Dusted with snow or basking in sunshine, whatever the scenario, Swiss alpine resorts are undeniably glamorous. Andermatt is certainly no exception, but this sleepy little town is still fabulously under the radar, an Asian-Alpine-chic hideaway only for those in the know. Head there for a summer in the mountains.
Enclosed by mountains, the glitzy diamond stores and the cashmere outfitters haven’t quite arrived yet. Still, super cars slink down its winding streets and well-heel visitors from Zurich and beyond wander the cobbles alongside. They’re bound for The Chedi, a Leading Hotel of the World that’s paving the way for Andermatt’s £1.2bn transformation into swish, state-of-the-art ski resort.
Alpine Meets Asian
Designed by star architect Jean-Michel Gathy, The Chedi Andermatt isn’t your usual palatial Alpine retreat. Sitting at the foot of the Gemsstock, here you’ll find a reinvented style of luxury with more flavour than the standard old school opulence. High-end chalet exteriors house a charming blend of warm Alpine elegance and luxurious Asian grandeur, the result of which is an authentically Swiss vibe with all the Zen of a spacious Oriental sanctuary. Unsurprisingly, the hotel’s temple-like calm is all by design – the name “chedi” is actually another term for a Buddhist stupa, or special monument containing sacred relics. Wonder the property’s minimalist corridors to take it all in; you might just find yourself in awe of the chic interiors, if not quietly adoring the innumerable fireplaces and impressive wine walls.
Sleep Like Royalty
Rooms and Suites at The Chedi Andermatt go from plush doubles to full blown billionaire-style duplex pads with private spas ft. saunas, Turkish baths and jacuzzis. Whichever you reserve, you’ll feel cosy – and fabulous – in the lap of luxury with in-built fireplaces controlled by iPads so you’re not faffing with firewood, and king-sized Hästens beds so extraordinarily fluffy that nodding off to sleep feels like being enveloped by cotton candy clouds. A favourite of the Swedish royals, trust us that these beds are fit for queens – real ones and Femmes.
While sleeping at The Chedi Andermatt might feel like a special occasion, bathing too is just as wonderful an experience. With bathrooms so warm and intimate, pampering yourself feels almost essential – no matter how late you finish dinner, turn the mood lighting down, light the essential oil burner, and enjoy a nice long soak. Add to that some sumptuous Acqua di Parma amenities, a loofah and some wine from your private ceiling-high cabinet, et voila: the bubble bath scenario of dreams.
International fine Dining
Happily, at The Chedi Andermatt, the Alps-meets-Asia vibe extends to the kitchen. Urbanite guests with perma-Asian food cravings will be pleased to find not one but two excellent restaurants offering just about every Eastern flavour under the sun. At the hotel’s Michelin starred Japanese Restaurant, order in melt-in-the-mouth sushi and sashimi alongside multi-course Kaiseki menus, generous waygu steaks, tempura and teppanyaki fare. To wash it all down, we suggest summoning The Chedi’s knowledgeable Sake Sommelier and getting to work on Switzerland’s largest sake collection.
Alternatively, take a seat at The Restaurant for a chef’s table style experience and plenty more ultra-authentic Asian cuisine prepared by chefs headhunted from as far afield as Thailand and India. If you’d rather swap the stir fries and steamed buns for something more Swiss, you’ll of course find a dedicated sharing menu and a five metre high glass-walled Cheese and Wine Cellar for you to indulge your dairy desires – that’s if you can resist the divine spicy aromas wafting from the tandoors and the woks. If not, cheese is back on the menu at breakfast, alongside a full five-star spread of international favourites.
Adventures in Andermatt
For many, Andermatt might spell skiing. But it should also spell summer. If you’re in town when the snow’s melted and the sun’s out, we say swap the heels for some hiking shoes and get exploring. Ramble through chocolate-box valleys alongside playful mountain goats on The Chedi’s entertaining goat trekking tour. Or, go foraging across the hills, picking wild cranberries, juniper and all manner of other aromatic plants on a fascinating herbal hike. Alternatively, go full on Swiss and dive into one of the nation’s oldest traditions with an authentic Alpine cheese-making experience. You’ll press your very own wheel of artisanal cheese and have it mailed to you a few months later once it’s matured – wherever you may be in the world.
If you’re more about wellness than walks, you’ll be spoiled for choice at The Chedi should you choose to stay in. Pamper yourself with myriad luxury spa experiences including bio and Finnish saunas, a scented steam bath, an outdoor pool, hot and cold plunge pools, a hammam and a flower bath – all that plus a beautifully curated menu of Asian-inspired healing treatments. There’s a state of the art gym too should mornings out in the mountains not be enough of a workout!
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