Apart from being famous for its enchanting winter charm, St. Moritz also changes its appearance during the summer. It unveils a collection of lush green scenery which offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature, engage in thrilling sports, and fully embrace the peaceful Alpine way of life
Setting off on an enchanting Swiss journey armed with an eight-day Swiss Travel Pass and a carefully crafted plan, my travels unfolded like a dream aboard a selection of prestigious panoramic trains - the Bernina Express, Glacier Express, and GoldenPass. The quintessential Swiss adventure began with my first lengthy train ride from Zürich to Chur. Emerging from a dark tunnel, the train revealed a stunning mountain view against the vast sky, almost like a scene from a perfectly set movie. This was the Switzerland I had always imagined - reminiscent of the landscapes found in Heidi’s stories and the ads for Ricola. The sight of quaint chapels perched daringly on rocky cliffs amid lush meadows and glimmering peaks brought me immense joy. Changing trains at Chur, I arrived in the elegant town of St. Moritz. Despite its small year-round population of under 6,000 residents, this former host of the Olympics and luxurious mountain escape has captured the hearts of the wealthy and famous. During the summer, St. Moritz transforms into a place that feels more like the Mediterranean than northern Europe, with most days filled with abundant sunshine.
A SUMMER EXTRAVAGANZA
With just a single word, Badrutt’s Palace exudes allure. It’s renowned among a select few for its post-ski parties in the King’s Social House, chance meetings with well-heeled billionaires in Moncler gear, and hosting one of the most sought-after New Year’s Eve celebrations globally. Additionally, it conjures images of lavish bedrooms with views of the frozen lake, making it a top choice for winter getaways among the elite. Another facet of Badrutt’s, lesser-known but equally captivating, comes alive in St. Moritz during the summer. This version offers a fresh experience waiting to be explored. During our stay, our suite featured a balcony opening to a picturesque terrace. On our first night, we enjoyed a horse-drawn carriage ride, soaking in the stunning scenery of the lake, the majestic mountains, and the vast Engadin valley. In the summer, the mountains transform from a monochrome landscape of snow and rock to a vibrant tapestry of colours and textures. From lush green forests hugging the calm blue lake to vivid emerald meadows and the rugged peaks dusted with remnants of winter snow, the view from our balcony was awe-inspiring. Unlike many hotels that claim to be palaces, Badrutt’s lives up to its regal status. The grand state rooms exude a palace-like atmosphere, inviting guests to wander in elegant attire. While casual wear is allowed, formal dress seems more appropriate. In Le Restaurant and Le Relais, the elegant dining options call for formal attire to match the graceful setting. The ambiance is truly exceptional and sets Badrutt’s apart as a regal retreat where luxury meets sophistication effortlessly.
SUMPTUOUS FEASTS, MOUNTAIN MAJESTY
As I set foot on Paradiso Mountain Club & Restaurant for my initial summer escapade under the stewardship of Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, I awaited eagerly the promise of sun-soaked days amidst stunning vistas. Paradiso, embodying a steadfast commitment to local traditions and unwavering standards of excellence and openness, presents a menu that encapsulates the essence of St. Moritz’s Mountain lifestyle-a tribute to delectable fare, pure mountain breezes, and abundant sunshine. The dining experience at Badrutt’s transcended mere expectations. Our culinary voyage led us to the enchanting Chesa Veglia, a quaint heritage abode just a skip across the street, metamorphosed into what can only be described as the epitome of high-class pizzerias. Here, within this tucked-away gem, Badrutt’s Palace seemed to unfurl a more carefree, laid-back persona, akin to a majestic retreat momentarily letting loose, bedecked in an Italian leather bracelet, relishing in copious servings of Ornellaia. The pizzas served were sheer perfection - a symphony of flavours that would satisfy even the most discerning pizza aficionado. The ambiance at Chesa Veglia exuded an air of joviality, with the staff mirroring the joy and enthusiasm of the guests, creating an atmosphere where every bite felt infused with a sense of shared merriment and contentment.
RECHARGE IN ENGADIN
Nestled in the heart of Palace Wellness, we had the pleasure of enjoying a refreshing swim in the newest and largest outdoor pool in St. Moritz at a luxurious hotel in Engadin. The pool overlooks breath-taking views of the mountains and the lake, creating a picturesque backdrop for a delightful lunch at La Diala. The restaurant’s name, which means ‘mountain fairy’ in Romansh, reflects its deep connection to the surrounding environment and offers a light and wholesome menu. Even on the one cloudy day we experienced during our week-long stay, we found solace in the expansive indoor pool area, complete with its own artificial rock mountain perfect for kids to dive off. The deep-tissue massages at the spa were as rejuvenating as expected, adding to the overall relaxation experience in a mountain spa setting. St. Moritz’s charm in the summer goes beyond extravagant lunches, indulgent spa treatments at Palace Coiffeur, savouring ice creams at Gelateria, and admiring the panoramic views of the lake. Engaging in activities like kitesurfing on Lake Silvaplana, sailing on Lake St. Moritz, and exploring the scenic nature trails by bike or on foot offers guests of Badrutt’s Palace a diverse range of outdoor adventures at their fingertips. Moreover, the distinction of Badrutt’s Palace as one of the World’s 50 Best Hotels further solidifies its reputation as a top-tier destination for discerning travellers.
Akanksha Dean is an independent food & travel writer, a chef and a catalyst and is the first Indian to have trained at Osteria Francescana, in Modena, Italy, rated as the world’s best restaurant in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, in 2016 and 2018 and currently in the Best of The Best Category.
