Suite Talk - Villars Palace
I believe the explorer among us will understand me, when I say I get somehow nervous, in a good way, when checking into new places, that I’ve never been to before. It’s a mixed feeling of excitement, curiosity and expectations, especially if you’ve booked a nice suite and walk in for the first time.
A junior suite Panorama, to be precise. It’s not quite a penthouse, but definitely not a basic room. The junior suite is the goldilocks of luxury stays. Spacious enough to stretch out in style, yet intimate enough to pretend you’re a misunderstood artist on a lavish retreat. It’s where hand-stitched linens, rainfall showers, and two TVs (one in the living room and one in the bedroom) remind you that life, at least for a night, is meant to be lived indulgently. Where better to live indulgently than at Villars Palace, the latest member of Swiss Deluxe Hotels, which has been redefining mountain luxury since its opening on Christmas Day in 1913? The truly comfortable suites make you feel like home immediately and stretch out across two balconies.
Today, after an exquisite restoration in 2022 under architect Denis Glatz for the construction itself, Philippe Jacquier for the exterior architecture and interior designer Ottavio Di Chio, it proudly retains its Belle Époque charm while offering the comforts of cutting-edge design. However, if you think you’re walking on new tiles around the reception, think again. These are the original tiles from 1913, worn only by time, not by carelessness. The blend of Art Deco accents with contemporary Alpine touches across the hotel underlines the commitment of Villars Palace to honouring its heritage while embracing the future.
If you’d like to leave your luxurious suite, Villars Palace offers a curated array of experiences to enrich every stay. Indulge in fine dining at the hotel’s restaurant ‘1913’, where chef and artisan Christian Bertogna masterfully transforms fresh, local ingredients into culinary art.
The KAEA Villars Alpine Spa, nestled in a serene corner of the hotel, offers rejuvenating treatments inspired by alpine botanicals, while the heated pool invites guests to soak under a blanket of stars. In addition to a sauna, a large hammam with eucalyptus infusion awaits you where two gentlemen sitting on a hot stone talk about their current stay. ‘They’ve done a good job over here,’ says one to the other. I agreed and left a couple of sweaty minutes later to the heated pool which overlooks the Swiss Alps and mumble, ‘Yes, expectations fulfilled!’
3 reasons to leave the suite:
1 – Villars Golf Club
Tee off at one of Europe’s most scenic golf courses, just 20 minutes with the car or the rack railway from the Villars Palace, where each hole offers a postcard-perfect view of the Alps.
2 – Culinary treats with artisan
Christian Bertogna Fun fact: Christian Bertogna sketches his dishes before creating the recipes. His vision comes to fruition, quite literally, while you are savouring every masterpiece on the ‘1913’ restaurant menu.
3 – An exceptional Alpine spa
Indulge in the 2,300 m² KAEA Villars Alpine Spa and try a 90-minute Deep Tissue Massage after a long hike to sooth your tired muscles and restore your energy. Or treat yourself to a Restorer facial treatment for a radiant long-lasting and heavenly glow.
Words Michael Tulgay
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