The small village of St Moritz in Switzerland’s beautiful canton of Graubünden has a big reputation based mainly on its spectacular setting, special events, prestigious boutiques, and the privileged people who visit them. The mineral springs that have been attracting people here for more than three thousand years are less familiar to today’s travellers.

St Moritz was known to the Ancient Romans as a destination to soak in the medicinal waters, which are still enjoyed by Romans today, and everyone else is lucky enough to find themselves in this extraordinary part of Switzerland.  Grand Hôtel des Bains Kempinski is the only five-star hotel in St Moritz located in the area known as St Moritz Bad (which means ‘bath’ in German).  A recent renovation has enlivened this classic European hotel with a new vivacity most visible in its luxurious accommodation and personified by friendly staff eager to assist guests with their every need.

Not surprisingly, this Kempinski property, in particular, is known for its spa treatments and services.  The highly mineralised water comes into the hotel directly from an underground spring; guests can bathe in it, but there is also a tap in the spa to drink it.  Treatments are first-rate, and the swimming pool with its rock wall exemplifies the sense of relaxation and well-being so highly sought after by guests.  Kempinski is one of the few hotels in Switzerland to have a cryotherapy chamber, reputed to hasten recovery for muscles aching after a day hiking in the Alpine landscapes in summer or slaloming down the slopes in winter.

Despite the allure of St Moritz throughout the year, the winter months are the peak season here—and not just for the peaks like Corvatsch and Corviglia, where excellent skiing can be enjoyed.  After a variety of world championships in winter sports takes place in December, the famous Gourmet Festival in January is followed by the extraordinary snow polo and White Turf races taking place on the frozen surface of Lake St Moritz in February.  These ultraglamorous events attract the world’s most elite travellers to St Moritz and heighten its reputation as one of its most exclusive resorts.

Even by Switzerland’s generous standards, rooms and suites at Grand Hôtel des Bains Kempinski are unusually spacious.  The new ‘Alpine chic’ suites are exquisite, dispensing with traditional interiors heavy with wood in favour of a contemporary, cosmopolitan style suitable to the taste of the hotel’s 21st-century guests.  For families and friends wanting the complete home away from home feeling, the Residences wing of the property provides sumptuous apartments with complete hotel services complemented by the last word in privacy and discretion.

As would be expected in a place where worldly travellers congregate, culinary experiences at Grand Hôtel des Bains Kempinski are outstanding.  Whether dining in the acclaimed Cà d’Oro, revelling in the atmosphere of Ristorante da Adriano, going back for seconds at Les Saisons’ international buffet, or enjoying a casual yet exceptionally delicious meal after creative cocktails in the Lobby Bar, no one leaves the table hungry—except perhaps hungry for another stay at this splendid hotel.  This coming winter, the new show is Billionaire, a cabaret-dining experience where the show will match the quality of the food and drinks.  Unlike any other entertainment in St Moritz, Billionaire further seals the reputation of Grand Hôtel des Bains Kempinski as one of the most appealing options for accommodation in all of Switzerland.

 

 

 

Written by: Robert La Bua – Global Travel Connoisseur

 

 

 

 

 

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