines the sport as “running in the mountains above 2,000 meters where climbs do not exceed Grade 2 and the incline is over 30%”. To put it simply: Sky runners run on mountains that are incredibly steep but do not require technical rock climbing. The suggested trails do not all lead above 2,000-meter altitude and incline over 30%, but they will take runners into mountain goat terrain where the earth touches the sky for sure.
Spectacular natural scenery extends in every direction from Aman Rosa Alpina, which lies at the heart of the majestic Dolomites in the village of San Cassiano. In summer and autumn, the resort serves as the perfect base for exploring the Dolomites in the sunshine, whether hiking, cycling, paragliding or simply picnicking. Even as the larch forests turn golden in their autumn finery, the mountains beckon with spectacular sunrises. Drawing on long-standing relationships with local experts, Aman Rosa Alpina tailors personalized itineraries for guests, which can include bespoke activities, helicopter tours and culinary Journeys, as well as seasonal experiences at the Pizzinini Family’s private mountain huts. From guided hikes and thrilling climbs to peaceful off-piste skiing and culinary alpine indulgence, Aman Rosa Alpina serves as the perfect base for exploring the Dolomites year-round. With personalized itineraries curated to each guest’s interests, the Concierge team ensures every experience – from family adventures to classic snow sports escapes – offering full immersion in the region’s unmatched mountain surrounds.
Summer in the Mountains – From scenic hiking and via ferrata climbs to cycling, trail running and alfresco culinary experiences, Aman Rosa Alpina offers a gateway to summer in the Dolomites, whether seeking thrilling mountain adventures or a serene nature retreat. The Dolomites diverse landscape, with its jagged peaks, emerald-green meadows, peaceful valleys and idyllic villages, is a veritable playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike, climb or cycle in complete seclusion and enjoy the rich, untouched landscapes that surround. Prefer road cycling and mountain bike riding? Aman Rosa Alpina offers three-hour, half- and full-day tours starting from the hotel. Certain to invigorate even the most experienced of riders, e-bikes are also available, allowing cyclists of mixed abilities to ride together and expand their cycle touring possibilities.
Snowshoe Hiking – Take to the slopes on foot, aided by a pair of lightweight, racket-style shoes. Glide effortlessly across the majestic mountain terrain, spotting the abundance of nature and wildlife that lies off the beaten track. An expert guide tells stories of the landscape along the way, with a picnic or lunch in one of the resort’s own mountain cabins further enhancing the experience.
Ice Climbing – Adrenaline-seekers can marvel the snow-covered slopes from an alternative perspective, with an expert mountain guide leading climbing adventures in the nearby Serrai di Sottoguda. Formed during the Ice Ages as glacial meltwater, Marmolada Mountain towers above the gorge, making for the most exhilarating of climbs.
Let us curate a full summer or winter at Aman Rosa Alpina, why leave?
You must be logged in to post a comment.