In an age where luxury can sometimes mean a velvet rope and a glass of lukewarm prosecco, the Swiss have done what they’ve always done best: quietly and elegantly outclass everyone. Welcome to Crans-Montana’s Guarda Golf Hotel & Residences—Switzerland’s finest summer secret, reopening on 13 June with an offer that’s more tempting than a Lindt ball at a dieting convention.

Perched in the postcard-perfect Swiss Alps, Guarda Golf isn’t merely a hotel—it’s a lifestyle polished by sunshine, pine-fresh mountain air, and the sound of golf balls skimming emerald fairways. With just 23 rooms and a clutch of palatial three-bedroom apartments, the property delivers the sort of exclusivity that even James Bond might find hard to infiltrate without a reservation.

And right now, there’s never been a better time to book: guests who secure their stay between June 13 and 26 receive a very civilised 20% discount. It’s the Swiss way—efficient, generous, and perfectly timed for a cheeky mid-year recharge.

Golf Where the Masters Tread (Literally)

Let’s talk turf. For golf aficionados, this is sacred ground. The Severiano Ballesteros 18-hole championship course is so close to the hotel, you could swing a sand wedge and hit the clubhouse (we don’t recommend trying). This isn’t just any course—it’s the grand stage for the Omega European Masters and one of Europe’s finest altitudinal golfing experiences.

The who’s who of golf have graced these greens, including 2025 Masters winner Rory McIlroy, who once stayed at Guarda Golf. A feather in the hotel’s well-tailored cap, to be sure.

Not to be outdone, the Jack Nicklaus-designed 9-hole course sits directly in front of the hotel. Further afield—but all within a 30-minute spin—are five more golf courses, each one promising views more dramatic than a Swiss opera.

Courses within a short putt of perfection include:

• Jack Nicklaus (9-hole) – mere footsteps away

• Severiano Ballesteros (18-hole) – 2-minute stroll

• Golf de Noas – 10 minutes

• Golf de Sierre – 25 minutes

• Golf de Sion – 30 minutes

• Golf Club Leuk – 30 minutes

Hiking Heaven Meets Alpine High Life

But Guarda Golf isn’t just for those who like their shoes spiked and their wardrobes plaid. The summer season in Crans-Montana bursts with activity—suitable for the elegant adventurer, the enthusiastic family, or that one mate on the bachelor weekend who insists on paragliding before breakfast.

Strap on the hiking boots and wander up to Colombire Hamlet, where the scent of wildflowers wafts through the breeze and each turn of the trail feels like the cover of a National Geographic. Or tackle the mountain bike park if you fancy a faster-paced thrill (or an excuse for a long lunch after).

Looking to cool down? Lake Moubra invites you for a bracing swim, a paddleboarding session, or a relaxed afternoon fishing, with views that seem photoshopped by nature herself. Prefer to channel your inner Tarzan? The ‘Fun Forest’ ropes course will test your balance, courage, and perhaps your humility.

Sports, Sun and Swiss Perfection

Central Valais, the region Crans-Montana calls home, receives over 300 days of sunshine a year. That’s more than the Gold Coast and with none of the humidity or seagulls nicking your chips.

Whether you’re serving up aces on the tennis court, wakeboarding at the Beach Club, playing a genteel match of padel, or rediscovering your love of rock climbing (albeit with the comfort of a luxury hotel spa waiting at the end), there’s an activity for every appetite.

Summer Experiences at Guarda Golf Include:

• E-biking, downhill mountain biking, and road cycling

• Hiking to Colombire Hamlet

• Water-skiing, wakeboarding, beach volleyball

• Tennis, badminton, padel

• Rock climbing and paragliding

• Fishing, stand-up paddling

• Swimming at Lake Moubra

• The ropes and rigour of Fun Forest

Not Just a Stay—A Statement

Let’s not forget that Guarda Golf’s opulence extends beyond sporting pursuits. Guests are welcomed into serene, artfully designed interiors that blend modern elegance with Alpine tradition. Add to this a wellness spa, gourmet dining, and a view that could heal your burnout on sight—and you’ve got a place that makes the idea of going home feel slightly offensive.

Whether you’re plotting a memorable Father’s Day surprise, a sophisticated lads’ getaway, or simply seeking a quiet mountain hideaway with a splash of luxury, Guarda Golf Hotel & Residences offers something rare: an escape that delivers both adventure and old-world charm, topped with modern polish.

It’s Swiss excellence at its sunniest—and it starts June 13. But like all good things, it won’t wait.

So polish the golf clubs, lace up the boots, and book early. Because Guarda Golf doesn’t just open its doors—it rolls out the green carpet.

By Bridget Gomez

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