Not only is this Swiss hotel home to a gigantic Rafael, but it is also the winter home to the international jet-set. Badrutt’s Palace has been a St. Moritz icon for over a century. Read on to find out why you need to add this destination to your winter travel plans.
Badrutt’s Palace
A family owned hotel in downtown St. Moritz, Badrutt’s Palace is the pinnacle of the luxurious winter escape. Both old world and modern, when you enter the lobby you feel as if you have found a secret cathedral, dedicated to the beauty of the nature surrounding the hotel. Be sure to snag the best seat in the house at some point during your stay, i.e., the table in front of the grand window overlooking the frozen lake and the mountains.
You can enjoy tea here in the afternoon, a game of backgammon or a drink in the evening.
Most rooms also have a balcony overlooking that same sweeping view of the mountains and lake. The sun always seems to hit the balcony just right, in the morning or the afternoon.
Impeccable Service at Badrutt’s Palace
The staff at the hotel know the true nature of hospitality. They know what you want before you do. They shuttle you directly to the slopes every morning at what seems to be instantaneous on demand service. And when you have skied your legs out on those famous slopes, there is a uniformed driver awaiting your arrival off the train. And no sooner than you have sat down, is he turning around from the driver’s seat offering you a Swiss chocolate. And yet another mark of a truly well-oiled machine is the perfect execution of the turn down. Never intrusive or forgotten, turn down occurs always when you are away at dinner, most likely at one of the many fabulous eateries on premise.
Dining
Badrutt’s Palace has about a dozen on-site dining options. From a casual snack and drink in the lobby, to a funky meal before a night out at King’s Social House, to a Michelin rated night out at IGNIV, you just can’t go wrong. And don’t skip breakfast either, there is even a live harpist each morning to ease you into the day before you hit those sunny slopes!
And this is one of the best breakfast spreads we have seen in Europe, with options ranging from fresh sushi to gourmet pastries to an eclectic selection of cured meats and cheeses.
Spa
After a few hours of exciting turns off of Piz Nair, you are going to feel it in your legs. But don’t worry, Badrutt’s has thought of that as well. Their award winning spa is reason enough to stay at the hotel. This is truly a 5-star spa experience. There is a huge pool overlooking the mountains, with a rock waterfall for the kids to jump off, and outdoor hot tub to swim to from the pool, complete with swim up bar. And after you have had enough fun, head to the aqua-therapy area to soothe your muscles. Start with the coolest room and work your way to the hottest. Trust me you may be pushing dinner back an hour to luxuriate here, we did each night!
Getting to St. Moritz
For a five-star vacation you need to start with 5-star travel. Our go-to choice is of course British Airways. You have heard us rave about it time and time again, but the BA experience from Boston is unmatched. The lounge serves a full dinner each night before the flights to Heathrow and you board right from the lounge, so no need to rejoin the bustle of the airport before getting on the plane. And the standout is the circular bar at the back of the lounge, which is always serviced by one of the best airport bartenders we have seen. They usually have a specialty cocktail made with seasonal flavors and ingredients that you should definitely give a try, otherwise, they have all the top shelf liquors you need.
And once you get on the flight, the attendants give each person individual attention and service. The business class lie flat beds complete with White Company linens are the perfect way to relax and rest before and exciting vacation. Travelling is always a pleasure on British Airways.
If you are planning a ski trip to the Alps be sure to check out our posts on Chamonix and Suvretta House as well!