Ancora has officially reopened its doors after a renovation and redesign led by Renzo Rosso, founder of the fashion group OTB.
Founded in 1826, Ancora is set to enter a new chapter, 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.
As the 2026 Winter Olympic Games approaches, Ancora aims to help shape the town’s future identity. At the core of the project is the vision of Rosso, who imagined Ancora as a space defined by a bold, unmistakable style, where creative energy and design sensitivity meet.
The project brings new life to a historic landmark, positioning it as a contemporary, cross-disciplinary point of reference for both locals and visitors.
“I have always wanted to create a place that would surprise at first sight but also make everyone feel truly at home,” says 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.”
The interior design of Ancora has been entrusted to 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 –each 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, each offering a warm, intimate atmosphere that feels both elevated and deeply rooted in place.
“For me, what made the entire process fascinating was that Renzo wanted to treat it like a restoration project,” comments Charles. “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. Each room had to be a refuge, as Renzo wanted. Bold, without being noisy.”
Ancora has been conceived as an open, dynamic space where every area serves a purpose, but also carries its own distinct spirit, from the culinary offering to the all-day bar.
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 Brave Club serves as Ancora Cortina’s vibrant nightlife hub. Open yet intimate, the Club is an exclusive space that honours tradition by embracing privacy, with no selfies or mobile phones allowed to evoke a sense of the past.
“I chose Cortina because, for me, it is the most beautiful mountain resort in the world,’ Rosso concludes. “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.”
