I’m currently sitting on my terrace in Mallorca with a glass of Christmassy rosé in hand, looking out onto clear blue skies and the warming sunshine on my face – a rather welcome sight given it’s late December. The landscape is a desirable evergreen that has benefitted from both the showers and sun that the Mediterranean climate has to offer – maybe Mallorca will be where I spend my retirement years after all.

My trip back to the UK this month included a few visits to European destinations and I expected them to be a rather chilly affair. Instead, my first stop in Andermatt produced the clearest of baby blue skies whilst offering a perfect spot for winter skiing.

In my eyes, there are two types of skiing holidays; one that is made by the place you stay and the food you are able to eat, and the other by the quality of the ski slopes and rather more unpredictably, the weather conditions. It’s quite rare to find a ski hotel, or chalet, that ticks all the boxes and does so over and beyond expectations.

That was until I stayed at The Chedi. An unforgettable and highly recommended weekend break at the most exquisitely designed and thought-out hotel that I have been lucky enough to visit in my 24 years. I’ll be surprised if after showing you why, you don’t join me in my Chedi enthusiasm. I have yet to visit any of their other hotels but if this is the experience a guest can expect, then keep your eyes peeled for a Chedi world tour next year!

5 Reasons Why I Loved The Chedi Andermatt

The Hotel Itself

Typically when I’ll post on the blog about a hotel stay, I like to include all aspects of the hotel and it’s facilities because I think it’s the best way for anyone to gauge how ‘them’ a hotel really is. In this case, I’m telling you about the hotel because it really was rather jaw-droppingly stunning.

The trip to Andermatt is a 2 1/2 hour scenic train journey from Zurich airport – I made a video about travelling with the men in my family here.

The Chedi was designed by the sophisticated Jean-Michel Gathy, regarded as one of the world’s finest luxury hotel architects. Having the likes of Cheval Blanc Randheli, One&Only resorts and Aman resorts in his portfolio gives you an idea of the type of luxury and world-class experiences he has designed.

Using a striking balance between Alpine chic and modern Asian influences, the hotel is a picture perfect setting for complete relaxation and indulgence. All ceilings, doors and living spaces are double height giving a rare sense of space, especially when it comes to classic ski hotels.

The Food 

The hotel has two main restaurants, ‘The Restaurant’ and ‘The Japanese Restaurant’, along with 6 other unique experiences. Everything from indulgent afternoon tea, classic Swiss dishes in their rustic chalet overlooking the ice rink, decadent wine and cigar libraries, and more. The names of the restaurants are specifically simple, a great representation of how most of the world’s best dishes are served, and a purposeful contrast to the great detail implemented in every single area of the hotel.

‘The Restaurant’ has both Asian and European dishes and an extensive wine and cheese selection. All three of us opted for the carpaccio of hamachi, scallop tartar, cucumber, with dill and lemon infused olive oil.

For my main, I had medallions of local venison with celeriac and pear puree, alongside a divine selection of sides. If I hadn’t known better, I would have easily thought I was dining in a michelin starred restaurant – the food is carefully thought out, cooked to perfection and full of flavour.

We didn’t have the chance to visit the Japanese restaurant given it’s popularity and the fact it’s only open in the latter part of the week, but it’s now firmly on my bucket list to go back for! With the largest sake selection in the whole of Switzerland, you’d be hard pushed to find a more perfect way to enjoy exquisite Japanese cuisine.

Breakfast is an affair in itself with the main restaurant transforming into a morning feast for the eyes.

A mix between luxury buffet and perfectly fine-tuned à la carte; getting energised for a day on the slopes becomes quite the after-thought when food tastes this good!

One stand out dish I couldn’t possibly fail to mention was my departing choice of mushroom, spinach and truffle risotto. The creamiest and most flavoursome plate of risotto I have ever had the pleasure of eating (so good my brother and Dad swiftly ordered it after me). Served in the comforting, fire-lit lobby restaurant, it was testament to how thorough and exceptional The Chedi really is.

That Spa, Though

If an inspired hotel and delectable food wasn’t enough to put The Chedi Andermatt into my list of top luxury hotels, then their 2,400 square metres spa surely does put the cherry on the cake!

I could live here – and I mean literally, given it has more rooms than my house and your house together!

A jaw-dropping and utterly mesmerising, immersive spa that is a good enough reason to come to the Chedi alone, without even spending 1 hour on the slopes.

Starting the journey with a 35-metre indoor pool overlooking the fire-lit ice rink, it’s surrounded by double beds (with essential snacks) that offer a good as sleep as any!

It continues to the outdoor heated bath, met by a hit of fresh Swiss air overlooking the snowy mountains. Idyllic to say the least.

Downstairs is an oasis of asian inspired design, equipped with a heated relaxation pool, cold plunge pool, steam room, beds and two of the largest (and prettiest) saunas I have seen. Not something that is typically an easy feat given it’s an incredibly humid room with wooden benches!

We spent every evening in the spa. The difference a sauna and touch of relaxation time can make to how you feel is impressive!

The Skiing 

I would rate myself as an average to good skier, nothing distinctly impressive but I can get down most things (although, how gracefully this is done is under question!). My brother and father on the other hand are, let’s just say, a fair few steps ahead! It means having pistes that offer something for all levels is pretty essential if everyone is to enjoy the skiing.

Andermatt as an area has it’s very own project going on. The owner of the Chedi has also taken on the very exciting venture to develop the local area, and the skiing, into one of the world’s best. Given where it is now, the idea that it will be bettered 3 times over is rather enthusing, and I have a feeling Andermatt could quickly become a yearly spot! At the moment it’s a beautifully pieced together skiing area that is ever-growing.

The restaurants on the slopes aren’t quite the likes of renowned skiing hot spots yet, but this is something that is being improved, and if the standard comes out anything close to the hotel itself, I’m sure week advance reservations will be required! One of the things I loved most about the slopes is that they aren’t chocca block left, right and centre. You’re actually able to enjoy a run freely skiing down, without bumping into other skiers every way you turn.

We were assigned a lovely ski butler who sorted out our skis and boots and drove us to the lifts each morning. When you’re ready to come down, they are just two minutes away with a comfy ride.

Rum au Chocolat. My favourite.

Would I Go Back?

In a heart beat.

The Chedi Andermatt is a remarkable hotel that transports you into a dream land. Full of subtle notes and great design that I thought one could only truly experience through imagination. It’s a destination hotel, somewhere to relax, to indulge in pure luxury, to appreciate the mountains and the stunning views they bring, and feel like one very lucky jet setter.

I hope you found this blog helpful and if you have any questions about the hotel or surrounding area, please comment below and I’ll be happy to help! Thanks for joining me on a eye-opening few days in one the world’s best hotels!

If you’d like more information on the Chedi Andermatt, you can visit their website here; or call +41 41 888 74 88

I hope everyone has a wonderful NYE this evening!

Carly xx