In the shadow of the world-famous Matterhorn lies a town almost as famous. Zermatt is known for it’s mountaineering and skiing heritage. Its high altitude means that skiing is possible not just in the winter, but also through the summer months.
Zermatt is entirely pedestrianised, with electric buses and taxis that connect all the main lift stations throughout the valley, meaning that access to the different ski areas is simple. Visitors will arrive in resort via a quick train ride from the small village of Täsch. Step off the train into a world of horse-drawn sleighs, exclusive spa hotels, luxury chalets, superb skiing, all encompassed by a perimeter of no less than thirty-eight 4,000m peaks…just breathtaking!
Where to Eat
Sourcing food from the rich alpine pastures down to the freshwater of Lake Geneva, Prato Borni (based on Prato Borno – the older name of Zermatt) pays homage to the diversity of regional produce, taking traditional cuisine and reinventing to create gourmet dishes that no foodie could ever resist.
Owned by the local legend that is Dan Daniell, Chez Heini offers exquisite lamb from a home-grown herd. If you’re lucky enough you may get a performance from the man himself! He recently released a song with ABBA’s Frida (who also lives in Zermatt) to celebrate 150 years of the Matterhorn, you can watch the video below…
https://youtu.be/wbJnQ7v13tw
Where to Drink
Owned by Dutch hospitality mogul Gee, Gee’s bar and the Cuckoo Club (which can be found downstairs) provides a sophisticated atmosphere for you to spend an evening. Whether relaxing in the cigar room or listening to their 10pm live music sessions every night, there are some brilliant cocktails to try from their drinks menu – the Clover Rose (Tanqueray Gin, Lime juice, Rose syrup and raspberry puree) looks like the one for me! You can read an interview with Gee in Mia’s previous blog
Where to Stay
Here are just a handful of some of our favourite Ultimate Luxury Chalets in Zermatt which are available to book throughout the winter and summer seasons:
Chalet Maurice
Chalet Maurice is a stunning, free standing chalet located in Petit Village, set into the mountainside and offering fantastic views of the Matterhorn. The interior has a very contemporary feel with the use of natural and traditional materials . The open plan living area and dining room create a feeling of comfort and light, whilst also presenting a fabulous space for entertaining. This luxury chalet offers large south-facing balconies that extend from each floor, providing the perfect spot to recline with a chilled glass of champagne to enjoy the beautiful views. There are a variety of beauty treatments on offer in the massage room, you can unwind in the sauna, or experience a rush of fresh air on your face whilst submerged in the steamy bubbles of the outdoor hot tub.
Chalet Grace
Chalet Grace has been built with ultimate luxury in mind, featuring full-length windows which span all three levels, and a dramatic vaulted interior. South facing balconies afford guests the pleasure of enjoying the breathtaking scenic views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding mountains. Every bedroom is both spacious and luxurious, fitted with only the finest fabrics and furniture for a warm and homely feel. The en-suite bathrooms are similarly large, and the ideal place to relax your muscles in the bath – again with some astounding views!
The raised dining room seats 14 guests in comfort. The stylish, comfortable open-plan lounge features a large open fire-place and adjoining bar area which opens up to a superb outside living space with loungers, tables and chairs. The uninterrupted views of the stunning resort of Zermatt below and the Matterhorn at the end of the valley are spectacular from the picture windows.
Chalet Grace also boast a rather luxurious cinema, a games room with a pool table, a spacious glass fronted wellness centre including a sauna, shower room, massage room, a large Pilates/yoga space with ambient lighting and music and an outdoor hot tub. What more could you want!?
Chalet Les Anges
Les Anges (‘the Angels’) extends to 700m² and it is spread over three stunning floors. The chalet has been constructed from reclaimed wood to give a traditional, rustic feel but yet with a contemporary fusion. It’s flooded with light through large panoramic windows. Chalet Les Anges wouldn’t be complete without a large and tranquil wellness area. It includes sauna, hamman/steam room, a relaxation area and a massage room, perfect for soothing those aching muscles. The relax zone features a fountain and ornamental pond and is clad in a luxurious Italian marble.
Chalet White Pearl
Notably the only free-standing chalet in Zermatt with a swimming pool, Chalet White Pearl is certainly one of a kind. Its open-plan lounge and dining area boasts a warming open fireplace – maybe to heat yourself up after losing yourself in the wonderful views from the balcony just outside. With 5 luxuriously appointed bedrooms, a hammam, sauna, massage room and outdoor hot tub it’s easy to see why this is one of Zermatt’s prestige chalets.
Every year Zermatt hosts Zermatt Unplugged. A famous music event which attracts a wealth of high profile artists and visitors alike. This year will be no exception. Founded in 2007 by Thomas Sterchi and Marco Godat as a singer and songwriter festival, Zermatt Unplugged has increasingly developed into a meeting point for fans of unadulterated sounds. Musicians and bands such as Suzanne Vega, Chris de Burgh, Alanis Morissette, Billy Idol, Lionel Richie, Jason Mraz, Stephan Eicher, OneRepublic or Mando Diao have been inspired by the Unplugged idea, and have performed on the Marquee and Club stages of the festival. The festival will be taking place this year between 5th and 10th April hosting acts such as Alex Clare and James Morrisson – keep your eyes peeled for a Zermatt Unplugged blog on our Ski In Luxury website closer to the time!
If you’d like to know more about Zermatt, or you would like to enquire about any of our Luxury Chalets in Zermatt, call us on +44 (0) 1202 203653 or send us an e-mail.