HOTELS, SWISS ESCAPES, TRAVEL, WHAT'S ON

CERVO Mountain Resort: The mindful, alpine gem giving new meaning to sustainable luxury

February 1, 2022

Occupying a privileged position above Zermatt village, enveloped by the lush forests and snow-powdered terrain of the Swiss Alps, CERVO Mountain resort whisks you away to another world, where sustainability and laid-back luxury are paramount. Here, everything has been designed to celebrate the surrounding environment, offering 54 alpine-inspired rooms and suites, three in-house restaurants with a considered and mindful approach and the wellness oasis Mountain Ashram Spa, offering a holistic program that brings humans and nature together. This is a luxury getaway for the conscious traveller and remains Zermatt’s best kept secret.

Hotel exterior © elevatedliving

What’s the story?

It was the dream of husband and wife duo, Daniel and Seraina F. Lauber to one day open their own boutique hotel — and in 2009, they brought to life their vision in the form of CERVO. A hunting lodge turned hotel, the property was built with a mindful approach to design, as Daniel sought to modernise his family’s former holiday home, with great sensibility and respect for its natural surroundings. The result? Following an eight-month renovation in summer 2020, the CERVO Mountain resort reveals itself as a chic, alpine hideaway with sustainability ingrained into every aspect of its being. From the newly implemented geothermal heat pump, which allows the hotel to generate up to 95 % of its energy through recovering wastewater and heat, to the hotel’s slow food philosophy, advocating for organic, seasonal and locally sourced products in all its cuisine—and not to mention, a plethora of considered activities that connect guests with the local culture and community, CERVO guarantees an authentic and sophisticated retreat, with environmental consciousness at its core.

What’s it like inside?

A showcase for laid-back-luxury in the Swiss Alps, CERVO takes inspiration from Zermatt’s mountainside, mimicking the earthy colors of the surrounding nature throughout the property. Think a warm, terrestrial color palette with natural materials like granite and timber, combined with contemporary, linen furnishings and vintage, alpine ornaments, that work to create a modern yet cozy feel. Inside the new accommodation offerings—Nomad, Alpinist and Huntsman—wooden surfaces, neutral tones and alpine-inspired decorations, are complemented by impressive views of the Matterhorn. While the lively Bazaar, an Eastern-inspired restaurant and lounge, boasts a bohemian chic layout with clay lighting and cool Moroccan tapestry throughout. The striking design was masterfully put together by Zurich-based Kalfopoulos Architects and Swiss Design Hotels, who sought to create a sophisticated interpretation of the traditional Alpine style, with a deep appreciation for the outside world.

WINTER BREAK

Discover a haven of well-being, gastronomy and endless Matterhorn views

Bazaar lounge (1), Lobby (2), Alpinist room (3) © CERVO

How about the restaurants?

Especially significant at CERVO, the hotel is home to three on-site restaurants that raise the bar with mindful, creative cuisine using only regional and organic products, wherever possible. The Madre Nostra restaurant, serves modern takes on Italian classics using ingredients sourced from local farms; Bazaar, a 100% plant-based eatery impresses with oriental-inspired flavours, and Ferdinand, which focuses on traditional Valaisan cuisine, offers irresistible Swiss classics like the Moitié Moitié cheese fondue or the decadent truffle cheese raclette, that is definitely worth a try.

Bazaar restaurant © CERVO

Madre Nostra restaurant © CERVO

How about the spa?

Wellness takes on a whole new meaning at the Mountain Ashram Spa: a serene, indoor and outdoor spa oasis inspired by Japanese onsen, Bhutanese hot stone baths and the Northern European art of sauna. Here, its all about connecting mind, body and soul, offering an extensive, holistic program of treatments and rituals, designed to generate deep relaxation and mindfulness. With an array of facilities; including a sauna, hammam, natural swimming pond, Bhutanese hot bath, ritual room, tea yurts, a relaxation lounge with a crackling fireplace and the showpiece Onsen, an open-air infinity pool offering sprawling views of the Matterhorn, it’s easy to spend the whole day here.

Anything else?

Easy access to Zermatt’s world famous pistes is possible thanks to the Sunnegga Bahn, located right next to the property. And the daily après-ski culture, featuring a cool line-up of live music performances and DJ sets, alongside delicious cocktails and CERVO’s truffle fries, of course, is just the cherry on top.