Travel & Leisure


Saint Moritz, still number one !

For skiers, here is where it all started, back in 1860, when Johanes Badrutt, who used to run a hotel popular with English mountaineers, succeeded in convincing his guests to come back for the winter season. With the opening of Engadiner Kulm in 1864, he turned St. Moritz into one of the first winter sport resorts in the world. But this is not the only reason for the success of this ski resort, which twice was host to the Winter Olympic Games in 1928 and 1948. Going beyond its jet-set reputation and the fact that we can count more Audi Q7s here than VW Golf’s, this ski resort has what it takes to attract skiers, famous or not. First of all, St. Moritz, is located at the heart of the Grisons, the largest winter sports region of Switzerland. Then it offers the cream of the crop in terms of hotels : some 5-stars with the trappings of palaces, cosy family establishments and even a historic Club Med, that royally carries the suggestive name of Sun King. A rich agenda indeed !
A ski slope for everyone!

The Engadine domain has developed 350 km of ski slopes that reach between 1800 to 3300 m. Even if sometimes you have to take the bus (practical, don’t forget we are in the land of clockwork-run buses…) to reach some ski lift point of departure, the massifs of the region are a real paradise for skiers. While ski lifts and cable cars have the capacity of transporting 65 000 passengers an hour, the snow is not only reserved for skiers. We also come to Engadine to enjoy cross-country skiing (180 km of itinerary-marked ski slopes near Maloja and S-chanf), sledding (at Muottas Muragl) or sleigh rides in the Roseg Valley. Without forgetting to mention snowshoe rides and hiking trails that run through the National Park and the Piz Bernina.
Février 2009

Good places for dining:

Post Haus.
At the heart the ski station, this restaurant is a must for lunch just like dinner. Not to be missed especially since January 2008 to admire the new deco signed Norman Foster.
Tél: 081 833 80
>www.post-haus.ch

Chesa Veglia.
Here you will enjoy the rustic chalet atmosphere with beams and mural frescoes and the combination of French-Italian dishes served. If you are lucky, here you can even spot stars that have taken an evening off from Badrutt’s.
Tél: 081 837 28 00.

Jöhri's Talvo.
Like a dollhouse snuggled in the snow where Roland Jöhri has signed a gourmet menu, but not overdone. Regional dishes revisited and definitely deserves the two Michelin stars awarded.
Tél: 081 833 44 55.


The must for hotels:


Badrutt’s Palace
« The » mountain palace that towers above all others. It’s the place to meet princesses in ermine, and guests with designer-label down jackets. The place to be (exclusively in winter): the Nobu restaurant.
Tél. +41 81 837 1000.


Suvretta House
The location is ideal (a plateau in the middle of fir trees), this establishment is worthy of ranking among the Leading Hotels of the world. Perhaps a bit pompous…
Tel. +41 818 36 36 36


Kempinski Grand Hôtel des Bains.
Located at a slight distance from the town centre, another hotel of tradition, even though built recently. The added value : the Mauritius Spa with its swimming pool.
Tél. +41 81 838 3838

White nights:

King's Club.
The Badrutt’s Palace Hotel discotheque is definitely a must., to be seen or merely to people-watch? That is the question ! Shan’t thou answer both ?
Tél: 081 837 10 00

Diamond.
A lounge at the stroke of 5 p.m. on, then a restaurant discotheque next. A really hype place to be at any time. The wines and the cuisine are Italian, DJs international.
Tél: 081 834 97 67

Additional information :
Office du tourisme de St. Moritz .
Tél:+ 41 (0)81 837 33 33
www.stmoritz.ch