PRIVATE SELECTION HOTELS – A WORLD OF EXPERIENCES
PEOPLE AT THE CENTRE: GUESTS AND EMPLOYEES ALIKE!
page 4 WE CARE ABOUT YOU!
page 6 TWO FAIRYTALE CASTLES AND A PARADISE FOR HIKING
page 8 OFF TO THE ISLAND
page 12 IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF GREAT PERSONALITIES
page 14 SOUTH TYROL AND ITS DOLOMITES
page 16 AN INSPIRED LOVE STORY
page 20 HE HAS MADE MILLIONS OF PEOPLE LAUGH ...
page 22 ANY CHEESE SO LONG AS IT’S THE FINEST
page 24 SWISS WINES ARE SUPER
page 28 THE FINE ART OF COOKING
page 32 EXCURSION TO THE VILLAGE OF THE WITCHES
page 34 THE HOTEL MANAGER – JACK OF ALL TRADES
page 38 CAREFREE OUTINGS ON FOOT
page 40 “DIO VUOLE – GOD WANTS”
page 44 RELAXING FAMILY HOLIDAYS
page 46 LATE FORTUNE
page 50 GREEN AND WHITE BORDERS
page 52 THE GARDEN – AN IDEAL PLACE TO ENJOY
Tabl of Con THE GOOD SOUL
page 62 THE RENAISSANCE OF THE SUMMER RESORT
page 64 IN THE CENTRE OF SWITZERLAND
page 70 WATER WITH BENEFITS
page 72 CONSTRUCTION ART, A REAL MAGNET FOR THE GUESTS
page 76 TOWARDS THE SUN
page 80 THE BIG FIVE IN THE ALPS
page 82 THE FAVOURITE EVENTS OF THE LOCALS
page 86 AROUND LAKE CONSTANCE
page 88
LIFE AND EXPLORE YOUR SENSES
SWEET PLEASURES
page 54
page 94
HOT, HOTTER, ONSEN
STARS IN THE SKY
page 60
page 96 WEARING BEAUTIFUL COSTUMES ALMOST EVERY DAY
page 98 THE ENGLISH LOVE WENGEN
page 100
le ntents ONE OF SWISS SKIING'S LEGENDS
page 102 POWERFUL PLACE WITH A VIEW
page 106
DEAR GUESTS,
Welcome to the Private Selection Hotels. Finding the right hotel, that meets your current needs, desires and dreams is not always easy. With the help of the internet, life has become more convenient, but not simpler, and finding THE perfect hotel for a special occasion or business trip is the same. Searches online do make a lot of suggestions, but are any really right for you? The reality is that most hotels are booked on the basis of recommendations from prior guests or from the family or circle of friends. Recommendations from guests who have experienced and enjoyed a hotel themselves are the most credible reference while with friends and your own family you just have great confidence. The Private Selection Hotels are a «family of hotels». Private comes from the Latin word privatus and means personal. Most
GOLF
of the Private Selection Hotels are personally run,
page 108
with great commitment, by the owners themselves
ON THE WAY TO THE WEST
or by hosts with a lot of passion. Nearly 60 individ-
page 114
ually managed hotels, with a high standard of qual-
ART AT A HIGH LEVEL
ity and exceptional hospitality are available for you
page 116
in the most beautiful areas of Europe. The hosts of
CLASSIC SOUNDS ON THE LAKE
the Private Selection Hotels are convinced that you
page 120
will always find the right hotel for you - be it in the
THE NATIVE FOREIGN LANGUAGE
page 122 WRESTLING IN THE MOUNTAINS
page 126 A UNICORN WITH MANY FACES
page 128 THREE LUXURY HOTELS
page 130 NATURAL TALENT ALESSANDRO BOYENS
page 135 ALWAYS AT YOUR SERVICE
page 138 THE MOUNTAIN RESCUER
page 140
mountains, the city, the lake or the sea - TOTALLY PERSONAL AND CHARMING.
Andreas Züllig, host of the Hotel Schweizerhof Lenzerheide and President of the Swiss Hotel Association
2
HOTEL DIRECTORY 2
FRANKFURT
1
MANNHEIM
N U R E M B E RG
REIMS
10 PA R I S
ST U T TG A R T
NANCY
LU B EC K
ST R A S B O U RG
H A M B U RG
3 MULHOUSE
5
4 BA S E L D IJ O N
47 GENEVE
46
22 41 42 39 40 44 43 37
27 26
38
INNSBRUCK
48
16
45
SA L Z B U RG
7
14 17 Z Ü R I C H 15
19 18 20 21
9
8
6
13
23 25 24
30
28 29
49 50
32 31 35 36 33
34
LYO N
51 MILAN
VENICE
V E RO N A
GRENOBLE TURIN
B O LO G N A G E N OA
A D R I AT I C S E A
11 52 TO U LO U S E
F LO R E N C E
M O N T P E L LI E R
M O N AC O
12 MARSEILLE
53
C ÔT E D’A Z U R
54
Corsica RO M E
BA RC E LO N A
NAPLES
Sardinia BA L E A R I C S E A THYRRHENIAN SEA
55
PA L M A
Mallorca
BOOK AND BENEFIT!
www.privateselection.ch
C AG LI A R I
Book your next visit via our Private Selection Hotels booking centre on T +41 41 368 10 05 or per email info@privateselection.ch or via our website www.privateselection.ch and win bonus points from our fidelity programme!
3
DE
FRA
CH
HOTEL
R EGION
O RT
1
BUDERSAND Hotel – Golf & Spa – Sylt
Schleswig-Holstein
Hörnum / Sylt
13/112
2
Romantik- und Wellnesshotel Deimann
Sauerland
Schmallenberg
63/113
3
Wellnesshotel Auerhahn
Black Forest
Schluchsee-Aha
68
4
Bio- und Wellnesshotel Alpenblick
Höchenschwand im Schwarzwald
67
Lake of Constance
SEITEN
5
bora HotSpaResort
6
Hotel Bad Schachen
Radolfzell
79/93
7
HUBERTUS Alpin Lodge & Spa
Oberallgäu
Balderschwang
8
Parkhotel am Soier See
Bavaria
Bad Bayersoien
11
9
Hotel Bachmair Weissach
Tegernsee
Weissach
61
10
Hotel Le Pavillon de la Reine & Spa
Ile-de-France
Paris
51
11
Hotel Le Clair de la Plume
Provence
Grignan
33
Lindau
57/68/93 81
12
Hotel L’Estelle en Camargue
Camargue
Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
13
Wellnesshotel Golf Panorama
Eastern Switzerland
Lipperswil
14
Bad Horn Hotel & Spa
Horn bei St. Gallen
15
Hotel Hof Weissbad
Weissbad / Appenzell
16
Grand Hotel Hof Ragaz
Bad Ragaz
85 39/93/113 92 99 75/113
17
Hotel Glärnischhof Zürich
Zurich
Zurich
18
Hotels Alexander & Gerbi
Central Switzerland
Weggis
27/57
87 15/134
19
Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern
Lucerne
20
Seminar- und Wellnesshotel Stoos
Stoos
21
Seehotel Wilerbad Seminar & Spa
Wilen am Sarnersee
22
frutt Lodge & Spa
Melchsee-Frutt
23
Hotel Alpina
Klosters Platz
104
24
Hotel Seehof Davos
Davos-Dorf
104
25
Waldhotel National
Arosa
26
Hotel Schweizerhof
Lenzerheide
27
Hotel Adula
Flims-Waldhaus
28
Chalet Silvretta Hotel & Spa
29
Hotel Belvédère
Scuol
74/124 43/119/125
Graubünden
Engadine
69/127 69/71/115/127 71/85/97
21 27/49 121/124
Samnaun
53
30
Hotel Castell
Zuoz
31
Hotel Saratz
Pontresina
32
Cresta Palace Hotel
Celerina / St. Moritz
33
THE VIEW Lugano, Design & Lifestyle Hotel & Spa
34
Parco San Marco Lifestyle Beach Resort
Cima di Porlezza, Luganersee
35
Boutique-Hotel REMORINO
Minusio-Locarno
36
Boutique-Hotel La Rocca
Ascona / Porto Ronco
37
Hotel Royal
38
Ferienart® Resort & Spa
39
Hotel Kirchbühl
40
Ticino
Valais Bernese
43/49/125 43/125
Lugano-Paradiso
139 49/53/69 107 31/107
Riederalp
81/97
Saas-Fee
137
Grindelwald
141
Beausite Park Hotel & Spa Jungfrau
Wengen / Jungfrau
101
41
BEATUS Wellness- & Spa-Hotel
Merligen am Thunersee
42
Hotel Eden Spiez
Spiez
43
Parkhotel Bellevue & Spa
Adelboden
68/119/134 75 58/79
44
ERMITAGE Wellness- & Spa-Hotel
45
Hotel Cailler
Romandy
Charmey
46
Modern Times Hotel
Lac Léman
Saint-Légier-La Chiésaz / Vevey
47
Hôtel la Barcarolle
A
48
Forster’s Naturresort
Tyrol
ITA
49
Rubner’s Hotel Rudolf
South Tyrol
50
Adler Dolomiti Spa & Sport Resort
51
Agriturismo & Boutique-Hotel L’Unicorno
Lake Garda
Beddizzole
52
Hotel Diana Majestic
Liguria
Diano Marina / Riviera dei Fiori
36
53
Wine Resort Villa Dievole
Tuscany
Castelnuovo Berardegna, Siena
45
54
ADLER THERMAE Spa & Relax Resort
55
Hotel Bonsol
ESP
Gstaad-Schönried
121/134 75/95
Prangins près de Nyon Neustift im Stubaital
58
Bruneck / Reischach (Dolomiten) St. Ulrich / Val Gardena
19 19/45 129
Bagno Vignoni, Siena Mallorca
23 115
74
Illetas-Calvia – Palma de Mallorca
13/112
Alpine CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
4
Foreword
O L A F R E I N H A R D T, P R E S I D E N T O F P R I VAT E S E L E C T I O N H O T E L S
People at the centre:
guests and employees alike! In conversation with travel journalist Christian Bützberger Olaf Reinhardt describes "his" Private Selection Hotels as a seal of quality for guests and a marketing platform for hoteliers looking to the future.
What sets Private Selection apart from other hotel groups?
The booking behavior of the guests is challenging:
OLAF REINHARDT: Private Selection Hotels is the seal of
short-term, by phone, online, via booking platforms.
quality for 56 privately owned charming first-class and luxury
How does this work in Private Selection?
hotels in touristically interesting regions of Europe. What
OLAF REINHARDT: Our reservation system ensures that guests
distinguishes our hotels is a family atmosphere, the highest
looking to book online can do so easily and quickly. Many of our
quality of service as well as an attractive range of both indoor
guests (70%) still like to book their holidays by phone or e-mail.
and outdoor leisure activities and regional product management.
This is where our reservation centre in Luzern plays an important
In the carefully selected hotels every guest is personally spoilt
role. Here, long-standing employees deal with our guests
by each hotel’s warm and refined hospitality. The claim
competently and professionally. They have built up a strong and
"personalised charm" supports and strengthens the brand
loyal clientele base.
promise. The Private Selection Hotels are a guarantee of a special holiday experience for discerning guests.
Education and training are key words. How does Private Selection approach the topic?
What added value does a hotelier receive when
OLAF REINHARDT: On the one hand, with our training concept
he and his company is a member of Private Selection?
"Happy is who can make others happy", we have not only
OLAF REINHARDT: For a member hotel, Private Selection Hotels
proven that empathy can be promoted – with this empathy
is the marketing platform for independent holiday guests within
workshop for team members, we have achieved demonstrable
Europe with high demands for quality and personal service. Tar-
and sustainable improvements for member hotels and helped
get group focused marketing activities and a reservation
many in the area of "Personal Development".
system that is compatible with all internet portals, form the
In addition, we organise a workshop each year for SPA manag-
basis for measurable success for member hotels. This is focused
ers, senior front office & marketing staff and hotel directors –
in particular in the reservation centre in Luzern as well as on
always with exciting external presentations on key issues. We
long-term, strong marketing partnerships with business enter-
deal with specific topics as needed and organise in house
prises, publishers and interest groups.
training days, which we can offer at attractive prices, e.g. on the topics of Google Analytics, Social Media Marketing or Search
www.privateselection.ch
Foreword
5
A passionate host: Olaf Reinhardt
What distinguishes our hotels are a family atmosphere, the highest quality of service as well as an attractive range of both indoor and outdoor leisure activities and locally sourced products
Engine Optimisation. Last but not least, we can offer special prices for advertised courses at various external training providers. It is important to us not only to bring measurable success to the hoteliers in terms of sales / capacity utilisation, but also to be able to support them in the team area – i.e. in the recruitment and retention of employees. We see ourselves as a big host family. With our "Selected Friends" visitor program, employees from any member hotel can visit every other member hotel at very reduced prices. We offer free tickets for sports events (football / hockey in the highest leagues) and provide an order service for highly sought after events and concerts. A look into the future: What issues do hoteliers face in the next five years? OLAF REINHARDT: Digitilisation will progress in the hotel industry. Our guests are becoming more price-sensitive and demanding, and our employees' expectations are also rising. In this environment, the hotelier has to manage the balancing act between the demanding economic conditions and the attentive role of the host. Why should I choose a Private Selection Hotel? OLAF REINHARDT: If a guest chooses a holiday hotel expecting a family atmosphere combined with the highest quality of service,
Interview: Christian Bützberger
he will have his expectations fulfilled in a Private Selection Hotel.
Sarah Hinni
CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
6
Team
T H E T E A M B E H I N D P R I VAT E S E L E C T I O N H O T E L S
We care
Esther Dysli
about you! MELANIE SCHUMACHER, DIRECTIONAL ASSISTANT
JACQUELINE CAMENZIND, CALLCENTER
"I'm pretty tech-savvy, I find new technologies
"I like friendly hotels. I really appreciate it when
extremely exciting and that's why I like it when
the hotel manager greets you personally on arriv-
the hotel room is up to date: tablet instead of
al and the chef comes to your table in the evening.
brochure, touch screen instead of switches, and
In general, the warmth of the employees is key for
it’s cool if a guest can use a mobile phone for free.
me in deciding how much I like a hotel. Straight
I enjoy a wellness weekend with my mum, so we
away I can feel if they enjoy their job, or are
finally have time for each other again, we are
passionate hosts. The room should be modern, but
waited on, no one has to cook or do the dishes.
not sterile, and cozy with wood and warm colours.
I am also active on social media, and I like to post
I really like a little welcome, a fruit basket or a card
a photo of a really nice dish or from the wellness
from the director. I would not want to miss the
area – so that my friends know what I'm experi-
chocolate on the pillow. It’s unbeatable when the
ESTHER DYSLI, MANAGING DIRECTOR
encing. The spa is very important, with a pool long
view from the window looks out over the water.
"I prefer hotels with history, hotels that have a
enough to swim in. I enjoy being pampered with
I always love to listen to music everywhere. That's
soul. Whether a boutique hotel or a grand hotel, it
a vigorous sports massage, which makes you feel
why I check the room immediately, to see if there’s
should reflect a family tradition. I want to feel that
calm. In the room I am especially happy if I have
a docking station for my phone. Music gives the
everyone, from the hotel manager to the washer
a large bath, with a fine fragrance and lots and
room a personal touch. After a delicious meal with
up, are all on one level. Whoever works in a hotel
lots of foam. And at breakfast I indulge in tasty
exquisite wine, I prefer to finish the evening with a
has to like people. It's lovely when everyone in
smoothies – at home there is no time."
nightcap in the bar – with a pianist providing the right background music for a perfect atmosphere"
the hotel greets you and looks you in the eye. Of course, I feel more comfortable when I realise that Thabo, my young but well behaved dog, is also welcome. But I do not expect any extra service: I always bring Thabo’s bed and his food with me, but I’m very appreciative if dog bags are available. I love fresh flowers in the room – and a view. I'm also very aware of smells, so I always notice the smell of the shower gel. Yes, I like to take the opened bottles of toiletries in the bathroom away with me, as a memory of pleasant days. Starting the day relaxed, drinking tea, with no time pressure is what makes breakfast in a hotel special. If I find a chipolata on the buffet, I'm happy." www.privateselection.ch
Melanie Schumacher
Jacqueline Camenzind
Team
7
Andrea Mathis
I like friendly hotels. I really appreciate it when the hotel manager greets you personally on arrival and the chef comes to your table in the evening.
ANDREA MATHIS, BOOKKEEPING
quite stressed from carrying the baby. And since
"A spa with a sauna and steam bath is important
fatigue as a mum is a permanent condition, I love
to me. I can unwind the best in the relaxation
every hour of sleep. Preferably in fluffy sheets –
room wrapped warmly in a fluffy bathrobe, with
like on a cloud. When falling asleep I love to hear
a spicy herbal tea and an especially good book.
the sound of raindrops against the window pains
And I like wood, but not too much wood, maybe
or the sound of crickets in the summer - this
in combination with granite stone?
reminds me of my childhood in South Africa.
I like nature being brought in. It is also important
And after a deep sleep, I treat myself to pancakes,
to me that as a guest I am not a booking number,
fried eggs with bacon or even better: Eggs Bene-
but I am addressed by name, and that I am
dict, my absolute favourite egg dish."
greeted everywhere in the hotel. I am especially
delighted with a little surprise from the region:
MONIKA FÄSSLER, HEAD OF CALL CENTER
a juicy apple, a refreshing iced tea or fragrant
We are especially pleased that our longterm,
sachets. When going to sleep, it should be
competent and eternally friendly call centre boss
absolutely quiet, but when waking up, I am
Monika Fässler continues to be there for you, dear
happy to hear the birds whistling or the cow bells.
guests. Entirely in keeping with the motto
And crusty wholemeal bread! I love to try different
"personalised charm", she prefers to tell you
breads. And maybe a little salmon?"
directly on the phone what she loves about each hotel. She is looking forward to your call!
KIM DAHMEN-CHAPPELL, ONLINE MARKETING "Shush, the baby is sleeping, the sign was already hanging on the room door. In the bathroom there was a changing table with a baby towel ready and
Kim Dahmen-Chappell
in the restaurant there was already a children’s chair organised. That created a wow effect. As the parents of a small but well behaved son, we feel
Monika Fässler
particularly looked after when our needs are met before we even ask for things. Our hotel must be child friendly, so that Oliver can occasionally scream in the restaurant without everyone turning their heads indignantly. Luxury for me is to spend time with my husband and child. I let myself
Chris Winteler
be pampered with a back massage, as my back is
Sarah Hinni
CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
THE MOST PHOTOGRAPHED BUILDING IN GERMANY
Two fairytale castles
and a paradise for hiking
The majestic Alpine peaks, the gently undulating Alpine foothills, the lush green of the forests, colourful meadows and sparkling lakes – the Ammergau Alps – recently declared a natural park, fascinate and inspire! It's no wonder that King Maximilian had his castle "Hohenschwangau" there and the eccentric King Ludwig II (1845 –1886) built his spectacular fairytale castle "Neuschwanstein" on a rugged rock high above the Pöllatschlucht in front of this magnificent natural backdrop.
Neuschwanstein the royal dream come true.
10
Germany – Bad Bayersoien
Hohenschwangau Castle - beautifully situated in the Ammergau Alps.
A CASTLE WITH HISTORY: HOHENSCHWANGAU.
With his wife, Marie, and their children, Ludwig
The history of this imposing castle dates back to the
and Otto, the royal family often spent time in the
12th century. Built as Schwangau castle it remained
new castle hunting in the fresh summer air, hiking
in the Knights of Schwangau’s possession until the
and exploring the beautiful region. After the death
16th century and was severely damaged repeated-
of Maximilian II in 1864, the young King Ludwig II
ly in several wars. The Bavarian King Maximilian II
renovated his castle bedroom. He installed a water-
was fascinated by the proud castle ruins and, in par-
fall flowing over a rock formation and used a de-
ticular, its unique location. Therefore, from 1833 to
vice for creating an artificial rainbow and a night sky
1837, he had it reconstructed into an impressive
with the moon and stars. Unfortunately, after his
castle in the neo-gothic style and furnished in the
death in 1886, his mother, Queen Marie, restored
Biedermeier style. Around 100 fantastic murals
the room to its original condition. In 1889, barely
with themes from the medieval era, including the
three years after the death of her son, she died at
Nibelungen saga, adorn the interiors. The swan's
the Castle Hohenschwangau. The rooms still fea-
motif is widespread and because of this the castle
ture the original furnishings.
has been given the name "Hohenschwangau" (High Swan Castle). www.privateselection.ch
Germany – Bad Bayersoien
11
The eyes of the people would desecrate and sully them.
NEUSCHWANSTEIN, THE DREAM OF BEING ROYAL.
above Hohenschwangau. The "Kini", as the Bavarians affectionately called him,
PA R K H O T E L A M SOIER SEE
wanted to build his castle on this space – the ideal of a medieval knight's castle,
The Fehle-Friedel Family
Already as a teenager, King Ludwig II, was enthusiastic about a narrow ridge
restored in similar style to that of the Wartburg castle in Eisenach, and equipped with the most modern technical features. The imposing castle is considered a
The PARKHOTEL in the Ammergau Alps combines
prime example of the modern architectural style of it's time, uniting numerous
fantastic nature and medical wellness with Bavarian
elements of historical architectural styles.
and African food and beverage highlights. It is a place
Inspired by the stage set paintings of the Munich theatre painter, Christian
to experience rest, relaxation and regain one’s strength.
Jank, Ludwig II commissioned his romantic architectural fantasies with the two renowned architects Eduard Riedel and Georg von Dollmann. He involved him-
SERVICES
self intensely in the blueprints of the fascinating castle, so that it was regarded
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
as his creation. In 1869, the stone foundation of Neuschwanstein was laid. The development of the building dragged on due to difficult building conditions. In addition, his wishes and demands grew and with the constant shortage of money, also led to delays. It wasn't until 1884 that it was possible to move into just a
ADDRESS
few rooms of the castle. Inside you dive into a unique and opulent dream world.
Am Kurpark 1
His admiration for the operas of his paternal friend Richard Wagner is obvious.
D-82435 Bad Bayersoien
The result is an overwhelming mix of many epochs and styles. There are imag-
Tel +49 (0) 8845 120
es from the legends of various Wagner Operas, such as Lohengrin, Parsival and
info@parkhotel-bayersoien.de
Tannhäuser together with beautiful frescoes, lots of gold, mosaics and even an
www.parkhotel-bayersoien.de
artificial grotto. The lavishly designed rooms in the styles of different epochs, for example the magnificent Singer's Hall, the largest room in the castle, the throne
OPENING TIMES
room in Byzantine architecture and the lavishly furnished private rooms, fasci-
Open all year round
nate visitors from all over the world. King Ludwig II only lived in the castle for 172 days. Although the shy king
SIMIL AR HOTELS
had built his fairytale castle exclusively as a private retreat, it was made public
Hotel Bachmair, Weissach am Tegernsee;
six weeks after his death in order to pay for the high construction costs. Yet he
HUBERTUS Alpin Lodge & Spa, Balderschwang;
had decreed that no mere mortal should ever enter his dream world. "The eyes
Forster's Naturresort, Neustift / Tirol
of the people would desecrate and sully them". The royal castles are among the top 1,000 places that one must see in a lifetime. The ideal starting point is the Parkhotel am Soiersee in the heart of the
WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 7 0 3
Ammergau Alps, located in the triangle between Munich, Zugspitze and Neuschwanstein, only 30 minutes away from the royal palaces. Please reserve the entrance to the castle tours when you make your hotel reservation, as due to great demand spontaneous visits are not possible.
Karin Storz iStockfoto.com
CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
12
Mallorca – Sylt
WAT E R A S FA R A S T H E E Y E C A N S E E
Off to the island Living on an island is still challenging despite the many flights and countless ferries. For there, where the sea separates them from the rest of the world, other laws of space and time apply – on Sylt as well as in Mallorca.
In the winter of 1838/39 French writer George
landscape on the west of the island and recorded
linger. The large garden and secluded beach offer
Sand, her two children and her partner Fréderic
descriptions in a book: "A Winter in Mallorca", which
maximum privacy. Even in the summer, the bustling
Chopin lived in MALLORCA . At that time the is-
is considered a travel literature classic.
capital of Palma seems far away and the hours and
land was still relatively unknown. There was only
"We can well understand the attractiveness
one ferry service per week to the mainland and this
of this life in seclusion to some souls who are dis-
The SYLT ISLAND in the north of Germany fas-
mainly transported pigs.
illusioned and exhausted by the world," the poet
cinates its visitors. Especially in the south of the is-
days merge into each other.
Island life was anything but easy. There wasn’t a
wrote about Valdemossa. Today, the place is a cul-
land, which was only opened to tourists ten years
single hotel in Palma. The locals treated the unmar-
tural pilgrimage site with thousands of visitors every
ago, island life can be enjoyed particularly comfort-
ried couple with suspicion. Eventually, they found
day. But those who travel to Mallorca in winter, still
ably. There is the BUDERSAND HOTEL, a luxury re-
accommodation in the country. But when Chopin
find the peaceful island life, for example, in the
sort with a spa and golf course. Its modern, simple
became ill, the landlord threw them out of the ho-
HOTEL BONSOL, that reopens at the beginning
architecture with large window fronts brings the
tel fearing his illness was contagious. So the family
of February after a short winter break. It is locat-
outside into the hotel: nothing but dunes, sky and
were forced to spend most of the winter in an icy
ed outside Palma on a picturesque bay. The Moor-
the sea. Open all year round, it forms the perfect re-
cold monk's cell in the Valdemossa Monastery – and
ish-style property is the perfect environment for re-
treat, especially in winter, far away from the usual
Chopin became even sicker than he already was. He
laxing in style. The interior, with its antiques and old
hustle and bustle in jet set destinations.
did, though, manage to complete his préludes here.
paintings, exudes the grand atmosphere of a castle.
The north of the island has long attracted many
Meanwhile, George Sand enjoyed the wild coastal
A magnificent salon with a fireplace invites you to
well-known personalities. The writer Theodor Storm
www.privateselection.ch
Mallorca – Sylt
HOTEL BONSOL Martin A. Xamena
13
BUDERSAND HOTEL – G O L F & S PA – S Y LT Rolf E. Brönnimann, director
Authentic BOUTIQUE HOTEL with valuable antiques and 3rd generation family oil painting, Mediterranean
The architecture and design of this exclusive
park and pools, private sandy beach and Nirvana Spa.
HIDEAWAY, between the dunes, sky and the North
Local bus service to the center of Palma from in front
Sea, is inspired by the natural landscape of the south
of the hotel.
of Sylt. The modern rooms offer fantastic views of the links golf course, the Hörnum lighthouse or
SERVICES
across the Wadden Sea.
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay: SERVICES These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
ADDRESS Passeig d’Illetes 30 ES-07181 Illetas-Clavia – Palma de Mallorca
ADDRESS
Tel +34 (0) 971 402 111
Am Kai 3
met prominent friends and acquaintances there in
bonsol@hotelbonsol.es
DE-25997 Hörnum/Sylt
1887. Every day Storm went for long walks along
www.hotelbonsol.es
Tel +49 (0) 4651 4607 0
the deserted beaches and he noted everything in
hotel@budersand.de
a diary. In his unfinished Sylt novel he describes
OPENING TIMES
dune spirits and other features of Sylt. More recent-
9.2. – 4.11.2018
ly, songwriter Reinhard Mey has summarized the is-
www.budersand.de
OPENING TIMES
land in various lyrics. Others have even chosen this
SIMIL AR HOTELS
favourite retreat as their final resting place: Peter
Hotel Diana Majestic, Diano Marina / Ligurien;
Suhrkamp, founder of the Suhrkamp publishing
Hotel Budersand, Sylt
house, and Rudolf Augstein, founder of the news
Open all year except from 4.1. – 2.2.
WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 4 8 5 0
magazine Der Spiegel, are buried in Keitum in the
WEB CODE
centre of the island.
www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 2 2 8
Gabrielle Attinger Hotel Bonsol
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+41 41 368 10 05
14
Switzerland – Luzern
5 G E N E R AT I O N S O F F A M I LY T R A D I T I O N
In the Footsteps of
Great Personalities The Hotel Schweizerhof is all about history. Each of the 101 rooms is dedicated to one of the many famous guests who have stayed here in the past 170 years. The hotel was awarded the Milestone Award 2014, the most important Swiss Tourism prize.
Would you like to experience an important day in the work of Richard Wagner? Then stay in ROOM 7 at the HOTEL SCHWEIZERHOF LUZERN and imagine that it is the 6th of August 1859. You have been a guest at the hotel since the end of March in order to complete your opera "TRISTAN UND ISOLDE." Musically speaking, the first weeks since arriving in Luzern were not very productive. You caught a cold and the hotel Manager, Eduard Segesser, suggested a very special therapy for you, riding lessons on the 25 year old mare "Lise." You enjoyed rides up on the Rigi, towards Pilatus and Seelisberg. You visited the coachman Alois Z'Graggen, and also Jakob Josef Zelger, the landscape painter whose clients include Queen Victoria, in his hotel garden workshop. You need company and fascinate people with your soliloquy over your vision of a complete work of art with composition, music and direction. Your music exerts the same hypnotic power over others too. Your friend, Franz Liszt, sent you a 24 year old composer, Felix Draeseke, with whom, on long rides, you could exchange musical ideas and discussions. Today, a ride is also planned. However, you have now been sitting at the piano for six hours and are concentrating harder than ever before on your composing. "Wait a moment," you ask Felix Daeseke, when he comes to get you, "The Tristan is almost finished", "Then I have to be here", he says, watching as you write the final few www.privateselection.ch
Switzerland – Luzern
15
Wait a moment, the Tristan is almost finished. I have to be here.
bars and round off with the initial note of the last
Hotel Schweizerhof was awarded the Milestone
chord. It is 4.30pm. You have completed a master-
Award, the highest accolade in the Swiss tourism
H O T E L S C H W E I Z E RH O F LUZERN
piece of romantic music.
industry and produced a book about it. It bears the
Patrick and Michael Hauser, owners Clemens Hunziker, manager
Such a world wide success has not emerged
title "Where Luzern makes history" and includes all
from every room of the hotel. However, in every
120 stories from the rooms and public spaces of the
room, guests will find testimonies of great person-
hotel.
alities who have lain there in the past 170 years:
The HOTEL Schweizerhof, with 5 generations of family tradition ("Best Historic Hotel in Europe 2016")
Winston Churchill, Kaiser Wilhelm II, BB King,
Gabrielle Attinger
is located in absolutely the best location in the city
Anastacia and James Blunt. For this staging, the
Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern
of Luzern, directly on the lake, with tremendous panoramic views.
SERVICES These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
ADDRESS Schweizerhofquai CH-6002 Luzern Tel +41 (0)41 410 0 410 info@schweizerhof-luzern.ch www.schweizerhof-luzern.ch
OPENING TIMES Open all year round
SIMIL AR HOTELS Hotel Le Pavillon de la Reine, Paris; Hotel Glärnischhof, Zürich
WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 4 0 3
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+41 41 368 10 05
M Y T H A N D FA S C I N AT I O N
South Tyrol and its
Dolomites The world famous mountaineer Reinhold Messner has scaled all eight-thousanders in the Himalayas without an oxygen mask. But his heart beats for "his" South Tyrol and its mountains, the Dolomites.
The Three Peaks in the Southern Limestone Alps. Rubner's Hotel Rudolf
18
Italy – South Tyrol – Dolomites
MMM Corones, opened in July 2015, created by star architect Zaha Hadid.
The MMM Corones is a place of silence, deceleration, also a place for retreat and experience.
The highest mountain of the Dolomites is indeed
For a few years now, an increasing number of cultur-
Vinschgau, for example, is dedicated to mountain
the 3342 meter high Marmolata, but the most fa-
al tourists have been travelling to South Tyrol. The
myths. The MMM Firmian at Castle Sigmundskron
mous picture of the southern limestone Alps are
forerunner for this is Reinhold Messner, alongside
near Bolzano, addresses the topic of man’s encounter
THE THREE PEAKS. The Dolomites, with the other
freedom fighter Andreas Hofer the most famous
with the mountain. Messner refers to his museums
well-known peaks Sella, Schlern and Langkofel are
South Tyrolean. The world-famous mountaineer,
as centres for encountering the mountain, moun-
also good for mountaineering, skiing or hiking.
who climbed all eight-thousanders in the Himala-
tain people and "ultimately also ourselves".
Starting points are popular tourist destinations such
yas without an oxygen mask, created the platform
His last one, MMM CORONES which opened in
as Meran, Cortina d'Ampezzo, the Alpe di Siusi –
for a new approach and analysis of the mountains
July 2015, is the most spectacular. On the 2275 meter
one of the largest high-altitude meadows in Europe
with his six museums in six locations. MMM stands
high Kronplatz near Bruneck, at the very end of the
– or Ortisei in Val Gardena.
for Messner Mountain Museum. The MMM Juval in
Puster valley, it tells of traditional mountaineering,
The MMM Corones is a place of silence, deceleration, also a place for retreat and experience.
www.privateselection.ch
Italy – South Tyrol – Dolomites
19
RUBNER’S HOTEL RUDOLF
A D L E R D O L O M I T I S PA & SPORT RESORT
The Rubner family, owner; Kurt J. Gamper, host
The Sanoner family
The RUBNER'S HOTEL Rudolf is right at the Plan de
The ADLER DOLOMITI is located in the sunny heart
Corones and 45km from the Three Peaks. Completely
of Val Gardena. The unique ADLER hiking and outdoor
renovated in 2016, the Rudolf combines tradition and
program awaits with new challenges every day, the
modernity with rustic public areas, modern alpine
sensational bathing and sauna zone, fitness world and
rooms and two separate wellness areas for adults
Aki Kidsclub round off the perfect selection of leisure
and families.
activities.
SERVICES
SERVICES
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
of the great mountain walls of the Dolomites, Al-
ADDRESS
ADDRESS
pine history is told and shown in the Corones (the
Reischachstrasse 33
Reziastrasse 7
Latin word for crown). The exceptional museum,
IT-39031 Bruneck / Reischach
IT-39046 St. Ulrich / Val Gardena / Südtirol
created by the star architect Zaha Hadid, is right in
Tel +39 0474 570 570
Tel +39 0471 775 001
the uppermost part of the mountain. Through sev-
www.hotel-rudolf.com
info@adler-dolomiti.com
eral rectangular windows at the end of long con-
info@hotel-rudolf.com
www.adler-dolomiti.com
mountain world. Messner wanted to create a place
OPENING TIMES
OPENING TIMES
of silence and deceleration, as well as a place for
25.11.2017 – 8.4.2018 and 11.5. – 4.11.2018
Mid-May to mid-April
"sport-hype" practiced on the Plan de Corones. He
SIMIL AR HOTELS
SIMIL AR HOTELS
succeeded perfectly in close cooperation with all
Forster's Naturresort, Neustift / Tirol;
ADLER THERMAE SPA & Relax Resort,
those involved.
HUBERTUS Alpin Lodge & Spa, Balderschwang
Bagno Vignoni / Toskana;
which has strongly influenced Messner. With a view
crete halls the visitor looks out at an impressive
retreat and to experience, a counterpoint to the
Romantik- & Wellnesshotel Deimann, Schmallenberg;
Ideal starting points for the individual Dolomite
WEB CODE
experience:
www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 2 7 9
ERMITAGE Wellness- & Spa-Hotel, Gstaad-Schönried
WEB CODE
* Rubners Hotel Rudolf, Dolomites /
www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 2 4 8
Bruneck / Kronplatz
* ADLER Dolomiti in St. Ulrich / Val Gardena Christian Bützberger www.wiesthaler.com
CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
20
Switzerland – Arosa
WRITERS AND HOTELS
An inspired
love story Hotels have always exerted a special fascination on writers. Whether in a luxurious grand hotel or in an intimate boutique hotel – the writer is right in the midst of many stories that equally inspire and fascinate him.
It doesn’t matter whether the guest checking in is a celebrity or a plain humble man. Hotels are random meeting places for people with different interests and aspirations. The bar offers the right atmosphere for a rendezvous; the star guest lectures in the big hall. Hotels as a whole are even more than that. They are the ideal form for temporary living. One lives here for a few days in a room, sleeps in a big bed, dines (with room service) in the room, entertains oneself, perhaps even receives guests. You can also work in hotel rooms. The list of writers who lived in hotels and wrote their books is as colourful as it is long. From Ernest Hemingway to Agatha Christie and her "Murder on the Orient Express" to Franz Kafka, who wrote his famous letter to Felice Bauer in Venice. Oscar Wilde also loved to reside in fine hotels. Whether in Paris or London, the hotels draw your attention to their famous former guests, sometimes with pictures or sometimes written material. Not only stories are written in hotels. Well-known hotels often have a long, varied and exciting history themselves. Like www.privateselection.ch
Switzerland – Arosa
21
W A L D H O T E L N AT I O N A L Christian Zinn, host
Style and elegance, tradition and hospitality. Rooms and suites in alpine style, cosy ambience in the WALDHOTEL BAR and ALPIN LOUNGE. Hiking trails and ski slope directly outside the hotel.
SERVICES These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay: Thomas Mann, always perfectly dressed, has left deep literary traces in the Waldhotel National in Arosa.
ADDRESS Tomelistrasse CH-7050 Arosa Tel +41 (0)81 378 55 55
the WALDHOTEL NATIONAL IN AROSA. This was
In the footsteps of well-known writers, you should
reservation@waldhotel.ch
opened in 1910 as a forest sanatorium for lung pa-
not miss the following Private Selection Hotels:
www.waldhotel.ch
1911 was the German poet and writer Christian
* Hotel Schweizerhof, Luzern (Leo Tolstoi,
OPENING TIMES Until 14.4.2018 and 15.6. – 14.10.2018
tients. One of the first prominent guests in April Morgenstern. Katia Mann, the wife of THOM-
Hans Christian Andersen, Richard Wagner,
AS MANN, was treated here in 1912 after spend-
Mark Twain, Zhu Zu Qing)
ing several months in Davos with a lung problem.
* Hotel Le Pavillon de la Reine, Paris (Arthur
SIMIL AR HOTELS
The poet visited his wife several times and returned
Rimbaud, Victor Hugo, Madame de Sévigné)
Hotel Schweizerhof, Lenzerheide;
again and again to the hotel in subsequent years.
Chalet Silvretta, Samnaun; Hotel Seehof, Davos;
The Waldhotel National featured as a sanatorium
Hotel Adula, Flims-Waldhaus
in Thomas Mann’s novel, ZAUBERBERG. The novel is mostly set in Davos, however the dining room in
WEB CODE
which Hans Castorp and Madame Chauchat meet,
www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 4 4 2
which he describes in great detail, is that of the former forest sanatorium. Christian Bützberger Picture gallery of the ETH Zurich
CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
22
Schweiz – Tessin – Cademario
CHARLIE CHAPLIN’S WORLD OF EXPERIENCE
He made millions of people
laugh
Films such as The Kid, Modern Times or City Lights formed the foundation of the silent movie history. The lifework of this London born actor and director has been admired in Chaplin’s World by Grévin in Corsier-sur-Vevey since 2016.
www.privateselection.ch
Switzerland – Saint-Légier-La-Chiésaz
23
The whole thing is a cleverly staged and humorous entertainment experience, peppered with multimedia elements.
The gigantic manor house, Manoir de Ban, sur-
touch". Quite the opposite, the visitors are invited
MODERN TIMES HOTEL
rounded by a sprawling park, is a part of it and is
to touch and participate. There were and are many
Ean-Claude Gétaz, host
open for visitors. This is where CHAPLIN, his wife
reasons to travel to the Waadtländer Riviera – and
and eight children lived from the end of 1952 until
now there is another one. In Chaplin’s World (www.
Let yourself be charmed by the architecture and the
his death on Christmas day in 1977. It gives one
chaplinsworld.com) the little big man, the cosmo-
attentive service of the brand new Modern Times
insights into a warm household full of family life.
politan and pacifist is shown as much respect as this
HOTEL, within walking distance of Chaplin’s World
Laughing in photos and films with his friends, ges-
successful artist deserves.
Museum by Grévin and the city Vevey, which lies in
ticulating with one of his children on the large pa-
the heart of the Waadtländer Riviera.
tio, Charlie Chaplin appears in exuberant poses.
THE MODERN TIMES HOTEL IS located a com-
Visitors also come across show business colleagues
fortable walking distance to the museum, Chaplin’s
SERVICES
such as Sophia Loren or Lauren Bacall in lifelike wax
World by Grévin, and isn’t just a predestined start-
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
figures in the house.
ing point, but also offers various arrangements to
The master craftsman is celebrated in a new
experience Charlie’s world.
concrete building, which is about 50 metres from the house. It starts, and how could it be any oth-
ADDRESS
er way, with a film directed by and focused on the
Chemin du Genévrier 20
ingenious actor shown in a modern cinema. After
CH-1806 Saint-Légier-La-Chiésaz (Vevey)
the film the curtains open and the visitors are led
Tel +41 (0)21 925 22 22
"through the screen" into the basement of the
info@moderntimeshotel.ch
building. The whole thing is a cleverly staged and
www.moderntimeshotel.ch
humorous entertainment experience, peppered with multimedia elements. There is also a circus
OPENING TIMES
ring, in which Fellini and Begnini are portrayed as
Open all year round
wax figures admiring Chaplin. One comes across the film sets of Modern Times and The Kid. Visitors
WEB CODE
may also sit in a barber’s chair and get their hair cut
www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 6 9 4 0
by Chaplin or be led on to the Douglas Fairbanks production. Later on one can marvel at both Oscars that Chaplin received in 1972 and 1973 for his lifework as well as for the script of Limelight. In CHAP-
Christian Bützberger
LIN’S WORLD there aren’t any signs saying "don’t
Charlie Chaplin Modern Times
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+41 41 368 10 05
24
Switzerland – Lenzerheide – Weggis
CHEESE MAKER WITH BODY AND SOUL
Any cheese
so long as it ´s the finest Nowadays, hotel guests want to know exactly where their cheese, presented at the breakfast buffet, comes from. Alpine herdsmen like Franz Toni Kennel and village cheesemakers like the Meyer / Bienerth family, who produce their different cheeses with a lot of skill, are popular suppliers of sought-after natural products.
FRANZ TONI KENNEL produces his delicious as well as spicy cheese on the Alp
"Chäserenholz" in central Switzerland. Franz Toni's guests arrive at the Alp easily by railway, either from Goldau or Vitznau to the Rigi Kulm terminus. After a ten-minute walk across the valley along a curvy mountain trail they then arrive in front of Kennels alpine farm and cheese factory. An alternative route is via a longer uphill hike. Whoever comes up the mountain is rewarded with the magnificent view from the terrace of the opposite, snow-covered Alpine arc. With a mischievous smile, the 56-year-old alpine herdsman talks about how he began his cheese-making career, whilst sitting on a wooden bench in the sun. When the old hut did not have a cheese factory yet, Franz Toni just made butter. He then brought the butter to his customers with his horse and cart and worked out a good price for it. With about 2,000 liters of milk, the trained farmer and cheese maker produced 200 kilos of cheese in the form of small "Mutschlis" for the first time in 1980. The construction of a wider path from Rigi Kulm down into the "Chäserenholz" Alp, set the foundation for the first upswing. The smart alpine herdsman recognized his chance and finished building his cheese factory in 1997 and 1998. As the demand and subsequently the price for milk declined, the alpine herdsmen and farmers struggled to survive. The innovative Franz Toni however, made his way to the Rigi railways to ask if they could send him groups of www.privateselection.ch
Switzerland – Lenzerheide – Weggis
tourists. The railway team agreed and transported
The HOTELS ALEXANDER AND GERBI in Weggis
guests to the front of the cheese factory almost dai-
are long-time customers of his. With the construc-
ly. To this day, he still presents his produce and fac-
tion of the new cheese factory, Kennel also re-
tory to new visitors.
ceived the Gastronomy Certificate from the canton
The fresh milk including high quality omega- 3
of Schwyz. Thanks to this he is allowed to receive
fatty acids are produced by the 50 or so cows
guests throughout the year as a host. This is of
that graze the alp each summer. In the hay mead-
great importance to him, as it enables him to sell
ows, more than 130 different herbs grow, which
his own products to his guests as a certified alpine
is a true pleasure for the patient ruminants. They
farmer in the form of: Fondue, cheese slices, ra-
chew slowly as well as steadily and digest and fer-
clette or fine cheese platters. Franz Toni Kennel ex-
tilize the ground with their cow pats. Finally, they
plains however, that initially he sold his products to
produce the best milk for the herdsman’s cheese.
hungry guests without his certificate and was con-
In the summer of 2017, Kennel produced 16 tons of
victed for his actions. Initially, the consequence en-
cheese from his own milk and that purchased from
tailed serving five days in jail. Because he had no
neighbouring farmers. 90 percent of it is aromatic
one to take care of his cows however, the authori-
alpine cheese. One wheel of cheese weighs be-
ties made him pay a fine of 500 francs instead.
tween six and seven kilograms and matures be-
The history of the herdsman Franz Toni Kennel on
tween six weeks to two months in the herdsman’s
the Rigi shows how with a popular product, the Rigi
cellar until it reaches its ripeness for consumption.
railways and the tourists as partners and custom-
The remaining ten percent consist of specialties like
ers, a successful business and service enterprise was
grill cheese, formaggini or raclette cheese. Kennel
able to grow. As a consequence, his offering kept
produces his cheese at his own risk and cost, which
expanding: now, he also presents the tourists with
seems low however, as his products are highly
a whey bath. ALPINE WELLNESS on the Rigi, also
sought-after.
touted as royalty on the mountains.
25
Alpine cheese maker Franz Toni Kennel
On the wild hay meadows, more than 130 different Herbs grow, a real treat for the patient ruminants.
Here lovingly handcrafted cheese matures!
CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
26
Switzerland – Lenzerheide – Weggis
Carn & Caschiel: Naturally organic fondue in a contemporary atmosphere
CHANGE OF SCENERY. Maria Meyer and her hus-
band Martin Bienerth, also named the "flea", took over the village dairy farm in Andeer in Graubünden in 2001. A sizeable range of organic cheeses with some highly regarded awards, has since pleased a constantly growing clientele. The career of the two Germans is exciting: after both having studied agriculture in Kassel the agricultural enthusiasts established their business and made use of their agricultural knowledge in the Swiss Alps. The reasoning for this is: "Because even today, the milk goes through the most original and pure way of being processed" as Bienerth states in his autobiography. Maria Meyer, learned about the methods of cheese production in Switzerland and later also mastered its execution. Now, she is responsible for the manufacturing of the cheese. Her husband is responsible for the finishing touches on the different cheeses. He has also established himself as an author. So far he has published four books. In "Alpechuchi", "Alp", "Alpine View" and "Alpengold" he addresses the most diverse alpine-economic themes in detail and also discusses the future of farming. (www.sennerei-andeer.ch). www.privateselection.ch
Because even today, the milk goes through the most original and pure way of being processed.
Switzerland – Lenzerheide – Weggis
HOTEL SCHWEIZERHOF Andreas and Claudia Züllig-Landolt
27
HOTELS ALEXANDER & GERBI The Hasler family
The HOTEL Schweizerhof is synomonous with the nature and tradition of the Swiss Alps. With the largest
The two HOTELS, connected by their 1,500 m2
hammam in the Alps and high-quality restaurants,
panoramic wellness oasis "Vitalis SPA" are quiet and
the hotel provides guests with the perfect holiday
idyllic and are renowned for their excellent culinary
experience.
experience. The rooms, the restaurant, the terrace and the SPA all offer beautiful views of Lake Luzern.
SERVICES These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
SERVICES These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
Andreas and Claudia Züllig-Landolt from the Hotel Schweizerhof in Lenzerheide are convinced that they offer the best fondue worldwide, in their RES-
ADDRESS
TAURANT CARN & CASSCHIEL made from the
Voa principala 39
ADDRESS
cheeses provided by the organic dairy farms in
CH-7078 Lenzerheide
Hertensteinstrasse 42/48
Andeer.
Tel +41 (0)81 385 25 25
CH-6353 Weggis
info@schweizerhof-lenzerheide.ch
Tel +41 (0)41 392 22 22
www.schweizerhof-lenzerheide.ch
info@alexander-gerbi.ch www.alexander-gerbi.ch
OPENING HOURS Open all year except 3.4. – 9.5.2018 Flea Bienerth's daily work requires strength and endurance.
OPENING HOURS Open all year round
SIMIL AR HOTELS Waldhotel National, Arosa; Hotel Adula,
SIMIL AR HOTELS
Flims-Waldhaus; Cresta Palace Hotel, Celerina;
Hotel Bad Horn, Horn am Bodensee; Seehotel Wilerbad
Hotel Seehof Davos
am Sarnersee; Hotel Eden Spiez
WEB CODE
WEB CODE
www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 4 3 8
www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 3 3 5
Christian Bützberger Christian Bützberger Carn & Caschiel: Dolores Rupa
CA LL CENTER
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28
Switzerland – Ascona – Adelboden
Swiss wines are super A N AT I O N A L T R E A S U R E
The wide variety of wine from Swiss wine lands is impressive. Excellent red and white wines are produced in all regions today. Young, innovative and well-trained winegrowers are uncompromisingly committed to quality. The inauguration of female winegrowers in Rebberg and Keller is also good to see.
Vineyards are also beautiful landscapes.
SWISS WINES are popular and most are consumed in the country itself. Exports
– especially to Germany – account for just over one percent of all Swiss wine production. The well-known winegrowers like Daniel and Martha Gantenbein, Diego Mathier, Philippe Bovet or Feliciano Gialdi have earned the reputation for their wines with hard work. Fortunately, young, well-trained winemakers have been coming up for a few years now. Names like Cristina Monico, Johann-Baptista von Tscharner, Jürg Marugg, Alain Schwarzenbach or Anne-Claire Schott are worth bearing in mind. These and some others have joined together in the "Young Switzerland – New Winegrowers" association and make a clear statement: "Each member works with passion, care and vigour. We are not a 'quality label', rather we are committed to diversity and variety. All this at the highest level, of course". No one need be concerned about these young winegrowers. In order to give a reasonably accurate picture of the Swiss wine lands, statistics are indispensable. These indicate, for example, that the vintners in the years 2005 to 2015 have produced an average of 100 million litres of wine. In 2015, they hit a record low of 80 million litres, but a record high of 108 million litres only a year later. In 2017, frosty nights resulted in lower crop yields. Highs and lows go together in the Swiss wine country, which is diverse and rich in variety. Between BASEL and CHIASSO, LAKE GENEVA and the BODENSEE, 14,800 hectares of land are planted with vines. Some of the terraces laid out by monks in the Middle Ages still dominate individual areas today. You can see an example www.privateselection.ch
Christian-Pfammatter
Switzerland – Ascona – Adelboden
29
Idyllic and quiet, some vineyards invite you to stroll and relax.
Each member works with a lot of passion, care and vigour.
of this on a trip over the wine route in Lavaux on
GERMAN SWITZERLAND and TICINO. However,
considered part of German-speaking Switzerland.
Lake Geneva. There are vineyards in all cantons. In
the boundaries are not always clear. Geneva wine-
The French-speaking Jura, "which is forgotten in
Valais just under 5,000 hectares, in Appenzell Aus-
growers, for example, cultivate around 122 hec-
all the wine books, as we attribute it to the Three
serrhoden less than five hectares, about a thousand
tares of vines on French territory. The vines of Mont
Lakes region," according to its entry in the Swiss
times less. The most widely cultivated grape variety
Vully between Lake Murten and Lake Neuchâtel are
wine database. The Grisons Misox, in turn, mainly
is Pinot Noir, followed by Chasselas and Gamay. The
two-thirds of Fribourg and one-third of Vaud soil.
planted with Merlot, is assigned to Ticino in Swiss
variety of wines is also due to the different nature
Although the majority of people by the Lake of Biel
wine statistics.
of the soils, the microclimate and regional crafts-
speak german, the region counts as part of Western
PECULIARITIES. There are many other peculiar-
manship.
Switzerland because of the grape variety Chasselas.
ities. No one can exactly quantify how many active
The Swiss wine country is divided into six regions
The rest of the canton of Bern with the Riesling-Sil-
winegrowers there are in the country. According to
VALAIS, LAVAUX, GENEVA, THE THREE LAKES,
vaner and Blauburgunder vineyards on Lake Thun is
the latest survey of the Swiss Vine and Wine Sector Association, there are about 7,000 people employed principally as wine growers of whom 2,500 are independent. The number of amateur winemakers, who tend a few vines, can’t be verified; in the largest winegrowing canton of Valais alone, there are probably a few hundred. Another peculiarity of Swiss wine is the number of grape varieties. More than 200 are authorised or under observation for experimental purposes. This results in wine specialties, which later come on the market in very small quantities, if at all. It is well known that in Valais small quantities of a few hundred bottles often never leave the valley. Another peculiarity causes confusion with Swiss wines: there is no hierarchy. In our neighbouring countries, the basis is referred to as "wine" without geographical indication. One level higher is the "Protected Geographical Indication" g.g.A., PGI or IGT, which in turn is crowned by the "Protected Designation of Origin" g.U., PDO or AOC. In Switzerland, on the other hand, 95 percent of the production carries an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée, i.e the highest classification. CA LL CENTER
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30
Switzerland – Ascona – Adelboden
From time to time, the cellar master checks the progress of her wines.
Due to Swiss tastes, less wine was produced in
to guests at the BOUTIQUE HOTEL LA ROCCA in
has been working for him for years, had the idea of
2016. According to the Federal Office For Agricul-
Ascona / Ronco, hotelier Marcel Krähenmann likes
making Merlot grapes into Portuguese port. "Un-
ture it was 253 million litres. That is 40 bottles for
to serve another specialty: the Tinto Forte. This is
fortunately, the Tinto Forte can’t officially be called
each Swiss citizen. At first glance, this may seem
popularly known as the "Ticino port wine". "The
that, but it is equal in quality to the original and is
like a lot, but it amounts to less than a deciliter a
idea of making this wine was born of pure coin-
a unique creation, which goes down very well with
day. And now one last peculiarity: on the one hand,
cidence," says Marcel Krähenmann. Namely, when
our guests, especially with cheese and desserts,"
the federal government finances the wine produc-
the renowned winemaker and wine merchant Clau-
says Marcel Krähenmann smiling.
tion through the agricultural budget and also partly
dio Tamborini asked his winemakers to once again
supports its sales promotion, but on the other hand
create something new. A Portuguese vintner, who
via the prevention budget seeks to combat possible alcohol abuse. EXCELLENT WINE LIST. The PARKHOTEL BELLEVUE & SPA is also known for its well-stocked wine
cellar. There, plus minus 750 bottles are stored, mainly wines from the two French areas Bordelais and Burgundy. The offer is complemented with a sumptuous selection of Swiss wines. This attention grabbing wine list has also pleased the testers of Gault Millau. It was so good in breadth and depth that it was awarded a distinction. The price range is between 45 francs and 900 francs. Andreas Richard, co-owner of the four-star hotel, laid the foundation with his passion for collecting. Wine is also a hobby of current director Daniel Schüpfer, who looks after the cellar and dedicates a lot of time to touring the three wine regions and tasting new wines to add to the stock in the wine cellar. TINTO FORTE AT LA ROCCA. In addition to
the 15 different risotto options that are offered www.privateselection.ch
Sources: Amongst others - Swiss Wine Promotion, Swiss Wine Region, Federal Office for Agriculture.
Switzerland – Ascona – Adelboden
SELECTION HOTELS who are particularly proud
BOUTIQUE-HOTEL LA ROCCA
PA R K H O T E L B E L L E V U E & S PA
of their wine list – a few are mentioned here:
The Krähenmann family
Denise Mani and Daniel Schüpfer
* Parkhotel Bellevue & Spa, Adelboden * ERMITAGE Wellness- & Spa-Hotel,
The BOUTIQUE HOTEL situated on the Lake
The SPA and DESIGN HOTEL offers tranquility,
Maggiore provides relaxation in a family atmosphere.
space, light and views.
Gstaad-Schönried
Breathtaking views of the Brissago Islands, a private
* Hotel Schweizerhof, Luzern * Hotel L’Estelle en Camargue * Parco San Marco Lifestyle Beach Resort,
Lido on the Lake Maggiore, Mediterranean cuisine
SERVICES
and wine bar guarantee unique holiday experiences.
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
Cima di Porlezza
SERVICES
There are some member hotels of the PRIVATE
31
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay: ADDRESS Bellevuestrassse 15 CH-3715 Adelboden ADDRESS
Tel +41 (0)33 673 80 00
Via Ronco 61
info@parkhotel-bellevue.ch
CH-6613 Ascona / Porto Ronco
www.parkhotel-bellevue.ch
Tel +41 (0)91 785 11 44 In the barriques, the cellar masters develop their wines until they meet their ideal specification.
hotel@la-rocca.ch
OPENING TIMES
www.la-rocca.ch
June – April
OPENING TIMES
SIMIL AR HOTELS
March – October
Beausite Park Hotel, Wengen; Hotel Kirchbühl, Grindelwald; Frutt Lodge & Spa, Melchsee-Frutt
SIMIL AR HOTELS Boutique-Hotel Remorino, Minusio-Locarno;
WEB CODE
Grand Hotel Diana Majestic, Diano-Marino / Ligurien
www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 4 2 5
WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 3 5 4
Christian Bützberger Pascal Gertschen
CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
32
France – Grignan
THE GOURMET
The fine art
of cooking A "gourmet" in the languages of Molière and Goethe is considered a lover of exquisitely prepared food. In a gourmet kitchen, the chef and his cooks consistently celebrate the art of (almost) perfect cooking. Chef, Julien Allano, obviously enjoys his work.
Come, smell the fragrances in our Mediterranean garden and enjoy our sublime provencal cuisine.
The delicate process of refining fresh ingredients, in order to flatter people’s taste buds, is seeing an ever increasing number of followers. TOP CHEFS are described as ARTISTS because of their surprising creations. They use natural products, from potatoes to apples with imagination and skill, to conjure up cultural delicacies. They broil, ferment, roast, bake and indeed cook. It is not only language which distinguishes man from all other living things but the ability to cook as well. Bitter, sour, salty or sweet. In a nutshell, taste is a complex sensory effect on the intake of food. This results from the interaction of smell, taste, touch, temperature and pain sensations. Someone who fine tunes these senses is Julien Allano. The chef at the Le Clair de la Plume hotel in Grignan, Provence, knows how to conjure up subtly coordinated menus, according to expert gastro
France – Grignan
33
HÔTEL LE CLAIR DE LA PLUME Jean-Luc Valadeau, owner
The charming BOUTIQUE HOTEL overlooking the Château de Grignan, arranged over 4 separate buildings, offers a lot of charm and privacy, The Provencal hotel is characterised by the Michelin starred gourmet restaurant, the Mediterranean garden and the natural water swimming pool.
SERVICES Finest truffle dishes delight the palate of the guests.
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
ADDRESS 2, Place du Mail F-26230 Grignan Tel +33 (0) 475 918 130 info@clairplume.com www.clairplume.com
critics from whom he elicits songs of praise. Allano
Hotel's nearby:
defines his works of art far more modestly, "I invite you to enjoy a lively and colourful cuisine, based on culinary traditions and with particular care for the
OPENING TIMES
* L’Estelle en Camargue
Open all year round
in Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
ingredients." In 2015, his kitchen was awarded with
SIMIL AR HOTELS
a Michelin star.
Hotel L’Estelle en Camargue, Les-Stes-Maries-de-la-Mer;
The HOTEL LE CLAIR DE LA PLUME is locat-
Hotel & Agriturismo L’Unicorno, IT-Bedizzole/Gardasee
ed in Grignan at the foot of the castle. The village is about an hour's drive south of Lyon, between
WEB CODE
Montélimar and Orange in the Drôme area. Hotel-
www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 4 0 0
ier Jean-Luc Valadeau is in no way inferior to his chef and charmingly welcomes you to stay: "Come, smell the fragrances in our Mediterranean garden
Christian Bützberger
and enjoy sublime provencal cuisine." Let's go!
Hôtel Le Clair de la Plume
CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
34
Italy – Liguria
LIGURIA, RIVIERA DEI FIORI
Excursion to the village of
the witches On the outskirts of the Italian Riveria of Flowers, beautiful landscapes and original mountain villages await with fascinating stories. For example, picturesque Triora with its history of witches.
iStockphoto.com
www.privateselection.ch
Italy – Liguria
35
Triora is best known as the village of witches.
In the narrow streets of the medieval village of Triora.
Agreed: the sun loungers are seductive in the shady
Ligure greets you from the top of a hill, dominat-
olive garden by the pool, and the location of the
ed by the impressive Battista church. In the narrow
GRAND HOTEL DIANA MAJESTIC by the sea, in the
streets of Molini di Triora, the old mills line the river
lively resort of Diano Marina, is unique. Neverthe-
but it is worth stopping here for another reason –
less, guests can hardly resist delving into the sur-
snails are among the culinary delights. A large snail
rounding area of the famous RIVIERA DI PONENTE.
festival takes place in September.
Just kilometers behind the touristy coastal grove,
The road climbs onwards along the rugged
the mountain foothills climb into the air, timeless
mountainside, to a height of 765 metres, where
mountain villages stuck to the flanks, exuding their
perched on a flank is the medieval VILLAGE OF TRI-
own sense of life.
ORA. The magnificent view from the top of the ruin
The coach excursion travels from Diano Marina,
is not the only reason for the detour. Triora is espe-
about 20 minutes west on the motorway, to the exit
cially famous as the Village of the Witches. More
for Taggia and upwards to the Argentina valley. A
than 400 years ago, between 1587 and 1589, witch
magnificent landscape, speckled with olive groves
trials and burnings took place. This gloomy time is
along narrow valleys opens up and mountain peaks
documented in the village museum, the souvenir
line the horizon. The roads wind curvaceously up-
shops stock appropriate merchandise and witch
wards, oaks, beech and chestnut forests cover the
congresses even take place.
steep slopes. Like a fortress, the village of Montalto CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
36
Italy – Liguria
FAMINE in the region was the reason for the witch hunt, the cause of which was
attributed to the devil and his serving witches. Subsequently, assisted by the Inquisitor of Genoa, innocent women were forced to make arbitrary confessions under cruel torture and agony, often being found "guilty" of causing the hardship and were killed by either hanging or burnt to death. Since 1988, a monument in Triora is a memorial of this terrible time. The famous, delicious, Triora bread, enjoyed in peace with a slice of equally delicious local Bruzzo cheese in a rustic trattoria leaves the scary past behind. And the spectacular onward journey over the 1,378 metre high "Passo di Teglia", with views of the summits of the Maritime Alps into the neighbouring Valle Arroscia, again demands full attention. The traditional town of Pieve di Teco boasts wonderful arches before one heads out of the valley to Imperia – the deckchairs under the olive trees of the Diana Majestic are only a stone's throw away after a highly eventful day.
HOTEL DIANA MAJESTIC Paolo Vignone, host
Beat Eichenberger Beat Eichenberger
Each room has a balcony with guaranteed sea view! At the GRANDHOTEL Diana Majestic on the Riviera dei Fiori, you will be lulled to sleep by the sound of the surf. Private beach and grounds with two fresh water pools, stunning terrace and lounge, Meditteranean cuisine.
SERVICES These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
ADDRESS Via degli Oleandri 15 IT-18013 Diano Marina, Ligurien Tel +39 018 340 2727 info@dianamajestic.com www.dianamajestic.com
OPENING TIMES Mid February until end of October
SIMIL AR HOTELS Hotel Bon Sol, Mallorca
WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 3 3 2
www.privateselection.ch
öle, PEG-/PPG Parfum, Mineral , Ethylhexyl ne iko Sil , ren Emulgato e, ate, Octocrylen Methoxycinnam lmethan, oy nz ibe yd ox Butylmeth indungen, Aluminium-Verb mittel Konservierungs
Ihr UV-Schutz OHNE irritierende und hormonaktive Filter
Offizieller UV-Schutz Partner der Private Selection Hotels.
Re ise n Sie mi t der ne ue n Go ld- Kla sse . Profitieren Sie jetzt: 50 % Rabatt auf die erste Jahresgebühr und Gutschein im Wert von CHF 200.–! Sie erhalten die Karte im ersten Jahr zum halben Preis. Plus einen Gutschein von Private Selection Hotels im Wert von CHF 200.–. Jetzt Karte beantragen auf: www.americanexpress.ch/psh
Die neue Gold Card
Swisscard AECS GmbH, P.O. Box 227, CH-8810 Horgen, www.americanexpress.ch American Express Cards, issued in Switzerland by Swisscard AECS GmbH
38
Switzerland – Lipperswil
A DREAM JOB IN THE HOTEL INDUSTRY
The hotel manager -
Jack of all trades Tabea Peter smiles at the question of what is involved in a hotel manager’s job. "This is a very varied job, divided into the areas of housekeeping, kitchen, service and reception," says the 19-year-old woman, who completed her final apprenticeship exam in 2017 in the Canton of Thurgau.
TABEA PETER learned to what specifications a
time being. Whether male or female there are plen-
DEVELOP AND PROMOTE PROFESSIONALS. The
room has to be cleaned to be ready for new guests,
ty of career development opportunities at all lev-
Wellnesshotel Golf Panorama in Lipperswil is, as
at the WELLNESSHOTEL GOLF PANORAMA in
els through further study and building experience.
described in the example above, a popular training
Lipperswil on Lake Constance in her first year of ap-
company. Behind this is the accomplished hotelier
prenticeship. In the kitchen, the chef showed the
Alexandre Spatz with his management team. Spatz
hotel management student how to serve breakfast
continued to advance after his chef apprenticeship.
professionally; including fresh fruit juices, mueslis
Today, he is involved, amongst other things, as Vice
and different types of eggs. On reception, the young professional took care of the switchboard, whilst another focus area of the training is ensuring a smooth check-in and check-out. All this in Italian as well as English. Practice also includes theory. The hotel students
I used to only take the candidates with the best grades, but today I also take those with bad ones.
President of the Hotel & Gastro Formation Thurgau, an association that looks after the interests of the industry across a wide range of areas. In addition, Spatz is on the examination board of the Canton of Thurgau. In practice he acts as an expert chef in the catering field. As the lead examiner, Spatz is responsible for ensuring the gastronomic exams
study the necessary subjects twice a year. Everything is taught in two five-week blocks, including the
Tabea Peter enjoys her job and is gaining valuable
run smoothly and correctly. The experienced trainer
corporate know how. Of course, this versatile pro-
work experience as a trainee manager as part of her
conscientiously and systematically chooses his pro-
fession is not just reserved for women. There are
training. Asked about future plans, she smiles again
fessional progeny. Initially, interested parties must
an increasing number of men training in the hotel
and says that she would be interested in working
complete two or three trial days, followed by a con-
profession, but they are still in the minority for the
on a cruise ship.
versation with the boss. If the performance meets
www.privateselection.ch
Switzerland – Lipperswil
39
Tabea Peter and Alexandre Spatz
everyone’s expectations, then this is followed by a
Confronted with the cliché that the Austrian land-
trial week. This in turn is then discussed and evalu-
lords and hoteliers are friendlier and better than
WELLNESSHOTEL GOLF PA N O R A M A
ated with all the relevant parties. Then, trainee can-
the Swiss, Alexandre Spatz smiles: "They are neither
Alexandre and Caroline Spatz, hosts
didates have to do the trial days again so that every-
friendlier nor better, they are simply Austrians and
one is sure that nothing will prevent a successful
we are Swiss and serve our guests in our own way.“
apprenticeship.
The tranquility, panoramic view of the Swiss Alps, proximity to Lake Constance, in-house Apple
Alexandre Spatz has had a lot of experience in
Blossom-Wellness and the generous design of the
these training processes and learned lessons from
WELLNESSHOTEL Golf Panorama with a view of the
them. "In the past, I only took the candidates with
mountains and a 27-hole golf course complete this
the best grades, but today I also take those with the bad ones," says the trainer, "because if, for example, you do not like maths, that doesn’t mean that you can’t learn to cook". Spatz has worked at the hotel school himself and is happy to be able to share his knowledge and experience with young, enthusiastic people who want to achieve something. His work in apprenticeships also benefits him every now and then. "Of course, if they want to keep on working after their apprenticeship at the company,
And when former students call and ask me if I have work for them for a certain amount of time, I can use them immediately because I know what they can do.
that pleases me, because good professionals take
unique resort in the border triangle of Germany, France & Switzerland.
SERVICES These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
ADDRESS Golfpanorama 6 CH-8564 Lipperswil
care of the wishes of our guests. And when former
Note: Many of our member hotels are intensively in-
Tel: +41 (0) 52 208 08 08
students call and ask me if I have work for them for
volved in education and training. In each new issue
info@golfpanorama.ch
a certain amount of time, I can use them right away
of our personalised charm collection, we will intro-
www.golfpanorama.ch
because I know what they can do. "
duce a trainee or vocational trainer.
The entire hotel and restaurant industry, with
OPENING TIMES
tens of thousands of businesses across the coun-
Open all year round
try, is a respected training industry. Alexandre Spatz rates the level as very high in a global comparison.
SIMIL AR HOTELS
The results of the various young Swiss teams at
Hotel Bad Horn, Horn am Bodensee;
World Championships confirm this view. Offering
Hotel Hof Weissbad; Hotels Alexander & Gerbi, Weggis
young people good apprenticeship opportunities is an aim of all Private Selection Hotels. Around 240
WEB CODE
trainees in eight to ten different apprenticeships,
www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 4 4 4
from technician to digital media specialist, classic chef or restaurant manager are proof of this. The industry lives and adapts on a daily basis to the ev-
Christian Bützberger
er-changing needs of guests.
Wellnesshotel Golf Panorama
CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
INDIAN SUMMER IN THE UPPER ENGADIN
Carefree outings on
foot
Switzerland – Zuoz – Celerina – Pontresina
41
Upper Engadin autumn mood by Lake Sils.
day 1 and 2 HIKERS are in luck, because the best time to hike
After a good night's sleep and a hearty break-
Suddenly we were standing in front of a welcoming
in the Upper Engadin is from June to November: in
fast, we stood in front of the dramatic walls of the
inn. Animated discussions took place in the garden
June for the flowers and fragrant mountain spring,
HOTEL CASTELL above Zuoz – as the adventure was
restaurant and we were enchanted by the dynam-
for the cool mountain summer from July and until
about to begin in earnest. We had our next bed in
ic melody of the Romansh language. The dishes we
mid-September, when the cows on the Alps are "on
mind – the hotel Cresta Palace in Celerina – as we
had for lunch also had Romansh names: Pizokel, Ca-
vacation" and the sound of their bells echo from
waited.
puns, Maluns and Salsiz – they tasted excellent and
the rock walls. Or the colourful autumn, when the
The yellow signpost to "Madulain" thankfully
gave us energy for the rest of our journey to Celeri-
forests explode in autumnal colours and the pine
did not point uphill, but along a nice level path that
na. Full and content we were able to have uninter-
forests turn the Engadine into a golden paradise.
led southwards along the mountainside, warmed
rupted conversations on broad, wide hiking trails,
Even the winter, when the meandering paths en-
by the morning sun. Off we went. We were allowed
which lead through a natural moor area and along
sure that not only skiers and cross-country skiers
to leave the luggage at the hotel reception (a couri-
the golden pine forests. This was only possible on
can enjoy the winter wonderland, also has charm
er transports it to the next hotel during the day, so
such broad paths, because on steep uphill or down-
for hikers in the Upper Engadine!
we only had to carry rain gear and the picnic pre-
hill mountain trails you feel breathless, and have no
pared by the hotel kitchen in a small daypack).
desire to conduct profound conversations.
These dreamlike pictures go through my head on this windy, rain-blown Sunday morning, while
After half an hour, the trail led down to the village
So my companion asked me, "What do you ac-
I lie in my warm bed dreaming of the experiences
of Madulain. From here on we were able to follow
tually prefer: hiking or cycling? (well, of course she
of past sunny days. A very real daydream, because
the "Via Valtellina" signposted no. 30 – always well
said 'riding the bike')". My spontaneous answer:
we chose the golden autumn to book the exclusive
marked on our detailed travel documents. The map
"Hiking". And again: "why?" There I have to tell you
"Wandererlebnis Engadin" of the Private Selection
was superfluous, and we were able to study the
the story of the snail: "When a snail crosses a path,
Hotels, which took us from Zuoz, via Celerina and
colourful facades of the typical Engadine houses.
only the hiker stops and looks at the snail. Every-
Pontresina, back to Zuoz.
By the next village with the tongue-twisting
one else – even bikers – ride over them ...". Silently,
name La Punt-Chamuesch we were already hungry.
we continued to walk towards our destination, Ce-
Passing by beautiful Engadine farms, patrician hous-
lerina.
es and interesting churches, we reached the village of Chamueschch – away from the noisy flow of trafHiking experience in the golden Engadine autumn.
fic that comes from the Albula Pass into La Punt. CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
42
Switzerland – Zuoz – Celerina – Pontresina
pure
! ss e n i happ
night 3
H O T E L S A R AT Z Pontresina
night 1 and 4 HOTEL CASTELL Zuoz
night 2 HOTEL C R E S TA PA L A C E Celerina
From the surrounding river meadows we heard
Upon entering this haven of hospitality, our eyes
our muscles and palate and prepared ourselves for
birds singing (even these sounds remain hidden
automatically searched for our suitcases. But the
the fourth day when we made our way home, so to
from the speedy motorist and even the mountain
charming voice of the receptionist reassured us im-
speak, via the world-famous view of Muottas Mu-
bikers). Gradually, a new feeling – that of anticipa-
mediately: the luggage was of course already in the
ragl back to the already familiar HOTEL CASTELL in
tion – swept through our bodies. The afternoon sun
rooms: "Private Selection oblige! ..."
Zuoz. There we exchanged our last Engadin evening
was still pretty warm in the sky and our backs felt
tales for this trip.
ing: the panoramic pool with jacuzzi beds, a relax-
day 3 / day 4
ing massage, a blissful nap and then onto a reviving
The next morning we already felt like experienced
early evening drink and dinner to come. There,
"migratory birds" as we stood in front of the ho-
"where alpine nature, luxurious wellness, world
tel. Feeling relaxed, we were looking forward to
class cultural highlights and pure enjoyment merge
the bus trip to St. Moritz and then on foot along
CHF 730.– per person in a double room
into a unique source of inspiration". Immediately,
the lakes of the Upper Engadine and onto scenic
(double occupancy)
our steps became a little faster – because in the dis-
high-altitude trails from Furtschelas to Pontresina.
CHF 799.– per person in a single room
tance, the stately building of the CRESTA PALACE
We were not very talkative on these rather narrow
Bookable from June 23 to October 10, 2018
HOTEL in Celerina was already visible in the gold-
mountain paths – the wonder of these impressive
en evening sun.
mountains made us almost fearful of them. In the
damp under the rucksacks, while our legs felt satisfyingly tired. By now our anticipation was build-
www.privateselection.ch
4 NIGHTS
4 nights including gourmet half board, free use of spa in all hotels, 3 picnics for the journey, luggage transfer, hiking map.
evening in the hammam of the HOTEL SARATZ and
Ruedi Jaisli
during the delicious 4-course dinner, we indulged
Engadin St.Moritz / Christoph Sonderegger
Switzerland – Zuoz – Celerina – Pontresina
HOTEL CASTELL
H O T E L C R E S TA PA L A C E
H O T E L S A R AT Z
Irène and Martin Müller-Ryser, hosts
Annegret and Kai Wilhelm Ulrich
The Saratz family
The HOTEL Castell combines Art Nouveau and modern
This charming ART NOUVEAU HOTEL offers
architecture, tradition and avant-garde, culture and art,
nature and wellness in the most beautiful location in
The HOTEL Saratz combines the old and the new
fine cuisine and well-being – all on the sun terrace high
a stunning valley high in the Alps. The new Activity
in alpine grandeur and exudes a magical atmosphere
above the village of Zuoz.
Centre ensures carefree holiday fun.
in the middle of the Engadine mountains. Wellness,
SERVICES
SERVICES
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
43
Anuschka and Thierry Geiger-Starkloff, hosts
sporting activities and cuisine – nothing is lacking.
SERVICES These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
ADDRESS
ADDRESS
Via Castell 300
Via Maistra 75
ADDRESS
CH-7524 Zuoz
CH-7505 Celerina /St. Moritz
Via da la Staziun 2
Tel +41 (0)81 851 52 53
Tel +41 (0)81 836 56 56
CH-7504 Pontresina
info@hotelcastell.ch
mail@crestapalace.ch
Tel +41 (0)81 839 40 00
www.hotelcastell.ch
www.crestapalace.ch
info@saratz.ch
OPENING TIMES
OPENING TIMES
17.6. – 21.10.2018
December – April and June – October
SIMIL AR HOTELS
SIMIL AR HOTELS
Hotel Saratz, Pontresina; Cresta Palace Hotel, Celerina;
Hotel Saratz, Pontresina; Hotel Castell, Zuoz;
SIMIL AR HOTELS
Chalet Silvretta, Samnaun
Hotel Belvèdère, Scuol
Cresta Palace Hotel, Celerina; Hotel Castell, Zuoz;
Hotel Belvédère, Scuol
www.saratz.ch
OPENING TIMES 1.6. – 1.4.
WEB CODE
WEB CODE
www.privateselection.ch/webcode74 5 41
www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 3 8 7
WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 4 2 7
CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
44
Italy – CBagno Vignoni – Castelnuovo Berardenga
IN THE HEART OF CHIANTI CLASSICO
"Dio vuole God wants" Those who dream of expansive vineyards, like ancient olive trees and appreciate their fruits in any shape or form, and often picture themselves dozing in a deck chair next to a Cypress, are well suited for Tuscany.
expectations. The immediate area around the ro-
Not anywhere in this popular region though, but specifically in DIEVOLE, north of SIENA. Documents originating in the year 1090 suggest that even then, the inhabitants classified their surrounding area as exceptional, as can be deduced from the origin of the name "Dio vuole – God wants." In later years, a noble family from Siena wanted to experience the breath-taking view of the valley and its surroundings and had a stately villa built with associated houses for the servants and stables for the horses, which laid the foundation for a little hamlet. Today’s VILLA DIEVOLE, with its suites and double rooms, provides a magnificent place to stay. Both the restaurant, in which the Chef serves local produce, and the wine cellar exceed guests’ www.privateselection.ch
with Sangiovese vines and require dedication and
sary and yew-gardens invite you to take a relaxing
hard work. The oenologist Alberto Antonini pro-
stroll. Similarly, for more extensive hikes and bike
duces excellent wines from these vines. The stand-
tours, Dievole serves as a perfect starting point.
ard bearer of the estate is the Chianti Classico
At Dievole, however, recovery and relaxation is
DOCG Dievole. The lovers of olive oil, the gold of
not the only thing to indulge in. The total of 600
Dievole, even come here to get their money’s worth
hectares of vineyards in the territory of Chianti Clas-
of the excellent oil. In Dievole the entire product
sico, more precisely in Vagliali, are mainly planted
range trades under the name Extra Virgin Olive Oils.
Slim cypress trees line the well-kept vineyards around the Villa Dievole, nestled in the inviting landscape of northern Tuscany.
Italy – Bagno Vignoni – Castelnuovo Berardenga
You are invited to stroll in the Villa Dievole’s surroundings,with its rose and yew gardens.
ADLER THERMAE S PA & R E L A X R E S O R T TOSKANA
45
WINE RESORT VILLA DIEVOLE Mr. Andrea Alocci, resort manager
The Sanoner family; Anton Pichler, director The VILLA DIEVOLE with its winery and 900 year The RESORT is located in the middle of the
history lies in the midst of the magical hilly countryside
picturesque Vad d'Orcia (UNESCO heritage).
of the Chianti Classico near Siena. A cypress alley leads
1,000m2 water/wellness world and a variety of
to the historic villa in a Tuscan style country house,
excursions and sports activities ensure a unique
which after its elaborate restoration satisfies the most
experience.
demanding tastes.
SERVICES
SERVICES
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
rectly in our own vineyard is our ADLER THERMAE
ADDRESS
ADDRESS
SPA & RELAX RESORT in Bagno Vignoni / Val d'Or-
I-53027 Bagno Vignoni
Località Dievole 6
cia – nestled between the wine strongholds Mon-
Tel +39 0577 889 001
I-53019 Castelnuovo Berardenga, Siena
talcino and Montepulciano.
info@adler-thermae.com
Tel +39 0577 322632
www.adler-thermae.com
info@dievole.it
For Marco Scanu, the oleologist at Dievole, the olive oil is part of the cultural heritage of the area, alongside the wine production. Additionally, located di-
www.villa-dievole.com
Christian Bützberger Hotel Villa Dievole
OPENING TIMES February – December
OPENING TIMES End of March to end of October and occasionally in
SIMIL AR HOTELS
December and new year.
Adler Dolomiti Soa & Sport Resort, St. Ulrich / Val Gardena; Grand Hotel Hof Ragaz, Bad Ragaz
SIMIL AR HOTELS Agriturismo and Hotel L’Unicorno, Bedizzole;
WEB CODE
Closest hotel: ADLER THERMAE SPA & Relax Hotel,
www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 3 5 3
Bagno Vignoni / Val d’Orcia
WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 3 9 5
CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
46
Italy – Cima di Porlezza – Switzerland – Lenzerheide – Pontresina
Relaxing S TAY I N G I N A H O T E L W I T H C H I L D R E N
family holidays
HOLIDAYS IN A HOTEL WITH CHILDREN are different from holidays for two,
but that doesn’t have to mean less rest or enjoyment. On the contrary, children and parents can find themselves in a new and relaxing environment in a hotel. To make family holidays in a hotel an unforgettable experience for everyone, adults need their own personal freedom. With a suitable children's program in place this is easy to achieve. Lina (5), Levi (9), Mattia (13), Mum and Grandma describe how they would imagine their ideal holiday in a hotel. Little Lina is relatively easy to please. She wants a huge portion of chips and children who she can play dolls with. It is very important to her that there is no school or kindergarten in the hotel! Her older brother Levi is much more demanding. For him the food is the most important thing. He would like plenty of chicken nuggets and salami around the clock, preferably in the children’s restaurant: "So that Mum doesn’t see how much salami or how many chicken nuggets I eat." And he wants to be able to order any culinary treats that he likes. His dream hotel is surrounded by trees, near a lake and far away from the motorway www.privateselection.ch
Being together in the water strengthens the bond between mother and child. Through play the little ones get used to the water.
Italy – Cima di Porlezza – Switzerland – Lenzerheide – Pontresina
47
Feel-good holidays for the whole family.
and train. The building must be neither too fancy nor too run down. He would rather have a bed with a "comfy" mattress. For activites, he would like to be able to do a painting class and play football. Mattia, the oldest, would like a hotel where he does not have to be "quiet as a mouse" and where you don’t have to wear a tie in the restaurant. His preferred hotel is accessible by public transport, surrounded by a field, has a ‘’Robinson" playground, a large selection of board games and a box of Lego available. Mattia is very happy if he finds plenty of books to read, especially comics, and if he can go to "a disco" from time to time in his dream hotel. Mum would book a hotel where not only small children find interesting activities but also ten-year-olds. She wants to eat with her children, " for me, the holidays are not about putting my children into care," she says. However, between 5 pm and 7 pm she would like a little time to enjoy a drink with her partner. "It is ideal if the hotel organises a children's aperitif with freshly squeezed fruit juices." A baby monitor, she says, also allows her time to relax after dinner. CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
48
Italy – Cima di Porlezza – Switzerland – Lenzerheide – Pontresina
Start early, if you want to become a master chef!
Grandma looks forward to doing something by her-
hotel’s own "Kindergarten". The annual highlight is
In the teens program, cool sporting activities, such
self, like taking a walk, attending a cooking class or
a science week: children interested in science are al-
as badminton and archery are available for 13 to
enjoying the wellness area. For her a good grand-
lowed to experiment to their heart's content in the
17-year-olds. In the afternoons, the whole family
mother / grandchild holiday needs well-supervised
research laboratory.
can participate in a competition, if they would like to. In the evenings there is a film in the cinema from
activities for the children. "It is best if the children
7.30pm.
can let off steam outside under supervsion." A ba-
The HOTEL PARCO SAN MARCO offers a Bim Bam
by-phone is a must for her, so that they can relax in
Bino Club 2 to 5 years-olds and another for 6 to
the evenings.
12 year olds, which offers varying daily indoor and
Christine Künzler
outdoor programs that leave nothing to be desired.
Hotels Schweizerhof Lenzerheide and Saratz Pontresina
The HOTEL SARATZ in Pontresina will fulfill the wishes of most typical familes. For Lina's entertainment there is a supervised play paradise, and her brothers can enjoy themselves in the Teen Centre. There is also plenty of outdoor fun for the children: a Tipee tent, a trampoline, a sandpit, a children's tower, bikes ... and swimming classes can also be booked for the children. This extensive choice of activities guarantees freedom for parents and grandparents. Mum and grandma can chat in the bar in the evening, whilst keeping up with what’s going on in the room thanks to the baby monitor. The HOTEL SCHWEIZERHOF has a spa area where new mothers and fathers can revive themselves, whilst their babies are being lovingly cared for by an expert and professional team. In addition, special "baby swimming" weekends are available for babies and toddlers whilst older children play in the
www.privateselection.ch
Children love the trampoline in the Saratz Hotel park.
Italy – Cima di Porlezza – Switzerland – Lenzerheide – Pontresina
PA R C O S A N M A R C O L I F E STYLE BEACH RESORT
HOTEL SCHWEIZERHOF
H O T E L S A R AT Z
Andreas and Claudia Züllig-Landolt
The Saratz family
49
Anuschka and Thierry Geiger-Starkloff, hosts
Raimondo Sartorio, host SCHWEIZERHOF is synomonous with nature, The SPA, LAKE and FAMILY HOTEL is simply unique
mountains and tradition. It has the largest hotel haman
The HOTEL Saratz combines old and new in alpine
and has received awards such as "Europe's Best Family
in the Alps while a top culinary experience in the
grandeur and exudes a magical atmosphere in the
Resort" (Senses Awards), Top Hotel – Lombardy's most
restaurant rounds off the holiday experience perfectly.
heart of the Engadine mountains. Wellness, sports
popular hotel (HolidayCheck for the 6th consecutive
activities and cuisine are also superb.
time), hotel with beach and "Best Luxury Family Beach
SERVICES
Resort 2017".
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
SERVICES These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
SERVICES These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay: ADDRESS Voa principala 39
ADDRESS
CH-7078 Lenzerheide
Via da la Staziun 2
ADDRESS
Tel +41 (0)81 385 25 25
CH-7504 Pontresina
Viale Privato San Marco 1
info@schweizerhof-lenzerheide.ch
Tel +41 (0)81 839 40 00
I-22018 Cima di Porlezza
www.schweizerhof-lenzerheide.ch
info@saratz.ch www.saratz.ch
Tel +41 (0)91 923 40 86 info@san-marco-hotels.com
OPENING TIMES
www.parco-san-marco.com
Open all year except between 3.4. – 9.5.2018
OPENING TIMES
SIMIL AR HOTELS
End March – December
Waldhotel National, Arosa; Hotel Adula, Flims-
SIMIL AR HOTELS
Waldhaus; Cresta Palace Hotel, Celerina;
Cresta Palace Hotel, Celerina; Hotel Castell, Zuoz;
Hotel Seehof, Davos; Hotel Saratz, Pontresina
Hotel Belvédère, Scuol
Hotel Saratz, Pontresina; Hotel Schweizerhof,
WEB CODE
WEB CODE
Lenzerheide
www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 4 3 8
www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 4 2 7
OPENING TIMES 1.6. – 1.4.2018
SIMIL AR HOTELS BEATUS Wellness- & Spa-Hotel, Merligen-Thunersee;
WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 4 2 6
CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
50
France – Paris
A T R U LY R O YA L R E S I D E N C E
Late fortune The Hotel Pavillon de la Reine on the Parisian Place des Vosges owes its name to Queen Anne of Austria, mother of Louis XIV, who lived here in the 17th century. Her life was marked by a fateful encounter with her husband and a great maternal love.
The Place de Vosges in Paris.
At the time of the great monarchies in Europe, the
How could she, she was only 14 years old, just like
Together they had the duty to create an heir to the
bride and groom were chosen not according to
her husband. The engagement had already taken
throne. However, Anna suffered four miscarriages
feelings, but according to the interests of the State.
place at the Palais de la Reine in 1612. What is now
over the years. Hopes of there being a happy family
ANNA OF AUSTRIA, a Spanish-Portuguese child
called the Place des Vosges was then called the
faded and the couple saw less and less of each oth-
and Archduchess from the House of Habsburg, had
Place Royale for that occasion.
er. It was only after 22 years of marriage that fate
no say in the matter, when in 1615 she was married off to the French KING LUDWIG XIII. www.privateselection.ch
The two teenagers had very different interests;
intervened: on December 5, 1637, the weather was
Ludwig liked to hunt and Anna loved the theatre.
so terrible that the King had to interrupt his drive to
France – Paris
51
H Ô T E L L E PA V I L L O N D E L A R E I N E & S PA Tim Goddard, director
The BOUTIQUE HOTEL is a historic palace in the middle of the Marais. Its elegant atmosphere and discreet luxury allures you with tranquility, romance and surroundings. It also offers a spa area.
iStockphoto.com
The first son of Queen Anne Louis XIV became the most powerful ruler of his time.
SERVICES These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
ADDRESS 28 Place des Vosges F-75003 Paris Tel +33 (0)140 29 19 19
the hunting lodge in Versailles and spend the night
before she died of breast cancer in 1666, she was
contact@pdlr.fr
in the Louvre, where the Queen stayed during the
able to witness firsthand the rise of Louis to become
www.pavillon-de-la-reine.com
winter. Since only the inhabited rooms were heat-
the most brilliant monarch of his time. During her
ed, he ended up in his wife's room. Nine months
last two days of suffering her sons kept constant
OPENING TIMES
later, the first healthy child was born, LUDWIG XIV,
vigil at her bedside.
Open all year round
later named the "SUN KING." Two years later his younger brother PHILIPP followed.
You can now stay truly royally at the PAVILLON DE LA REINE. Antiquated oil paintings and valuable
SIMIL AR HOTELS Hotel Schweizerhof, Luzern; Hotel Glärnischhof, Zürich
Anna was a very loving and caring mother. Her
tapestries give the hotel a historic ambience. Mod-
children called her "Maman" and not "Madame"
ern, simple design leaves you room to breathe. If
as normal court etiquette required. When her hus-
you want to feel a little like Anna of Austria, book
WEB CODE
band died in 1643, she took over the throne on be-
the "Suite de la Reine".
www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 3 9 2
half of the then only 6 year old heir and made every effort with domestic and foreign policy to create a good starting point for him to create a glorious future. She was successful and with the sincere love of
Gabrielle Attinger
her beloved sons and the respect of court society,
Hotel Le Pavillon de la Reine
CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
52
Switzerland – Samnaun – Italy – Cima di Porlezza
CUSTOMS OR NO CUSTOMS?
Green and white borders Old smuggler legends have always inspired the imagination of hikers in border regions. In Switzerland, smuggling has a centuries-old tradition, which in some places extends to the present day. Cast your eye at Samnaun and Ticino.
Smugglers in the Swiss alps (19th century).
This Engadine resort proudly calls itself a "Duty Free Region" on its website. In fact, SAMNAUN is the only municipality in Switzerland with this title – and in addition to Livigno in Italy and Andorra it is one of only three of its kind in Europe. It owes its special status to its location. For a long time, it was only possible to bring goods into the mountain village from Austria, so that the Samnauners had to get everything they needed to live from there. And because the Swiss customs were at the border the poor peasants were always short of money, so the community applied to the federal authorities to turn Samnaun into a duty-free zone. In 1892 this special status was granted. Since then, the village has done well. In the summer tourists come by coach to shop in the village. In winter, business flourishes with the neighbouring Austrian village, since Samnaun shares its snow sports area with the Austrian in-crowd resort of Ischgl on the other side of the Silvretta massif. From there, where the electro beat booms day and night, many guests like to travel over the mountain to the other side and to the tranquil Grisons mountain village and go shopping. Samnaun is characterized by beautiful big chalet buildings such as the HOTEL SILVRETTA, a four-star hotel with a great spa. It belongs to the Zegg Group, the leader in the duty-free business
Switzerland – Samnaun – Italy – Cima di Porlezza
Ticino made a name for itself with smuggling big style.
53
C H A L E T S I LV R E T TA H O T E L & S PA
PA R C O S A N M A R C O L I F E STYLE BEACH RESORT
The Zegg Family, owners
Raimondo Sartorio, host
The completely renovated CHALET-HOTEL, with
The WELLNESS, LAKE & FAMILY HOTEL awaits
its regional cuisine and attention to detail in its design
guests with awards such as "Europe's Best Family
together with its location between mountain and
Resort" (Senses Award), Top Hotel – Lombardy's
valley, offers a sense of well-being which can only
most popular hotel with beach (HolidayCheck, for
be enhanced in the spa.
the 6th time in a row) and "Best Luxury Family Beach Resort".... simply unique.
SERVICES These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
SERVICES These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
ADDRESS
with about a dozen shops. There is just about
Dorfstrasse 17
ADDRESS
everything travellers can find at airports: watches,
CH-7563 Samnaun
Viale Privato San Marco 1
perfume, jewelry and other luxury goods, as well as
Tel +41 (0)81 861 95 00
I-22018 Cima di Porlezza
alcohol and tobacco.
info@hotel-silvretta.ch
Tel +41 (0)91 923 40 86
www.hotel-silvretta.ch
info@san-marco-hotels.com
Anything above 300 euros in value must be declared. For many guests from Austria this is tire-
www.parco-san-marco.com
some and so sporty officials from the customs of-
OPENING TIMES
fice in Samnaun patrol the snow sports area in
June – May
civilian clothing and make random checks on skiers. Ticino made a name for itself with smuggling big style. In 1810 Napoleon even had the canton
OPENING TIMES End of March until December
SIMIL AR HOTELS Hotel Alpina, Klosters; Hotel Kirchbühl, Grindelwald
occupied by troops and customs officials because
SIMIL AR HOTELS BEATUS Wellness- & Spa-Hotel, Merligen-Thunersee;
of this. The region between Lake Como and Ticino
WEB CODE
Hotel Saratz, Pontresina; Hotel Schweizerhof,
where the HOTEL PARCO SAN MARCO is now lo-
www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 218 3
Lenzerheide
cated was particularly notorious for it. Today, this history can be traced at the Swiss Customs Museum
WEB CODE
in Gandria, where the craziest smugglers' merchan-
www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 4 2 6
dise can be seen.
Gabrielle Attinger iStockphoto.com
CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
54
Germany – Lindau – Switzerland – Weggis – Merligen – Adelboden – Austria – Neustift
The garden G R E E N PA R A D I S E
an ideal place to enjoy life and explore your senses Gardening has a long history and, along with landscape architecture, is of great importance for the design of public and private space. The pleasure garden is its most sensual form.
www.privateselection.ch
Germany – Lindau – Switzerland – Weggis – Merligen – Adelboden – Austria – Neustift
55
View of the Adelboden mountain landscape Parkhotel Bellevue
You don’t have to die to reach paradise, as long as you have a garden.
Admittedly, the expression is hopelessly outdated:
The Greek politician and writer, Xenophon recounts
who wants to go for a stroll today? One walks, jogs
the great king "there will always be so-called ‘par-
or takes a breath of fresh air but one rarely strolls
adises’ filled with the most beautiful things in the
anymore. And yet the activity remains the same
ground in all parts of the land that he lives and vis-
and is most enjoyable in a harmonious environment
its”. This basic idea and the essential design ele-
without traffic or noise - in a garden or a park.
ments – fountains, water features, pavilions – have
"You don’t have to die to reach paradise, as long
Century-old trees the Hotel Bad Schachen park in Lindau on Lake Constance Bad Schachen
changed little right up to today.
as you have a GARDEN," says a Persian proverb.
The Romans grew herbs and other crops and
In fact, the foundations for sensual gardening were
subdivided the garden into vegetable, fruit and or-
laid in Persia 2500 years ago. King Cyrus II had a
namental gardens. In the Middle Ages, the monas-
garden built in each of his palaces – old Persian
tery gardens were created, and they devoted them-
‘paridaida’, i.e. paradise. The facilities were intend-
selves to studying plants and developing herbal
ed to be places of reflection, but they also served as
medicine. The French developed the garden with
a symbol of power.
sculptures and large lawns as a symbol of power. CA LL CENTER
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56
Germany – Lindau – Switzerland – Weggis – Merligen – Adelboden – Austria – Neustift
It was always about making the garden an ideal place to enjoy life and explore your senses.
From 1700, the English made it into an original place
today have different names, and private ones are
13,000m² lovingly landscaped hotel garden, home
with wild plants, symbolising man's unity with na-
often unnamed. And yet each one is worth a visit.
to a sea of flowers and plants and its own natu-
ture. However, it was always about making the gar-
The HOTEL BEATUS in Merligen on Lake Thun
ral lake, but also with a picturesque herb garden.
den an ideal place to enjoy life and explore your
has a beautiful garden. It covers 12,000m², is im-
1,000 different herbs and wild plants are grown
senses: the garden is our little personal paradise.
pressive with its stand of old trees and is situated
here, which the kitchen likes to use in local dishes,
directly on the lake.
whilst the Mediterranean wellness courtyard offers
There are still parks that are explicitly called pleasure gardens. The most famous of these is on the
FORSTER'S NATURE RESORT, located in the
numerous relaxation options for all ages. The gar-
Museum Island in Berlin. However, most gardens
beautiful Stubai Valley, impresses not only with its
den terrace encourages you to linger and enjoy the unique view of the valley towards the Stubai Glacier.
Fresh herbs from the hotel's own herb farm, refine the dishes from the Hotel Forster's Nature Resort's kitchen
Gabrielle Attinger Forster Naturresort
www.privateselection.ch
Germany – Lindau – Switzerland – Weggis – Merligen – Adelboden – Austria – Neustift
HOTELS ALEXANDER & GERBI
HOTEL BAD SCHACHEN Isolde Schielin, owner & host
The Hasler family
57
B E AT U S W E L L N E S S & S PA - H O T E L Sebastian Moser, director
The HOTEL Bad Schachen is in the most beautiful The two HOTELS, connected by their 1,500m²
location on Lake Constance, in a unique park of mature
The FIVE STAR HOTEL right on Lake Thun with
panoramic wellness oasis "Vitalis SPA" are quiet and
trees, offering breathtaking views over the lake and the
12'000m2 of surrounding park area, a beach and
idyllic and are renowned for their excellent culinary
Alps. The lakeside terrace, Art Nouveau outdoor pool,
houseboat as well as a wellness oasis and saltwater
experience. The rooms, the restaurant, the terrace and
excellent (fish) cuisine and extensive spa area guarantee
spa that delights every water lover.
the SPA all offer beautiful views of Lake Luzern.
an unforgettable holiday experience.
SERVICES
SERVICES
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
ADDRESS
ADDRESS
Seestrasse 300
Hertensteinstrasse 42/48
Bad Schachen 1
CH-3658 Merligen-Thunersee
CH-6353 Weggis
D-88131 Lindau am Bodensee
Tel +41 (0)33 748 04 34
Tel +41 (0)41 392 22 22
Tel +49 (0)8382 298 0
welcome@beatus.ch
info@alexander-gerbi.ch
servus@badschachen.de
www.beatus.ch
www.alexander-gerbi.ch
www.badschachen.de
OPENING TIMES
OPENING TIMES
Open all year round
13.4. – 7.10.
SERVICES These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
ADDRESS
OPENING TIMES Open all year round
SIMIL AR HOTELS SIMIL AR HOTELS
SIMIL AR HOTELS
ERMITAGE Wellness- & Spa-Hotel, Gstaad-Schönried;
Hotel Bad Horn, Horn am Bodensee;
bora HotSpaResort, Radolfzell;
Hotel Eden, Spiez
Seehotel Wilerbad am Sarnersee; Hotel Eden, Spiez
Hotel Bad Horn, Horn am Bodensee; Hotels Alexander & Gerbi, Weggis; Hotel Eden, Spiez
www.privateselection.ch/webcode5 4 9 4 9
WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 3 3 5
WEB CODE
WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 3 3 8
CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
58
Germany – Lindau – Switzerland – Weggis – Merligen – Adelboden – Austria – Neustift
FORSTER'S N AT U R R E S O R T
PA R K H O T E L B E L L E V U E & S PA
The Gleirscher Family
Denise Mani and Daniel Schüpfer
The NATURE RESORT is in an idyllic location with
The DESIGN and SPA HOTEL offers tranquility, space,
a stylish ambience, a dream garden with a natural
light and views. Five neighbouring valleys offer plenty
lake, large wellness and bathing facilities, deer
of activities, Spa recreation and relaxation. The Gault
enclosure, its own meadow and a herb farm with
Millau restaurant is a treat for the senses.
the largest herb garden in Austria. SERVICES SERVICES
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
ADDRESS ADDRESS
Bellevuestrassse 15
Pinnisweg 2
CH-3715 Adelboden
A-6167 Neustift/Tirol
Tel +41 (0)33 673 80 00
Tel +43 (0)5226 2600
info@parkhotel-bellevue.ch
info@hotel-forster.at
www.parkhotel-bellevue.ch
At the Hotel Forster’s Nature Resort in Neustift flowers and herbs are used from their own garden .
www.hotel-forster.at
Hotels Forster
OPENING TIMES
OPENING TIMES June – April
Open all year except 4 weeks in May SIMIL AR HOTELS SIMIL AR HOTELS
Beausite Park Hotel, Wengen; Hotel Kirchbühl,
Rubner’s Hotel Rudolf, Reischach / South Tyrol;
Grindelwald; frutt Lodge & Spa, Melchsee-Frutt
Hotel HUBERTUS Alpin Lodge & Spa, Balderschwang; Bio- und Wellnesshotel Alpenblick, Höchenschwand
WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 4 2 5
WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 3 3 9
www.privateselection.ch
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60
Germany – Weissach
R E L A X AT 4 2 D E G
Hot, hotter,
Onsen
Onsen, or hot springs, play a central role in Japanese life. Now this far eastern tradition can also be experienced in Germany.
It’s estimated that in Japan there are over 3,000 hot springs or ONSEN, since the whole country lies on volcanic ground. The springs feed countless hot baths, also called onsen, and form the backbone of the Japanese bathing culture. Bathing together in Japan is something of a social necessity – and in people’s strictly structured everyday life, one of the few welcome places to relax. The water must be of volcanic origin for a bath to be called an onsen, no matter how warm it is. In many baths, the water is artificially heated. Because the "hot water", which onsen literally means, is really hot, very hot even: 42 degrees Celsius is the normal temperature. The road sign, which points to an onsen in Japan, shows a circle with three steam jets. The onsen is a nude bathing area with strict rules. These range from the right way to store the clothes – in a basket – the size and purpose of the towel – the need to wash the body before bathing – to the correct posture when cleaning the body – sitting on a stool. Whoever plunges into the hot water will at most signify the heat with a small sigh. Then you close your eyes while those in the know will have prepared a wet a towel with cold water beforehand and will then lay it on their forehead to cool themselves. Those who can no longer bear the heat get out of the water to cool off and then re-enter a second time. European guests often have trouble with the extreme heat. The German onsen, which opened in July 2017, accommodates guests in this regard: the MIZU ONSEN SPA on Lake Tagern also has cold water basins – Mizu means "cold wa-
ter". The pleasure lies in alternating between the different temperatures. www.privateselection.ch
Germany – Weissach
61
Modern, simply designed spa, an oasis of relaxation at Hotel Bachmair Weissach.
The European adaptation of Japanese bathing cul-
MIZU Sushi Bar which is also popular with locals.
ture can be found in the HOTEL BACHMAIR WEIS-
The "hot springs" are therefore the exotic plus in an
HOTEL BACHMAIR WEISSACH
SACH. This tasteful hotel with a modern, simply de-
already perfectly rounded world of pleasure.
Korbinian Koller, owner
signed spa persuasively mixes discreet luxury and a warm Bavarian atmosphere. The cuisine delights in
Gabrielle Attinger
The BACHMAIR exudes discreet luxury and modern
both its stubes and in the Japanese restaurant, the
iStockfoto.com
elegance with a big shot of Bavarian hospitality. The Country Club invites you to enjoy yourself, celebrate and be active. New: Mizu Onsen SPA – Japanese spa
Those in the know wet a towel with cold water before immersing in the hot water and then lay it on their forehead for cooling.
culture.
SERVICES These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
ADDRESS Wiesseer Strasse 1 D-83700 Weissach Tel +49 (0)80 228 424 60 00 hello@bachmair-weissach.com www.bachmair-weissach.com
OPENING TIMES Open all year round
SIMIL AR HOTELS Romantik- and Wellnesshotel Deimann, Sauerland; bora HotSpaResort, Radolfzell am Bodensee
WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode7 8 15 3
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Germany – Schmallenberg
T H E C A R E TA K E R
The good
soul
What would a majestic hotel like the Hotel Deimann in Schmallenberg in the Sauerland do without an efficient caretaker? It's the person who keep things running. Discreet, in the background, but always there when you need them.
FERDI PAPE is such a veteran. Born in 1954 in the neighbouring
in to nature. Not everyone can say that they get up early in the
town of Niedersorpe, only two kilometers away, he is a trained
morning and look forward to work. "I do this out of love and pas-
painter and varnisher and is married with two children and a
sion for my job and for the Deimann family. I really like it here,
grandfather of four. Ferdinand Pape, whom everyone calls Ferdi,
even if there is a lot of work, but I don’t see it like that. Deimann
has been with Deimann since 1976 and is almost a founder. He
is my second home" Some time ago, the numerous tasks were
is a rather rustic type and once you've met him, you'll never have
shared between four other colleagues. And much has happened
problems recognising him again. His trademarks are his Bavarian
in his forty years at Deimann's. The many lovely ceremonies mark-
hat, a rustic wool sweater and leather knee length trousers. Every
ing changes and additions to the hotel buildings. Tasks such as
morning from six o'clock he works wherever he is needed. His
rescuing people from the elevator or cracking a safe when the
special love, however, is for creating decorations and the outdoor
guest has broken the key are all part of a day’s work. However,
facilities.
the biggest challenge was the night of the Kyrill storm in January
His hobby is hiking and he can easily integrate this into his work.
2007. The electricity had broken down and the hotel was flooded.
During the hiking weeks he accompanies the guests outdoors
As a member of the volunteer fire department, he was in action
www.privateselection.ch
Germany – Schmallenberg
63
ROMANTIK- UND WELLNESS HOTEL DEIMANN The Deimann family
Run by its 4th generation, Deimann is a holiday world of its own: the most beautiful WELLNESS HOTEL in North Rhine-Westphalia with a large, award winning, modern spa, 27-hole golf course for golfing pleasure of the highest level, hiking and biking. Several restaurants, one boasting Michelin Stars.
SERVICES These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
ADDRESS Alte Handelsstrasse 5 D-57392 Schmallenberg Tel +49 (0)29 758 10 info@deimann.de www.deimann.de
on both counts. It was a stressful night. The guests were still enjoyed a relaxing evening by candlelight. Since June 2017, after a total of 45 years at work, Ferdi Pape is officially retired. Since then, he has been helping where he can and, above all, assists Senior Manager Sophie Deimann with the decorating and gardening. At the job interview in 1976, Theo Deimann asked him why he would prefer janitorial work in a hotel to that of his profession as a painter. Ferdi Pape said: "I am tired of living on the breadline at construction sites. It is important for me to have hot meals every day."
I do this out of love and passion for my job and for the Deimann family.
OPENING TIMES Open all year round
SIMIL AR HOTELS Wellnesshotel Auerhahn am Schluchsee; HUBERTUS Alpin Lodge & Spa, Balderschwang
WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode7 7 8 9 7
Gerhard Besler Romantik- and Wellnesshotel Deimann
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TIME TO LOVE THE COUNTRYSIDE
The Renaissance of the
Summer Resort The summer escape from the city into the country began in the 19th century and was then replaced by trips to the seaside. Today, the summer country resort is experiencing a renaissance and in certain places you can enjoy a royal holiday, as Emperor Franz Josef and Sissi once did.
66
Germany – Höchenschwand – Schluchsee-Aha – Lindau – Switzerland – Merligen-Thunersee – Ascona – Wilen – Italy – Cima di Porlezza
In deep forests there is a lot to discover
Fortunately, the modern summer retreats are spread out over many regions.
A breeze is needed. Summer freshness is not found
Stefan Zweig, Hugo von Hofmannsthal, Gustav
on burning hot, sandy beaches. The Mediterranean
Mahler and Oskar Kokoschka. Rax and Payersbach
and big cities are the wrong places to be. Real SUM-
became the summer meeting place for everyone
MER FRESHNESS can be found where the air is bet-
within the social classes of Emperors and Kings. In-
ter and the horizon further away.
dustrialisation was progressing. New north-south
Emperor Franz Josef and his wife Elisabeth, Sissi,
connections, such as the Gotthard Railway (1862)
preferred Semmering, about an hour south of Vi-
and new shipping routes, made further travel possi-
enna by train. With the construction of the Sem-
ble. Passenger aviation developed in the 20th cen-
mering Railway, the first standard mountain railway
tury and the Mediterranean was targeted by tour-
in Europe built with a standard track in 1854, the
ists – first the Cote d'Azur, then Spain and then
mountains were made accessible for high society.
Greece.
They travelled to the summer resorts with their entire households.
www.privateselection.ch
Today, mass tourism and rising temperatures are causing a turnaround and the summer resort is "in"
The Royal family were succeeded by noblemen
again. Fortunately, the modern summer retreats are
and tycoons. They were followed by scientists and
spread out over many regions. The Black Forest be-
artists such as Sigmund Freud, Arthur Schnitzler,
longs in this category. With its tranquil lakes and
Germany – Höchenschwand – Schluchsee-Aha – Lindau – Switzerland – Merligen-Thunersee – Ascona – Wilen – Italy – Cima di Porlezza
67
vast forests, it is possible to breathe deeply. Hotels, such as the AUHERHAHN on the Schluchsee and the organic and wellness HOTEL ALPENBLICK in Höchenschwand, offer supremely comfortable accommodation, an outstanding wellness area, guided hikes, trekking bikes as well as games and fun for the whole family. South of the Alps, even cool corners of Ticino are among the preferred summer resorts, such as the region between Lake Lugano and Lake Como. In Porlezza, on Italian soil, the HOTEL PARCO SAN MARCO attracts many summer guests with all that it has to offer. On the hotel’s terraced complex one can find their favourite corner: children's pool with slides, sun bathers by the pool below or at the hotel's own private beach. And the cuisine leaves nothing to be desired. In general, regions with lakes are best suited for relaxing summer holi-
BIO- UND WELLNESSHOTEL ALPENBLICK The Thoma family
days. The WELLNESS & SPA HOTEL BEATUS on Lake Thun, the WILERBAD on Lake Sarnersee, the HOTEL LA ROCCA on Lake Maggiore and the HOTEL BAD
The original BLACK FOREST HOTEL offers a modern
SCHACHEN on Lake Constance will all make summer holiday makers happy.
spa area and certified organic cuisine. Sports offered are as innumerable as they are varied.
Gabrielle Attinger
SERVICES
iStockfoto.com Active people exercise in nature with summer hiking & biking.
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
ADDRESS St. Georg Strasse 9 D-79862 Höchenschwand im Schwarzwald Tel +49 (0)7672 4180 reservierung@alpenblick-hotel.de www.alpenblick-hotel.de
OPENING TIMES Open all year round
SIMIL AR HOTELS Wellnesshotel Auerhahn am Schluchsee; HUBERTUS Alpin Lodge & Spa, Balderschwang; Parkhotel am Soier See, Bad Bayersoien
WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 3 5 5
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Germany – Höchenschwand – Schluchsee-Aha – Lindau – Switzerland – Merligen-Thunersee – Ascona – Wilen – Italy – Cima di Porlezza
WELLNESSHOTEL AUERHAHN
HOTEL BAD SCHACHEN Isolde Schielin, owner & host
The Thoma family
B E AT U S W E L L N E S S & S PA - H O T E L Sebastian Moser, director
The HOTEL Bad Schachen in the most beautiful The WELLNESSHOTEL Auerhahn is located directly
location on Lake Constance, in a unique park of mature
The FIVE STAR HOTEL right on Lake Thun with
on the Schluchsee. Every conceivable sport and water
trees, offering breathtaking views over the lake and the
12,000m2 of surrounding park area, a beach and
activity is possible within the daily programme on offer.
Alps. The lakeside terrace, Art Nouveau outdoor pool,
houseboat as well as a wellness oasis and saltwater
Afterwards, relax in the 2,000m2 wellness oasis.
excellent (fish) cuisine and extensive spa area guarantee
spa that delights every water lover.
an unforgettable holiday experience. SERVICES These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
SERVICES SERVICES
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
ADDRESS
ADDRESS
Vorderaha 4
ADDRESS
Seestrasse 300
D-79859 Schluchsee-Aha
Bad Schachen 1
CH-3658 Merligen-Thunersee
Tel +49 (0)76 56 97450
D-88131 Lindau am Bodensee
Tel +41 (0)33 748 04 34
info@auerhahn.net
Tel +49 (0)8382 298 0
welcome@beatus.ch
www.auerhahn.net
servus@badschachen.de
www.beatus.ch
www.badschachen.de OPENING TIMES Open all year round
OPENING TIMES OPENING TIMES
Open all year round
13.4. – 7.10. SIMIL AR HOTELS
SIMIL AR HOTELS
Bio- und Wellnesshotel Alpenblick, Höchenschwand;
SIMIL AR HOTELS
ERMITAGE Wellness- & Spa-Hotel, Gstaad-Schönried;
HUBERTUS Alpin Lodge & Spa, Balderschwang;
bora HotSpaResort, Radolfzell; Hotel Bad Horn, Horn
Hotel Eden, Spiez
Parkhotel am Soier See, Bad Bayersoien
am Bodensee; Hotels Alexander & Gerbi, Weggis; Hotel Eden, Spiez
www.privateselection.ch/webcode5 4 9 4 9
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WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 3 3 8
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WEB CODE
Germany – Höchenschwand – Schluchsee-Aha – Lindau – Switzerland – Merligen-Thunersee – Ascona – Wilen – Italy – Cima di Porlezza
69
SEMINAR- UND WELLNESS HOTEL STOOS
PA R C O S A N M A R C O L I F E STYLE BEACH RESORT
SEEHOTEL WILERBAD S E M I N A R & S PA
René Koch, owner & host
Raimondo Sartorio, host
Renate Stocker, director
The WELLNESS, LAKE & FAMILY HOTEL awaits
The SEEHOTEL, with an Asian touch, lies perfectly
The 4-star HOTEL in car-free Stoos – the natural
guests with awards such as "Europe's Best Family
in the midst of the lake and mountains. Captivating
paradise at 1,300m, only 50 minutes from Zurich –
Resort" (Senses Award), Top Hotel – Lombardy's
views and activities are guaranteed and the modern spa
is an insider tip for connoisseurs, wellness and active
most popular hotel with beach (HolidayCheck, for
area fulfills every wish. The two featured restaurants
fans. Upscale dining and 1,100m2 of wellness & spa
the 6th time in a row) and "Best Luxury Family Beach
offer culinary contrasts of fine Swiss cuisine and the
with award-winning haki® treatments.
Resort".... simply unique.
other with Thai delicacies.
SERVICES
SERVICES
SERVICES
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
ADDRESS
ADDRESS
ADDRESS
Ringstrasse 10
Viale Privato San Marco 1
Wilerbadstrasse 6
CH-6433 Stoos
I-22018 Cima di Porlezza
CH-6062 Wilen am Sarnersee
Tel +41 (0)41 817 44 44
Tel +41 (0)91 923 40 86
Tel +41 (0)41 662 70 70
info@hotel-stoos.ch
info@san-marco-hotels.com
info@wilerbad.ch
www.hotel-stoos.ch
www.parco-san-marco.com
www.wilerbad.ch
OPENING TIMES
OPENING TIMES
OPENING TIMES
Open all year round
End of March until December
Open all year round
SIMIL AR HOTELS
SIMIL AR HOTELS
SIMIL AR HOTELS
Seehotel Wilerbad, Wilen am Sarnersee;
BEATUS Wellness- & Spa-Hotel, Merligen-Thunersee;
Hotel Bad Horn, Horn am Bodensee; Hotels Alexander
frutt Lodge & Spa, Melchsee Frutt
Hotel Saratz, Pontresina; Hotel Schweizerhof,
& Gerbi, Weggis; Hotel Bad Schachen, Lindau
Marcel Neuhaus, director
Lenzerheide WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 4 4 0
WEB CODE WEB CODE
www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 4 3 9
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Switzerland – Melchsee-Frutt – Wilen
In the centre of Switzerland ÄLGGIALP
On the Älggialp, in the canton of Obwalden, lies the geographic centre of Switzerland. However, that is far from the only reason why you should visit this place at least once.
In summer the sun shines here until nine in the
example, the Steinmandli path leads from the pyra-
in Wilen near Sarnen. In this traditional four star ho-
evening, enthused Brian McCardell, when he took
mid to an impressive high moor, a small chapel, the
tel with a spacious and modern spa, the guests are
over the mountain inn on the Älggialp in May 2017.
tree line and, of course, past the Steinmandli and
the main focus. From the hotel terrace you can in-
Indeed, the most central restaurant in Switzerland
over the Alp. A half hour walk brings you to the
dulge in Swiss or original Thai cuisine whilst enjoy-
is run by an American, and his brother is the tenant,
Seefeld Lake, where you can dine in the summer.
ing a fabulous view over the Alps.
If you want to stay in comfort, about 17km
For those without vertigo: in approximately 3.5
THE CENTRE OF SWITZERLAND is, however,
from Älggialp but still in the heart of Switzerland,
hours from the Älggialp and over the Abschtütz,
quite remote. The last five kilometers of road are
you'd be in good hands at the HOTEL WILERBAD,
with the most breathtaking views and, admittedly,
no less, of the Swiss "Rütlihaus" on the Rütli.
so narrow that at the weekend only driving in one direction is permitted: driving uphill takes place on even hours and downhill in the odd hours and, even then, only for 40 minutes. This is so that on the hour you will either arrive at your destination or in Blatten, where the road branches and leads either to Flüeli-Ranft or Sachslen. The centre of Switzerland is marked by a metal pyramid protected by a stone wall in the shape of the country. The site was set up in 1988, when the Federal Office for Topography decided to mark the 150th anniversary with the, then, brand new GPS technology: It lies at 46°48'4"N (North) and 8°13'36"E (East). From 2003 to 2016, the Swiss of the Year, chosen by Swiss television, were honored and immortalised here with a big celebration party. Nowadays, the Älggialp belongs to hikers and connoisseurs. The possibilities are endless. For www.privateselection.ch
Switzerland – Melchsee-Frutt – Wilen
F R U T T L O D G E U N D S PA Melanie and Thorsten Fink, directors
71
SEEHOTEL WILERBAD S E M I N A R & S PA Renate Stocker, host
The HIGHEST 4-STAR HOTEL in Europe is a hideaway
The hiking paradise around the centre of Switzerland offers breathtaking panoramic experiences in four directions.
in central Switzerland. Situated on the Melchsee, it’s a
The SEEHOTEL, with an Asian touch, lies perfectly
great starting point for the most beautiful panoramic
in the midst of the lake and mountains. Captivating
hikes – but also in winter, it’s close to the ski slope –
views and activities are guaranteed and the modern
with a modern SPA, spacious, modern rooms and
spa area fulfills every wish. The two featured
great food.
restaurants offer culinary contrasts of traditional Swiss cuisine and, on the other hand, Thai delicacies.
SERVICES These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
a few vertical meters on Schusters's Rappen, you
SERVICES These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
reach the FRUTT LODGE & SPA on Melchsee-Frutt.
Gabrielle Attinger
ADDRESS
Above: Fotolia, below: Frutt Lodge and Spa
Frutt 9
ADDRESS
CH-6068 Melchsee-Frutt
Wilerbadstrasse 6
Tel +41 (0)41 669 79 79
CH-6062 Wilen am Sarnersee
info@fruttlodge.ch
Tel +41 (0)41 662 70 70
www.fruttlodge.ch
info@wilerbad.ch
On the Melchsee - starting point for the most beautiful panoramic hikes.
www.wilerbad.ch OPENING TIMES December to April and June to October
OPENING TIMES Open all year round
SIMIL AR HOTELS Seminar- and Wellnesshotel Stoos; Hotel Saratz,
SIMIL AR HOTELS
Pontresina; Art Furrer Royal Resort, Riederalp
Hotel Bad Horn, Horn am Bodensee; Hotels Alexander & Gerbi, Weggis; Hotel Bad Schachen, Lindau
WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 2 4 9
WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 4 3 9
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Italy – Bagno Vignoni – Switzerland – Scuol – Charmey – Spiez – Bad Ragaz
Water T H E R M A L B AT H S – T H E K I N G O F B AT H S
with benefits Since antiquity, the healing properties of water have been known. Roman thermal baths have shaped social life throughout Europe for centuries. Today, the range of soothing baths have become diverse due to scientific and technical progress.
The ROMAN THERMAL BATHS were huge – one can still see this today from their enormous ruins. They were luxurious, with mosaic and marble floors and paintings. Prestigious buildings, owned by patrons or the Emperor himself, for whose construction by the most proficient builders from all over the Roman Empire was commissioned. Even today, the thermal bath is still the "king" of various bathing establishments, which care for the well being of body and soul. From the heat of the water as well as the natural properties: thermal water is heated underground, either by volcanic activity (Japanese "Onsen" Hot Springs) or because it circulates through the deeper layers of the earth’s crust and profits from the warmth of the earth. Spring water is classified as thermal when the water exits at a temperature of more than 20 degrees. The famous natural spring of Karlsbad, Czechoslovakia boasts heat of 72 degrees. The thermal water of Bagno Vignoni, which feeds the baths of the ADLER THERMAE SPA & RELAX RESORTS in Tuscany, reaches the surface at around 50 degrees Celsius. Due to the long journey through the earth's crust and thanks to the heat, thermal water releases and preserves many minerals from the rock. The water in the Adler Thermae comes from volcanic rock from a depth of 1,000 meters and contains demonstrably effective bicarbonate, meaning double carbonated salt and sulfate and respectively sulfuric acid. In combination with heat, these salts have a positive effect on the bones and joints in particular. In Switzerland, these and other resorts, would be fed from the thermal springs; Bad Ragaz (the GRAND RESORT BAD RAGAZ with it's public thermal www.privateselection.ch
Christian-Pfammatter
Italy – Bagno Vignoni – Switzerland – Scuol – Charmey – Spiez – Bad Ragaz
73
Thermal baths in the Grand Hotel Hof Ragaz
Even today, the thermal bath is still the "king" of various bathing establishments.
bath "Tamina Spring"), the Bains (Baths) de la
With advances in technical research it has become
enlarged to more than 300m2 and offers a salt cave,
Gruyère in Charmey near Gruyère (the HOTEL CAIL-
possible to manually treat water. According to the
a Finnish sauna, bio sauna, steam bath, experiential
LER is connected by an underground passage and
manufacturer of the Badox-Jungbrunnenwasser
showers and an outdoor saltwater pool with spring
provides free entrance to its guests) and Leukerbad.
(youth spring water), Josef Schwarzkopf, the treat-
attractions.
Other baths heat their mineral enriched spring wa-
ment of his water is structured differently and thus
If you want to dive into the beneficial water,
ter or add effective minerals to the spring water,
preserving the quality of spring water. It should help
you are spoilt for choice. For those who want to try
for example, the Bogn Engiadina in Scuol, a min-
to activate the inner fountain of youth, that through
everything, some good advice would be to start to-
eral bath with tradition. Guests of the HOTEL BEL-
relaxation activates the powers of self healing.
day rather than tomorrow.
VÉDÈRE in Scuol can reach the Bogn Engiadina
The Badox method has been applied to the re-
through a glass passage and can use the baths for
cently reopened spa of the HOTEL EDEN in Spiez.
Gabrielle Attinger
unlimited time and without charge.
With the extension covering two floors, it has been
left: iStockfoto.com, above: KeyVis
1,000m2 water surface of the ADLER THERMAE Spa & Relax Resort is fed with thermal water from the Bagno Vignoni spring.
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Italy – Bagno Vignoni – Switzerland – Scuol – Charmey – Spiez – Bad Ragaz
ADLER THERMAE S PA & R E L A X R E S O R T TOSKANA The Sanoner family; Anton Pichler, director
H O T E L B E LV É D È R E Julia and Kurt Baumgartner, owners and hosts
The HOTEL Belvédère overlooks Tarasp Castle in the Engadine holiday village of Scuol, with its Romansh
The RESORT is located in the middle of the
culture. Glass-skywalk to Bad Scuol, modern facilities,
picturesque Vad d'Orcia (UNESCO heritage).
welcoming warmth. Skipass is included and lots more:
1,000m2 water/wellness world and a variety of
an alluring package.
excursions and sports activities ensure a unique experience.
SERVICES These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
SERVICES These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
ADDRESS Stradun 330 ADDRESS
CH-7550 Scuol
I-53027 Bagno Vignoni
Tel +41 (0)81 861 06 06
Tel +39 0577 889 001
info@belvedere-scuol.ch
info@adler-thermae.com
www.belvedere-scuol.ch
www.adler-thermae.com OPENING TIMES Hotel Eden Spiez
OPENING TIMES
Open all year round
February – December SIMIL AR HOTELS SIMIL AR HOTELS
Hotel Cailler, Charmey; Hotel Cresta Palace, Celerina;
Adler Dolomiti Soa & Sport Resort, St. Ulrich / Val
Chalet Silvretta, Samnaun
Gardena; Grand Hotel Hof Ragaz, Bad Ragaz WEB CODE WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 3 5 3
www.privateselection.ch
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Italy – Bagno Vignoni – Switzerland – Scuol – Charmey – Spiez – Bad Ragaz
HOTEL CAILLER
HOTEL EDEN SPIEZ
Stéphane Schlaeppy, host
Lisbeth Mathys, owner
GRAND HOTEL HOF RAGAZ
Jürgen Kögler, host & director
Marco R. Zanolari, general manager
wonderful surroundings, has sensational Gault Millau
The HOTEL Eden provides a sense of well-being.
The "Best WELLNESSHOTEL in Switzerland"
cuisine and modern mineral baths. The foothills of the
The lovingly cultivated park and the personal attention
(SoZ 2016 & 17), offers hotel, cuisine, health,
alps also provide opportunities for sport and fun.
contribute as much to the enjoyment as the newly
wellbeing, medical, business and golf luxury – in
designed spa area with fountain of youth saltwater
short, nothing is missing.
75
The CHALET HOTEL is in symphony with the
SERVICES
pool and two excellent culinary lake restaurants. SERVICES
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay: SERVICES
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
ADDRESS ADDRESS
Gros-Plan 28 CH-1637 Charmey
ADDRESS
Bernhard-Simonstrasse
Tel +41 (0)26 927 62 62
Seestrasse 58
CH-7310 Bad Ragaz
reservation@hotel-cailler.ch
CH-3700 Spiez
Tel +41 (0)81 303 30 30
www.hotel-cailler.ch
Tel +41 (0)33 655 99 00
reservation@resortragaz.ch
welcome@eden-spiez.ch
www.resortragaz.ch
OPENING TIMES
www.eden-spiez.ch OPENING TIMES
Open all year round OPENING TIMES SIMIL AR HOTELS
Open all year round
Open all year round SIMIL AR HOTELS
Hotel Belvédère, Scuol SIMIL AR HOTELS
Adler Thermae Spa and Relax Resort, Bagno
WEB CODE
BEATUS Wellness- & Spa-Hotel, Merligen-Thunersee;
Vignoni / Toskana; Adler Dolomiti SPA and Sport
www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 3 2 9
Hotels Alexander & Gerbi, Weggis;
Resort, St. Ulrich / Val Gardena;
Hotel Bad Horn, Horn am Bodensee
ERMITAGE Wellness- & Spa-Hotel, Gstaad-Schönried; BEATUS Wellness- & Spa-Hotel, Merligen-Thunersee
WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 3 2 8
WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 3 3 3
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76
Germany – Radolfzell – Switzerland – Adelboden
ARCHITECTURE IN THE HOTEL
Construction Art,
a Real Magnet for the Guests Good and original architecture contributes significantlyto the mood of a hotel. The guest feels at home in an attractively designed room, and the food tastes better in the lovingly furnished dining room.
"The mood emanating from the architecture is comparable to the effect of music" so said Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. And yes, a hotel that stands out through GOOD ARCHITECTURE is loved by many guests. Those who holiday in hotels often want to experience a different way of life than that within their own four walls: more beautiful, more original, more fun and somewhat more extraordinary. A fascinating architecture on its own is not a guarantee for happy, delighted guests however. Only in combination with excellent guest relations is it a successful unique selling point for a hotel. What makes good architecture is debatable. "The difference, nowadays, between a good and bad architect lies in the temptation of some, whilst others stand firm", as the philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein once proclaimed. The American star architect, Daniel Libeskind, gives a far more practiMinimal design in the modern double room "Nature" in the Parkhotel Bellevue.
www.privateselection.ch
cal analysis: "The job of an architect is to make life better." That's how easy construction art is. When
Germany – Radolfzell – Switzerland – Adelboden
77
A detail of the functional and luxurious bathrooms at Parkhotel Bellevue & Spa, Adelboden.
The mood emanating from the architecture is comparable to the effect of music.
Architecture as a magnet for guests: the lobby of the bora HotSpaResort in Radolfzell.
a person feels comfortable in a home or hotel, then the architecture is right, even if everything is not to their liking. In the end, it's the subjective perception which dictates whether a building excites or not. The indication of successful architecture is when the building belongs in its environment. One such hotel, in harmony with the architecture and its surroundings, is the BORA HOTSPARESORT in Radolf zell, Lake Constance, Germany. The 5-storey building, planned by the Munich based architect Bruno Franchi, lies effortlessly between the lakeside of Lake Constance and the adjacent westerly white willow nature reserve. Thanks to the transparent staircase, which heads all the way up onto the rooftop, one can experience nature within the hotel itself. The north south axis on the raised level of the upper floor and the Sky Bar underline the connection to the lake side and allow a privileged view of the lake from the bedrooms and corridors. The design of the facade is inspired by the traditional half-timbered buildings of the region. Through their optical ease they lend the superior wood structure of this voluminous construction a compact appearance and a hand crafted character. CA LL CENTER
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Germany – Radolfzell – Switzerland – Adelboden
The Sky Lounge of the bora HotSpaResort: panoramic view of Lake Constance in Switzerland ...
The job of an architect is to make life better.
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The generous forecourt enables the guest to arrive
bedroom has a quality bed, modern bathroom and
in his hotel and to wind down. The ground floor
generous balcony. "The architecture and features
extension, which compliments the main building,
with many high quality and original details are a
serves as a visual and acoustic border to ensure the
pleasure", writes one guest in his rating.
guests' privacy. The intensive vegetation of the cul-
The PARKHOTEL BELLEVUE & SPA in Adelboden
tivation roof with its herb garden also strengthens
also relies on design and architecture. In contrast to
this effect. Thus, the arrival to the hotel of peo-
the "Bora", the Parkhotel Bellevue is housed in a
ple’s cars and deliveries go almost unnoticed on the
traditional 1931 building. The hotel has been exten-
north-side.
sively renovated in five stages. As part of a gentle
The Japan sauna located in the front of the ho-
remodeling, the hotel was transformed into its orig-
tel, an extension of the Bora sauna complex, also
inal 1930's style. The lovingly selected vintage fur-
acts as an important link between the hotel and the
niture brings this time back to life.
Hotspa area. The 84, stylishly designed rooms of
The Design Rooms are also simply and tasteful-
the 4-star hotel, invite the guests to relax. Wonder-
ly decorated. An abundance of wood in the light
ful colours and natural materials allow the guest to
flooded hotel rooms, all equipped with classic de-
immerse themselves in a comfortable world. Each
sign elements: even here, everything is perfect.
Germany – Radolfzell – Switzerland – Adelboden
The difference, nowadays, between a good and bad architect lies in the temptation of some, whilst others stand firm.
B O R A H O T S PA R E S O R T Oliver Müller, host
79
PA R K H O T E L B E L L E V U E & S PA Denise Mani and Daniel Schüpfer
The RESORT in the border triangle of Germany, France & Switzerland for peace seekers, wellness
The DESIGN and SPA HOTEL offers tranquility, space,
and nature lovers, gourmets and sports enthusiasts –
light and views. Five neighbouring valleys offer plenty
directly on the lake with lawns, beer garden, beach.
of activities, Spa recreation and relaxation. The Gault
8,000m wellness and sauna complex.
Millau restaurant is a treat for the senses.
SERVICES
SERVICES
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
ADDRESS
ADDRESS
Karl-Wolf-Strasse 35
Bellevuestrassse 15
D-78315 Radolfzell
CH-3715 Adelboden
Tel +49 (0)7732 950 400
Tel +41 (0)33 673 80 00
reservierung@bora-hotsparesort.de
info@parkhotel-bellevue.ch
www.bora-hotsparesort.de
www.parkhotel-bellevue.ch
pleasantly surprised. We have never had such a
OPENING TIMES
OPENING TIMES
pretty and individual room. It matched our taste
Open all year round
June – April
the room, but the nature in Adelboden is also gor-
SIMIL AR HOTELS
SIMIL AR HOTELS
geous". A bigger compliment to the hotel architec-
Wellnesshotel Golf Panorama, Lipperswil;
Beausite Park Hotel, Wengen; Hotel Kirchbühl,
ture is hardly possible.
Hotel Bad Schachen, Lindau am Bodensee;
Grindelwald; frutt Lodge & Spa, Melchsee-Frutt
2
"When we entered the (Classic) room, we were
exactly. One might prefer to spend the holidays in
Romantik and Wellnesshotel Deimann, Sauerland WEB CODE WEB CODE
www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 4 2 5
www.privateselection.ch/webcode7 8 2 0 8
Christine Künzler Bora HotSpaResort and Parkhotel Bellevue & Spa
CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
80
Germany – Balderschwang – Switzerland – Riederalp
T H E E A R LY R I S E R D I S C O V E R S T H E M I R A C L E O F T H E E A R T H
Towards the sun Unlike in other countries, nocturnal hiking to experience the sunrise on a mountain peak in the Alps is still relatively uncommon. Thankfully, says anyone who has done such a tour before.
Sunrise on the Siplinger Kopf.
It is every traveller’s mission whilst travelling in the
and, instead of awe-inspiring silence, you can hear
overnight in one of the Alpine Private Selection
east of Java to climb the Vulkans Bromo near Sura-
conversations in many languages.
Hotels and let the knowledgeable hotel guide take
baya. After a long, nocturnal journey to the volca-
The experience of a sunrise on a mountain peak
you to the summit early in the morning. Such tours
no, you climb up many steps to the crater to ex-
in the Alps is calmer and incomparably more im-
have traditionally taken place at the HUBERTUS
perience the sunrise: a magical moment in this
pressive. Here, the nocturnal tours even at the most
ALPINE LODGE & SPA in Balderschwang. Hotelier
almost extraterrestrial landscape. But anyone think-
famous peaks such as the RIGI or the NIESEN are
and owner Karl Traubel travels himself with the
ing there would be contemplative silence, is disap-
not an everyday business – and the numbers pos-
guests to the Siplinger Kopf at 1745 meters, to
pointed. With several hundred thousand visitors a
sible at the summit is not as many as elsewhere. If
greet the sun from there.
year, there is hardly any room to stand on the crater
you don’t want to leave at midnight, you can stay
www.privateselection.ch
Germany – Balderschwang – Switzerland – Riederalp
HUBERTUS ALPIN L O D G E & S PA
81
H O T E L R O YA L The Furrer family, owner; Regula Schmidt, director
The Traubel family The HOTEL Royal is uniquely situated in the car-free The Hubertus is hardly a hotel, more a HOME.
Aletsch Arena. Golf and alpine winter and summer
It is situated above the Bregenz Forest, only 2 hours
sports on the doorstep, spacious suites (45-60m2),
from Zurich by car, with Alpine Health & Spa. The
modern with a touch of luxury and breathtaking views
Hubertus hotel is characterised by warm hospitality,
to the Matterhorn. Experience the peace.
fine cuisine and a varied activity programme surrounded by the most beautiful nature.
SERVICES These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
SERVICES These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
ADDRESS CH-3987 Riederalp ADDRESS
Tel +41 (0)27 928 44 88
Dorf 5
royal @artfurrer.ch
D-87538 Balderschwang (Allgäu)
www.artfurrer.ch/hotel-royal
Tel +49 (0)8328 9200 info@hotel-hubertus.de
OPENING TIMES
www.hotel-hubertus.de
Winter season from 21.12. to 1.4. Summer season on request
OPENING TIMES Open all year round
SIMIL AR HOTELS Ferienart Resort & Spa, Saas-Fee;
SIMIL AR HOTELS
Hotel Saratz, Pontresina
Parkhotel am Soier See, Bad Bayersoien;
In Valais you can even enjoy beautiful sunrises with-
Hotel Bachmair-Weissach am Tegernsee;
WEB CODE
Rubner’s Hotel Rudolf, Reischach-Brunneck
www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 3 9 6
out any hiking: in the ART FURRER ROYAL HOTEL on the Riederalp at 1910 meters you can see the
WEB CODE
Matterhorn in clear weather.
www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 2 9 4
Gabrielle Attinger Hubertus Alpin Lodge & Spa
CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
GAME VIEWING IN THE HOMELANDS
The Big Five in
the Alps
The goal of every safari in the savannah of Africa is the encounter with the "Big Five": buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhinoceros. In the Alpine region it is not yet clear which animals should belong to the "Big Five". The more exciting and varied game viewing experiences are in temperate zones.
The Steinbok: King of the mountains.
84
France – Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer – Switzerland – Melchsee-Frutt
Back home: the bearded vulture
You could actually go on safari in the Val Trupchun
bird in the Alpine region and was successfully rein-
views you reach the bearded vulture info stand.
in the SWISS NATIONAL PARK. Because the word
troduced in the Frutt.
South of the Alps, in the Camargue Regional Park,
safari means nothing other than travelling. It comes
In the early summer/summer you can watch the
the question is easier to answer. It is all about bird
from Swahili, the language of the East Africans.
descendants of that bearded vulture, Johannes,
watching, because the migratory birds come to the
From them, the German and English colonialists
above the Tannalp. So pack your camera and binoc-
region twice a year. There are flamingos that feel
had learnt the Voka Bel, to describe hunting trips.
ulars. From your starting point, the FRUTT LODGE
particularly comfortable in the Rhone Delta. The
Wildlife observations sound more harmless and are
& SPA, after 90 minutes of hiking with magnificent
semi-wild Camargue bulls and the free-living, white
better suited in European regions, which nowadays offer many tourist programmes. The primeval forests, swamps and steppes of Eastern Poland have long been known to have bison, wolves, bears and moose. More recently, tourism operators in the Alpine region have offered wildlife safaris. Of course, you can also go searching for deer, steinbok or marmots on your own. But as in Africa, the trained eyes of a gamekeeper see much more – and the experts also know where to look. And which animals belong to the "Big Five"? The steinbok is one of them and also the chamois. And then the deer – but what about the wild boar? Is it really the salamander or the griffon vulture? There is some agreement with the golden eagle and bearded vulture – the latter is the largest www.privateselection.ch
The flamingos are particularly at home in the Rhone Delta.
France – Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer – Switzerland – Melchsee-Frutt
H Ô T E L L’ E S T E L L E EN CAMARGUE
85
F R U T T L O D G E U N D S PA Melanie and Thorsten Fink, directors
Philipp Genner and Sven Fuhrmann The highest 4-STAR HOTEL in Europe is a hideaway The HOTEL L'Estelle is located in a privileged
in central Switzerland. Situated on the Melchsee, it’s a
position at the nature park, with a pool and private
great starting point for the most beautiful panoramic
lake, 2 km from the sea with its own beach. An
hikes – but also in winter, being close to the ski slope
excellent cuisine and a cozy atmosphere complete
– with a modern SPA, spacious, modern rooms and
the holiday experience.
great food.
SERVICES
SERVICES
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
Camargue horses are also bred there and they can
ADDRESS
ADDRESS
be seen in the alluvial land and in the salt lagoons.
Rte du Petit-Rhône D38
Frutt 9
The HOTEL L'ESTELLE DE CAMARGUE offers
F-13460 Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
CH-6068 Melchsee-Frutt
this natural spectacle from the deckchair. The house
Tel +33 (0)490 97 89 01
Tel +41 (0)41 669 79 79
is located in the protected area of Sainte-Maries-
reception@hotelestelle.com
info@fruttlodge.ch
de-la-mer, just two kilometres from the coast. Its
www.hotelestelle.com
www.fruttlodge.ch
OPENING TIMES
OPENING TIMES
6.4. – 10.11. as well as over Christmas / New Year
December – April and June – October
facilities are as convincing as the location – an ideal place to go game viewing.
and from Thursday to Saturday in February and March SIMIL AR HOTELS SIMIL AR HOTELS
Seminar- and Wellnesshotel Stoos; Hotel Saratz,
Boutique Hotel L’Unicorno, Bedizzole am Gardasee;
Pontresina; Art Furrer Royal Resort, Riederalp
Hotel Le Clair de Plume, Grignan-Provence WEB CODE WEB CODE
www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 2 4 9
www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 3 9 1
Gabrielle Attinger iStockfoto.com
CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
86
Switzerland – Zürich
INSIDER TIPS IN ZURICH
The favorite events
of the locals April 16
from Mid May
Many of Zurich's festivals and festivities are well
THE SECHSELÄUTEN – after the actual Sechse
As early as mid-May, and on during the summer
known beyond national borders. In the small city
läuten. This is when the famous Böögg is burned,
months, the Women’s only ‘badi’ area on the
on the lake smaller events also take place, which are
and the Sechseläuten Place with its bonfire
Limmat holds "CULTURE ON WEDNESDAY" with
well worth a visit: a few examples.
becomes the largest barbecue area in Switzerland.
readings and concerts. In the evenings the ‘badi’
There is a mix of an open-air party feel and quiet
is called the "Barfuss" (Barefootbar), and that is
spectators which is simply unique.
quite literal. On Thursdays it has a normal bar
Who does not know about the STREET PARADE in Zurich. Each August up to one million visitors rave to booming techno sounds around the Zurich’s
service, on Sundays there's dancing and on Mon-
lake basin – and the pictures of them go around
days there’s comedy.
the world. The hotels get booked out days before, but there are campsites and Airbnb accommodation, but still it gets pretty tight in the city centre.
In the small city on the lake smaller events also take place, which are well worth a visit.
www.privateselection.ch
Switzerland – Zürich
end of May
in autumn
It’s a great time to go to Zurich at the end of May.
"Zürich reads" is a LITERATURE FESTIVAL in
On the last weekend of May the KREISLAUF 4 + 5
autumn, in which locals participate who are active
The VIBRANT HOTEL in the center of Zurich offers
takes place, which now also extends into Kreis 3.
in the culture field, whether they are well-known
friendliness and comfort as well as everything your
Kreislauf 4 + 5 is the Zurich design weekend and
TV presenters, budding bestselling authors or
heart desires. Luxurious fitness centre and spa area
there is a guide all about it. This is the design
magazine editors. A good opportunity for exciting
makes your stay even more enjoyable.
quarter of the city – admittedly, the term "quarter"
face to face encounters.
87
HOTEL GLÄRNISCHHOF ZÜRICH Christian Schübert, director
is slightly misleading. The chain of creative and
SERVICES
trendy fashion shops, design, jewelry and furniture
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
stores runs almost across the entire western part of the city, many new discoveries, special offers and every few meters a free "Cüpli" is guaranteed. ADDRESS Claridenstrasse 30 CH-8002 Zürich Tel +41 (0)44 286 22 22 info@hotelglaernischhof.ch www.hotelglaernischhof.ch
OPENING TIMES Open all year round
The HOTEL GLÄRNISCHHOF is situated in the middle of the action.
WEB CODE
Almost all of Zurich's festivities can be reached on foot from this
www.privateselection.ch/webcode7 9 0 8 4
hotel. The comfortable rooms leave nothing to be desired and the service is outstanding.
Gabrielle Attinger iStockfoto.com, Sechseläuten: Gabrielle Attinger
CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
88
Switzerland – Horn – Lipperswil – Germany – Lindau – Radolfzell
AN INSPIRING STORY ON TWO WHEELS
Around
Lake Constance Romantic evening atmosphere at Untersee on the southwest end of Lake Constance.
Switzerland – Horn – Lipperswil – Germany – Lindau – Radolfzell
89
One doesn’t have to be able to read maps, carry along saddlebags or even dust off the bike from the cellar.
DEAR JOHN
Do you remember? Almost exactly one year ago we were on holiday in Swiss bike land together. I had meticulously prepared the tour for you: studied maps, sourced accommodation while thinking "we will also find them on the way", looked for waterproof luggage carriers in a sports shop, so that we could carry our seven camel bags on our bike caravan and finally reserved a rental bike for you at the station and cleaned all the dirt and rust off my old bike. Brought it up to scratch, so to speak. Unfortunately, this year you were prevented from making another trip to Europe and Switzerland: "Business first..." you said, even though you are consumed with longing for the mountains, the people, the cuisine... Nevertheless, I did not drive to the Adriatic Sea or jet to Egypt by plane – I rather found my beach summer very close by, at Lake Constance. The water was a warm 25 degrees, very clear and clean, completely without salt, sea urchins or jellyfish and with a private part of the beach – just for me. Yes, I also cycled in Switzerland last summer. But this time, richer in experience thanks to last summer, I tackled it differently. Whilst surfing the internet I encountered a website entitled "Switzerland Mobile" and laughingly learnt what the many red signposts with the blue stickers and numbers on meant: They signal a nationwide network of tested, mainly car-free routes especially for cyclists, and you can follow these numbered routes quite comfortably across and throughout Switzerland by bike without any map reading struggles. While studying the "Services" listed on each route, I also came across the fact that there is not only this dense network of signposted bike routes in Switzerland, but also an equally dense and nationwide network of services. Yes, one does not have to be able to read maps, carry along saddlebags or even dust off the bike from the cellar. All this can also be obtained from experienced providers on the route network, usually with a few clicks on the website, where this or that service can be booked. The accommodation first: for a small amount of money I could have reserved a night in a farmhouse, in the dormitory of a youth hostel or even at a local inn on the bike trail.
Instead, for just a little more money, I had a lot more comfort and hospitality and booked the
Lake Constance biking and bathing tour as described on the internet. And now there is a lot to report on: On the first day we took the train to Müllheim/Wigoltingen and were collected by the hotel bus and brought to the WELLNESS GOLF PANORAMA HOTEL in Lipperswil, where we spent an unforgettable afternoon in the wellness oasis and enjoyed a gourmet dinner in the evening. Our reserved bikes were ready waiting for us in the morning at the front of the hotel. Last year, on our start day on Sunday, we stood in front of the closed counters of the rental station. So off we rode, finding the route map in our travel documents, which showed us the bike friendly way from the Wellness Golf Panorama Hotel in Lipperswil to Kreuzlingen, Lake Constance (we also largely followed the signposted Veloland routes and numbers). Of course, it was clear to us that we would not have any orientation problems from Kreuzlingen to the routes around Lake Constance as the bike route runs almost always directly along the lake shore. Moreover, the tips laid out in our travel documents were useful, informing us of sights worth seeing along the way, recommended restaurants and even the next bike repair shops.
Talking of repairs: we actually had a flat tyre on Sunday afternoon "in the middle of nowhere"!
Not expecting much help on a Sunday, we called the helpline supplied by the organisers. Even on Sunday afternoon our call was answered and although hard to believe, they promised us someone would be with us within half an hour to repair the bike. We were even advised to sit down and wait in the garden of a nearby restaurant. They had our mobile number after all! CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
90
Switzerland – Horn – Lipperswil – Germany – Lindau – Radolfzell
Night 2 B O R A H O T S PA R E S O R T Radolfzell
! t n e m njoy
pure
E
Night 1 WELLNESSHOTEL G O L F PA N O R A M A Lipperswil
And that's how it happened, in fact after only 20 minutes, a vehicle turned into the nearby parking lot. Out climbed a man in his recognizable red vest, boosting our spirits as they already had at the airport and then again at baggage transport. He packed the bike in the van and drove us to the bike shop in the neighbouring village, which was open on a Sunday, and 30 minutes later we could cycle on with well pumped tyres, back to the reception. Why am I telling you all of this in such detail? Well, it's good for you, and your friends and acquaintances in America who may want to come to Switzerland to bike or hike, to know. You can travel throughout Switzerland on foot or by bike, on your own, without joining an expensive travel group with a guide. Nobody will get lost because the routes are signposted and the services offered are just as comprehensive and impressive as with a guided tour only more personally and individually tailored. You, the discerning individual, will appreciate this UNBELIEVABLE OFFER: daily start options, care and services from A to Z as required, daily program arranged according to your own personal interests and inclinations (beach or museum culture, beer garden or castle ruins?). Finally, a reminiscence and comparison on the topic of accommodation. You must remember our trip last year: we were on our own, on the go and proud of having everything under control. Looking for our accommodation only after our daily mileage had been achieved and our tiredness made us long for rest. Do you remember the evening in Bern when we were tired, sweaty and hungry and after trying 15 different hotels unsuccessfully we came to the realization that there were none available due to a large conference taking place in the city. It was only shortly before midnight and 20 km further away that we finally found something suitable. Not dissimilar to last year's experience in Bern, on a sunny evening in July, all the rooms were fully booked again. Not because of a conference but because the middle of July is when practically the whole of Europe have their summer holidays and so it seemed to us, a large part of those Europeans where spending them on Lake Constance... www.privateselection.ch
Switzerland – Horn – Lipperswil – Germany – Lindau – Radolfzell
91
Night 3 HOTEL BAD SCHACHEN Lindau
Night 4 HOTEL BAD HORN Horn
Well, experience makes you wiser and this time we planned in advance. From the internet page "PRIVATE HOTEL SELECTIONS" we could make our own hotel choices and had booked our accommodation along the planned route locations. After our first bike tour we rode, in the late afternoon, to the BORA HOTSPARESORT in Radolfzell on the German side of Lake Constance and this time were able to present our hotel reservation voucher. Our luggage had already been delivered and was waiting for us in the room. Having checked in we had our first dip in the lake and enjoyed an aperitif watching the sun go down from our deckchairs. I don't even need to mention the fantastic dinner on the lakeside as well. The day after, in the same fashion, we cycled to the HOTEL BAD SCHACHEN in Lindau and from there back to the Swiss side of the lake to Horn, to the HOTEL BAD HORN. We completed the last stage of the trip around Lake Constance back to Lipperswil, where we collected our luggage and were personally driven to the station by the hotelier. I think by now you’ve got my message. Come back to Switzerland soon and let us continue our shared bike story, it promises to end happily! With love Your friend from the Swiss Alps RUEDI JAISLI CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
92
Switzerland – Horn – Lipperswil – Germany – Lindau – Radolfzell
Offer:
BODENSEE BIKE TOUR
BAD HORN H O T E L & S PA Bernadette & Stephan Hinny, host
THE OFFER INCLUDES:
Unequivocal proximity to the lake: The NAUTIC HOTEL Bad Horn and Smaragd Spa directly on Lake
* 4 star accommodation – in Wellnesshotel Golf Panormama, Lipperswil
Constance with bathing spot, lake terrace, 2 bars and
Bora HotSpaResort, Radolfzell
restaurants, boat harbour and own motorboat. Only a
Hotel Bad Schachen, Lindau
few minutes drive away: St. Gallen, Appenzellerland,
Hotel Bad Horn, Horn
Constance and Bregenz.
* Daily breakfast buffet and 4 course à la carte evening meal 4 x take away picnic
* Parking space at the Wellnesshotel Golf Panormama or transfer to and from the
SERVICES These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
Müllheim-Wigoltigen train station
* Luggage transport from hotel to hotel * 1 Bike touring guide per reservation with complete Lake Constance bike routes and city maps, route descriptions and sight seeing tips
* If required: Country bike or Flyer bike rental
ADDRESS Seestrasse 36 CH-9326 Horn
Price (valid from April to October 2018)
Tel +41 (0)71 844 51 51
* 4 Nights in a standard double room – including Flyer rental (eBike): CHF 1'028.-- per person
info@badhorn.ch
* 4 Nights in a standard double room – including country bike rental: CHF 974.-- per person * 4 Nights in standard double room – without bike rental: CHF 829.-- per person. * Surcharge for superior room with lake view (e.g. Wellnesshotel Golf Panorama, Junior Suite):
www.badhorn.ch
CHF 165.-- inclusive for 4 nights.
OPENING TIMES Open all year round
* Surcharge for single room: CHF 110.-- for 4 nights. SIMIL AR HOTELS bora HotSpaResort, Radolfzell; Hotels Alexander and Gerbi, Weggis; Seehotel Wilerbad, Wilen am Sarnersee; Hotel Eden, Spiez
WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 2 9 2
www.privateselection.ch
Switzerland – Horn – Lipperswil – Germany – Lindau – Radolfzell
93
HOTEL BAD SCHACHEN
B O R A H O T S PA R E S O R T
Isolde Schielin, owner & host
Oliver Müller, host
The HOTEL Bad Schachen is in the most beautiful
The RESORT in the border triangle of Germany, France
location on Lake Constance, in a unique park of mature
& Switzerland for peace seekers, wellness and nature
The tranquility, panoramic view of the Swiss Alps,
trees, offering breathtaking views over the lake and the
lovers, gourmets and sports enthusiasts – directly on
proximity to Lake Constance, our own Apple
Alps. The lakeside terrace, Art Nouveau outdoor pool,
the lake with lawns, beer garden, beach, 8,000m2
Blossom wellness and the generous design of the
excellent (fish) cuisine and extensive spa area guarantee
wellness and sauna complex.
WELLNESSHOTEL Golf Panorama with 27-hole golf
WELLNESSHOTEL G O L F PA N O R A M A Alexandre and Caroline Spatz, hosts
an unforgettable holiday experience.
course completes this unique resort in the border SERVICES
SERVICES
triangle of Germany, France & Switzerland
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay: SERVICES
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
ADDRESS ADDRESS
Karl-Wolf-Strasse 35
Bad Schachen 1
D-78315 Radolfzell
ADDRESS
D-88131 Lindau am Bodensee
Tel +49 (0)7732 950 400
Golfpanorama 6
Tel +49 (0)8382 298 0
reservierung@bora-hotsparesort.de
CH-8564 Lipperswil
servus@badschachen.de
www.bora-hotsparesort.de
Tel +41 (0)52 208 08 08
www.badschachen.de
info@golfpanorama.ch OPENING TIMES
OPENING TIMES
www.golfpanorama.ch
Open all year round OPENING TIMES
Middle of April until beginning of October SIMIL AR HOTELS
Open all year round
SIMIL AR HOTELS
Wellnesshotel Golf Panorama, Lipperswil;
bora HotSpaResort, Radolfzell;
Hotel Bad Schachen, Lindau am Bodensee;
SIMIL AR HOTELS
Hotel Bad Horn, Horn am Bodensee;
Romantik and Wellnesshotel Deimann, Sauerland
Hotel Bad Horn, Horn am Bodensee; Hotel Hof
Hotels Alexander & Gerbi, Weggis; Hotel Eden, Spiez
Weissbad; Hotels Alexander & Gerbi, Weggis WEB CODE
WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 3 3 8
www.privateselection.ch/webcode7 8 2 0 8
WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 4 4 4
CA LL CENTER
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94
Switzerland – Charmey
Sweet
T H E C H O C O L AT E W O R L D O F C A I L L E R
pleasures
The Swiss chocolate factories offer different courses to gain an insight into the production of this famous speciality. The most attractive by a long way is that offered by Maison Cailler in Broc.
At Maison Cailler you can experience the fascinating history of chocolate making.
www.privateselection.ch
Switzerland – Charmey
95
Experience with all the senses in the tasting room.
HOTEL CAILLER Stéphane Schlaeppy, hotel director
You can have tastings at every station. But don’t over indulge as the best pralines are found at the end.
The CHALET HOTEL is in symphony with the wonderful surroundings, has sensational Gault Millau cuisine and modern mineral baths. The foothills of the alps also provide opportunities for sport and fun.
SERVICES These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
In MAISON CAILLER, you can lose yourself in the
the real plant, which produces the mini-branches.
ADDRESS
fascinating history of the production of chocolate.
The tour begins at the publicly accessible part of
Gros-Plan 28
You can have tastings at every station. But don’t
the factory and there are opportunities to taste.
CH-1637 Charmey
over indulge as the best pralines are found at the
You can taste at every station.
Tel +41 (0)26 927 62 62
end. The estate is not well connected by public
You can take a photo of yourself in front of
transport, but is at exactly the place where Mon-
oversized bars of chocolate. And of course there is
sieur Cailler found the perfect conditions for pro-
a factory gift shop with its whole walls full of choc-
ducing chocolate. The classic factory building, the
olate and a selection, of which even the most frugal
OPENING TIMES
outlines of which are present on every big box of
of visitors can take advantage of. If you stay at the
Open all year round
Cailler-pralines, stands impressively at the end of
nearby HOTEL CAILLER in Charmey, you will feel
a valley, in front of a cliff. The tumbling Jaunbach
the "Cailler spirit" at its best. No, the beds aren’t
SIMIL AR HOTELS
used to deliver enough hydropower to power the
made of chocolate, but there is indeed something
Hotel Belvédère, Scuol; Parkhotel Bellevue & Spa,
big machines.
sweet and brown to nibble in every corner. On top
Adelboden
reservation@hotel-cailler.ch www.hotel-cailler.ch
Here lies the entrance to the tourist attraction in
of that there is astounding cuisine as well as bath-
full Disney-style: a big lift shaped as a temple brings
robe access to the Bains de la Gruyères, an atmos-
WEB CODE
the guests into the depths of the chocolate history
pheric spa. The entry to the spa is also free for ho-
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- in the jungle of the Aztek Empire, where the dei-
tel guests.
ty Quetzalcoati invented Xocolati. The journey then goes over the ocean to Europe and goes through the French Revolution and until the modern era and
Gabrielle Attinger
into the Greyzerland. The journey ends in front of
Maison Cailler
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96
Switzerland – Melchsee-Frutt – Riederalp
S P E C TA C U L A R N I G H T S K Y
Stars in the
sky
The night sky has always fascinated people. Just as in the desert, the movements of the stars can also be well tracked in remote areas of the Alps. A telescope helps, but is not absolutely necessary.
In the Alps you can study the stars well.
Alessandro della Bella has brought people closer to
book "Helvetia by night" with spectacular night
new constellations together. Melchsee-Frutt is one
the Swiss night sky than anyone else. The young
scenes from all over Switzerland.
such place. There are only a handful of buildings on
photographer from Arosa has devoted himself to
The night sky can also be observed and enjoyed
the plateau, and hence the so-called light pollution
PHOTOGRAPHY AT NIGHT for a couple of years.
without a camera or telescope. Over 30 public ob-
is minimal. Observations take place in the middle
As a sport, as he calls it, to balance his daily work
servatories facilitate this. There are also dozens of
of the plateau at the Tannalp Chapel and, slightly
as a freelance photographer, in good weather he
private observatories, which provide guided tours
higher, in front of the FRUTT LODGE & SPA. This
climbs with up to 50 kilograms of equipment to
on a regular basis or on request.
modern four-star hotel is an ideal place for all am-
high ground and peaks. He photographs the sky
Those who are enthused after such a visit, buy
ateur astronomers and lovers of the night sky to
and landscape with five cameras simultaneous-
their own equipment to study the night sky and
stay – whether armed with a telescope or not. With
ly and then composes thousands of images into a
stars in more depth. Hobby astronomers meet regu-
large windows, the rooms offer a fantastic view of
time-lapse. Even the international press is enthusi-
larly in some of the darkest and remotest corners of
the sky, and if the weather is not agreeable, you can
astic about it. The NZZ has published the illustrated
the country to exchange experiences and discover
relax in the elegant spa.
www.privateselection.ch
Switzerland – Melchsee-Frutt – Riederalp
97
F R U T T L O D G E U N D S PA
H O T E L R O YA L
Melanie and Thorsten Fink, directors
Family Furrer, owner; Regula Schmidt, director
The HIGHEST 4-STAR HOTEL in Europe is a hideaway
The HOTEL Royal is uniquely situated in the car-free
in central Switzerland. Situated on the Melchsee, it’s a
Aletsch Arena. Golf and alpine winter and summer
great starting point for the most beautiful panoramic
sports on the doorstep, spacious suites (45 – 60m2),
hikes – but also in winter, it’s close to the ski slope –
modern with a touch of luxury and breathtaking views
with a modern SPA, spacious, modern rooms and great
to the Matterhorn. Experience the peace.
food. SERVICES SERVICES
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
ADDRESS ADDRESS
CH-3987 Riederalp
Frutt 9
Tel +41 (0)27 928 44 88
CH-6068 Melchsee-Frutt
royal @artfurrer.ch
Tel +41 (0)41 669 79 79
www.artfurrer.ch/hotel-royal
info@fruttlodge.ch www.fruttlodge.ch
OPENING TIMES Open all year round
OPENING TIMES December – April and June – October
Riederalp also offers good conditions for stargaz-
SIMIL AR HOTELS Ferienart Resort & Spa, Saas-Fee;
ing, where the unique suite hotel – ART FURRER'S
SIMIL AR HOTELS
HOTEL ROYAL – is ideally positioned. If you lie
Seminar- and Wellnesshotel Stoos; Hotel Saratz
down on the South Suite’s large balcony at night,
Pontresina; Art Furrer Royal Resort, Riederalp
you are closer to the starry sky than anywhere else!
Hotel Saratz, Pontresina
WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 3 9 6
WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 2 4 9
Gabrielle Attinger iStockfoto.com
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98
Switzerland – Weissbad/Appenzell
TRADITIONAL APPENZELL
Wearing beautiful costumes
almost every day There are no other regions in Switzerland where customs are more intensively cultivated than in Appenzell Inner-Rhodes – and nowhere where the traditions are more colourful and photogenic than here. Here are a couple of examples.
The alpine ascent in Sennen.
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Switzerland – Weissbad/Appenzell
99
Hostess - Damaris Lienhard-Züger.
Who doesn’t know THE APPENZELLERS, who don’t just want to tell German
HOTEL HOF WEISSBAD
tourists the local cheese recipe. Their faces and traditional dress are well-known
Damaris and Christian Lienhard-Züger
through television advertising throughout the German-speaking world. But do the people in Appenzell really look like this? Yes they do and anyone who has
The HOF Weissbad is a place to experience and relax.
ever visited the region, with the curiously round hills in eastern Switzerland,
This is ensured by the wellness oasis and the location in
knows that.
Appenzell nature – but above all by the friendly people.
In Appenzell the COSTUME is simply considered the most beautiful outfit. You wear it for any traditional occasion or festival – and there are plenty of
SERVICES
them. And so, those colourful clothes can be seen almost every day. The man
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
wears yellow or brown trousers, a white shirt, suspenders with brass fastenings and a red waistcoat. The woman wears a pleated skirt, a blouse and sleeveless jacket, a tassel collar and a big lace cap. Even children get involved in traditions like that in May, when the goats and
ADDRESS
cows return to the mountains after the winter and this traditional alpine ascent
Im Park 1
is celebrated. The Alpstopede festival or the "Stubete" or the "Stammtisch" –
CH-9057 Weissbad/Appenzell
is also splendid when there are bands playing and people dancing in tradition-
Tel +41 (0)71 798 80 80
al costume.
hotel@hofweissbad.ch
APPENZELL MUSIC plays a major role in traditional customs. It can often be
www.hofweissbad.ch
enjoyed in the Hotel Hof Weissbad, which is dedicated to preserving local traditions. The ‘Kapelle Alpstä-Nixe’, a violin, cello, tsymbaly and string bass quartet
OPENING TIMES
and other bands perform each Wednesday night in the hotel lobby.
Open all year round
The LIVESTOCK FAIR in October is another highlight of Appenzell tradition – and there are many more. If you want to experience the authentic Appenzell,
SIMIL AR HOTELS
book a stay at the HOF WEISSBAD along with all the events. The hosts are local
ERMITAGE Wellness- & Spa Hotel, Gstaad-Schönried;
and know the area and traditions well.
HUBERTUS Alpin Lodge & Spa, Balderschwang
WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 3 4 0
Gabrielle Attinger Archiv Appenzellerland Tourismus AR, Hotel Hof Weissbad
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100
Switzerland – Wengen
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE ON EARTH
The English love
Wengen
Whoever thinks of Wengen’s Tourism, immediately thinks of Great Britain. The English were the first to build a church, the "St. Bernard’s", in Wengen. They were the first to establish a curling-club and the first to introduce skiing to the village. The sport enthusiasts among the English have been particularly taken by Wengen. About a quarter of all visitors to this day still come from Great Britain.
Erich Leemann, director of the Private Selection Ho-
"Beausite" was in a rather bad condition. But Leemann’s
tels, Beausite Park Hotel, welcomes many ENGLISH
hospitality was more important.
GUESTS. "For some of the families that come to the
"Our English guests are a little different, says Mar-
hotel, it is now the third generation who are visit-
garita Leemann. "Who else says it was a lovely day even
ing us", he says. The connection and contact with
though it rained…" The times when the English visitors
the regular guests is particularly strong: "We are al-
stood out because of their special eating habits have
ways informed when someone is ill or when a child
long gone. "We realised early on that breakfast was
is born".
their most important mealtime and that they appreciat-
About 20 years ago the hotelier couple bought
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ed a large variety", said the hotelier.
the Beausite Park Hotel and brought their Eng-
Margrit Leemann has experienced amusing and
lish customers from their previous Hotel "Sunstar"
sad times with her regular customers. "Young families
with them. It wasn’t obvious that the English guests
sometimes have a peculiar understanding of order", she
would follow Leemann, because in the past the
recounts. "It has really happened, that a family emptied
Switzerland – Wengen
101
English climbers in the area Eiger North Face / Jungfraujoch (19th century).
B E A U S I T E PA R K H O T E L & S PA J U N G F R A U Margrit and Erich Leemann-von Allmen, owners Erich Leemann Jun., host
The Beausite Park HOTEL in traffic free Wengen offers pure relaxation: peace, clean air, lots of sun, a view of the impressive mountain panorama – and also a modern SPA area and excellent cuisine.
SERVICES These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
ADDRESS Am Wengi CH-3823 Wengen/Jungfrau Tel +41 (0)33 856 51 61 hotel@parkwengen.ch www.parkwengen.ch
OPENING TIMES May – September and December – April
their suitcase onto the floor and told the chamber-
isn’t very common. "Two young girls and a young
maid not to tidy their room, otherwise family mem-
man, all of school age, stated that they want to
SIMIL AR HOTELS
bers wouldn’t find their things…" Deaths of regular
get married in our hotel and they kept their word",
Hotel Ferienart, Saas-Fee; Seminar- and Wellnesshotel
visitors in the hotel are sad events. During one sum-
Margrit Leemann says. "They had beautiful celebra-
Stoos, Stoos; frutt Lodge & Spa, Melchsee-Frutt
mer season three english people died. "That was
tions: the women wore elegant dresses and hats,
very sad", the hotelier remembers. It is comforting
and the men wore tails". It goes without saying that
WEB CODE
when the bereaved wife asserts, that her husband
the former bridal couples now come and spend
www.privateselection.ch/webcode5 6 0 5 9
always wanted to die in the most beautiful place on
their holidays with their children at BEAUSITE PARK
earth, in Wengen.
HOTEL.
"The English are very loyal customers", Margrit Leemann summarises. "Some visitors have been coming each year at the same time for 40 years".
Christine Künzler
This loyalty also counts for young people, which
iStockfoto.com
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102
Switzerland – Klosters Platz – Davos-Dorf
T H E PA R S E N N D O W N H I L L
One of Swiss
skiing's legends The history of Swiss tourism begins towards the end of the 18th century and is closely linked to the discovery and development of the Alps. At that time, it was common for sons of the English nobility to continue their education on the so called Grand Tour through Europe. The stories of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe after his trip to Switzerland encouraged others to visit. From the end of the 18th century, tourism in Switzerland was equated with Alpine excitement.
Simple and close to spectators.
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Switzerland – Klosters Platz – Davos-Dorf
103
Impressions from the early days of the Parsenn Derby, which still has popular appeal today.
Evil tongues claim that the British had invented a
Oscar Schuster and the Davos mountain guide Jo-
few sports out of sheer boredom – such as golf and
hann Engi mastered the Parsenn descent from the
rugby during the heydays of the British Empire. It
Weissfluhjoch for the first time in 1903. In 1924,
wasn’t time-wasting games though, but rather pure
this track was one of the world's first downhill rac-
curiosity that brought them to the Swiss moun-
es, the Parsenn Derby. A tradition that is still val-
tains. From generation to generation, it has been
ued as a winter ski event to this day. Participants in-
said that in 1895 four English tourists got lost on
clude former top Swiss skiiers such as Paul Accola or
the Weissfluhjoch. Fortunately, they still found their
Ambrosi Hoffmann. According to the cognescenti,
way back to the valley via an Alpine pasture below
the steep summits below the Weissfluhgipfel offer
the Gotschnagrat called Parsenn, which connects
them a treat, but even experienced amateur racers
Davos with Klosters. A myth of Swiss winter tourism
like to take the track underneath. The Parsenn ski
was born: the legendary PARSENN DOWNHILL. The
area can be easily reached from Davos, the highest
twelve-kilometre long dream trail still encompasses
city in Europe at 1,560m above sea level, and also
a greater than 2,000 metre descent from Weissfluh
the Chalet village of Klosters.
joch with its steep slopes down into the valley be-
Parsenn is not only for the winter though. In
low to Küblis; and the final section through a lovely
summer and autumn hikers and mountain bikers
fairytale forest.
enjoy their hobbies throughout the area. CA LL CENTER
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104
Switzerland – Klosters Platz – Davos-Dorf
A myth of Swiss winter tourism was born: the legendary Parsenn downhill
The two (winter and summer sports) HOTELS
HOTEL ALPINA
HOTEL SEEHOF
D AV O S
ALPINA in Klosters and SEEHOF in Davos are ideal
Räto and Verena Conzett
Tobias Homberger, host
summer the mountain rail pass is included in the
The cozy CHALET HOTEL designed with lots of wood
The sporty, family oriented FIVE STAR HOTEL Seehof
hotel price). You can also experience the best in
ensures a perfect location – right at the Gotschnabahn
is located directly on the promenade and delights with
winter sports at the following hotels:
and the train station – with culinary delights for a
three first-class restaurants and an exclusive spa area.
starting points for your Parsenn experiences (in
perfect holiday feeling.
* Chalet Silvretta Hotel & Spa in Samnaun (Ski lift Samnaun/Ischgl).
* Waldhotel National Arosa and Hotel Schweizer
SERVICES SERVICES
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
Hof Lenzerheide (since the linking of Arosa & Lenzerheide this ski area offers 225 kilometres of slopes, and is one of the largest in Switzerland).
* Hotel Saratz Pontresina, Cresta Palace Hotel St.
ADDRESS ADDRESS
Promenade 159
Moritz-Celerina and Hotel Castell in Zuoz (Enga-
Bahnhofstrasse 1
CH-7260 Davos-Dorf
din St. Moritz, with its network of no less than
CH-7250 Klosters Platz
Tel +41 (0) 81 417 94 44
10 ski areas, is one of the most varied winter
Tel +41 (0)81 410 24 24
info@seehofdavos.ch
sports regions in Switzerland).
hotel@alpina-klosters.ch
www.seehofdavos.ch
* Hotel Kirchbühl, Grindelwald and Beausite Park
www.alpina-klosters.ch
Hotel, Wengen (The views of the Big 3 Eiger,
OPENING TIMES
Mönch and Jungfrau mountains make the Kleine
OPENING TIMES
Scheidegg, Lauberhorn and Männlichen ski areas
until 8.4.2018 and 15.6. – 14.10.2018
unique).
* Hotel Ferienart Resort & Spa, SaasFee (The
until 8.4.2018 and 22.6.2018 – 9.4.2019
SIMIL AR HOTELS SIMIL AR HOTELS
Hotel Alpina, Klosters; Hotel Schweizerhof,
SaasFee glacier ski resort is famous for being
Hotel Seehof, Davos; Hotel Adula, Flims-Waldhaus;
Lenzerheide; Hotel Adula, Flims-Waldhaus;
snow-sure and for season passes at crazy prices).
Chalet Silvretta, Samnaun; Waldhotel National, Arosa
Chalet Silvretta, Samnaun; Waldhotel National, Arosa
WEB CODE
WEB CODE
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www.privateselection.ch/webcode5 5 8 2 8
Christian Bützberger Archiv Davos
www.privateselection.ch
105
... wir wir schaffen schaffen Ambiente Ambiente f端r f端r Ihre Ihre Kunden! Kunden! ...
Airport Business Business Center Center -- H端hnerhubelstrasse H端hnerhubelstrasse 62 62 -- CH CH 3123 3123 Belp Belp Airport Tel. +41 31 802 09 80 Fax +41 31 809 14 66 Tel. +41 31 802 09 80 - Fax +41 31 809 14 66 www.zimmermanntextil.ch -- info@zimmermanntextil.ch info@zimmermanntextil.ch www.zimmermanntextil.ch
106
Switzerland – Ascona – Minusio
T H E H O LY M O U N TA I N
Powerful place with a view
It is one of the top ten attractions in Ticino and attracts more travellers every year: the pilgrimage church of Madonna del Sasso, towering high above Locarno. If you take the time to visit, you may also feel the energy that emanates from it.
Sure – you could make it easy and go by train to the gates of the church. The funicular to Orselina leads from the center of Locarno almost directly to the entrance. But, for whoever this is not enough should work their way up from the valley to the CHURCH, as befits a pilgrimage. If you go through the Via de Sasso, where the Saint Eugenio Institute is located, you will pass the small Church of the Annunciation and on to Via Crucis. Countless steps lead up to the large, bright yellow building complex with a monastery and various chapels. A Franciscan monk is said to have founded the church in the 15th century, after he had an apparition of Mary. Following the example of the Sacro Monto in Piedmont, various chapels were added, of which only a few are preserved today. In the 19th century, the state conquered the monastery and expelled the resident Franciscans. The administration of the place was transferred to the Capuchin Order. In 1918, the church was elevated to the rank of minor basilica, and today it is full of art treasures and history and is one of the most popular attractions in Ticino. The canton is currently examining whether the Holy Mountain, like its model, the Holy Mountain in Piedmont, could be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. www.privateselection.ch
Switzerland – Ascona – Minusio
107
The canton is currently examining whether the Holy Mountain could be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
fers spectacular views over the city and the lake.
BOUTIQUE-HOTEL LA ROCCA
BOUTIQUE-HOTEL REMORINO
The church itself is considered a powerful place.
The Krähenmann family
Sonja and Pascal Kirchlechner, owners and hosts
ergy flows here. However, the constant flow of vis-
The BOUTIQUE HOTEL situated on the Lake
The BOUTIQUE HOTEL Remorino is centrally located,
itors affects the natural vibrations. So if you want
Maggiore provides relaxation in a family atmosphere.
charming and quiet on Lake Maggiore, a perfect
to know if you can feel the energy that comes from
Breathtaking views of the Brissago Islands, a private
starting point for relaxing days by the lake or excursions
this place, you should take your time and visit the
Lido on the Lake Maggiore, Mediterranean cuisine and
into the valleys with the hotel’s own convertible or
church during out of hours or in the off-season.
wine bar guarantee unique holiday experiences.
e-bikes.
An ideal accommodation is the HOTEL REMORINO
SERVICES
SERVICES
in Minusio. The centrally located four star hotel of-
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
the winter break, the hotel will open again at the
ADDRESS
ADDRESS
end of February.
Via Ronco 61
Via Verbano 29
CH-6613 Ascona / Porto Ronco
CH-6648 Minusio-Locarno
If you would like to combine the a trip to the "holy
Tel +41 (0)91 785 11 44
Tel +41 (0)91 743 10 33
mountain" with a plant world, you should stay at
hotel@la-rocca.ch
albergo@remorino.ch
the BOUTIQUE HOTEL LA ROCCA in Porto Ron-
www.la-rocca.ch
www.remorino.ch
the Isole di Brissago even before you visit the bo-
OPENING TIMES
OPENING TIMES
tanical garden. The Brissago islands are two moun-
March – October
February – December
sult of erosion along an old watershed line between
SIMIL AR HOTELS
SIMIL AR HOTELS
the Maggia and Ticino valleys. In the garden, about
Boutique-Hotel Remorino, Minusio-Locarno;
Boutique Hotel La Rocca, Porto Ronco;
1,700 species of plants thrive in the Mediterrane-
Grand Hotel Diana Majestic, Diano-Marino / Ligurien
Hotel & Agriturismo L’Unicorno, Bedizzole am Gardasee;
The SANCTUARY stands on a rocky ledge and of-
One should be able to feel particularly strong en-
fers the best in comfort and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. Anyone who has arrived here doesn’t want to leave again in a hurry. Another plus: after
co near Ascona and enjoy the magnificent view of
tain peaks rising out of the water, created as a re-
an, the subtropics of Asia, South Africa, America and Oceania.
Hotel & Wine Resort Villa Dievole bei Siena WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 3 5 4
WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode74 8 9 7
Gabrielle Attinger Urs Bürge, Christof Sonderegger
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Golf T H E S O M E W H AT D I F F E R E N T H O L I D AY P L E A S U R E
Golf is a feature of the sport and leisure activities offered by many Private Selection Hotels. Even as a beginner there is the opportunity to learn to play this exciting sport. Our author explains his experience and first impressions of golf.
iStockphoto.com
110
Spain – Illetas-Clavia – Germany – Hörnum – Schmallenberg – Switzerland – Lipperswil – Bad Ragaz
How difficult is GOLF, this sport where you have to hit a little white ball with a club? How does it feel when the ball disappears for the first time into a small hole with a flag? Who has not dreamed of taking up this sport that looks so elegant? I, certainly, have been carrying that idea around with me for a long time. Every time I land in a Private Selection Hotel like the GRAND HOTEL HOF RAGAZ, the GOLF PANORAMA in Lipperswil, the DEIMANN in the Sauerland, the
hotel BUDERSAND on the island of Sylt or BONSOL in Mallorca, the sport of golf draws me in
How difficult is golf?, this sport where you have to hit a little white ball with a club?
Tee off at the hotel's own 27-hole golf course in Schmallenberg: it belongs to the Romantik and Wellnesshotel Deimann.
www.privateselection.ch
with its attraction. The elegantly dressed golfer who happily leaves the breakfast table to go straight to his or her golf course either right outside the hotel or close by, provides entertaining anecdotes of their day at the bar in the evening. What if you yourself were a golfer and part of this exciting world? What new experiences would that bring?
Spain – Illetas-Clavia – Germany – Hörnum – Schmallenberg – Switzerland – Lipperswil – Bad Ragaz
111
How does it feel when the ball disappears for the first time into a small hole with a flag?
I wanted to get to the bottom of these questions
course, he is a member of staff and is employed as a
and decided, two years ago, to try golf for the first
full time coach. My Pro, John from Scotland, imme-
time, as offered by various PRIVATE SELECTION
diately explained that one is always on first name
HOTELS. As so often portrayed, this sport is addic-
terms on a golf course. Then it was straight down
tive. It offers many lessons in life, both positive and
to business. First he explained the golf clubs to me.
negative. It teaches humility before one’s own abili-
The set, containing a maximum of 14 clubs carried
ty. The good thing about a practice round is the fact
in a golf bag, usually consists of a driver for the long
that you don't need anything more than the correct
tee offs, various irons and woods as well as two or
attire and a positive attitude. Regarding dress: in
three other clubs.
the world of golf, not only are the rules of the game
The fact that in golf, English terms prevail, is no
obeyed, but also the clothing etiquette. As a golf
coincidence. After all, it was the British who, ac-
novice you quickly learn that jeans are not desirable
cording to tradition, were the first to hit a ball regu-
on the golf course and that tops should have a col-
larly with a stick and call this activity golf. Back then,
lar. Everything else is explained by the golf Pro on
the balls were much bigger than today, I thought,
the course. The Pro, derived from the word Profes-
as the Pro explained to me how the ball and club
sional, is a professional golfer. At almost every good
should ideally meet. What seemed so easy when observed from a distance, became a real challenge in my first lessons. How in heaven's name should I hit that tiny ball, which lies at my feet, with this little club and make it go in the right direction? John the golf Pro know the concerns of a novice only too well. Therefore, he has a few practical exercises at his disposal that actually allow me to hit the first golf balls, more or less successfully through the air from A to B. The exhilaration which filled my chest at that moment was indescribable. "I can really do it", I thought. "I'm a born golfer!" Had I known that I would succumb to a fallacy well known amongst golfers, I might have quit my golfing career back then. Not for nothing is the saying: "NOW I CAN", the shortest golf joke. The taster lesson wouldn't, however, be the end for me but only the beginning of a long and enjoyable road. For there is one thing clear to me today: those who play golf succumb to a continuous learning process in which highs and lows lie side by side. One day, every single stroke succeeds, the balls roll magically into the hole, making the golfers life so much fun. Whilst at the very next moment, the ball lands in who knows where and won't roll into a hole at any price. That's golf. CA LL CENTER
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112
Spanien – Illetas-Clavia – Germany – Hörnum – Schmallenberg – Switzerland – Lipperswil – Bad Ragaz
On the advice of the Pro, I had more golf lessons
HOTEL BONSOL
following my first trial lesson. In the process, not
Martin A. Xamena
only did I learn to master the tricky shots on each
BUDERSAND HOTEL – G O L F & S PA – S Y LT Rolf E. Brönnimann, director
golf course but I was also introduced to the inter-
Authentic BOUTIQUE HOTEL with valuable antiques
nationally accepted rules. These provide important
and 3rd generation family oil painting, Mediterranean
The architecture and design of this exclusive
tools for the future. After all, only those who meet
parks and pools, private sandy beach and Nirvana Spa.
HIDEAWAY, between the dunes, sky and the North
the necessary standards in theory and practice, are
Local bus service to the center of Palma from in front
Sea, is inspired by the natural landscape of the south
granted permission to play. Only then can one play
of the hotel.
of Sylt. The modern rooms offer fantastic views of the
on different golf courses accompanied by an ac-
links golf course, the Hörnum lighthouse or across the
complished player. And with a bit of luck you will
SERVICES
soon be able to use your skills to obtain a handi-
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
Wadden Sea.
cap in a few tournaments with which you require to
SERVICES
play on many courses.
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
My handicap is now 37 with a lot of room for improvement. My own name is on my own set of
ADDRESS
clubs and corresponding gear. Personal equip-
Passeig d’Illetes 30
ment is simply a part of golf. Owning one’s own,
ES-07181 Illetas-Clavia – Palma de Mallorca
ADDRESS
is part of the game. When your game is not going
Tel +34 (0) 971 402 111
Am Kai 3
well, you can always blame your equipment. That's
bonsol@hotelbonsol.es
DE-25997 Hörnum/Sylt
a chapter for another day, which I will gladly ex-
www.hotelbonsol.es
Tel +49 (0) 4651 4607 0
plain. For now, from my own personal experience,
hotel@budersand.de
I can highly recommend that you book a trial les-
OPENING TIMES
son. I am convinced that one or other of you will
9.2 – 4.11.2018
soon be searching for golf holiday packages as on
OPENING TIMES
offer at the Private Selection Hotels. I keep my fin-
SIMIL AR HOTELS
gers crossed for you and bid you farewell with the
Hotel Diana Majestic, Diano Marina /Ligurien;
common phrase amongst golfers: "HAVE A GOOD
Hotel Budersand, Sylt
GAME!"
www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 2 2 8
Hotel Budersand, Romantik and Wellnesshotel Deimann
www.privateselection.ch
Open all year except from 4.1. – 2.2.
WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 4 8 5 0
WEB CODE
Thomas Borowski
www.budersand.de
Spain – Illetas-Clavia – Germany – Hörnum – Schmallenberg – Switzerland – Lipperswil – Bad Ragaz
ROMANTIK- UND WELLNESS HOTEL DEIMANN
WELLNESSHOTEL GOLF PA N O R A M A
GRAND HOTEL HOF RAGAZ
The Deimann family
Caroline and Alexandre Spatz, hosts
Marco R. Zanolari, general manager
Run by its 5th generation, Deimann is a holiday world
The tranquility, panoramic view of the Swiss Alps,
The "Best WELLNESSHOTEL in Switzerland"
of its own: the most beautiful WELLNESS HOTEL in
proximity to Lake Constance, our own Apple
(SoZ 2016 & 17), offers hotel, cuisine, health,
North Rhine-Westphalia with a large, award winning,
Blossom wellness and the generous design of the
wellbeing, medical, business and golf luxury – in
modern spa, 27-hole golf course for golfing pleasure
WELLNESSHOTEL Golf Panorama with 27-hole golf
short, nothing is missing.
at the highest level, hiking and biking. Also several
course completes this unique resort in the border
restaurants, one boasting Michelin Stars.
triangle of Germany, France & Switzerland
SERVICES
SERVICES
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
113
SERVICES These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
ADDRESS Bernhard-Simonstrasse ADDRESS
ADDRESS
CH-7310 Bad Ragaz
Winkhausen 5
Golfpanorama 6
Tel +41 (0)81 303 30 30
D-57392 Schmallenberg
CH-8564 Lipperswil
reservation@resortragaz.ch
Tel +49 (0)29 758 10
Tel +41 (0)52 208 08 08
www.resortragaz.ch
info@deimann.de
info@golfpanorama.ch
www.deimann.de
www.golfpanorama.ch
OPENING TIMES
OPENING TIMES
Open all year round
Open all year round
SIMIL AR HOTELS
SIMIL AR HOTELS
Vignoni / Toskana; Adler Dolomiti SPA and Sport
Hotel Bachmair-Weissach am Tegernsee;
Hotel Bad Horn, Horn am Bodensee; Hotel Hof
Resort, St. Ulrich / Val Gardena;
Parkhotel am Soier See
Weissbad; Hotels Alexander & Gerbi, Weggis
ERMITAGE Wellness- & Spa-Hotel,Gstaad-Schönried;
WEB CODE
WEB CODE
www.privateselection.ch/webcode7 7 8 9 7
www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 4 4 4
OPENING TIMES Open all year round
SIMIL AR HOTELS Adler Thermae Spa and Relax Resort, Bagno
BEATUS Wellness- & Spa-Hotel, Merligen-Interlaken
WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 3 3 3
CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
114
Switzerland – Prangins – Wilen
T H E W AY O F S T J A M E S I N S W I T Z E R L A N D
On the Way to the West The Way of St James is the most famous pilgrimage route in Europe and draws hundreds of thousands each year. Away from the crowds you wander the Swiss regions in peace, as for example alongside Lake Geneva.
The PILGRIMS were the source of many negative headlines dur-
There are though quieter and more reflective parts – about
ing the 2017 hiking season in Spain: the last hundred kilometres
2,000km to the East in Switzerland. Here different parts of the
of the Way to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, on the west-
Way of St James lead from Lake Constance to Geneva, and none
ernmost tip of Europe, were constantly overcrowded. The route
of them are really overcrowded. For sure, you cannot visit the
was littered with wanderers’ rubbish, and the villages were over-
grave of the Apostle James in Santiago de Compostela and the
run with unkempt travellers, unable to find accommodation and
Compostela certificate will also remain out of reach. The certifi-
sleeping wherever they pleased.
cate is given to pilgrims who can prove that they covered the last
Switzerland – Prangins – Wilen
100km to Santiago de Compostela on foot or the
HÔTEL LA BARCAROLLE
last 200km by bike – over 300,000 certificates were
Richard L. C. Bays, owner; Colin Kunz, director
issued last year. Instead, it’s possible to march peacefully and
115
SEEHOTEL WILERBAD S E M I N A R & S PA Renate Stocker, director
The HOTEL La Barcarolle is a beautiful resort in a large
for long stretches alone on the way west and be
park right on the Lake Léman. Romantic beach bar,
The Wilerbad HOTEL, with an Asian influence, lies
rewarded with fantastic Alpine panoramas and
fireplace bar, outdoor pool and private dock, absolutely
perfectly in the midst of lakes and mountains. Arresting
far-reaching views. The routes are signposted
quiet location. All rooms with panoramic views over the
views and activites are guaranteed and the modern
throughout.
lake in the French Alps.
spa doesn’t lack for anything. The two restaurants have
A particularly beautiful but challenging route
contrasting culinary offerings, one with good Swiss
leads from Einsiedeln through central Switzerland
SERVICES
over the Brünig Pass. The stage from Stans to Flüeli
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
cuisine and the other with Thai delicacies.
Ranft can be covered in 5 hours and is capped by
SERVICES
a visit to the Brother Klaus monastery. The elegant
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
HOTEL WILERBAD on Lake Sarnen is ideal for an
overnight stay. In the Romandy area the route between Lau-
ADDRESS Rte de Promenthoux
sanne and Geneva runs almost entirely along the
CH-1197 Prangins bei Nyon
ADDRESS
lakeshore. In particular on the leg between Allaman
Tel +41 (0)22 365 78 78
Wilerbadstrasse 6
and Céligny there are several splendid castles along
reservation@hotel-labarcarolle.ch
CH-6062 Wilen am Sarnersee
the way: The Rolle Castle with its four mighty tow-
www.labarcarolle.ch
Tel +41 (0)41 662 70 70
ers, Bursinel Castle, a magnificent manor house,
info@wilerbad.ch
and finally Prangins Castle, that is today a national
OPENING TIMES
museum.
Open all year round
In Prangins there is also ideal accommodation.
www.wilerbad.ch
OPENING TIMES
The comfortable HOTEL BARCAROLLE is situated
SIMIL AR HOTELS
directly on the lake and promises not only a restful
Hotel Bad Horn, Horn am Bodensee;
sleep and stay, but the Gault Millau recommend-
Boutique-Hotel La Rocca, Porto Ronco s. Ascona;
SIMIL AR HOTELS
ed Restaurant Le 8 offers gourmets something to
Hotel Wilerbad Seminar & Spa am Sarnersee
Hotel Bad Horn, Horn am Bodensee; The Alexander &
savour. And the beach bar is a wonderful place to wile away the end of the day.
Open all year round
Gerbi Hotels, Weggis; Hotel Bad Schachen, Lindau WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 3 4 2
WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 4 3 9
Located on the Swiss Way of St. James: the hermitage of Brother Klaus in Flüeli Ranft near Stans.
Gabrielle Attinger iStockfoto.com
CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
116
Switzerland – Merligen – Zuoz
Art
WHEN A HOTEL BECOMES A MUSEUM
at a High Level Art in a hotel, that's quick and easy. Art is one of those concepts that allows many different possibilities for interpretation. When we talk about art in a hotel, we don't mean prints in hotel bedrooms. This is about art at a high level.
This is what the HOTEL CASTELL ZUOZ celebrates.
Not all hotel guests are equally impressed by the
So much renowned art in one hotel is exception-
works. "Art polarises," says the hotelier. Now and
al within the hotel industry. The "Castell" features
then the guests tell her what they don’t like. "But
works by renowned contemporary artists such as
we don't get into art discussions," she laughs. "We
Pipilotti Rist, Roman Signer and Fischli-Weiss. How-
refer the guests to the hotel owner, Ruedi Bechtler."
ever, the hotel owner, artist and art connoisseur
Once a week, on Thursdays, an art tour takes
Ruedi Bechtler, also supports young artists. He
place which leads to what is probably the most
chose each piece of work himself and in collabora-
spectacular work in the house: the "Skyspace Piz
tion with the artist himself, presented it in his ho-
Utèr" by James Turrell. "All the employees of the
tel. That's why the hotel is in itself a total work of
hotel attend the tour, so that they also get to know
art: the historic hotel rooms have been transformed
the works of art," says the hotel director. From 5pm
into an exclusive art museum. Some works are per-
every day there are various art videos shown across
manent whilst others are changeable. Most pic-
from the hotel reception, and once a week the ho-
tures hang in the corridors, the restaurant and bar.
tel management invites you into an art cinema stu-
"So that the guests are not distracted by art in their
dio. The hotel's own art shop offers special finds,
rooms," explains Irène Müller, hotel manager.
such as exclusive, limited editions by contemporary artists.
www.privateselection.ch
Switzerland – Merligen – Zuoz
117
The Hotel Castell has its own art shop with contemporary art and art books.
CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
118
Switzerland – Merligen – Zuoz
Guests can borrow attractive art books and videos from the library. Things get particularly exciting in September when the host, Ruedi Bechtler, conducts his art weekends with well-known artists. At these events, guests experience the latest on the art scene, talk to interesting artists, make contact with like minded people and visit unique buildings and art around Zuoz. Near to the hotel there are many public space art projects and exciting art galleries. Art of a different kind can be enjoyed at the HOTEL BEATUS in Merlingen on Lake Thun. In win-
ter, when the weather is not inviting for an evening stroll, the "After Eight" stories are told from 9pm onwards: entertaining, literary and musical highlights to watch, listen, ruminate, laugh or simply relax over. The evening is even more perfect when culture is combined with fine cuisine: a delicious 3 course meal is served between 6.30pm and 8.45pm. The "After Eight" program is packed with exclusive highlights. For example, three magic evenings with Helge Thun, Jörg Alexander and Pit Hartling. The three magicians, the funniest and most original among the best magicians, are guaranteed to make their audience laugh and be amazed. Or there are the three entertaining evenings with Reto Zeller, researcher and song writer; Res Wepfer, gifted story teller and philosopher; or the subtle and sharp witted cabaret artist, Simon Chen. Things get exciting when Stef Stauffer reads from "Martha's Stories" as they are about money, love, death, family, friendship and future plans. Stef Stauffer's book is about an exemplary family history in the Bernese region from 1910 to the 1990's. The cultural program at the Hotel Beatus promises a lot of variety and guarantees unforgettable evenings.
Christine Künzler Hotel Castell
www.privateselection.ch
Photos from left to right: by Roman Signer at the Hotel Castell/ the Red Bar by Pipilotti Rist /The studio cinema in the hotel.
Switzerland – Merligen – Zuoz
B E AT U S W E L L N E S S & S PA - H O T E L
119
HOTEL CASTELL Irène and Martin Müller-Ryser, hosts
Sebastian Moser, director The HOTEL Castell combines art nouveau and modern The FIVE STAR HOTEL right on the Lake Thun with
architecture, tradition and avant-garde, culture and art,
12,000m2 of surrounding park area, a beach and
fine cuisine and well-being – and all on the sun terrace
houseboat as well as a wellness oasis and saltwater
high above the village of Zuoz.
spa that delights every water lover. SERVICES SERVICES
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
ADDRESS ADDRESS
Via Castell 300
Seestrasse 300
CH-7524 Zuoz
CH-3658 Merligen-Thunersee
Tel +41 (0) 81 851 52 53
Tel +41 (0)33 748 04 34
info@hotelcastell.ch
welcome@beatus.ch
www.hotelcastell.ch
www.beatus.ch OPENING TIMES OPENING TIMES
15.12.2017 – 1.4.2018 and 17.6. – 21.10.2018
Open all year round SIMIL AR HOTELS SIMIL AR HOTELS
Hotel Saratz, Pontresina; Cresta Palace Hotel, Celerina;
ERMITAGE Wellness- & Spa-Hotel, Gstaad-Schönried;
Chalet Hotel Silvretta, Samnaun
Hotel Eden, Spiez WEB CODE WEB CODE
www.privateselection.ch/webcode74 5 41
www.privateselection.ch/webcode5 4 9 4 9
CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
120
Switzerland – Flims-Waldhaus – Gstaad-Schönried
F E S T I VA L T I M E
Classic Sounds on the Lake
Summer is festival time. Hundreds of events compete for holidaymakers’ attention. If you want to enjoy classical music far away from classic settings, then head to Flims.
Lake Cauma at night: it’s as if the scene originates
Beethoven to Broadway. Of course, such occasions
the Yehudi Menuhin Festival. The American-Swiss
from a fantastic work of art. This lake sparkles a
can be best enjoyed as a hotel guest. The comfort-
"miracle violinist" founded today's world-famous
Caribbean turquoise during the day – but in the
able accommodation leaves nothing to be desired
festival in 1957, because he found the very best
evening there is a man dressed in a medieval cos-
and the best seats at the concerts are guaranteed.
acoustics to make music with friends in the church of Saanen.
tume holding a lantern, standing in a rowing boat
The brewery also serves as a stage during the
singing into the night. This picture was present-
festival. In addition, concerts take place in the differ-
The ERMITAGE WELLNESS & SPA HOTEL in
ed to the audience and listeners at last year's Flims
ent churches – just as at the big brother in Gstaad,
Schönried is the official festival hotel and offers its
Festival at the concert of the Grisons Baron Chasper Curò Mani. The music festival, which includes around two dozen concerts and readings in the summer months, is impressive with its extraordinary locations. The idea came from the flutist Matthias Ziegler. He set up a series of events in 2002 in which he turned the landscape into a concert stage. It was called "Flims Sounds" and was set up to culturally enhance Flims resort. However, after eight years the organisers ran out of funding, as they had not found enough sponsors and had to stop the programme. The Flims Festival is the successor event. It combines the artistic competence of the former creators of Flims Sounds with the generous support of five hotels in which various concerts take place during the festival. One of them is the HOTEL ADULA. The meadow in front of the hotel was used last year for the display of a bagpipe band. A concert dinner led from www.privateselection.ch
Switzerland – Flims-Waldhaus – Gstaad-Schönried
guests a unique VIP service with free transfer to and
HOTEL ADULA
from the concerts and convenient meal times: ap-
Dennis Berlin, director
petiser and main course is sometimes served before the concert, and the dessert afterwards. Over 70 concerts were included in the Yehu-
E R M I TA G E W E L L N E S S & S PA - H O T E L Pascal Fischer, director
The Hotel Adula is the leading WELLNESS HOTEL and upholds real values: clean as the Flims mountain
The CHALET-HOTEL is one of the main Gstaad
di Menuhin Festival last year and attracted over
air, clear as the water of Lake Cauma and featuring
Menuhin Festival Hotels and impresses with a
25,000 visitors. The Flims Festival is a lot smaller,
1,200m2 of the most luxurious wellness area, as well
unique wellness oasis with 320m2 of water area,
but maybe that’s why it’s more attractive. Those
as outstanding cuisine in 3 restaurants.
8 cosy restaurant palours, the 1 Million Stars Bar,
who like making comparisons should visit both.
and numerous other modern highlights. SERVICES
TIPP
121
The Saanen mountains are within easy reach.
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay: SERVICES
Whether Lake Thun or Lake Constance, Locarno,
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
Zürich or Lucerne ... many more than 500 EVENTS are held annually in and around the Private
ADDRESS
Selection Hotels. A large part of this can be found
Via sorts sut 3
in the event calendar at:
CH-7018 Flims-Waldhaus
ADDRESS
https://www.privateselection.ch/events/
Tel +41 (0)81 928 28 28
Dorfstrasse 46
info@adula.ch
CH-3778 Gstaad-Schönried
www.adula.ch
Tel +41 (0)33 768 04 30 welcome@ermitage.ch
OPENING TIMES
www.ermitage.ch
June to October and December to April OPENING TIMES SIMIL AR HOTELS
Open all year round
Hotel Schweizerhof, Lenzerheide; Hotel Seehof, Davos; Waldhotel National, Arosa
SIMIL AR HOTELS BEATUS Wellness- & Spa-Hotel, Merligen-Thunersee;
WEB CODE
ADLER Dolomiti Spa & Sports Resort, St. Ulrich
www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 3 3 4 WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode5 3 9 7 0
Gabrielle Attinger Musikfestival Flims Klang
CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
122
Switzerland – Flims-Waldhaus – Scuol – Zuoz – Celerina – Pontresina
The native LINGUISTIC MICROCOSMS
foreign language It’s there on every Swiss banknote – and yet hardly anyone speaks this language. Even in Graubünden Rumantsch Grischun is only a written language: it’s a phenomenon with 5 faces.
Guarda in the Lower Engadine a typical Romansh village
www.privateselection.ch
Switzerland – Flims-Waldhaus – Scuol – Zuoz – Celerina – Pontresina
123
The Romansh linguistic region is full of microcosms, each of which retains its own identity.
Admittedly, Swiss Germans know at least a few
written in Rumantsch Grischun as well. But, on the
words of ROMANSH, without even knowing it. Al-
road you speak Vallader, Putèr, Sumiran, Sutsilvan or
legra, as in mineral water, actually means "Good
Sursilvan, depending upon which valley or section
Day". Chasa means a house – and now features
of a valley you live in. The Romansh linguistic region
before the names of numerous restaurants. Also,
is full of microcosms, each of which retains its own
many holiday makers will have come across "butia",
identity.
the shop, in the form of a small souvenir shop in
In Scuol in the lower Engadin, for example, Val-
a hotel or motorway service station. But otherwise
lader is spoken, with there being a distinction be-
the fourth language actually has no significant role
tween a "normal" and a "central" Vallader. In
– even in Graubünden itself.
addition, there is the Münstertalisch or Jauer, a sub-
The Romansh television channel broadcasts the
sidiary dialect. About 7,000 people or about four-
news in this language and various school books are
fifths of the local population speak Vallader. There are dictionaries in this language, various teaching materials and even its own literature scene. Only a version of Google and spell-check in MS Word are missing.
Wall art with the seduction scene of Adam and Eve at a typical Engadine house in Ardez
The situation is similar with Putèr in the Upper Engadin. The oldest literary text in Romansh dates from the 16th century and was written in Putèr. The first book in Romansh is also from the Upper Engadin. Today even sign posts are written in "Upper Engadinish" – and in German and Italian for "foreigners". Sumiran is spoken by about half of the population in Oberhalbstein and in parts of the Albula valley. Surmeir means above the wall, and refers to the rock wall Moir in the Schyn gorge, the border between Domleschg and Albula Valley. Sutsilvan is spoken in the area of Hinterrhein and Schamsertal, but only by around 15 percent of the population. Sursilvan, the language "above the forests", which exists from Vorderrheintal to Flims, is in contrast spoken by around half of the population. The differences between the words are partially audible even for foreign visitors and quite evident in written form. For example: "Bun di" is said in Putèr, "Bien di" in Surselva. An interesting and quite amusing holiday exercise is to confront the respective linguistic microcosms and learn a couple of expressions in one of these relatively unknown local languages. CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
124
Switzerland – Flims-Waldhaus – Scuol – Zuoz – Celerina – Pontresina
Settle down to study Vallader in the HOTEL BEL-
HOTEL ADULA
H O T E L B E LV É D È R E
VÉDÈRE. This hotel particularly nurtures the local
Dennis Berlin, director
Julia and Kurt Baumgartner, owners and hosts
spa have Romansh names. The village of Guarda,
The Hotel Adula is a leading WELLNESS HOTEL
The HOTEL Belvédère overlooks Tarasp Castle in the
the epitome of Romansh cultural heritage, is only a
and upholds real values: clean as the Flims mountain
Engadine holiday village of Scuol, with its Romansh
stone’s throw away.
air, clear as the water of Lake Cauma and featuring
culture. Glass-skywalk to Bad Scuol, modern facilities,
1,200m of the most luxurious wellness area, as well
welcoming warmth. Skipass is included and lots more:
as outstanding cuisine in 3 restaurants.
an alluring package.
knowledge of Putèr. In the Surselva, the HOTEL
SERVICES
SERVICES
ADULA brings guests closer to the native Sursilvan.
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
Gabrielle Attinger
ADDRESS
ADDRESS
iStockfoto.com
Via sorts sut 3
Stradun 330
CH-7018 Flims-Waldhaus
CH-7550 Scuol
Tel +41 (0)81 928 28 28
Tel +41 (0)81 861 06 06
info@adula.ch
info@belvedere-scuol.ch
www.adula.ch
www.belvedere-scuol.ch
OPENING TIMES
OPENING TIMES
June to October and December to April
Open all year round
SIMIL AR HOTELS
SIMIL AR HOTELS
Hotel Schweizerhof, Lenzerheide; Hotel Seehof, Davos;
Hotel Cailler, Charmey; Hotel Cresta Palace, Celerina;
Waldhotel National, Arosa
Chalet Silvretta, Samnaun
WEB CODE
WEB CODE
www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 3 3 4
www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 3 3 7
language. The restaurants and also the magnificent
In the Upper Engadin, the HOTEL SARATZ in Pontresina, THE CASTELL in Zuoz and the CRESTA
2
PALACE in Celerina all invite you to gain some
Bun divertiment! as they say here – in Rumantsch Grischun.
Scuol, main town of the Lower Engadine.
www.privateselection.ch
Switzerland – Flims-Waldhaus – Scuol – Zuoz – Celerina – Pontresina
125
HOTEL CASTELL
H O T E L C R E S TA PA L A C E
H O T E L S A R AT Z
Irène and Martin Müller-Ryser, hosts
Annegret and Kai Wilhelm Ulrich
The Saratz family
The HOTEL Castell combines Art Nouveau and modern
This charming ART NOUVEAU HOTEL offers
architecture, tradition and avant-garde, culture and art,
nature and wellness in the most beautiful location in
The HOTEL Saratz combines the old and the new
fine cuisine and well-being – all on the sun terrace high
a stunning valley high in the Alps. The new Activity
in alpine grandeur and exudes a magical atmosphere
above the village of Zuoz.
Centre ensures carefree holiday fun.
in the middle of the Engadine mountains. Wellness,
SERVICES
SERVICES
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
Anuschka and Thierry GeigerStarkloff, hosts
sporting activities and cuisine – nothing is lacking.
SERVICES These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
ADDRESS
ADDRESS
Via Castell 300
Via Maistra 75
ADDRESS
CH-7524 Zuoz
CH-7505 Celerina /St. Moritz
Via da la Staziun 2
Tel +41 (0)81 851 52 53
Tel +41 (0)81 836 56 56
CH-7504 Pontresina
info@hotelcastell.ch
mail@crestpalace.ch
Tel +41 (0)81 839 40 00
www.hotelcastell.ch
www.crestapalace.ch
reservatoins@saratz.ch
OPENING TIMES
OPENING TIMES
15.12.2017 – 1.4.2018 and 16.6. – 21.10.2018
December – April and June – October
SIMIL AR HOTELS
SIMIL AR HOTELS
Hotel Saratz, Pontresina; Cresta Palace Hotel, Celerina;
Hotel Saratz, Pontresina; Hotel Castell, Zuoz;
SIMIL AR HOTELS
Chalet Hotel Silvretta, Samnaun
Chalet Hotel Silvretta, Samnaun
Cresta Palace Hotel, Celerina; Hotel Castell, Zuoz;
WEB CODE
WEB CODE
www.privateselection.ch/webcode74 5 41
www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 3 8 7
www.saratz.ch
OPENING TIMES June – April
Hotel Belvédère, Scuol
WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 4 2 7
CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
126
Switzerland – Wilen am Sarnersee – Stoos
A S P O RT T H AT U P H O L D S S W I S S VA L U E S L I K E N O O T H E R
Wrestling
in the mountains „Schwingen" is probably the most Swiss of all Swiss sports. This tradition has been practised for almost a hundred years in Stoos in the Mythenregion.
You cannot say this out loud, but it's true that we owe it to the
WELLNESS HOTEL STOOS, where the "Schwingen festival" takes
French that SCHWINGEN is such a popular sport. The invasion of
place. The comfortable four star hotel has a great spa and is especial-
Switzerland by the French troops in 1798 and the establishment
ly popular with seminar and spa guests. It also offers a lot for sport-
of the Helvetic Republic had added to Swiss national pride. For
ing guests. In winter it is located in the middle of the Stoos-Muothatal
this reason, in 1805, the first Alpine festival was held at Unspun-
ski region. In summer, the car-free high plateau attracts hikers from
nen Castle near Interlaken, in order to strengthen the self-confi-
everywhere. From the promenade to the challenging tightrope walk
dence of the citizens. For this purpose an old, almost forgotten
between Klingenstock and Fronalpstock, there is everything here that
sport has been revived: the "Trouser lift" or "Schwingen". Today, "Schwingen" is a prominent part of the national customs. Almost every child knows that the biggest "Schwingers" are called "the bad guys" and that these athletes put the surname before the first name. The big "Schwingen" festivals take place in the most beautiful spots in Switzerland: on the Rigi, where a rolling mountain slope with a sun terrace forms a natural arena, on the Brünig in a similar arena, or on the Stoos, where the spectators sit in a huge open-air stadium around the "Schwingen" courts. People have participated here in "Schwingen" since 1921. The Stoss "Schwingen" marks the opening of the mountain wreath festival season and thus attracts many fans. The referee council president knows the "schwingers" like nobody else and always manages to put together the most exciting pairings all day long. Thousands of people watch the high-level fighting, the so-called "schwinging". Those who really want to enjoy the spectacle and secure the best possible seats should spend the night in the SEMINAR and www.privateselection.ch
In the open-air stadium on the mountain, thousands watch the "work" of the swingers.
Switzerland – Wilen am Sarnersee – Stoos
SEEHOTEL WILERBAD S E M I N A R & S PA
SEMINAR- UND WELLNESS HOTEL STOOS
Renate Stocker, director
René Koch, owner & host
127
Marcel Neuhaus, director The SEEHOTEL, with an Asian touch, lies perfectly
The bad guys.
in the midst of the lake and mountains. Captivating
The 4-star HOTEL in car-free Stoos – the natural
views and activities are guaranteed and the modern
paradise at 1,300m, only 50 minutes from Zurich –
spa area fulfills every wish. The two featured
is an insider tip for connoisseurs, wellness and active
restaurants offer culinary contrasts of fine Swiss
fans. Upscale dining and 1,100m2 of wellness & spa
cuisine and the other with Thai delicacies.
with award-winning haki® treatments.
SERVICES
SERVICES
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
ADDRESS
ADDRESS
the alpine heart desires – and always with great views. The SEEHOTEL WILERBAD on Lake Sarnen is recommended for visitors to the "Brünig-Schwingen", (only 20 minutes by car from the Brünig Pass).
Wilerbadstrasse 6
Ringstrasse 10
Gabrielle Attinger
CH-6062 Wilen am Sarnersee
CH-6433 Stoos
Seminar- and Wellnesshotel Stoos
Tel +41 (0)41 662 70 70
Tel +41 (0)41 817 44 44
info@wilerbad.ch
info@hotel-stoos.ch
www.wilerbad.ch
www.hotel-stoos.ch
OPENING TIMES
OPENING TIMES
Open all year round
Open all year round
SIMIL AR HOTELS
SIMIL AR HOTELS
Hotel Bad Horn, Horn am Bodensee The Alexander &
Seehotel Wilerbad, Wilen am Sarnersee;
Gerbi Hotels, Weggis; Hotel Bad Schachen, Lindau
frutt Lodge & Spa, Melchsee Frutt
WEB CODE
WEB CODE
www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 4 3 9
www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 4 4 0
CA LL CENTER
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128
Italy – Beddizzole
FARM AND FIRST CLASS HOTEL
A unicorn
with many faces The salad comes from our own garden, the wine from our own mountain and the apples and pears from our own trees. Eat what is put on the table. Closing time is when the last guest can’t keep their eyes open: Agriturismo puro!
AGRITURISMO. WOW! In the mind's eye, we see a
grandmother, as she pulls up leeks in the large garden in front of the old house and checks the size of the magnificent zucchini. Walking through the herb garden, she picks a few sage leaves, a little dill, and cuts some rosemary with a pair of scissors. Vegetables from the garden and wine from the vineyard will be served for dinner in the lovely dining room. Se non è vero, è ben trovato. If it is not true, it is invented. But it is all true….. guests can experience it for themselves in the AGRITURISMO L'UNICORNO by Corrado Becchetti and his wife Gabriella Binkert in Macesina, above Lake Garda. The center of the agriturismo is the old 1654 "Palazzo", renovated by local artisans and owned for decades by the Becchetti family. The house was www.privateselection.ch
in French and Spanish ownership, which is why it
vines, fruit trees and olive trees. The fruits and ol-
has an impressive courtyard that is loved by guests.
ives are certified organic, with the certificate reis-
Ten themed rooms – one called Rugby, for example,
sued every year. "We make 5,500 bottles of wine
because Corrado used to play rugby – and a beauti-
from the indigenous grape varieties Gropello and
ful knights' hall are available.
Rebo. Mostly red wine, but also a little rose. The
The farm is surrounded by three hectares of
olive trees produce about 200 litres of extra virgin
land, beautifully divided into one hectare each of
olive oil, most of which is for our own use in our
Hosts Gabriella Binkert and Corrado Becchetti are passionate fans of the Mille Miglia classic car rally.
Italy – Beddizzole
129
AGRITURISMO & BOUTIQUE-HOTEL L’ U N I C O R N O Gabriella Binkert & Corrado Becchetti, hosts and Corrado Becchetti, former Dr oec, is today winemaker, host and organic farmer.
owners
This FORMER FARM stands in the midst of lush fruit gardens and grape vines. In addition to the welcoming owners, true culinary delights, lovingly themed rooms and total relaxation await guests seeking a break near
kitchen. And the fruits of our trees are served for
Another 40 percent can be from farmers from the
breakfast, while I make jam or limoncello with what
region and the remaining 20 percent can be from
is left", says Gabriella Binkert – at the Slow Food
anywhere. "With us, depending on the season, we
SERVICES
Market in Zurich.
use 55 to 60 percent of our own products," empha-
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
What does it mean, to specifically be called
sizes Gabriella Binkert, "but we buy bread, meat,
Agriturismo? At least 40 percent of the products
fish and cheese all year round." She and her hus-
offered must come from their own production.
band Corrado find these strict requirements beneficial, "because it boosts local value creation". They both take care of the guests from morning
Lake Garda.
ADDRESS Via Quarena 17, Località Macesina
to evening. Corrado, the newcomer to the gastron-
I-25081 Beddizzole
omy industry with both a Swiss and Italian passport
Tel +39 030 674 339
prepared himself for his extensive responsibilities at
info@unicorno.eu
the Agriturismo Unicorno with agricultural courses
www.unicorno.eu
and a one-year cooking course in Brescia. Incidentally, it is called Unicorn because during the reno-
OPENING TIMES
vation a unicorn was revealed under the layers of
April – October
dust. Gabriella, the country girl from the Münstertal, trained in the hotel sector, has also been active-
SIMIL AR HOTELS
ly involved in setting up the label Biosphäre Mün-
Wine Resort Villa Dievole near Siena
stertal. Both continue to be involved in Münstertal, Gabriella as vice-president and Corrado, a passion-
WEB CODE
ate hunter, hunts for a few days each autumn.
www.privateselection.ch/webcode76 2 7 9
Christian Bützberger Hotel & Agriturismo L'Unicorno
CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
CELEBRITIES
Three
luxury hotels Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern, BEATUS and ERMITAGE Wellness & Spa hotels – three luxury hotels. They are in the city, in the country, in the mountains or at the lake. Each of these noble hotels welcomes rich and famous guests from near and far. The hosts give a one off discreet insight into the world of their privileged clientele.
iStockphoto.com
Switzerland – Merligen – Gstaad-Schönried – Luzern
131
Hotel Schweizerhof LU Z ER N
Clemens Hunziker, director of HOTEL SCHWEIZER-
become an "owner" of one of the 101 rooms. He
aback by the in-house Schweizerhof Torte surprise,
HOF LUZERN, introduces Room 25, which is ded-
doesn’t have a favourite room, rather he has an
"an old recipe from the First World War". A bottle
icated to the Russian writer Leo Tolstoy. In 1857,
emotional bond to every room. Here in the Tolstoy
of local Knutwiler water is likewise available.
Tolstoy was staying at the city hotel by the lake,
room, for example, he met his nephews. Kim Wil-
Time and again, Hunziker finds that well-known
rhapsodizing over the view which prompted a desire
de sent him a gold record, Candy Dulfer personal-
guests spend hours on the restaurant terrace, en-
to "embrace, cling, tickle or even pinch someone ..."
ly brought her saxophone over. Viktor Röthlin, too,
joying being left alone for a while. In general, at
Tolstoy is just one of innumerable famous peo-
put his Olympic shoes on show in his room himself.
breakfast you can see everyone – famous or not.
ple who since 1845 have spent a night at the
"If you can dream it, you can do it!" it says above
Except Bob Dylan, the musician, was different from
Schweizerhof: empresses, kings, writers, politicians
the bed.
the others. "He never showed himself," the direc-
and musicians – the guest list of the Grand Hotel
Incidentally, the marathon star always only
tor said. Even at night, he slipped through the back
is peppered with big names. So many exciting sto-
sleeps in "his" room. Emil's wife also insists on her
door to the hotel, rode up with the goods lift, and
ries have been written here, says Hunziker, who has
husband's room. Only Blues Artist Philipp Fankhaus-
ordered everything to the room. In 2011, Dylan
been acting as host for 18 years. His idea: the sto-
er – a regular at the Schweizerhof – does not want
stayed at the Schweizerhof, checking in with the
ries should be captured, and made tangible for the
to sleep in his own room. He didn’t want to be re-
name Harvey Wade – "sounded like a petrol station
guest.
minded of himself in his own room. Do these per-
attendant from Minnesota," says Hunziker. That's
"The Schweizerhof Luzern should set itself apart
sonalities stay in the Schweizerhof for free? "Let's
why the room was dedicated to Harvey Wade and
from all the hotels in the world that leave nothing
put it this way," says the director. "Everyone would
not to Bob Dylan.
to be desired, but are still so unremarkable." That's
be willing to pay. But usually we can find a special
a good thing: since 2014, each of the 101 rooms
price."
Of course the Gianna Nannini fan wants to spend a night in the room of the rock singer, and
has been dedicated to a person of yesteryear or to-
Many a prominent guest asked for special treat-
naturally the admirer of James Blunt will choose
day. Each room has the same standard – and yet
ment; he has already experienced everything. One
this room. Most guests are happy to be surprised
each is unique.
had travelled with his own cook, and they and no
though, says the director. And the sensitivity of his
Amongst all the world stars, a few Swiss were
one else were allowed to take care of his suste-
staff helps a bit: an Arab guest would not be put in
also allowed to put their stamp on a room: writ-
nance. The heavy-weight soul singer Solomon Burke
the room of the Israeli satirist Ephraim Kishon. And
er Martin Suter, chancellor Stephan Eicher, caba-
wanted two mattresses and a board to comforta-
honeymooners would be booked into the room by
ret artist Emil Steinberger, marathon runner Viktor
bly accommodate his massive body. As a rule, long
astronaut Neil Armstrong, "where they are close to
Röthlin or singer Seven, whose room is most fre-
lists with extra wishes would arrive: wines, cheese,
the stars."
quently booked.
chocolate – everything that the visitor to Switzer-
Despite using well-known guests in their adver-
But, according to the director, it is not enough
land loves so much should be waiting for him in
tising, it goes without saying that discretion is the
to be a personality, you also have to have a real-
the room. Every wish is fulfilled, "nothing is impos-
top priority at this grand hotel. The director will not
ly good story that involves the hotel in order to
sible," says the director. Each guest will be taken
say anything about current room residents. CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
132
Switzerland – Merligen – Gstaad-Schönried – Luzern
BEATUS Wellness- & Spa-Hotel M ER L I G E N -T H U N ER S EE
The more prominent someone feels, the quicker he checks in under a false name.
"I'll be tight lipped about giving famous names,"
director. Families have descended on the Beatus for
warns the director of the BEATUS WELLNESS & SPA
generations, often several times a year, "to slow
HOTEL right at the beginning of the conversation.
down, as they say today". Because rest, that is the
Sebastian Moser has been at the helm of the Beatus
true luxury in this day and age.
steamer since the beginning of 2017, as he calls the
You relax in the 35-degree brine bath, in the
hotel in Merligen on Lake Thun. In fact, one can
midst of a park with hundred-year-old trees and
picture him in the foyer on the deck of a ship. The
cultivated rose beds. One looks onto the Berner
Austrian knows many noble hotels, most recently
Alps, on the mighty, pyramid like niesen. At full
he was vice-director of the Bellevue Palace in Bern,
moon, the host enthuses, it is particularly romantic
Switzerland's official guest house – of course, the
in the wellness pool. Highly relaxing and unique
strictest secrecy applies to state guests.
in the Bernese Oberland is the "See-Wellness", a
Moser's experience: the more prominent someone feels, the quicker he checks in under a false
www.privateselection.ch
massage on the gently rocking, hotel-owned cabin cruiser.
name. He has already fulfilled thousands of extra
The older regulars particularly appreciate be-
wishes during his career in exclusive hotels. The ho-
ing recognised and welcomed by the friendly staff
telier will only reveal what has already been said in
– Moser speaks of a unifying "family feeling". After
the newspapers. The footballing god Diego Mara-
all, many of the employees have remained loyal to
dona visited the Beatus in 1990 with World Cham-
the hotel for decades, above all the porter, who has
pions Argentina! The South American football wiz-
been welcoming guests for 30 years.
ards used a training camp in the region and relaxed
Of course, room service is offered around the
here at the hotel. The James Bond crew, who shot
clock, but the Beatus guest prefers dinner in the
the 1968 "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" (with
restaurants under sparkling chandeliers – where the
George Lazenby as Agent 007) on the Schilthorn,
service is perfect, but not stiff. The motto "well-be-
also stayed at the Beatus. In the lobby a table from
ing" also applies to clothing, emphasizes the direc-
the movie is a reminder of that stay.
tor, who feels most comfortable with a tie. After
In the past, it was mostly the English nobility
dinner, guests sit down at the fireplace, they read
who stayed on the "Riviera of Lake Thun", today
or play in one of the salons – irrespective of wheth-
almost all guests come from Switzerland, says the
er you have a famous name or not.
Switzerland – Merligen – Gstaad-Schönried – Luzern
133
ERMITAGE Wellness- & Spa-Hotel GS TA A D -S CH Ö N R I E D
Pascal Fischer has only been the host at the ERMI
and jewelry, also like to be served. "They let the
The stories make the rounds in even the most dis-
TAGE since July 2017, but hardly anyone knows
employees run around and say thank you less often
creet hotels – all the way to the director.
the hotel as well as he. For more than eight years,
than those who can only come for a long weekend
he worked in various areas, working his way from
in a 5-star hotel once."
Many guests make themselves important, insisting on a title, want to be addressed with Coun-
trainee to the head of the hotel. The Ermitage in the
The exclusive clientele flies in on a private jet,
tess or Baron. "That makes you stop," says Fischer.
village of Schönried – located in the Saanenland,
landing at Saanen airfield, where often a fleet of
But: "We respond to each guest individually, which
where 7,500 people and just as many cows live –
cars and chauffeurs wait. The limousine must be
requires a lot of flair." Industrialists from Germany
likes to call it the "most relaxed 5-star hotel". The
available around the clock, with bodyguards eve-
and Switzerland as well as numerous national po-
chalet-style hotel stands on a sunny plateau above
rywhere. As long as the hotel entrance is not per-
liticians regularly recuperate at the Ermitage. The
fashionable Gstaad. "We can look down on it,"
manently blocked, you can easily live with it, says
guest should feel comfortable. There is no jacket or
says the director and laughs.
the director. The "hotshots" are generally totally
tie rule. But if someone comes to dinner in shorts,
The pedestrian zone in the luxury resort of Gs-
shielded and do not want to be greeted by the di-
it is pointed out that long pants are mandatory.
taad becomes a catwalk for the the rich and beau-
rector personally. They have everything handled by
The super-rich in particular will try it on as the host
tiful, especially during Christmas and New Year.
their staff, the secretary, the bodyguard and chauf-
knows from experience. However, the rules apply
Fashion designer Valentino and Formula 1 boss Ber-
feur.
to everyone, no matter how wealthy or noble. And
nie Ecclestone are regulars in the Bernese Oberland,
Director Fischer has already had entire rooms re-
anyone who tries to get around it is thrown out. In
pop star Madonna makes the slopes perilous winter
designed because the guest did not like the furni-
fact, he has already experienced all sorts of things:
after winter. Actress Salma Hayek comes down to
ture. And during his career he has filled some bath
"Nothing shocks me anymore."
earth and shops in the Coop. Fischer knows that in
tubs with champagne. These spoiled customers
this context being able to shop and cook, is a luxu-
have their quirks. For example, a guest ordered
ry for celebrities. The stars and the super-rich have
gallons of pure alcohol and kilos of cotton wool
a chalet in the hills, or a luxury villa behind ornate
to swab his whole body. No wish is too abstract,
wood paneling.
everything is possible. "The crazier, the more inte-
"We often host the guests of the rich," says the
resting," says the host. "Gring abe u seckle," the
Ermitage director. These guests can be seen late at
moto exclaims. "And we don’t fool ourselves," he
night at the world-famous piano bar "One Million
adds, that every hotel receives requests to organize
Stars", in which one million Swarovski crystals glit-
a guest’s love life. The employees know the relevant
ter. Guests who like to display their wealth with fur
numbers and know exactly which services are used.
Chris Winteler
CA LL CENTER
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134
Switzerland – Merligen – Gstaad-Schönried – Luzern
B E AT U S W E L L N E S S - & S PA - H O T E L
E R M I TA G E W E L L N E S S & S PA - H O T E L
H O T E L S C H W E I Z E RH O F LUZERN
Sebastian Moser, director
Pascal Fischer, director
Patrick and Michael Hauser, owners Clemens Hunziker, director
The FIVE STAR HOTEL right on Lake Thun with
The CHALET-HOTEL is one of the main Gstaad
12,000m2 of surrounding park area, a beach and
Menuhin Festival Hotels and impresses with a
The HOTEL Schweizerhof, with 5 generations of
houseboat as well as a wellness oasis and saltwater
unique wellness oasis with 320m2 of water area,
family tradition ("Best Historic Hotel in Europe 2016")
spa that delights every water lover.
8 cosy restaurant palours, the 1 Million Stars Bar,
is located in absolutely the best location in the city
and numerous other modern highlights. The Saanen
of Luzern, directly on the lake, with tremendous
mountains are within easy reach.
panoramic views.
SERVICES
SERVICES
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
CH-3658 Merligen-Thunersee
ADDRESS
ADDRESS
Tel +41 (0)33 748 04 34
Dorfstrasse 46
Schweizerhofquai
welcome@beatus.ch
CH-3778 Gstaad-Schönried
CH-6002 Luzern
www.beatus.ch
Tel +41 (0)33 768 04 30
Tel +41 (0)41 410 0 410
welcome@ermitage.ch
info@schweizerhof-luzern.ch
www.ermitage.ch
www.schweizerhof-luzern.ch
OPENING TIMES
OPENING TIMES
Open all year round
Open all year round
SIMIL AR HOTELS
VERGLEICHBARE HOTELS
BEATUS Wellness- & Spa-Hotel, Merligen-Thunersee;
Hotel Le Pavillon de la Reine,Paris;
ADLER Dolomiti Spa- & Sports Resort, St. Ulrich
Hotel Glärnischhof, Zürich
WEB CODE
WEB CODE
www.privateselection.ch/webcode5 3 9 7 0
www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 4 0 3
SERVICES These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
ADDRESS Seestrasse 300
OPENING TIMES Open all year round
SIMIL AR HOTELS ERMITAGE Wellness- & Spa-Hotel, Gstaad-Schönried; Hotel Eden, Spiez
WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode5 4 9 4 9
www.privateselection.ch
ENCHANTED BY SAAS FEE
Natural Talent
Alessandro Boyens Saas Fee is an internationally known Mecca of the snowboard scene and attracts fanatics from around the world all year round. The rapid and amazing career of a German pro rider is closely associated with the Hotel Ferienart.
Freedom to jump.
136
Switzerland – Saas-Fee
Snowboarders don’t need wings to fly.
Actually, ALESSANDRO BOYENS had only planned
The city boy turned out to be a natural right from
It was the fantastic mountain scenery that has kept
a two week holiday to learn snowboarding when
the start. After a few days in the snow he was able
him in SAAS FEE, he says. Snowboarding actual-
he came to Saas Fee in January 2004. From Ham-
to jump like a professional and knew: this is my life.
ly became secondary to his work in the hotel. He
burg, and having just turned twenty, he had fin-
He searched for a job so that he could stay in Saas
quickly got involved in other areas of the hotel, in-
ished his school leaving certificate, worked in a few
Fee and found one in the five-star Hotel Ferienart.
cluding night service and reception. However, the
bars and had four years of intensive wake boarding
The hotel offered him a job as a bartender. Boyens
young German became known on the snowboard-
behind him. One week in the Swiss Alps changed
worked in the bar from 5pm to 2am, spending his
ing scene and Boyens got to know more and more
his whole life.
days on the snow.
famous people. In the first summer of his career he
It was the fantastic mountain scenery that has kept him in Saas Fee.
Allesandro Boyens in his element.
www.privateselection.ch
Switzerland – Saas-Fee
137
FERIENART RESORT U N D S PA Josef Planzer and Stefanie Gärtner, directors
This FIRST CLASS HOTEL in the car free mountain and glacier village offers comfort at 1.800 meters above sea level, year round fun on the slopes, numerous activities as well as the wellness oasis, "Paradia SPA".
invented a new trick, called the Boyens Flip and was invited to the Suzuki Big Air, one of the biggest snowboard events in Japan.
As a so called underdog, he competed with his Boyens Flip in front of
SERVICES These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
80,000 spectators against 16 top stars and came first. He won a car and a five digit prize money and, of course, the sponsors came after him.
Boyens’ feet, however, remained firmly on the ground. He returned
to Saas Fee and arranged with the hotel to work two days a week from then
ADDRESS
on. Alongside this work he built up a professional career. Today, he is one of the
Dorfweg 1
best freestyle snowboarders in the world and commutes between Saas Fee and
CH-3906 Saas-Fee
the competition venues around the world. In the summer, he works full time in
Tel +41 (0)27 958 19 00
the HOTEL FERIENART, and in the winter he is mostly on the board. Soon he will
reservation@ferienart.ch
be standing on his board in the winter for the Ferienart: it is planned that Ales-
www.ferienart.ch
sandro Boyens will take hotel guests onto the slopes. OPENING TIMES November to April and June to October
SIMIL AR HOTELS Hotel Royal, Riederalp; Waldhotel National, Arosa; Hotel Saratz, Pontresina
WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 3 31
Gabrielle Attinger Alessandro Boyens
CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
138
Switzerland – Lugano Paradiso
EACH GUEST HAS HIS PERSONAL BUTLER
Always at
your service Good news for those who like to be pampered. The butler is back in fashion – not only in wealthy households, but also on vacation. For example in Ticino.
Let's be honest: most of us know of a BUTLER, principally from cinema and television: Freddie Frinton from the classic "Dinner for one", which is re-broadcast every Christmas season. Or Charles Carson in the TV series "Downton Abbey" – or the butler in the movie hit of the same name. This film tells the story of the African American plantation worker Cecil Gaines, who served as a butler for seven US presidents in the White House from 1957 to 1986. The story is based on the true life of black butler Eugene Allen. In the real world, Paul Burrell, Princess Diana’s butler, became famous for an activity which is quite inappropriate for a representative of this profession. He wrote two books about his life in the service of Diana at Kensington Palace and in them revealed some intimate details of her life. The butler was originally an English profession. Today, primarily newly rich families in the Far East and India can afford butlers, each of whom heads an army of domestic staff. But even people without their own staff can benefit from the service of a butler: luxurious cruise ships and more and more five star hotels offer the services of a butler. At The Chedi in Andermatt, for example, a ski butler helps athletic guests find the right gear, put it on and bring it to the ski lift. At the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh, the "Tartan Butler" sets out to search for guests’ Scottish ancestors. And then there are the butlers who just take care of everything – at the HOTEL THE VIEW in Lugano, for example. From arrival to departure, everything is taken care of for the guests. The luggage is unpacked, the www.privateselection.ch
Switzerland – Lugano Paradiso
139
Whether unpacking suitcases, ironing a dress or breakfast service in the room: the butler takes care of you discreetly, politely and competently.
room bar is filled with guests’ preferred drinks, the
staff everywhere waiting to serve guests. So if you
bathroom equipped with favourite bath salts and
don’t have your own butler, you should try The
creams, the bath is run for guests and much more
View. The feeling of being spoilt is great.
besides.
THE VIEW LUGANO, DESIGN & LIFESTYLE H O T E L & S PA Sandro Pecorelli, director
The hotel has 18 elegant suites, all with a splendid view of Lake Lugano. There is a gourmet restau-
Gabrielle Attinger
The BOUTIQUE HOTEL high in the hills above
rant, a light filled spa with a swimming pool – and
Hotel THE VIEW, Lugano
Lugano is an oasis of relaxation, luxury and style. Sophisticated cuisine, a piano bar and a terrace delight discerning guests, each pampered and looked after by their personal butler.
SERVICES These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
ADDRESS Via Guidino 29 CH-6900 Lugano Paradiso Tel +41 (0)91 210 00 00 info@theviewlugano.com www.theviewlugano.com
OPENING TIMES Open all year round
WEB CODE www.privateselection.ch/webcode76 8 41
CA LL CENTER
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140
Switzerland – Grindelwald
O N C A L L D AY A N D N I G H T
The mountain rescuer If mountaineers are in trouble, the mountain rescuers set off to rescue them immediately. Day and night, on foot or by helicopter, mountain rescuers do whatever it takes to help injured people.
Rescuing injured people on the mountain is a very demanding job.
The work of the MOUNTAIN RESCUER has sky-
the audience breathes deeply and relax into their
demanding, multifaceted role as hotelier and host.
rocketed in popularity since a TV series of the same
chairs in front of the TV.
Christian Brawand is also a passionate mountaineer,
name brought excitement to millions of people with
Christian Brawand and his wife Vera have run
a trained mountain guide and an active rescuer.
nerve-wracking scenes. It shows dramatic rescue
the HOTEL KIRCHBĂœHL in Grindelwald since 2004.
Since 2004 he has also been president of the Alpine
operations. Helicopter pilots fly spectacular mis-
They are the fourth generation to run the hotel,
Mountain Rescue Bern. This voluntary organisation
sions, the doctors do everything to save accident
which his great-grandfather laid the foundation of
is responsible for both the mountain rescue and
victims. In the end, everything is always fine, and
in 1900. The 50-year-old, father of three, loves his
training for the canton. As an militia organisation,
www.privateselection.ch
Switzerland – Grindelwald
141
HOTEL KIRCHBÜHL Christian and Vera Brawand
On a quiet and sunny hill with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers of the UNESCO World Heritage site Jungfrau Aletsch, the Brawand family has been looking after guests from all over the world in their "KIRCHBÜHL" at the foot of the Eiger North Face for 118 years.
SERVICES Vera and Christian Brawand-Küng
These can be enjoyed by guests during their stay:
the Foundation Alpine Rescue Switzerland, found-
involving a 90-kilo man in the Bächlital with a frac-
ADDRESS
ed by the Swiss Alpine Club SAC and the Rescue
tured thigh who had to be "carried out" on foot.
Kirchbühlstrasse 23
Air Rega.
"That was a twelve hour walk. We needed twelve
CH 3818 Grindelwald
mountain guides who took turns and were all ex-
Tel +41 (0)33 854 40 80
hausted at the end of it."
hotel@kirchbuehl.ch
In the canton of Bern, Alpine rescue is used on average about two hundred times a year. Christian Brawand is usually involved in five to ten of these
Christian Brawand says that today mountain
rescue missions. Over the years, there have been
rescue operates at a very high level. Paramedics,
some exciting experiences to relate. Including some
doctors and mountain rescuers are always ready –
OPENING TIMES
that make you smile. For example when he met a
24 hours a day. These days helicopters can also be
until 8.4.2018 and 18.5. – 28.10.2018
hotel guest again at an unfortunate location. He
flown when it is pitch black outside thanks to head-
had fallen on a reinforcing iron whilst on a hike.
lights, night-vision goggles and instrument flying.
SIMIL AR HOTELS
Brawand asked him if he recognised him. He re-
"In good weather conditions we were able to get
Beausite Park, Wengen;
plied: "I think so." Brawand smugly said: "It’s no
mountaineers off the Eiger North Face in the middle
Parkhotel Bellevue & Spa, Adelboden;
problem, in Grindelwald hoteliers always pick their
of the night." Naturally, safety is the highest priority
Hotel Alpina, Klosters; Hotel Royal, Riederalp
guests up themselves ..."
for the entire crew – without compromise.
He describes the JOB AS A MOUNTAIN RESCU-
www.kirchbuehl.ch
WEB CODE
ER as mentally challenging. "I work quietly in the
www.privateselection.ch/webcode6 2 3 41
office and only minutes later, at 3,500 meters above sea level on the Wetterhorn it is all about life and death." It is also really difficult to rescue anyone, if you know them personally. Or if the helicopter can’t
Christian Bützberger
be used. Spontaneously, a rescue comes to his mind
Christian Brawand / Hotel Kirchbühl
CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
142
Cumulus extra offers
Make more out of your coupons.
HAPPY GUESTS
GR EAT CUMULU S E X T R A O F F ERS Book Private Selection Hotels for a lower price: Migros Cumulus points make this possible. With a Cumulus Enjoyment Package voucher worth over 300 francs 2 guests can spend three nights in a Private Selection Hotel of their choice at a reduced all-inclusive price. For a Cumulus coupon worth 10 francs, you get a 50 franc PSH voucher, which can be used for all hotel services. Katja Braunschweiler and Michael Schreier have already used these two Cumulus offers several times - and are thrilled.
Katja Braunschweiler, you were recently on holiday
Are you satisfied with the Cumulus offer?
at the Hotel Beatus in Merligen. How was it?
Or is something missing?
KATJA BRAUNSCHWEILER: It was wonderful – again! I already
KATJA BRAUNSCHWEILER: I think these offers are great. They
knew the hotel. Every time we arrive, we enter another world
are very fair and attractive and the value proposition is just right.
and can really rejuvenate. It’s a great feeling! We have stayed at
This allows people who couldn’t normally afford it to stay in a
the Hotel Beatus several times and have enjoyed many celebra-
Private Selection Hotel. A pensioner, for example. Thanks to
tions there.
the offer we can stay one or two nights longer or invite some friends.
You booked this hotel as part of the Cumulus Extra Enjoyment Package. Have you also benefited from this
Do you travel frequently?
offer in other hotels?
KATJA BRAUNSCHWEILER: Yes, we travel pretty often.
KATJA BRAUNSCHWEILER: Yes, we also stayed at the Hotel
Sometimes just for a weekend when we decide to go some-
Schweizerhof in Lenzerheide. A great hotel, we spent our ski
where spontaneously.
holiday there. My partner and I love the family atmosphere in what is a very well run hotel. You know that the hotel staff are
How do you rate the quality of Swiss hotels compared to
happy, because they have worked there for years, and we
foreign ones?
enjoy meeting the same employees time and again.
KATJA BRAUNSCHWEILER: The Swiss hotels have caught up. In the past, the Austrian hotels were a nose in front, but that is not
What do you like most about Private Selection Hotels?
the case anymore. The Swiss hoteliers are very focused on
KATJA BRAUNSCHWEILER: We like the family feeling in these
hospitality. Plus, the value proposition improved. The landscape
hotels and the manageable size of them. In addition, they often
in Switzerland is so beautiful and it offers many good hotels, it
have wonderful wellness facilities, which we love and use a lot.
would be a shame not to enjoy them.
In the Private Selection Hotels we just feel in good hands. Where are the next Cumulus points going? What generally makes a good hotel for you?
KATJA BRAUNSCHWEILER: We have already booked
KATJA BRAUNSCHWEILER: It’s important to me that any
provisionally - in Merligen. My birthday is in March and I would
wishes and concerns that I have are taken seriously. I like it when
like to celebrate it in the Hotel Beatus. Fortunately, there are still
the hotel staff really understand what the guest wants. But the
rooms available for this period.
location, the facilities and the cuisine must all be right. We are a nature-loving family, so an attractive environment is important to us. If after that there is the possibility to relax in a great sauna or at an inviting lake, then that is perfect happiness for us. .
Katja Braunschweiler and Marcel Biondi Michael Schreier Christine Künzler
www.privateselection.ch
143
Cumulus extra offers
«I feel welcome»
THE PRIVATE SELECTION HOTELS CUMULUS EXTRA OFFERS Option 1: Exchange a Cumulus Bonus coupon worth 30 FRANCS for a Private Selection Hotels MICHAEL SCHREIER also often stays in a Private Selection Hotel
voucher worth over 300 FRANCS. With this voucher you are entitled to book the Cumulus
thanks to the Cumulus offers. If there was a Private Selection fan
Enjoyment Package. This includes:
club, he would certainly be a member: "Eighty-five percent of my
* 3 nights in a beautiful double room with all the comforts of a
hotel nights are spent in Private Selection Hotels," he says. He
first-class hotel. In the winter season it includes half board:
has been a loyal guest for a long time. "I feel very comfortable
a generous breakfast buffet and gourmet dinner. In the summer
in these hotels because they welcome me and take my concerns
season the breakfast is included (without dinner).
seriously. The hotel staff are open and helpful”. He also values "the immaculate cleanliness of the rooms and spa areas". So far, he has only had "good to very good" experiences in all Private Se-
3 0. – S E
B EC O M
300.–
* free use of the wellness area and other hotel facilities. * participation in the activity program (where available). * In the COMFORT category you pay only 790 francs in winter (incl. half board) and in
lection Hotels. "By now they know me there and I benefit from a
Summer ( breakfast only) only 598 francs for 2 people for three nights in a double room;
regular customer bonus."
in the DELUXE category you pay only 990 francs in winter and 798 francs in summer for
Michael Schreier usually uses the 50 franc Cumulus voucher. "I only buy the three-night Enjoyment Package once in a while,
2 people in a double room. These prices are already reduced (the discount of over CHF 300 has already been deducted).
because four days is too long for me." He is a teacher at a board-
* For the full list of participating Private Selection Hotels (approximately 25 selected),
ing school and lives on site. "If I want a rest, I have to go away. For
as well as information on the duration and validity of the promotion, please visit
short trips, the 50-franc vouchers are ideal.” Every now and then,
www.privateselection.ch/cumulus or call 041-368 10 05.
he enjoys a relaxing spa day. He only rarely books longer breaks of 3 to 4 nights and only once a year does he book a multiple week
Option 2:
holiday. For him a 2-night voucher would be optimal, which he
Exchange a blue Cumulus coupon worth 10 FRANCS for a
could use for weekends. "I would be happy if there were an offer
Private Selection Hotel voucher worth 50 FRANCS.
like that." Basically though, he is very satisfied with the Private
Redeemable for hotel bookings in all 56 Private Selection Hotels.
Selection Cumulus offers.
One voucher per stay – it can be used like a CHF 50 note directly at
Michael Schreier redeems the vouchers in each of his three favourite hotels: the ERMITAGE Wellness- & Spa Hotel, Gstaad-
B
10.– S E EC O M
50.–
the check-out.
* Further information at: https://www.privateselection.ch/cumulus
Schönried, the BEATUS Wellness- & Spa Hotel, Merligen-Interlaken and the Wellnesshotel Golf Panorama, Lipperswil. All three hotels have large wellness areas, an important factor in choos-
HOW CUMULUS EXTRA WORKS
ing the hotels. He is also full of praise for the Private Selection office: "All the staff are very friendly and get involved if there are any problems with the booking. My calls are answered immediately, I never have
1. CHOOSE PARTNER OFFER
to wait in a queue”. His favourite hotel is the ERMITAGE in Gstaad-Schönried. "Here the staff are especially friendly, the food is excellent and the wellness area is just great", he enthuses. But even in the "Wellnesshotel Golf Panorama" and "BEATUS" the cuisine is very good. Also the lakeside setting at the "BEATUS", and the seclusion and
tranquility of the "Wellnesshotel Golf
2. EXCHANGE CUMULUS COUPON FOR PSH VOUCHER www.migros.ch/ cumulus-extra/privateselection or 0848 85 0848
Cumu Bon lus-
Panorama" are brilliant. “The spas of both hotels are first class.
3 0. – S E
B EC O M
300.–
In the BEATUS, the sauna is divided into two areas, one for hotel guests and one for day guests”. In the Wellnesshotel Golf Panorama, not only is the value proposition outstanding, but the large rooms, the balconies, and the modern interior are further pluses for him. Now he wants to test a new Private Selection Hotel. At the moment he is thinking of the Hotel Hof Weissbad in Weissbad in the Appenzell region. Whether it will ultimately be this one or
3. REDEEM AND BENEFIT FROM A PARTNER VOUCHER The blue Cumulus coupon must first be exchanged for a partner voucher, a direct redemption at the respective partner is not possible. All offers cannot be combined with other discounts / offers. Rights are reserved to change prices.
PARTNER VOUCHER
300.–
Fr.
another Private Selection Hotel remains to be seen. CA LL CENTER
+41 41 368 10 05
144
Impressum
5 GOOD RE A S O N S WHY Y O U CAN TRUST P R IVATE SE LE C T IO N HO T EL S: Best Price Guaranteed
Bonus program
Personalised charm
We guarantee the best price for your stay in one
Exclusively for you! With every reservation
Our claim: as our guests you could and should
of our hotels.
made through the Private Selection Hotels central
have high standards! At Private Selection Hotels,
reservation system, bonus points are automatical-
the focus is on people. In Private Selection Hotels,
Quality
ly credited to you. Bonus points can be exchanged
employees are dedicated to hospitality and are
Carefully selected for you: the most attractive
for attractive rewards and lifestyle bonuses at any
committed to fulfilling guests wishes.
private, charming, first class hotels in Europe.
time, free of charge.
Your quality seal has a satisfaction and recommendation rate of 93% across all Private Selection
Experience
Hotels. More than 76,000 guests questioned
With more than 20 years’ experience, our
can’t be wrong!
competent holiday consultants are always available to help you. Just one contact for 56 carefully selected private and boutique hotels throughout Europe.
KONTAKT
CALL CENTER OPENING TIMES
WEB CODE
Private Selection Hotels
Telephone +41 41 368 10 05
With the WEB CODE you can directly access
Tribschenstrasse 7
Monday-Friday
the corresponding hotel website within the Private
6005 Luzern
7am – 6.30pm
Selection Hotels website, view pictures and receive
Switzerland
Saturday
further information on facilities, prices and
Telefon +41 41 368 10 05
9am – 4pm
promotions. The WEB CODE can be entered
info@privateselection.ch
Closed on Sunday
directly in the URL. Example:
www.privateselection.ch
www.privateselection.ch/webcode12345
KEY / SYMBOL EXPLANATIONS L O C AT I O N
SPORT & LEISURE TIME
SEMINAR & BANQUETING
Especially quiet location and rooms, historic buildings, easily accessible by public transport
Winter sports, hike & bike, golf, horse riding
Specialises in conferences, seminars and banqueting (technical facilities), hall, meeting room (without technical facilities)
CULINARY ART & CONSUMP TION REL A X
Outdoor swimming pool, indoor swimming pool, sauna, wellness area, gym/fitness room
IMPRESSUM
Restaurants, garden restaurants, snack bar, restaurants with a view, on request: diet cuisine and bland diet.
editors: Private Selection Hotels, www.privateselection.ch
Air conditioning in all rooms, sun loungers, spa treatments, non-smoking rooms, lift, public parking, reservation by travel agency possible.
concept and design: SPOT Werbung, 7500 St.Moritz, www.spotwerbung.ch
Olaf Reinhardt, Anne Cathrine Dysli, Kirstie McLellan printed by: Multicolor Print AG, 6341 Baar, www.multicolor.ch
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