Elite Traveler HRS 2019-2020

elite traveler HOTELS, RESORTS & SPAS 2019/2020 87

dessert and savor every mouthful — it’s delicious. On Sundays, there’s a special champagne breakfast. Your eggs are served with a glass of Bollinger for a decadent start to the day. RELAX The Sports & Pleasure Club has an 82-ft swimming pool (get up early and swim laps as the snow falls outside; it’s the most peaceful experience) and, outside, a whirlpool overlooks the snowy expanse — it’s complete bliss. The gym is well equipped and you’re not likely to have a more scenic workout thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows. There’s a sauna, indoor hot tub and steam room to soothe muscles after carving down the slopes. The spa menu is extensive, but we recommend the signature treatment. It begins with a thorough foot exfoliation, followed by the full-body massage, which will leave you feeling supple and relaxed — and it can help relieve pain from arthritis and spondylitis. WHEN TO GO The St Moritz Gourmet Festival has been running every January since 1994. Here, the crème de la crème of fine dining present their culinary flair for nine days. Suvretta House is one of the partner establishments, so don your finest attire and head to the Grand Restaurant for a tasting menu from one of the guest chefs. Snow Polo, also held annually in January, is the world’s first and only polo event on a frozen lake — it’s an exciting event where teams compete for the coveted Cartier Trophy. Be sure to attend the grand finale. By Samantha Coles

more akin to a cozy apartment than a hotel suite. The decor reflects that old-school glamour, with neutral tones offset with cherry reds and quirky polka-dot carpet. There’s a separate living room and large terrace with fluffy sheepskin furs on the outdoor furniture. ENJOY Skiing, of course. Suvretta has a private lift and excellent instructors for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, as well as for snowboarding. The ski shop is very tempting too — even if you came with new gear, you might leave with a bit more. Curling is also not to be missed — it might not sound that thrilling, but you’ll be in fits of laughter as you slide across the curling rink (one of the only outdoor rinks in Europe; most curling takes place indoors) and try to beat your opponent. DINE Stube is the place to be on a Friday night. All-you- can-eat raclette is served to your table with herbed potatoes, gherkins and pickled onions to coat with the gooey cheese. Or just eat the cheese straight up — no judgement here. Restaurant Chasellas in the mountains is a cozy, intimate affair with only 45 seats (the Swiss don’t arrive until about 10pm, so you might find you have the place to yourself). The handmade tagliata with freshly shaved truffle is divine. The Grand Restaurant offers fine dining (gentlemen are required to wear jacket and tie) in an elegant dining room with large carved wooden pillars and domed ceilings. Order the banoffee pie for

SUVRETTA HOUSE ST MORITZ, SWITZERLAND

An institution in old-school glamour, Suvretta House is a palatial hideaway with soaring snow-capped mountains looming over the hotel. The views are incredible, especially when the setting sun illuminates the tips of the mountains. Inside, you’ll find 181 guestrooms and suites, three restaurants (plus two in the mountains), a sports and health club, a lounge with enormous windows, a chic bar and more. There’s a large art gallery with pieces available for purchase, as well as diamonds from Chopard and accessories from Bulgari. Despite the hotel’s impressive size, the vibe is warm and welcoming — probably because it is owned and operated by husband-and-wife duo Peter and Esther Egli. The storied hotel has been welcoming guests since 1912, with most visitors returning time and time again. CONTACT Peter Egli, general manager, info@suvrettahouse.ch, +41 818 363 636, suvrettahouse.ch

STAY Tower Suite Size 1,400 sq ft Nightly rate from $3,185 in winter season

The charming one-bedroom Tower Suite has sublime views over the mountains and lakes below, and feels

Fly into Zurich and take the glacier express train: It is one of only three Unesco train routes and travels through huge mountains and snow-coated pine forests, across glacial lakes and over high bridges.

The Grand Restaurant

The Sports & Pleasure Club has an 82-ft swimming pool

Suvretta House

Photos Daniel

Martinek Photography