Kosher Summers in the Dolomites: Chalet Life with Chef Anthony
- Chef Anthony
- 3 days ago
- 8 min read
Spending a fully kosher week in a luxury kosher chalet in the Dolomites is no longer just an idea. In recent summers, families have been gathering in a private chalet high above Arabba, in the Dolomites, to enjoy a complete kosher stay curated by Chef Anthony and The Italian Elixir.
It is an experience where stunning alpine views, fresh mountain air, and tailored family activities meet a strictly kosher kitchen, on-site supervision, and Italian hospitality at the highest level.
This blog looks inside those recent kosher chalet stays: how a typical week unfolds, how the kashrut is managed, and what families can expect when they choose a kosher summer in the Dolomites with Chef Anthony.
What a Luxury Kosher Chalet Experience Really Means
In these summer stays, the chalet is reserved exclusively for one group or extended family. No shared spaces, no outside guests, no surprises. The entire experience is designed around one simple idea: allowing observant guests the time to relax, enjoy, and keep halacha—without constantly “managing logistics.”
Before arrival, The Italian Elixir coordinates:
Full kosher kitchen setup (separate meat and dairy equipment, clearly labelled areas, and parve stations).
Dedicated on-site mashgiach, according to the family’s expectations.
Sourcing of Mehadrin meat, poultry, and dairy under reliable European or imported certification.
A curated selection of Mevushal or Non-Mevushal wines.
Whether your family is Modern Orthodox or requires observes Chareidi standards, our approach is the same: we listen, then we tailor. Kashrut guidelines are agreed in advance with the family and, when necessary, with their preferred rabbinic authority. This ensures that the chalet feels like your own home in the heart of the mountains, fully prepared for a seamless kosher stay.
A Week Between Nature, Creativity, and Adventure
Each family week is different, but some experiences have already become “classics” of the kosher Dolomites summer with Chef Anthony.
A Day at the Lake
One of the highlights is a full day at a nearby alpine lake such as Lake Alleghe. Families enjoy:
A gentle panoramic walk with stroller-friendly sections.
Pedal-boat rides on crystal-clear water.
An adventure park for children, with shaded play areas and age-appropriate courses.
Picnic lunch is prepared in advance in the chalet’s kosher kitchen and brought along in insulated boxes. Everything is labelled and organized: separate meat or dairy meals according to the day’s menu plan, plenty of snacks, and cold drinks. Younger children can head back to the chalet earlier if they need naps, while older kids stay at the lake.
It’s one of those simple days that families remember long after their kosher family vacation in Italy ends.
Farm Visit and Alpaca Walk
Another favourite is a morning at a traditional Dolomites farm near Colfosco, home to friendly animals and, for many kids, the stars of the show: alpacas.
Families typically:
Set out on a one-hour guided walk alongside the alpacas, following an easy mountain trail to a small waterfall.
Return for a tour of the farm, meeting the animals up close.
Let children play in the farm’s outdoor playground while adults enjoy the landscape.
It is the kind of experience that photographs beautifully—and feels even better in real life. For many guests, it becomes one of the most emotional memories of the week: children connecting with nature, parents finally breathing and enjoying the moment instead of worrying about lunch and logistics.
Artistic Ceramic Workshop at the Chalet
In the afternoon, the atmosphere shifts from outdoor adventure to creativity. A local ceramic artist comes directly to the chalet and transforms the living area into a temporary atelier.
Adults and children sit around large tables and:
Shape their own clay pieces—mugs, small bowls, mezuzah covers, decorative plates.
Learn simple decoration techniques and hand-painting.
Leave the pieces to be fired and later delivered as finished, usable ceramics.
Because the workshop is held in the chalet itself, even younger children can participate for part of the time, then nap or play in another room. Parents do not need to coordinate transport, snacks, or naps around a studio schedule; everything happens in their private space.
Barbecue Day in the Mountains Meadows
Few moments capture the spirit of this experience better than the kosher mountain barbecue.
A beautiful green area is reserved in advance—a wide meadow bordered by forest, with picnic tables, a dedicated grill area, and often a small stream nearby with fresh mountain water. Around it, there are easy walking trails dotted with little fountains, wooden sculptures, and grazing sheep.
On barbecue day, Chef Anthony and his team:
Transport all pre-checked kosher ingredients, utensils, and grills to the site.
Set up areas for food and organize cold drinks.
Grill a generous menu of marinated meats, grilled vegetables, baked potatoes, fresh salads, and—when we are lucky—fresh porcini mushrooms found in the forest.
Bring games, balls, and kites for the children.
Our concierge will escort guests to the location. Children play football or running games in the meadow, adults walk short trails or simply sit and enjoy the silence of the mountains.
Deer Park and Lake Sompunt
Another family-friendly day combines a visit to a Deer Park with a picnic at a nearby lake such as Lake Sompunt.
Children can:
See deer and other small animals up close.
Play in simple playground areas or near by little lake while parents relax in the shade.
From there, families often continue to a nearby cable car and mountain hut with another playground and picnic area. Again, the meals are prepared in the chalet and brought along, simplifying the entire day while keeping everything in line with kashrut.
Optional Adventure: Rafting & Kayaking
For families with older children and teenagers, a half-day rafting and kayaking experience can be arranged on a nearby river.
The Italian Elixir coordinates with certified local guides, ensuring that:
All safety equipment and briefings are provided.
There is a base with changing rooms and showers.
A calm area or small lake nearby can be used by younger children with canoes, supervised by parents.
This gives more active family members a taste of adventure, while others enjoy a gentler version of the day in the same location.
Inside the Kosher Kitchen in the Alps: Chef Anthony, Italian Flavours, Jewish Traditions
While the activities may change from day to day, one constant of the chalet experience is the food.
With over 25 years of experience in fine dining, hotels, cruise ships, and private events, Chef Anthony more than technique to the kitchen - he brings a heritage. Italian Jewish cuisine has lived and evolved for centuries, shaped by the flavours of Sicily, Rome, Venice, Livorno, and the northern regions. It is a cuisine built on adaptation, creativity, and the meeting of cultures.
Did you know that many classic Italian dishes actually have Jewish origins—often unknown even to Italians themselves? :).
. During a typical stay, guests can expect:
Abundant breakfasts with fresh breads, spreads, seasonal fruit, and egg tailored to family preferences, and of course for the children.
Elegant yet family-friendly lunches to go and dinners with a strong Italian identity—think rich vegetable dishes, beautifully plated fish or meat, and parve desserts that do not feel like a compromise.
Afternoon snacks and “kids’ corners” for younger guests who eat at different times.
All menus are planned in advance around the family’s level of observance, food allergies, and style—whether they prefer “heimish” comfort, Mediterranean lightness, or sophisticated plating for special evenings.
Shabbat is treated with particular care. Expect fresh Challah, dips, salads, and hot dishes on platas managed within strict Halachic guidelines. A recent favorite addition? Our signature cholent and homemade kugel for Shabbat lunch.
We love that guests don’t just feel they’re “managing kosher in the mountains,” but that they’re enjoying a genuine gourmet experience that is both beautiful and fully observant.
Kosher Logistics: What Is Provided and What to Bring
Every family has its own minhagim, so we personalize the logistics.
The Italian Elixir provides:
Certification: We work under the guidance of Rabbi Piperno (Head Rabbi of Livorno), Chabad of Rome/Venice, or the Milan Jewish Community, depending on your needs.
Provisions: We source Glatt Kosher meat, poultry, and Cholov Yisrael dairy.
Kitchen: Fully organized with separate meat/dairy cookware, utensils, and serving pieces, plus clearly marked storage.
Ingredients: All items (oil, spices, sauces, etc.) with appropriate hechsherim.
Wine: Mevushal or Non-Mevushal wine and grape juice matching the family’s standards.
Supervision: On-site Mashgiach and clear protocols for kitchen use during the stay.
Guests are encouraged to bring:
Specific snack brands that children love and are used to, especially mehadrin or niche products not easily found in Italy. (though we can provide what is available locally).
Baby food, formula, and any medically required items under their preferred supervision.
Any specialty products required by their family’s traditions or halachic preferences.
All of this is discussed well before the trip, so that shopping, deliveries, and kashrut details are solved long before the family arrives in the Dolomites.
Getting There and Arriving Before Shabbat
Logistics are often what make or break a family trip. For the kosher chalet stays in the Dolomites, The Italian Elixir helps families plan the full journey.
Typical arrival airports for the Dolomites include Venice, Innsbruck, and Verona. From there, a private chauffeured service can be arranged directly to the chalet, avoiding car rental lines, navigation issues, and Shabbat timing stress. Sometimes arrival can be arranged also in the middle of the week, depending on availability.
Many families choose to:
Arrive on a weekday, spending a Shabbat in Venice or another city, with kosher dining coordinated in advance.
Then travel up to the mountains by private chauffeured service, arriving early enough to settle in, check the kitchen setup together, and relax before Shabbat.
The Italian Elixir can also assist with:
Planning realistic arrival times based on summer traffic and mountain roads.
Coordinating “Shabbat boxes” for the journey when needed.
Organizing late-night or early-morning airport transfers that still work with halachic constraints.
The goal is simple: families should arrive rested, not exhausted from traveling.
Why Families Choose Chef Anthony for Their Kosher Chalet Stay
Beyond the menus and the logistics, these Dolomites summers are about trust and atmosphere. Families choose these experiences because:
The chalet is entirely theirs, creating a private, respectful environment that matches their lifestyle.
Chef Anthony understands both Italian cuisine and kosher requirements, and knows how to blend them without compromise.
Children are fully integrated into the week: from alpaca walks and lakes to ceramic workshops and meadows, the program is designed with multi-age families in mind.
Everything is coordinated: from airport pick-ups to daily adventures, photography, and quiet Shabbat rhythms.
And when needed, we can assist with eruv solutions, ensuring families feel fully comfortable over Shabbat
For many guests, the week becomes a rare combination of nature, kashrut, and true rest.
FAQ: Kosher Chalet Stays in the Dolomites
1. Is the chalet fully private for our family or group?
Yes. The chalet is reserved exclusively for one family or group. No shared kitchen, no shared spaces — complete privacy throughout the stay.
2. What level of kashrut do you provide?
We provide Glatt Kosher meat, poultry, and Cholov Yisrael dairy, with reliable Italian or imported certifications. Kashrut is tailored to each family’s standards.
3. Is there a mashgiach on site?
Yes. A dedicated mashgiach is present on site, and the kitchen is organized with full separation between meat, dairy, and parve.
4. Can you accommodate allergies and special diets?
Absolutely. Menus are planned in advance to accommodate allergies, sensitivities, preferences, and children’s needs.
5. How do we get to the chalet from the airport?
Most guests arrive via Venice, Innsbruck, or Verona. We can arrange private chauffeured transfers and help plan timing around Shabbat.
6. Can you organize kosher stays in other regions of Italy?
Yes. We offer the same chef-led, fully planned kosher experience in private villas across Lake Garda, Lake Como, Tuscany, and Umbria.
Ready to Plan Your Own Kosher Summer in the Dolomites?
If you are imagining your family gathered around a Shabbat table with mountain peaks outside the window, or your children laughing in a green meadow while a kosher barbecue sizzles nearby, that picture can become real.
Chef Anthony and The Italian Elixir team design each kosher chalet stay from scratch—menus, supervision level, daily experiences, transfers, and optional city add-ons like Venice.
And if you are dreaming of a family vacation in other parts of Italy – Lake Garda, Lake Como, Tuscany, or Umbria – we can design the same chef-led, fully planned experience in a private villa there as well.
Reach out through our website to share your dates and wishes, and let us start planning.
Discover more about our kosher chalet here: Kosher Luxury Chalet Experience
Virtual Tour: Explore the virtual tour and plan your kosher holiday
Every detail is planned for you; you simply arrive, exhale, and let the mountains and the kosher kitchen take care of the rest.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Comments