The Chedi Andermatt

The pocket-sized alpine village of Andermatt is about a two-hour train ride from Zurich airport – 70 minutes by car. Long gone is its former dowdy image; today’s is a more salubrious one, that of a much sought-after luxury destination. The opening of the ultra-posh Chedi Andermatt hotel helped make that happen, along with the establishment of several select boutiques, restaurants and spectacular private housing developments. Andermatt today presents a livelier face, especially during the ski season when it attracts a small but sophisticated crowd.

Designed by the celebrated architect Jean-Michel Gathy, the hotel’s exterior is a contemporary take on an Alpine chalet on a grand scale, and the interiors combine lofty ceilings and modern fixtures using warm tones and rich textiles. It’s glamorous, to say the least.

Inside, on the ground floor, is a collection of lounges. Each has a designated purpose – bar, library, cigar lounge and other places to enjoy and unwind. Cosiness must have been one of the remits for the architect, as there are many spots to curl up in with a warm drink or a good book.

Rooms are decidedly decadent. Everything can be controlled by an iPad, including the blackout blinds and lighting. All have balconies, electric fireplaces and leather armchairs to sink into. But the pièce de résistance is the cloud-soft, Swedish Hästens boxspring bed – especially welcome after a day on the slopes.

Dining and drinking here is outstanding. One option is The Restaurant with its European and Asian menus. It has 14 GaultMillau points, much deserved, and for those who want to take the Swiss experience up a notch, the wine and cheese cellar here is worth a visit and a tasting or two. Of course, there’s the Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant that is simply too tempting to pass up. In the winter, there’s a pop-up restaurant, The Chalet, which serves traditional Swiss meals like raclette and fondue (more cheese, please). Drinks are always easy to come by, so stop by The Cigar Library, The Wine Library or the Bar and Living Room any time you feel like a glass of something special.

Along with the top-notch spa – one of the main attractions at the hotel – there’s an indoor-outdoor pool, a fabulous health club with training available and several classes offered every day and a hair salon that’s staffed by a celebrated stylist or two. Service, across the board, is second to none.