W Hotels Opens First Ski Resort in Verbier, Switzerland

Big news from Switzerland today, where Starwood Hotels & Resorts has opened the country's first-ever W Hotel.

 

The W Verbier is not only the brand's debut Swiss property, it is also its first-ever alpine and ski retreat. Owned by Swiss-based Les Trois Rocs, W Verbier and The Residences at W Verbier are part of a multi-component luxury development project located next to the main Médran gondola at the foot of the Verbier ski slopes. The resort offers immediate ski-in, ski-out access to the mountainside.


 
What makes this cool destination cooler? The resort has four wooden chalet-style buildings, each connected by a glass atrium. For accommodations, the W Verbier has 123 guest rooms, including one Extreme WOW Suite (the W brand’s take on the traditional Presidential Suite), as well as 15 W-branded Residences. Top Perk: All guest rooms and suites have a fireplace and a balcony with panoramic alpine views.


 

Heads up, foodies! W Verbier will have some impressive dining options. Spanish Chef Sergi Arola (owner of two Michelin stars) will oversee Restaurant Arola, his first restaurant in Switzerland. Together with Executive Head Chef Torsten Sallstrom, Arola has created menus inspired by Swiss produce and his Catalan roots. (That's a combination we're very eager to try.) Restaurant Arola has two venues: Arola, which introduces the “pica pica” concept with creative interpretations of Swiss classics, served on a platter for all to share. (Tip: For sumer, the restaurant has an outdoor terrace with top views.) Eat-Hola, on the other hand, will offer a daily-changing tapas menu and cocktails along a 25-meter bar that faces the open kitchen.


 
Guests can mix and mingle while enjoying taking in the vista (and après-ski cocktails, bien sur) in the W Living Room, the W brand’s reinterpretation of the traditional lobby space. Carve, W Verbier’s destination bar, will have resident DJs spinning the latest sounds, while the W Cafe is located directly in front of the Médran gondola. Outside on the Place Blanche, Off-Piste is a good spot for après-ski refreshment (and music, thanks to a DJ). 
 

AWAY Spa 

W Verbier’s 800-square-meter AWAY Spa is a must-visit for post-slope relaxation and pre-night out pampering. With nine treatment rooms (including two couples’ rooms), AWAY Spa offers signature massages and facials using products based on the seasons and elements, tailored for different skin types. These include Swiss brand Phyto 5 as well as Gemology, a French brand focused on gemstone therapy that will make its debut in Switzerland at W Verbier. AWAY Spa also has a sauna, a hammam, a Jacuzzi, and an indoor-outdoor WET pool deck with top views and its own bar area.


For groups, the hotel has three W Studios with close to 300 square meters of event space (a good pick for cocktail receptions or board meetings, we hear). 
 
W Verbier is now accepting reservations, including group arrivals and event bookings. For more information, visit www.whotels.com/verbier. Follow W Verbier on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wverbier and on Twitter at @WVerbier.