Alpine Adventures: The Chedi Andermatt

29 Nov 2019
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4 min read
Swathed in an elegant Swiss-Asian aesthetic and located on the alluring Alps, The Chedi Andermatt is as lavish as hotels come. From Hästens beds to Michelin-starred cuisine, luxury oozes from every iota of this top-tier Swiss establishment. FOUR takes a look inside…

Nestled at the crossroads of three mountain passes in Urserntal, the heart of the serene Swiss Alps, The Chedi Andermatt’s location is as superb as its setting. Open all year-round, The Chedi Andermatt forms an integral part of the Andermatt Swiss Alps resort, which is home to apartments, chalets, hotels and leisure facilities.

The hotel’s design, which was spearheaded by architect Jean-Michel Gathy, features Asian accents blended with suave Swiss elements. A hallmark of new-age design and hospitality standards, The Chedi Andermatt’s aesthetic perfectly balances tradition with nature. Shaped by the chalets and grand hotels of the past, Gathy used native materials and motifs as a golden thread throughout the hotel, seamlessly integrating modern décor and amenities with the surrounds. The façade sees symmetrical lines greeted with dark hues and wood details.

No stranger to awards, this 5-star hotel has won a variety of accolades for its excellence. From the World Luxury Hotels to The Forbes Travel Guide and Wine Spectator, The Chedi Andermatt has been recognized as one of the standout hotels in Switzerland by a handful of respected authorities in the hospitality industry.

Rooms and Suites

There are 123 rooms and suites in the hotel, ranging in size from 52 to 350 square metres and spanning a variety of categories, all which boast their own allure. The most deluxe of the accommodation options are the Furka and Gotthard Suites. The Furka Suite spans 330 square meters and features a spacious living area and its own spa, whereas the 350-square-meter, 2-story Gotthard Suite is a family paradise with its five en-suite bedrooms.

Asian zen meets Alpine grandeur in the interior design of the rooms and suites. Large, glass-encased fireplaces lie at the center of wood-paneled rooms, while artworks by Peter Paul Rubens adorn the walls. Bronze lamps, soft leather chairs and sofas, panoramic windows and gentle tones enhance the space, which effortlessly spill onto terraces overlooking the beautiful landscape. Views can also be soaked up from the comfort of the exclusive Hästens bed in the bedroom. Big bathtubs and separate rain showers are kept cozy with heated natural stone floors in the bathrooms.

Spa and Wellness

The Chedi Andermatt is home to an extensive Spa and Health Club that spans 2,400 square meters in size and offers a range of signature treatments, such as The Chedi Alpine Massage or The Chedi Balinese Massage.

The 10 tasteful treatment suites are accompanied by a host of impressive facilities including a variety of smaller pools, a Finnish sauna and hammam. Treatments are performed by team of expert therapists that use specially formulated, natural products from traditional folk remedies to harmonize the mind, body and soul.

The Health Club is outfitted with the latest Technogym equipment as well as free weights, a Kinesis Wall, Power Plates and Pilates machines. Personal trainers are available to assist guests with an exercise regime, and group exercise classes are also offered. For those who prefer an outdoor workout, the natural Alpine surrounds provide the idyllic backdrop for yoga, hiking, mountain biking and skiing.

A 35-metre indoor pool is also situated on the property, along with a 12-meter heated outdoor swimming pool, which are available to guests and are accompanied by bath towels, sun creams, beauty products, magazines and newspapers, and light refreshments.

The Chedi Andermatt’s integral health and spa concept make it one of the most revered wellness destinations in Switzerland.

Location

Easily accessible via the Oberalp Pass to the east, the St. Gotthard Pass in the south, the Furka Pass in the west, and the Schöllenen gorge in the north, The Chedi Andermatt is a popular year-round holiday and resort as a result of its central location.

In summer, the area becomes a haven for hikers, bikers, nature lovers and those seeking relaxation. On weekends, the passes are enjoyed by classic car enthusiasts while avid golfers flock to the 18-hole par 72 golf course designed by Kurt Rossknecht that is located around the corner from the The Chedi Andermatt.

Ski Arena Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis is a playground for winter sports enthusiasts. Free riders and families alike can enjoy the slopes, which now span the largest distance (180km) in the country,  thanks to the SkiArena Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis development.

Dining

The dining is as indulgent as the décor at The Chedi Andermatt. There are four separate restaurants, each of which offer a unique dining experience. The Restaurant showcases Western and Asian inspired cuisine through its four open kitchens and holds 14 Gault Millau points.

For a pre-dinner drink or après-ski treat, The Bar and Living Room is the perfect place to sip on a glass of champagne and enjoy a signature cocktail. The Cigar and Wine Library is where guests go to unwind in stylish surrounds and choose from more than 300 different cigars and a selection of world-renowned wines, while The Lobby is the place to see and be seen, especially while enjoying some afternoon tea. The hotel also has 24-hour room service, so guests are able to dine on scrumptious plates prepared by the hotel’s talented culinary team no matter what time the hunger pangs hit.

For long, lazy lunches with breathtaking views of the Gemsstock Mountain, The Courtyard is the place to be. Offering a sprawling terrace and tranquil pond which transforms into The Ice Rink in the winter, this splendid spot serves refreshing drinks in the summer while mulled wine is the order of the day when the snow starts to fall.

The hotel’s crown jewel is the Michelin-starred The Japanese Restaurant helmed by Executive Chef Dietmar Sawyere. Exclusivity and privacy are key at this intimate, 46-seater restaurant that serves carefully thought-out, fine-dining Japanese fare. A selection of Japanese sake and beer is also on the menu, along with expertly paired wine and Champagne.

Continuing on the success of The Japanese, Chef Sawyere will open another branch of the restaurant, The Japanese by The Chedi Andermatt, on Mount Gütsch this 2019/2020 winter season. A literal ‘high-end’ location, the new restaurant will be set at an altitude of 2300 meters, and will serve an even further refined level of Japanese cuisine.  The restaurant will boast an impressive structure designed by London-based architect Christina Seilern and will be in the immediate vicinity of the Gütsch Express mountain station. Ample windows will provide awe-inspiring views of the Gotthard, the Oberal Pass and the Ursern Valley, while the interiors will have a cozy feel complete with open fireplaces and Alpine nuances.  The Japanese by The Chedi Andermatt will have 44 seats inside and a terrace with 45 seats, and will be open throughout the year.

To find out more about The Chedi Andermatt, visit their website, email them or call them on (+41) 41 888 74 88