This winter we were lucky enough to spend a week in St. Moritz in the Swiss Alps. For those less familiar with the area, let’s start with a brief overview: this part of Switzerland is absolutely stunning and known for world class skiing and snow sports (they’ve hosted two Winter Olympics), beautiful mountains and views, and it attracts the likes of royalty, celebrities and the 1% of the world’s 1%. It reminded me of the Hamptons but in the winter, and much more beautiful.
During the trip, we spent two nights at Kulm Hotel, which is widely considered to be one of the nicest hotels in the area. This year it won the TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice award naming it the best hotel in Switzerland, and having stayed there, we can see why.
Kulm really cherishes its rich history. The hotel started as a small, 12-room hotel run by Johannes Badrutt in 1856, who is basically godfather to the region and the reason why St. Moritz became such a destination for the world’s elite. While people visited the region in the summer to spend time at the lake and the mountains, Badrutt convinced British visitors to come back in the winter, with a bet that they could ski and get a tan, given the strong sun and high elevations. The Brits were skeptical, but took him up on his offer. From there, word spread, and the rest is history.
Kulm is a grand hotel high up on the hill in the village and surrounded by snow-covered mountains and shopping. The hotel gives the sense of old-world luxury, with an amazing lobby with a distinctly Mediterranean feel that has hand-painted columns and sparkling chandeliers throughout. The original 12-bedroom hotel that was Badrutt’s quarters still exists (we got an amazing tour) and the staff uses it as offices. They’ve added on wings and have struck the right balance between modern luxury while paying heritage to the hotel’s history. For instance, furniture throughout the hotel dates back to Badrutt.
Let’s start with the location – we can’t think of a hotel better situated than Kulm. It is walking distance to restaurants, après ski bars, chocolatiers and shopping (we spent a little too much time in Moncler and Prada, both just down the street). Better yet, the hotel arranges shuttles to the ski lift every three or four minutes and it is only a one-minute drive, and the staff was very helpful in our transfers to and from the train station, also very close by.
Kulm expertly utilizes the views it is lucky to have with large windows throughout the hotel, bedrooms, and spa (we will get to that later). I felt spoiled for views the entire stay, because everywhere you look there are snow-covered trees and the mountains.
Our room (a junior suite) had all of the modern comforts and luxuries you would expect in a five-star hotel, mixed with a Swiss Alpine feel. It was spacious and comfortable. The bureaus and closets are made of Swiss stone pine, which was beautiful and also has properties that lower blood pressure and help you sleep. No two rooms are alike, be it the textiles chosen or layout, etc.
The bathroom was a show stopper – his and hers sinks (which we honestly believe are essential to a happy relationship) a deep bath and showers, L’Occitane & Asprey London toiletries, heated floors and speakers from the television that piped into the bathroom for when you are showering or getting ready. Every little detail that could have been considered throughout the hotel was, as evidenced by the bathroom. A box of Swiss chocolates was waiting in the bedroom when we arrived, which we indulged in a little too freely.
Our first day upon arriving we ventured to the spa, which is hands down the nicest spa I have ever been to in my life. I will let some of the photos speak for themselves on this, but the spa faces the mountain and has centered all of the treatment rooms and pools around this view, which is breathtaking and also relaxing. Our favorite part of the spa was an outdoor Jacuzzi overlooking the Alps. It was such a unique experience to be able to swim outdoors in 20 degree weather while the water steamed up around us.
The spa is very modern and full of light from floor-to-ceiling windows. I had a Kulm massage, which was super relaxing, but even if you don’t book a treatment, you should visit the spa, which had a number of different saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs and chairs to take the sun.
Kulm has a variety of different bars and restaurants. We had dinner in the Grand restaurant, which offers a tasting menu, as well as in their Italian restaurant, The Pizzeria. Each morning, we had a big breakfast before hitting the slopes. The cocktails at Kulm were delicious, and there was no shortage of little spots to indulge in a drink or snacks. Do check out the Miles Davis lounge, which is relatively new and very sleek, where you can have a spirit and cigars while checking out the art. Their Sunny Bar is also truly unique, which pays homage to the hotel’s history of hosting Cresta Runs (Americans: this is a fancier version of a sled race). The wall in the Sunny Bar is full of memorabilia from the races, some dating back decades.
We would highly recommend Kulm on your visit to the region. If you’re looking for luxury and comfort as well as a prime location, this is the place to be.
Some tips for your stay: Currently, there is a 35 Swiss Franc ski pass promotion that includes Corviglia, Corvatsch and Diavolezza mountains that the hotel can arrange for you. Ask at reception, because this is a true bargain. Separately, mountain air and the altitude sometimes affect the sinuses, so ask reception for a humidifier for your room.
One other tip: there is no need for a car while in St. Moritz. Many of the attractions are walking distance, and Kulm’s very friendly and helpful staff will arrange rides to the train station, slopes, etc. There is even a ski rental shop on the premises. You can fly into Zurich and take Swiss Rail, which is affordable and considered one of the most beautiful train journeys because it twists up the mountain of snow-covered Alpine villages. The ride is approximately 3 hours from Zurich Airport.
St. Moritz Style Guide: