Glass escapes to the mountains at The Chedi, Andermatt

AN ESCAPE to the Swiss mountains is always a good idea. Despite most preferring to visit during the colder months to enjoy the myriad of snow sports on offer, the Alps can be enjoyed all year round. Taking the opportunity to leave the city’s heat for a few days of crisp Alpine air, after a short flight to Zurich and a nature-fuelled train journey, I arrived in Andermatt – the home to The Chedi.

Opening its doors in 2013, the supersized 123-room Chalet-inspired hotel, designed by Belgian architect Jean-Michel Gathy, blends effortlessly into the surrounding village in the Ursern Valley. Unlike many 5-star establishments in similar locations, this one prides itself on reflecting the same aesthetic as its neighbouring houses so it doesn’t ruin the traditional design of the town. Though the property only uses materials sourced from within Switzerland, the Chedi, translating to Thai temple, embodies a fusion of east meets west within.

Upon entering the Chedi, the expansive lobby, fit with various cosy seating options, from booths surrounding a fireplace to more formal sofa arrangements, reflect the taste of the region, while the ceiling is crafted to look like one of a temple and bowls of green apples are scattered around as a nod to the courtesy of bringing an offering, usually fruit, to places of worship. Not forgetting to mention the opulent three-ton Swarovski chandelier above the reception made specifically for the hotel that gives guests their first glimmer of the standard at which the Chedi operates.

Beyond the main communal area, dark alpine wood flows through the décor of the hotel and into the wide offering rooms that begin at the 559-square ft Deluxe level to three exclusive larger suites, Gemmstick, Furka and Gotthard, that are apartments with multiple bedrooms – ideal for family stays. Soft leather armchairs, warm lighting, fur rugs and panoramic windows are key features of every bedroom, with the bathroom consisting of a stand-alone ceramic bathtub and wet-room with the option of integrating it into the room through a sliding door.

For guests like me who like to indulge as much as they can during a trip away, I had the room completely open and enjoyed a hot soak using the Aqua di Parma toiletries before dinner with the fire lit in the background – something I am sure is enjoyed more after a long day’s skiing. But beyond the luxury of having everything all at once, the decision behind this cocktail of fire, water and air, was to play with the elements like they do within temples however through a more refined, sophisticated lense.

Indoor Pool

Finnish Sauna

Indoor Pool

Once you manage to lift yourself out of the cloud-like depths of the Hästen bed, the Chedi is renowned for its state-of-the-art spa that sees visitors, both from within Switzerland and globally, book a stay purely to experience its facilities. Equipped with two saunas, a steam bath, a hammam, a hydrotherapy area and cold plunge pools, The Spa’s versatility allows it to be enjoyed by all ages.

With twelve spa suites, and treatments ranging from facials and beauty treatments to deep tissue massages and extensive body wraps, the menu hails FarEastern philosophy and is inspired by traditional Asian healing – and as someone who spent a morning at the hands of one of their masseuse’s, my aching posture from my laptop lifestyle was mended. I understand not everyone is keen on pampering and some prefer a more hands-on approach, so the star of the Chedi is undoubtedly the 35-metre indoor pool – the largest in the country – fit with a glass roof and views of the mountains, it is the perfect spot for guests to take a plethora of photos.

Wine Library

Cigar Library

Shown around by the enthusiastic Phillipp, I was led to the cigar library, the home to the largest cigar collection of any hotel in the world, containing between 600-900 at any one time, presented the wine room that has won the best menu in Switzerland in the past five years consecutively and finally through to the various dining spots.

In keeping with the theme, you have three culinary spots to dine at: The Restaurant, The Japanese Restaurant and The Japanese by The Chedi Andermatt (located on the Gütsch mountain). The first, and main gastronomic place to eat, offers visitors the option of having their dish crafted the Asian way or the traditional Swiss way, for example, grilled beef tenderloin in béarnaise sauce, or beef entrecôte in a Thai vegetable salad – the choice is yours. Fit with a rustic interior, open kitchen and a five-metre high glass cheese cellar, The Restaurant offers an abundance of meals, a clear contrast to The Japanese.

Cheese Tower at The Restaurant

The Japanese

The latter of the two is renowned for its Michelin star and view 2,300 metres above sea level quite literally taking seafood to new heights, while The Japanese within the four walls of the hotel is equally as impressive with its Sake pairings and sashimi bar.

While many hotels across the mountainous regions aim to amplify the limits of the Heidi-esque aesthetic with the heights of contemporary luxury, The Chedi deserves to be recognised as a property in a league of its own. Biggest and best are adjectives they have managed to cumulate from their kitchen to their bedrooms proving to be far more than their humble chalet appearance and more like a secret palace.

by Imogen Clark