Sights set an relaxation
A story written by one family, and an address that stands for old-world luxury: it’s hard not to feel the thrill of history when staying at the legendary Badrutt’s Palace. Especially if you’re here for a 24-hour spa break with bells, whistles and one incredibly comfy bathrobe.
The Palace remains a beloved favourite of celebrities and bon vivants from around the world.
t would have been a bit of a stretch, piloting a private jet from Zurich to Samedan St. Moritz, but honestly: the train trip from Chur, twisting its way over the Albula Pass, was so captivating that even the most jaded of travellers would have dropped their phone. Arriving at St. Moritz, the Badrutt’s experience starts with a first glimpse of one of the mainstays of the legendary hotel: its spiffily-dressed concierges waiting by one of the establishment’s Rolls Royce limousines. The golden era of stylish travel both begins and ends here, and we’re ready for it!
Since opening in 1896, Badrutt’s has not only remained in the hands of one family, but continuously offers one of the world’s finest Alpine getaways. A fairytale castle nestled right in the heart of St. Moritz, the hotel cultivates its history while embracing the modern guest – and is currently undergoing a number of upgrades to reflect the changing demands (and thrilling possibilities) of modern hospitality. As per the Winter 2024 season, about half of the hotel’s 155 rooms and suites in the main building have been renovated, but the classic rooms still offer the charming authenticity and not-so-quiet luxury that the house stands for.
A brand-new building, right across Via Serlas, has been under construction since 2022 and will offer a unique Badrutt’s experience in – as the resident marketing executive whispers – 25 ultra-modern luxury suites and spaces designed by Italian architect Antonio Citterio.
I wasn’t aware of the fact that the Palace Tower, the iconic symbol of the Badrutt’s, is actually a reconstruction, as the original tower was destroyed in a fire in 1967 and was later rebuilt. If you’re up for a truly unforgettable stay, the Penthouse Suite can finally be rented as well, having been completely unavailable to stay in for over 30 years, when it was rented consistently by a mystery guest never to be named. The three-storied, 3,400 square-foot suite with two terraces and four bedrooms is yours from 15,000 Swiss francs a night, so you might want to start planning accordingly.
For our stay, we’re whisked away into one of the classically decorated rooms, with a breathtaking view of the lake and surrounding mountains. As St. Moritz is situated in the very heart of Switzerland, the travelling distances from Zurich and Milan are almost exactly the same, clocking in at around 2.5 hours. Unsurprisingly, there were a lot of Italian guests during our late winter visit, and I find myself saying ‘grazie’ and ‘buona sera’ to most of the highly attentive staff that never fail to greet guests. I’m not surprised to later find out that the Badrutt’s Palace is the only hotel to be found in the top ten of the Swiss Arbeitgeber Award 2024: the staff really seems genuinely happy to be there, and happy to see you – the perfect combination to inspire a return visit.
Well, that and the amazingly flattering and fluffy bathrobe we’re about to don to head down to the spa.
The Palace Spa’s newest addition is a brand-new infinity pool, visually reaching right into beautiful Lake St. Moritz.
Laid out over two floors and offering an unobstructed view of Lake St. Moritz, the Palace Wellness Spa offers a haven of calm to those smart enough to spend a morning or early afternoon there, as well as the perfect spot to unwind and have a bit of fun after a long day on the slopes. As my focus is always pretty set on relaxation, rather than hurling down the pistes (which were, by all accounts, amazing!), I was able to enjoy the beautiful indoor pool on a supremely sunny day with only a handful of other guests quietly dozing on one of the dozens of indoor lounges.
Contentedly heading back and forth between the Spa’s sauna, steam baths, day beds and whirlpools, it’s easy to spend a day here. With a bit of advance planning, a wide range of wellness and beauty treatments can be booked as well. During my stay, I was able to enjoy a spontaneous and beautifully relaxing full-body massage with botanical oils, but the spa also offers an Advanced Facial Collection with French beauty brand Biologique Recherche as well as a range of holistic relaxation rituals.
The decor in the spa clearly pays homage to the natural materials that surround the Engadine, with beautiful stone details, clever additions of traditional artisan paintings and, of course, the clear mountain water that sparkles right in front of our eyes. For those who prefer a more private experience, the Palace Spa Suites offer the perfect balance of rejuvenation and luxury in an exclusive, intimate setting – with prices starting at CHF 550.00 for a 2.5 hour suite occupancy.
The addition of a new outdoor i7nfinity pool is on everyone’s lips at the Badrutt’s during our stay: by the time you’re holding this edition of H Magazine in your hands, dear reader, you should already be able to take an enchanting swim in it… maybe while snowflakes slowly melt on your head and with a refreshing non-alcoholic cocktail from spa restaurant La Diala in your hand. Whether it’s on a sunny summer’s day or on a crisp mid-winter afternoon: it would be a crime not to plan a few hours’ stay in the Palace’s wellness area, completing the immersive experience in one of Switzerland’s most unforgettable hotels. Twenty-four hours are most definitely not enough. But enough to ensure that I’ll be back.
© Left and top right: Andrea Furger, Paul Thuysbaert
Words Steffi Hidber
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