HIGH AMID THE DOLOMITES IN CORTINA D'AMPEZZO MARIA PAOLA MERLONI BUSINESSWOMAN AND FORMER SENATOR SHOWS US HER STUNNING APARTMENT IN EXCLUSIVE SKI RESORT

Set among mountain peaks that turn pink at sunset, the beautiful Italian resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo is known as "the pearl of the Dolomites".

It's just the place to enjoy some dolce vita in the snow, and that's exactly what the country's foremost families have been doing since the 1960s, returning year after year to its immaculate slopes and legendary après-ski spots such as El Camineto and El Toulà.

One of its greatest fans, former Italian senator and scion of the Merloni business dynasty Maria Paola Merloni, tells us she's been visiting since she was a little girl. "I've always been in love with this valley," she says.

Maria Paola's home from home is a sun-soaked attic apartment with spectacular views that belonged to her beloved father and mentor Vittorio. It's filled with memories of happy times spent with him there and, these days, it's where she loves to catch up with Vittorio's namesake, her own daughter Vittoria, 30.

Maria Paola, when did you first come to Cortina?

"When I was six, so I've been coming for over 50 years. I put on my first skis here. For me, the place has always had a wonderful atmosphere. I've always been in love with this valley, these mountains and their colours. As soon as I arrive, I feel cherished, carefree.

"I admit that Cortina has some flaws because it's not very international, nor easily accessible. But that's part of its charm and character." What can you tell us about this apartment? "My father, who loved skiing, bought it in the early 1980s. After he passed away in 2016, bought it from my siblings,

Antonella, Aristide and Andrea, and over the past four years, I’ve renovated it to make it lighter and more suited to our lifestyle today.”

How would you describe the apartment’s decor? 

“I wanted the interior to be sophisticated, cosy, bright, easy to live in and welcoming for friends. So I modernised it, but keeping the mountain ambience.