Pure Romance for Valentine's in Switzerland's Snowy Engadine

  • January 25, 2013
Pure Romance for Valentine's in Switzerland's Snowy Engadine
A trip to Pontresina starts with a magical train ride from Zurich, which takes in the narrow-gauge Rhaetian train, part of the famous Glacier Express route and a UNESCO World Heritage railway; the way the train dips in and out of tunnels and chugs over the super high suspension bridges of the valleys takes your breath away, while the little hill-top villages passed en route look picturesque clad in snow.

At Pontresina station, "Time for Two" guests are picked up by the hotel's chauffeur-driven car and taken to the Grand Hotel Kronenhof, where Champagne on ice is waiting in the room to toast the start of their romantic break. Champagne can be followed by a visit to Kronenstubli, the hotel's intimate, wood-panelled restaurant, with one Michelin star, serving international food with local flair.

For pure relaxation, the “Time for Two” package includes two hours' use of the Kronenhof's private spa suite, where the couple can enjoy a hydrojet bath together, before lounging on a double waterbed while watching the snowflakes fall outside against a dramatic backdrop of snow-capped mountain peaks, followed by a simultaneous 25-minute aroma massage and a rasul ceremony in the steam bath.

Possibly the most fairy-tale element of the “Time for Two” package, however, is a ride along the tree-lined Val Roseg in the hotel's very own horse-drawn carriage, with a mug of Gluhwein and warm blankets under which to snuggle. The perfect opportunity for a proposal, perhaps?

Loved-up couples can also take the telecabin up to 3300 metres, for a stunning 360 degree view over the French Alps and the Italian Dolomites or, for a little light-hearted fun, they can wrap up warm and explore snowy forest paths, race downhill on toboggans or try their hand at ice skating on the hotel's own natural ice rink.

Being just 6kms from St. Moritz, the lovers can also experience the glitz and glamour of this legendary resort, stopping for a drink or dinner at the Kronenhof's sister hotel, the Kulm St. Moritz, with its stunning views over the frozen Lake St. Moritz.
Grand Hotel Kronenhof's “Time for Two” three-night package costs from CHF 1240 (approx £815) per person and includes three nights luxurious accommodation, gourmet half-board (including sumptuous breakfast buffet and gourmet dinner in the one star Michelin restaurant Kronenstübli), welcome Champagne, a private horse-drawn carriage to Val Roseg and exclusive use of the private spa suite for two hours. Book online at www.kronenhof.com.