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LUXOLOGIST LURE:
The Luxologist’s owners personal favourite alpine destination awaits – inviting guests to experience a truly intimate and authentic mountain escape in a sheltered and sunny alpine village with adventurous winter sports around one corner at Diavolezza and the glitz and glamour of St. Moritz around the other.
Hotel Walther is a grand third-generation family hotel nestled in the sought-after Swiss alpine village Pontresina. Perhaps the first thing that will strike you at the hotel is the presence of the family – Mr & Mrs. Walther are very much involved in welcoming guests, giving them tips and ensuring that they are making the most of their stay. The warm and welcoming nature of this establishment is a major highlight as such authentic and personal service is rare even in the finest hotels. But this is not the only facet of Hotel Walther that will impress the luxury connoisseur. The 112-year-old building is a veritable palace (indeed it was once called the “Palace Hotel”), boasting rare art nouveau architecture living in harmony with modern and experimental touches befitting a design hotel, an inviting wellness area, exceptional cuisine and Relais & Chateaux membership for almost 30 years.
GUEST EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS:
§ Join a family with a hundred-year-old tradition of authentic hospitality. Everyone from the owners to the staff are naturally welcoming and hospitable – talking to you as one of the family and peppering conversation with good recommendations and good humour.
§ The design features are impressive, from the palatial structure to the art nouveau details to the wide range of modern artistic touches. The interior of the hotel has been completely refurbished last year and thanks to the vision of the owners and the local artists, the interior acts as a living museum, where guests will find creative designs which are also thoughtful and consistent with the hotel’s character. For example, the ceiling lamps in the bar are made from milk cans with holes in them, casting a charming light in the area while also evoking the spirit of the alpine region. There are also more extravagant features with large paintings and carpets, marble designs and art from the Engadin area.
§ Rooms: The 2 suites and 11 junior suites have been recently re-designed by star Swiss interior designer Virginia Maissen. The quality of the materials are immediately apparent and the stylish design features speak of an authentic luxury of “no compromises”, which is unfortunately rare in leading design hotels today. Guests will have the opportunity to unwind in up to 62-metre-square privacy with rich colour palettes, fragrant Swiss woods and elegant furnishings. In typical Walther-style, guests can also help themselves to the mini bar at no extra cost.
§ Gastronomy: Outstanding cuisine abounds at Hotel Walther with options ranging from the Grand Restaurant (offering regional and seasonal delights in a large ballroom-styled dining area – with an extraordinary dessert buffet on Sundays), the “La Trattoria” (launched this year for outstanding Italian cuisine with a menu designed by two-star Michelin chef Reto Lampart), the Stübli (offering local alpine cuisine in a traditional setting) and Gondolezza (a dining experience in a real Gondola, famous for it’s fondue and racelette). Breakfasts are also a highlight with an extraordinary buffet, not only for it’s exceptional variety but for the quality of items from a delicious birchermüsli to homemade granola to an expansive cheese selection to signature omelettes.
§ Wellness: Acqua Viva is a modern wellness area at the base of Hotel Walther, featuring a stone grotto, steam room, finish sauna, delightful Engadine herb room, indoor swimming pool (and whirlpool) and a fully-equipped gym.
INSIDER TIPS:
§ Most guests stay 6-7 nights to fully unwind and explore everything that the region has on offer.
§ Stay in winter to experience some of the best skiing in Switzerland from one of the largest cross-country skiing courses to extraordinary snowboarding (Diavolezza) and downhill skiing (St. Moritz).
§ Stay in summer to enjoy sought-after hikes (such as the summit of Muottas Muragl) – Hotel Walther offers mountain bikes for their guests for free.
§ Bring your children (and your dogs!) – Hotel Walther is ideal for families and also invites the furry family members.
INSIDER SNAPS:
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