A Luxury Guide to St Moritz, Switzerland

The town sits in the picturesque Engadine Valley in the Swiss Alps and attracts the international jet set. The resort's legendary ‘champagne climate' refers to more than just its 322 days of sunshine per year, and has come to represent its style, class and sophistication. We've compiled this luxury guide to best experience the exclusive ski resort.

Winter Sports



Saint Moritz is not only aesthetically pleasing; the Alpine town remains the best all-round winter sports resort in Europe, boasting countless on and off-piste activities, including the death-defying 1.2km Cresta Run, a natural ice skeleton racing toboggan track. Both the 1928 and 1948 winter Olympics took place in the town, as well as numerous other competitions and events.

The upscale resort's ski area comprises 350km of pistes and 58 lifts with excellent runs, especially for intermediates. Its unique mix of sunshine, culture, natural beauty, world-class skiing and cosmopolitan atmosphere give it an enduring appeal.

Arriving in Style



Taking a helicopter charter to Saint Moritz is the only way to travel in comfort, convenience and style. The spectacular aerial views preempt a trip to a truly stunning setting. A car journey from Courchevel to Saint Moritz would take eight hours, whereas a helicopter transfer would take just 90 minutes. Heli Securite offers helicopter transfers from Saint Tropez, Nice, Cannes and Monaco to Saint Moritz.

Luxury Accommodation

Suvretta House

Suvretta House is a refined St Moritz institution, set in its own beautiful grounds at the foot of the Corviglia ski area. The five-star hotel dates back to 1911 and is still owned by its founding family. It contains 181 rooms and suites, each with a sensational view, as well as a 1,700m² wellness and spa area, boasting a 25m swimming pool. It has its own private lift and ski school, in addition to three mountain restaurants that are ideally situated throughout the ski area.

Alternatively, the 120-year-old Badrutt's Palace (pictured at top) enjoys a lakeside position within six acres of private grounds. Former guests have included Audrey Hepburn, Marlene Dietrich and Charlie Chaplin. Today's guests can choose from seven restaurants and visit King's Club, the resort's most sophisticated nightspot.

Dining Out



There are some wonderful dining options in Saint Moritz. Talvo is an unpretentious, Michelin-starred restaurant, set in a converted 17th century farmhouse. It serves an Italian Mediterranean style cuisine. Alternatively, Chesa Veglia is an award-winning 1658 chalet in the center of the resort. It's owned by Badrutt's Palace and houses a Swiss restaurant, a pizzeria, a grill restaurant, two bars and a members' club. Outside the center, La Marmite in Corviglia is the finest high-altitude lunchtime venue in the Swiss Alps. Owner Reto Mathis serves his celebrity clientele decadent dishes, often incorporating caviar, duck liver pate and truffles.

Shopping



St Moritz is home to Via Serlas, Europe's highest shopping avenue. It's also the highest-end shopping in the region, with the world's most exclusive brands such as Prada, Gucci and Chanel each represented. The shopping options don't end at fashion; the town is also full of smaller local businesses, including stylish designer furniture stores, exclusive wine shops and a large selection of delicatessens.