Winter has arrived, and with it, the revival of our cherished ski season in the Swiss Alps. Switzerland’s hotel scene is pulsating with new energy, offering a range of stylish escapes that promise a slope-side experience as thrilling as the downhill piste. From a revamped palace to a whimsical hillside lodge, we’re uncovering the most sought-after design stays that deserve a spot on your winter getaway list.
Matterhorn Grand Junior Suite © BEAUSiTE
BEAUSiTE, Zermatt, Switzerland
Nestled high above the charming village of Zermatt, BEAUSiTE isn’t just a hotel; it’s a design-led masterpiece that fuses alpine charm with a contemporary British flair. Originally opened in 1907, BEAUSiTE has undergone a dazzling transformation courtesy of Claudia Silberschmidt from Atelier Zürich, who brought to life the spirit of alpinism’s Golden Age with a modern twist. Picture 67 stylish rooms and suites adorned in vibrant interiors, a spa oasis with an outdoor infinity pool framing the Matterhorn, and culinary delights served at The Grill restaurant, Fondue Hut and the cool 1907 bar, for all-day dining and endless mountain views.
N/5 – THE BAR at Grace La Margna © Claus Brechenmacher Reiner Baumann
Grace La Margna, St.Moritz, Switzerland
Meet the newest sensation in St. Moritz’s glitzy hotel scene – Grace La Margna. This boutique gem, designed by London-based Divercity Architects, injects a fresh, modern vibe into the historic mountain region. With a total of 74 suites and rooms spanning the central La Margna Wing and the cozy Grace Wing, everything has been designed in a contemporary yet timeless fashion, with neutral tones, plush upholstery and lots of sleek wood and stone. But it’s not just about the interiors; the hotel is home to three stunning dining venues, offering everything from refined Mediterranean cuisine to lounge favorites, and afternoon tea by the fireplace. For wellness enthusiasts, 700 square meters of spa bliss await, featuring a large indoor pool, multiple saunas, a steam bath, private spa suites, and a well-equipped fitness room.
Lobby at Faern Arosa © Faern Arosa
Faern Arosa, Arosa, Switzerland
Located on a hillside within the national park resort of Arosa, Faern Arosa emerges as a design-forward haven conceived by London-based interior studio Run For The Hills. Inside the 126-key hotel, guests are welcomed by a Belle Époque lobby and glossy marble pillars that lead to striking public spaces with a mix of Art Nouveau and contemporary design. The rooms, ranging from singles to deluxe corner suites, showcase a retro alpine aesthetic with zig-zag textiles, terrazzo floors and cool vintage photography by Slim Aarons. Food lovers will be satisfied with a variety of dining experiences, from the grand Zus brasserie to the après-ski rooftop restaurant Alpensand, and the Alchemilla Parlour bar, serving inventive cocktails and light bites within an historic library room. And for some well-deserved post-ski relaxation, the town’s largest spa destination beckons with an extensive indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and hot & cold plunge pools—the perfect treat after a day on the slopes.
Exterior © Drei Berge Hotel
Drei Berge Hotel, Mürren, Switzerland
Perched 1,638 meters above sea level in the chalet-lined town of Mürren, Drei Berge Hotel is the brainchild of Ramdane Touhami, the French-Moroccan designer and branding guru responsible for the rebirth of the cult Parisian brand Buly 1803. Set against the picturesque village of Mürren, accessible only by train and cableway, this eclectic retreat transforms a 1907 Swiss property into a world of playful and whimsical design. Its exterior, now adorned in a forest green hue, catches the eye with striking red-and-white striped shutters, while inside, traditional pine coexists with zig-zagging carpets and funky artworks that create a characterful yet homely space. For some off-piste relaxation, the hotel houses a boutique-sized sauna, and food lovers can indulge in Swiss and Asian inspirations at Drei Berge Brasserie—a vibrant venue helmed by Chef Ryutaro Kobayashi, Touhami’s long-time culinary maestro.
Hotel lobby at Villars Palace © Villars Palace
Villars Palace, Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland
Villars Palace stands as a masterclass in harmonizing old-world charm and modern luxury, a result of the collaborative efforts of architects and designers Denis Glatz, Philippe Jacquier, and Ottavio Di Chio. This revamped 19th-century palace, boasting 118 rooms and suites, artfully preserves its historic features, including original arched windows and stately columns, while embracing a contemporary aesthetic with earthy tones and minimalist furniture. The 1913 restaurant serves an upscale menu celebrating a mix of traditional Alpine and Mediterranean ingredients, while the Bar du Palace offers inventive lounge plates for all tastes. As the sun sets over the world-class Villars slopes, immerse yourself in the KAEĀ wellness sanctuary. Here, relaxation reaches new heights with a hammam, multiple saunas, an open-air swimming pool offering breathtaking views, yoga classes, and rejuvenating bioactive skincare treatments.
