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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Lifestyle
Anna Barnett

Badrutt’s Palace, St. Moritz: magical alpine luxury with a world-class restaurant line-up

An array of turrets and towers combine to create the eccentric Wes Anderson-esque St. Moritz landmark that is Badrutt’s Palace. Perched neatly alongside Lake St. Moritz, the neo-gothic palace boasts unparalleled vistas.

Inside guests are greeted with pristine original marble clad walls alongside dramatic sky high wooden panelled ceilings; a coming together of affluent contrasts with ecclesiastical undertones.

With a long standing prestige built over its 126 year history, Badrutt’s boasts a loyal tribe of devotees made up of aristocrats and global jet setters who return annually to parade the slopes and hotel alike. Like any palace read about in fairytales, the magic of Badrutt’s dazzles from the moment you arrive… which for many a guest is by private jet followed by a swift ten-minute journey in the hotel’s Rolls Royce.

(Badrutt’s Palace)

Where is it?

Located in the heart of St. Moritz in the Swiss Alps, just 40 miles across the Italian boarder. Fly into Milan Molpensa or fly to Zurich before taking a 2.5hour transfer and winding your way up into the picturesque snow-capped mountains.

Private and charter flights can land at the exclusive St. Mortiz airport situated just a few kilometres north of St. Moritz.

Style

Old school grandeur at scale. Luxury prevails in this landmark family run hotel. Traditional (to this Alpine region) Engadin wood panelling decadently dominates much of the surrounds which are peppered with striking and ornate relics. The hotel’s restaurants offer modern, creative touches that remain sensitive to this jubilantly curated property dating back to 1896. Rooms and suites vary in style from the exuberantly modern through to comfortingly traditional.

(Paul-Thuysbaert)

Facilities

In-house ski hire and hotels shops will have you mountain-ready and kitted out in no time.

Conveniently, Badrutt’s owns the street it’s situated on so venture across the road for your Gucci fix, soak up the culture at Hauser & Wirth and update your jewellery collection at Bulgari without missing the delicacies being served for afternoon tea.

Once you’ve exhausted the mountains, lunched on the slopes and put the hotel’s ice rink to use there’s the spa to kick back and relax in. Ogle the expansive mountain views poolside from either the luxuriously large indoor pool or its smaller outdoor counterpart.

Food & drink

Badrutt’s boasts a whopping nine restaurants open throughout the winter months, meaning there’s no compromising on the food front. Advanced bookings are recommended.

The exclusive Andreas Caminada’s 2 Michelin-starred IGNIV is a must. The renowned chef reimagines Swiss delights in the form of sharing plates. In equal esteem Patricia Urquiola curates a distinctly modern space for a decadent occasion.

The iconic Nobuyuki Matsuhisa takes the reigns of La Coupole-Matsuhisa situated in what was once Europe’s first indoor tennis court. Expect classics from his illustrious Nobu restaurants, a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian delights.

Acclaimed London chef Jason Atherton joins an already heady line up bringing bistro style dishes with added flair to King’s Social House which come midnight doubles up at the hotel’s bar/nightclub, complete with DJ and disco ball!

Chesa Veglia, a historic farmhouse which dates back to 1658, is just a stone’s throw from the hotel offering guests a more relaxed dining environment. One floor plays host to the town’s local pizzeria and the other a grill. Be sure to sample the noteworthy truffle pizza which brings the masses flocking.

Just in case you weren’t sure if Badrutt’s had all bases covered; Paradiso is its mountain-side dining experience. Long lunches, après ski, dinner and DJs are all offered at this unique wood-clad restaurant and bar. Sip champagne and tuck into lobster rolls whilst taking in the exceptional views.

For those with a real appetite for experiential dining, request the chef’s table, with a backdrop of copper pans and a spirited working kitchen - a truly memorable experience.

If wine is your passion then request a tour amongst the historic wine cellar housing more than 30,000 bottles from around the world. Go all out and dine in the Krug Stübli, an intimate cabin where the richest truffle fondue is served alongside Krug Champagne.

Paradiso (Badrutt’s Palace)

Which room?

With 157 rooms to choose from there’s plenty of options. The Tower Penthouse Apartment is a four-bedroom private residence, and the most recent to have undergone a refurbishment. Adorned with ornate Engadin pinewood, it’s an utterly indulgent refuge with 360 views of this glitzy alpine resort.

Reside in the Hitchcock suite where the returning guest and acclaimed director was billed to have thought up his movie Birds. Terracotta tiles, heavy tapestry and the much revered Engadin panelling make for a unique stay.

Best for...

Every activity you can imagine and more is on offe. From skiing, paragliding and snow kiting to helicopter rides, tobogganing, ice skating, yoga and cookery classes; the hotel prides itself on fulfilling any wish.

With an events calendar that spans the seasons, there’s truly something for everyone. SunIce Festival brings EDM and techno world class DJs to the mountains. There’s White Turf which sees jockeys racing their thoroughbreds across the frozen lake of St. Moritz, within the same month February also plays host to The ICE which sees an afternoon of exceptional cars parading across that same frozen waters.

For the gourmands, visit in January and see a coming together of swiss produce and locally revered chefs.

(Badrutt’s Palace)

Details

Badrutt’s Palace Hotel starts from CHF 508 during the summer season (approx. £416).

The lead-in rate for the winter season starts from CHF 850 (approx. £696).

badruttspalace.com

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