The Chedi Andermatt’s Bar and Living Room is built around a large open fireplace.
As ski season approaches, slopers are gazing longingly toward Europe’s lofty peaks. If you are jetting out to the Alps this winter for downhill luxury, here are two new hotels that we say will make excellent home bases.
Switzerland’s The Chedi Andermatt has been the buzz of the hotel scene for months now, and with its over-the-top-luxury-meets-Zen design it’s not difficult to understand why. Opening in December, the ski resort is set to become a new Grande Dame hotel for Switzerland.
Pictured: W Verbier Spectacular Room boasts the best valley views.
Arrive at Zurich Airport, which is 77 miles from the property. Guests can also fly into Milan, but this is 120 miles from the resort. The resort will provide meet-and-greet service at Zurich Airport upon request. Should you be arriving by private helicopter, land at Andermatt’s military base, but this requires a special permit.
We hear the best suite to book is the Gemsstock Suite, which spans an expansive 1,400 square feet. Good to know: All rooms and suites are on the third and fourth floors. The best views are of the Gemsstock mountain and toward Hospental, facing the direction of St. Gotthard Pass. All rooms have dedicated ski butlers, as well. For room reservations, reach out to Director of Sales & Marketing Barbara Stiemerling ([email protected]; 011-41-41-887-0659).
After a full day on the slopes a trip to the spa is a must. Spread over 25,833 square feet, guests should book The Chedi Oriental Ritual, which is a 150-minute mind melting treatment. Reach out to Spa Manager Irmgard Kuchernig for appointments ([email protected]; 011-41-41-887-0659).
Après ski, guests can mingle in The Bar and Living Room, which is set to be the focal point of the resort. The large open fireplace provides a cozy Alpine atmosphere with chic cocktails and rustic bites.
Other facilities include a swimming pool, wine rooms and cigar rooms.
Pictured: The Chedi’s pool and relaxation area includes day beds and couches for lounging.
Upon opening, the resort will be able to arrange over-the-top requests for guests, such as customized day excursions, sightseeing in Lucerne, guided hiking trips to a cheese-making farm and concert tickets for the Lucerne Festival.
Coming Soon: In 2016, Andermatt will be a hub for golfers. An 18-hole golf course is being built within easy access of the village. The course will be in line with international tournament standards and is designed by Kurt Rossknecht.
Good to know: The resort is pet-friendly, however, dogs are not permitted in the restaurant and bar area. There is an open-air lounge where dogs are permitted.
Switzerland is also set to celebrate the debut of the W Verbier in December. Of the 130 rooms, the Extreme WOW suite is the one to book for VIPs. Honors for the best views in the house go to the Spectacular Rooms which have valley views. To do so, reach out to Director of Sales Ben Couldridge ([email protected]; 011-41-79-318-8699).
Skiers will delight in the 250 miles of ski and hiking terrain. The hotel surrounds the new center of town—La Place Blanche. This village square is surrounded by W residences, various shops and restaurants as well as the hotel itself.
We are most excited about the hotel’s dining options. There will be five food and beverage options. Night owls will flock to CARVED, the night club that is accessible via an entrance cut into a life-size staircase. There will also be a tapas bar for pica-pica style bites and wine pairings. Arola Restaurant will be helmed by two-starred Michelin Chef Sergi Arola, The W Café is good for a quick morning bite, and the Living Room will be the central spot for guests to sip cocktails and listen to the resident DJ spin. Note: Pets are welcome at W Verbier.
The spa is an expansive 8,600-square-foot facility and will have nine treatment rooms, including two couples’ rooms. We hear it is best to book seven days in advance during high season.
Getting There: Guests can fly into Sion Airport, which is just 50 minutes from the hotel by car. Geneva’s airport is just shy of two hours away. VIPs can arrange for helicopter transfers and luxury vehicles. Private jets can fly into Sion Airport.