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East-meets-West in central Switzerland on a grand scale, thanks to designer Jean-Michel Gathy. As the Chedi’s first European outpost, this under-the-radar Swiss ski resort is part luxe chalet, part Asian temple. The ground-floor common areas, with generous couches, beautiful lighting, and fireplaces, are a temple to contemporary luxury, with a cozy ambiance throughout. The clever use of natural materials such as local wood and stone and the play of natural light transforms the Chedi Andermatt into a warm and harmonious space, filled with Asian decorative touches and talking points.

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Switzerland is famous for its mountains, clocks and its food – especially cheese and chocolates. It’s a fantastic place for winter sports. The British Royals love to snowboard in Klosters while skiing in Zermatt gives you fantastic views of the iconic Matterhorn mountain. The Swiss Alps offer some of the best slopes in Europe, if not the world, and the list of great destinations goes on and on. You’ll want to come back in summer, though, as Switzerland’s Alpine pastures and crisp lakes are well worth exploring when they aren’t covered in snow. 

The streets of the country’s major cities – Geneva, Bern and Zurich, among others – are practically paved with historical charm and interesting attractions, including the Jet d’Eau, the Zytglogge and the Grossmünster. Some of the smaller cities are also worth exploring to give you a full appreciation of Switzerland’s remarkable culture, including Lausanne, Lucerne and Interlaken. Expect glitz and glamour throughout – after all, the other thing Switzerland is famous for is money! Kicking off my Switzerland series with my favourite hotel!

Generously proportioned Deluxe Rooms and Suites at the Chedi Andermatt, are flooded with natural light and feature dreamy pillowtop beds, lush fabric details (there are plentiful scatter cushions), traditional wood and stone walls and floors, mural-style artwork and spacious balconies.

Nifty gadgets include iPad-controlled blinds and indoor-outdoor gas fireplaces. Thoughtfully stocked minibars (soft drinks and water are complimentary), Amici coffee machines, free WiFi and Bose sound systems mean you may have trouble coming up with reasons to venture outside. The bathrooms are stunning, with deep, pristine white tubs and high-ceilinged, granite-walled rain showers. Acqua di Parma toiletries add the final, fragrant touch. Towels are thick and thirsty, bathrobes are the softest chenille.

The Design of The Chedi Andermatt

Dining at the restaurant is akin to a theatrical experience, thanks to the 16-foot-high walk-in cheese-and-wine store that takes center stage; and the four open kitchens that allow diners to take in “dinner and a show” (ask to be seated at one of the Chef’s Tables in the heart of the action).

Impeccable service and an excellent Swiss and international wine list enhance the imaginative menu, which features beautifully done pan-Asian favorites (such as dim sum platters) and novel reinventions of traditional Swiss cuisine. You can also dine in the 40-seat Japanese restaurant, the wine and cigar library, the lobby, the bar and living room, the courtyard and by the pool.

The 25,800-square-foot spa of the Chedi Andermatt offers a range of holistic treatments using Ren, Ilá and Alpienne products. The high-tech gym has the latest TechnoGym equipment and plenty of natural light, and the indoor lap pool features a glass ceiling that lets the outdoors in. In the warmer months hit the 40-foot outdoor pool.

WHAT i LOVEd

• The striking Swiss-chalet-meets-Asian-luxe interiors designed by acclaimed international architect Jean-Michel Gathy: dark timbers, soft leather chairs and sofas, open fireplaces and panoramic windows bring the prominent Andermatt mountain landscapes into the hotel;
• The views, encompassing the Urseren Valley, the mountains Gemsstock and Nätschen and Schöllenen Gorge;
• The impressive and sophisticated bedrooms with spacious bathrooms, stand-alone hot tubs, log fires, heated floors, sheepskin rugs, Acqua di Parma bathroom amenities and large minibars with complimentary soft drinks;
• The restaurant’s impressive mix of exquisite pan-Asian and Swiss cuisine;
• Stunning, state-of-the-art 25,800-square-foot spa with a beautiful lap pool and up-to-the-minute gym;
• Exemplary service with an international flavor; the Chedi seems to be staffed by mind-readers.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Not everyone will love the transparent shower and toilet doors in the guestrooms;
• Lighting, heating, curtains and gas fires in every room are controlled by the flick of an iPad;
• This is Switzerland, so prices at the spa may sting a little;
• Only a two-hour drive from Zurich;
• Wi-Fi is complimentary;
• This is a 100% non-smoking hotel.

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Until next time, be jealous friends. Be jealous.

Udeety

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