A stalwart of St Moritz, Kulm Hotel is somewhat of a Swiss icon.
The first hotel to open its doors in this exclusive corner of the Engadin Valley (a mountainous slice of Switzerland nestled along the Swiss-Italian border), Kulm Hotel dates back to 1865, when hotelier Johannes Badrutt had a vision to transform St Moritz into an international destination for winter sports and proudly opened the doors to Kulm Hotel in the process.
Over the decades, the resort has successfully established its reputation as one of Europe’s best ski spots (including one of the very fanciest), but it is just as flourishing in the summer months – with Kulm Hotel undoubtedly being one of the most iconic hotels to bed down at.
The Vibe
Traditional interiors reign supreme within the hotel’s foyer and lobby, where hand-painted columns are framed by glittering chandeliers and gold accents – and guests perch on velvety sofas, sipping hot chocolate and admiring the views onto Lake St Moritz beyond. The opulent salon where breakfast is served is just as grand – along with a handful of ballrooms where weddings, annual bridge tournaments and other celebrations take place. Yet while there are plentiful references to the hotel’s storied past (vintage photographs line the corridors, and many features of the original building have been retained), the hotel oozes a distinctly contemporary flair: think bold artworks lining the walls, modern restaurant offerings that will appeal to all ages, and bedrooms that have been carefully refreshed in recent years.
The Rooms
Bedrooms are kitted out in Swiss pine (which is scientifically proven to reduce your heart rate), and blend cosy furnishings with calming colour palettes. Expect complimentary minibars, expensive-feeling cashmere throws draped over the beds, and all of the usual mod-cons: generous flat-screen TVs and clever tech peppered throughout the room. For prime views and maximum sprawl space, book one of the larger suites, all of which feature marble-clad bathrooms, walk-in wardrobes and balconies facing the spectacular Lake St Moritz.
The Food + Drink
With several restaurants to choose from, you won’t go hungry here. Leisurely mornings begin in the glitzy ballroom, where you can graze from the buffet spread and sip coffee on the sun-soaked terrace. Come lunchtime, dine on traditional Italian fare at the Pizzeria, which has a glamorous al fresco terrace in the summer months, or for more relaxed meals, head to the hotel’s two restaurants overlooking the tennis courts and golf course. Chesa al Parc is a snug alpine diner offering traditional post-ski fare (think raclette and cheese fondue), while The Kulm Country Club offers elevated European cooking. The latter is a chic space spanning two floors, decked out in woody accents and framed with vintage skis and bobsleighs, with a menu crafted by Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco.
Yet the crowning jewel of Kulm’s culinary offering is undoubtedly Amaru, the hotel’s contemporary Peruvian restaurant helmed by Lima-born chef Claudia Canessa, where guests can wash down zingy ceviches with pisco sours, all while curled up beneath colourful, hand-painted murals.
The Little Extras
Expect seamless Swiss hospitality throughout the duration of your stay: personalised itineraries are crafted ahead of your arrival, and slick, razor-sharp service stands to attention across the entire property, with the dedicated concierge team always just a Whatsapp away.
The To-Do List
The seasons define how guests spend their time at Kulm Hotel: during the winter months, keen skiers flock to the slopes, but summer is just as much about getting into the great outdoors: paragliding over surrounding lakes, cycling through forests (the hotel has a fleet of e-bikes to hop onto) and hikes to nearby mountain ranges are all encouraged – along with making use of the hotel’s tennis courts, and impressive 9-hole golf course. After working up a sweat, make sure to carve out some time to unwind at the hotel spa, which spans 2000 sq metres over several floors. There’s a clutch of hushed treatment rooms, all clad in Swiss pine, where deep tissue massages and Augustinus Bader facials will leave you looking and feeling entirely reborn. Slip downstairs to make a circuit through the impressive network of pools (all heated to varying degrees) and relaxation rooms, which include a salt water grotto, Finnish sauna, infrared cabin, and steam baths. You’ll find an outdoor pool and loungers for sun-worshipping perched along the hilltop, with sweeping panoramas overlooking the lake and town below.
Image credit: Klum St Moritz
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