Badrutt’s Palace in St. Moritz: On Top of the World

Awaken at sunrise at Badrutt’s Palace in St. Moritz and you will discover how it feels to be on “Top of the World.” There is a heavenly view of mountain peaks poking through clouds aglow with the rising sun.

The clouds rise slowly to reveal a lake that sparkles like diamonds and a reflection of the sunlit Swiss Alps.

St. Moritz is the chic, world renowned spa and ski resort area in the Upper Engadine region of Switzerland referred to as “Glamoritz.” The champagne climate has an average of 300 sunny days a year.

One of the best ways to get there is over viaducts and through helical tunnels along the Rhaetian Railway’s narrow gauge Albula Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area and its railway is best known for its Glacier Express and Bernina Express trains, two of the most scenic train trips in the world.

Badrutt’s Palace,  6100’ above sea level, is the “Grande Dame” and symbol of St. Moritz. Since 1896 it has been one of the finest luxury hotels in the world. It is known for impeccable service and the latest comforts and amenities.

Badrutt’s Palace guests arriving at Samedan airport or the train station in St. Moritz can enjoy white gloved chauffeur service in one of their Rolls-Royce limousines.

Badrutt’s Palace is a place to see and be seen. It is the perfect place to spot the latest Milanese fashion while sipping tea or champagne served with elegant cakes at Traditional Afternoon Tea.

There is superlative gueridon service in Le Restaurant, a dining room that dazzles with chandeliers, crystal and silver.

Winter tourism began in St. Moritz. Switzerland’s first ski lift ran here in 1935.  The rich and famous from around the world have been drawn to this alpine region for the renowned snow sports and social scene ever since.

The King’s Club nightclub, where famous playboy Gunter Sachs partied until dawn with Brigette Bardot, has no closing time. Alfred Hitchcock honeymooned at Badrutt’s Palace and filmed “The Prude’s Fall” in St. Moritz. He dreamed of scenes in “The Man Who Knew Too Much” and “The Birds” while vacationing here.

Each guest room is unique. This one has a king-sized crystal chandelier and coordinating sconces, all with pristine prisms that glow as brightly as the lake it overlooks.

Tell the staff your wishes and they will do what it takes to make your dreams come true. There is a personal butler and a concierge to facilitate any activity you can imagine.

Have a gourmet meal delivered by helicopter and served to you on a mountaintop or create the fairytale wedding or special event of your dreams. If you can afford it, your wishes will come true.

In-room buttons summon a maid or let it be known you do not wish to be disturbed. A variety of complimentary beverages are in the beverage bar.

Insurance for cash in the room safe is limited to a mere CHF 5000 (about $5000). Safe deposit boxes at reception are available to protect additional cash, jewels, and other valuables.

The Gothic arched Grand Hall, with its wood carvings, Persian carpets and gilded sconces and mirrors exudes the luxury and tradition of the hotel.

Walk in the footsteps of kings and queens, dukes and dowagers — people like Princess Caroline of Monaco, King Hussain of Jordan, Charlie Chaplin, Pablo Picasso and the Shah of Iran.

Weddings are performed in the Madonna Saal beneath Raffaello’s painting of the Madonna. Receptions are in the elegant Embassy Ballroom, and a wide-ranging variety of cigars and malt whiskeys are found in the Renaissance Bar.

Rejuvenating treatments are available in the newly renovated state-of-the-art spa area. For the ultimate in relaxation, there are warm stone benches or cushioned chaise longues. Water, snacks, newspapers, and a view of the alpine garden is available whenever you please between therapies.

Light flows in to the adjacent 82’ infinity swimming pool known for its granite diving rock and panoramic views of the lake and mountains. A button raises a glass portal for access to outdoor swimming.

The luxurious Palace Wellness is a tranquil adults-only facility built in 2015 of native materials at a cost of about 50 million Swiss franc. Fresh air, natural light, and open spaces connect with the extraordinary Engadine surroundings. Masseuses, hairdressers, and beauticians tend your every wish or need in luxurious body, hair and beauty treatments.

Wellness treatments include Ayurveda, an ancient Indian healing therapy to restore the delicate balance of the body, mind and spirit while maintaining harmony with nature and the universe.

Beyond Badrutt’s Palace

The mile-long Via Serlas, Europe’s highest shopping street, is just outside. There is one luxury shop after another —  haute couture, luxury watches, sumptuous furs and sparking jewels — and names like Cartier, Jimmy Choo, Valentino, Louis Vuitton.

Chesa Veglia, Badrutt Palace’s casual restaurant is in the village across the street.  It  is in St. Moritz’ oldest farmhouse, built in 1658, and renovated by Hans Badrutt. Swiss and international specialties are served in the upscale dining room. The Pizzeria and Grill, in the former stables, serves favorites like the truffle pizza, Dama Bianca, made with taleggio cheese, buffalo mozzarella, parmesan, and black truffles that is said to be the best in the world.

The village shops offer area specialties like Hatecke’s air-dried Bündnerfleisch, Glattfelder’s caviar, and nusstorte, a shortcrust pastry filled with chopped walnuts, cream and honey.

Europe’s first tennis court was built here. Golfers can play where the the Alp’s first tournament was held in 1889. There is boating on the lake, mountain biking, and hiking in nearby glaciated valleys.

There is an ice cave at Piz Corvatsch, and, it is said, fairies and a ghost  at Morteratsch Glacier. The view of the glacier landscape of mountains, lakes and valleys from the 8058’ high Muottas Muragl is spectacular.

Fit for a Queen

For a regal departure, opt for limousine service back to the airport or train station in Badrutt Palace’s 1968 Rolls Royce Phantom limousine. It once belonged to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of England.

 

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