Keen to travel overseas this summer? Put Switzerland – which has already relaxed border restrictions to UK travelers – at the top of your list of places to go. In addition to its stunning pristine landscapes and wide open spaces, it is also a driveable destination, enabling visitors to maintain a socially distanced bubble on their travels.
Mountain biking & stand-up paddle boarding in the Engadine valley
And where better to head than the sparsely-populated Engadine? There’s a reason that St. Moritz, which lies at the heart of the Engadine, became popular among the British in 19th century summers: the crisp, fresh mountain air and glorious sunshine provided welcome days of R&R, with a chance to take the waters of the Saint Mauritius spring, recognised for their therapeutic qualities since the 15th century. Today, the wide open valley with its hiking routes, bike paths and numerous lakes provide plenty of space for tourists to explore without bumping into one another.
The Kulm Hotel St. Moritz (www.kulm.com) and Grand Hotel Kronenhof (www.kronenhof.com) open their doors on Friday 3 July and are well positioned to welcome back guests to the new normal. All necessary practical precautions have been taken to handle the Covid-19 situation and staff have been fully trained on how to operate safely under strict government guidelines. Additionally, and perhaps most importantly, these two grand hotels are fortunate to have plenty of space for guests to enjoy their holidays at a distance from others.
Grand Hotel Kronenhof; Kulm Hotel St. Moritz
For example, both are set in extensive private grounds. The Kulm Hotel even has its own 9-hole golf course meandering up and down hills, in between wooded areas, while Grand Hotel Kronenhof has built socially distanced spa platforms overlooking the Flaz river with the beautiful Staz forest beyond where complimentary yoga and Pilates classes are held.
Indoors, both of these grand old hotels have multiple public areas in which to relax, as well as a selection of seven restaurants (between them) from which to choose to dine and large spas extending over 2000 square metres, with additional relaxation areas out in the private gardens, ensuring that guests can always find a quiet, secluded corner somewhere.
Kulm Hotel St. Moritz has a “Scintillating Mountain Summer” offer with rates starting from CHF1140 (approx. £970) for two people sharing a double room for two nights on a half-board basis, including unlimited access to the Kulm Spa, Kulm Golf and a 25-minute partial body massage per person, book online at www.kulm.com or call +41 81 836 8000.
Grand Hotel Kronenhof has summer rates starting from CHF455 (approx. £390) for two people sharing a double room on a half-board basis or a “Suite Summer Deal” from CHF599 (approx. £515) for two people sharing a Suite on a B&B basis; both rates include unlimited access to the Kronenhof Spa, Kulm Golf and Kulm tennis courts, as well as unlimited use of all the mountain railways in the Engadine and St Moritz area. Book online at www.kronenhof.com or call +41 81 830 3030.
The Kulm Hotel St. Moritz will close on 6 September 2020, while Grand Hotel Kronenhof will stay open through the Autumn until 18 October 2020.
