HOTELS, SWISS ESCAPES, TRAVEL, WHAT'S ON

Crans Ambassador, a contemporary jewel in one of Switzerland’s sunniest ski resorts

March 2, 2022

A contemporary jewel in the forest-lined resort of Crans-Montana, Crans Ambassador is perched above one of Switzerland’s prettiest ski villages, occupying an enviable plateau with an average of 300 days of sunshine a year. The stylish, ski-in,ski-out, hotel combines traditional hospitality with a sleek Alpine aesthetic, offering all the modern facilities one could ask for and a warm service to match. Compromising of 56 spacious rooms and suites, two high-end restaurants, a sprawling 1,300 square meter spa, a panoramic lounge and in-house sports boutique, this is an all-round luxury escape for adventure-seekers with an eye for design.

Hotel exterior © Crans Ambassador

What’s the story?

Offering contemporary living amidst lush pine forests and endless mountain peaks, the Crans Ambassador – first opened in 1972 and now run by the prestigious Michel Reybier Hospitality group – merits its 5-star status thanks to a combination of wonderfully designed interiors, impressive culinary venues and a state-of-the-art Nescens spa.

Under the careful eye of Michel Reybier; the renowned hotelier behind the ultra-luxe La Réserve properties in Geneva, Paris, Ramatuelle and St Estèphe, the Crans Ambassador was transformed from a rather tired, lacklustre hotel to a thoroughly modern hideaway, boasting a stylish decor that celebrates the outdoors. With a revived philosophy that aims to immerse guests with the surrounding environment—whether that means getting out and enjoying thrilling winter sports, or staying in and soaking up the alpine views—this contemporary chalet allows you to reconnect with nature, in style.

What’s it like inside?

Beyond its Toblerone-style facade—with three triangular roofs designed to mimic the surrounding landscape—a breathtaking layout of urban meets alpine design awaits. Every detail, down to the concept and design, has been curated by German based APPIYA architects, who reimagined a classical chalet trope with contemporary interiors and eclectic details inspired by the environment. As guests pass through the lobby into the glass-framed lounge area—the real heart of the hotel— it’s an undeniably sophisticated and cozy affair, with low-slung leather sofas, tartan chairs and natural materials such as local wood and stone.

The entire space is designed to make the most of the mountain scenery, with vast floor-to-ceiling windows that extend from the lounge, to the lobby and onto the showpiece outdoor terrace. Here, chalet chic reigns supreme, with vintage ski ornaments, fluffy sheepskin armchairs and the cherry-on-top central fire pit, that warms up guests as they enjoy views of the Swiss Alps from every corner. It makes for a convivial space full of buzz during the winter and summer months, and is the perfect place for a post-ski cocktail during sunset hour.

WINTER PARADISE

Discover unique winter stay offers and experiences at Crans Ambassador

Lounge (1), Terrace (2), Suite (3) © elevatedliving, Crans Ambassador

What about the Rooms?

The 56 rooms and suites—the majority of which boast balconies with stunning alpine views—are smart, simple and contemporary, featuring a mix of dark woods and brown-toned interiors that create an undeniably cozy feel. Artful light fixtures and tartan furnishings add to the charm, while spacious, all-stone bathrooms are arranged to minimalist perfection.

How about the restaurants?

Michel Reybier’s passion for culinary diversity can be seen in the form of La Muña restaurant, lead by head Chef Yann Kriba and his talented team. Here, in a panoramic dining room with laid-back furnishings and Peruvian-inspired art work, menus offer inventive Japanese-Peruvian Fusion cuisine, paired with high-end wines from around the world. A starter of creamy tuna tartare, is for example, prepared upon crispy fried rice with spring onion, while the tender black cod is richly seasoned and glazed in sweet miso sauce. Of course, traditional Swiss cuisine can be enjoyed as well, thanks to Carnotzet—an authentic Valaisan restaurant—that honours local alpine specialities like a traditional cheese fondue or raclette. And in the winter months, head to the charming outdoor terrace, where mulled wine and gourmet cheese and charcuterie boards can be enjoyed to the backdrop of the snow-dusted Alps.

Breakfast area © Crans Ambassador

La Muna restaurant © Crans Ambassador

How about the spa?

It’s quite hard to match the Crans Ambassador wellness experience. The spa is one of the largest in the Valais region, offering an extraordinary 1,300 m² of well-being and rejuvenation alongside world-class spa treatments. Compromising of a herbal sauna, a hammam, a Finnish sauna and the highlight 17-meter panoramic pool—that makes you feel as if you are suspended among the mountains— there’s plenty of self-care goings-on to keep you occupied. There’s an ultra-modern gym and yoga studio for fitness lovers, while those in need of some well-deserved self-pampering, can enjoy a selection of Nescens spa treatments, with everything from ‘Better-aging’ massages to preventive skin programs.

Anything else?

Easy access to Cran-Montana’s ski pistes is possible thanks to the Montana gondola lift, located right next to the property. And once you’ve torn your gaze away from pistes, you’ll find there’s plenty to enjoy on the designer shopping streets-only a short stroll away.