Escape the city smog and
overcrowded beaches and head to the Swiss Alps for a hearty dose of
alpine air as Suvretta House - the ‘Grand Dame’ of the mountains
- reopens her doors for the summer season. Traditionally considered a
winter destination, once the snow caps thaw and temperatures rise,
some après-sans-ski in Switzerland’s beautiful Upper Engadine
Valley becomes just the spot for a rejuvenating summer holiday.
The Swiss Alps offers the
perfect getaway for travellers seeking to disconnect from the
stresses of daily life and return from their holiday intensely
refreshed, recharged and restored. Think some of the most
breathtakingly verdant views, crisp mountain air, low season hotel
rates and a plethora of off-piste ‘Fit & Fun’ activities for
the whole family to enjoy. Built over 100 years ago, Suvretta House
is the pinnacle of sophistication, providing a tranquil and exclusive
retreat set close by to the buzz of St. Moritz - a region that
remains a draw for elite travellers thanks to the beauty of the
Engadine Valley, the vast hiking trails, and its reputation as a
glamorous Alpine getaway.
TAKE TO THE LAKES
The lakes of St Moritz are
beautiful all year round, but summer is the perfect time for sailing
enthusiasts to visit. Suvretta House is just moments away from the
magnificent Lake Silvaplana, which lies at an altitude of 1,791
metres above sea level and is the largest natural lake in the Alps
spanning over 1,000 metres. Stretching over 3km long in some areas,
Lake Silvaplana is excellent for water sports and thanks to its size,
never feels crowded. Sailors and windsurfers will delight in the
legendary Majola wind - this famously strong downhill wind sometimes
reaches between 3 to 6 on the Beaufort Scale, providing the perfect
sailing conditions for beginners and the more experienced alike.
Suvretta House can arrange professional sailing instructors to take
guests out on the lake to enjoy some of the freshest mountain air and
cleanest waters in the world.
The combination of both still
and flowing water also makes the lakes of St. Moritz perfect for
learning how to fly fish, and Suvretta House can arrange lessons with
professional fly-fisher, Daniel Blätter, who lets guests in on the
secrets of the
trade.
HIKE (OR BIKE) THE HILLS
Suvretta House has 580km of
hiking trails right on its doorstep, ranging from leisurely panoramic
walks to more demanding mountain climbing tours. Adventurous spirits
can make use of the mountain railway to reach the famous 3000m peaks
the Piz Nair, the Corvatsch and the Diavolezza, where thrilling
high-altitude mountain trails offer spectacular views. The Engadine
Valley is home to Switzerland’s only National Park, stretching over
170km2 and home to 5,000 species of animal wildlife, 650 varieties of
flowering plants, as well as 21 different hiking trails and guided
glacier walks. The Engadine Valley is also the ultimate mountain
biking destination, with 400km of biking trails offering exhilarating
landscapes and trails to suit all abilities.
Suvretta House has its very
own Suvretta Sports Bike School, with experienced local guides who
know all the best biking trails in the region and can teach guests
all about freeriding. Hotel guests also have access to a selection of
high-end mountain bikes, downhill bikes and even e-bikes. For
something truly special, animal lovers of all ages will delight in
goat trekking, with their very own goat guide, Heidi.
PITCHING, PUTTING AND PUNCHING
Both keen and budding golfers
have access to the three remarkable golf courses within close reach
of Suvretta House. Each course is set in the midst of mountains and
lakes of the most beautiful high-Alpine valley in the world. Guests
can take advantage of the hotels practice course and driving range to
prepare themselves for the challenging greens of some of the highest
golf courses in the world, where the altitude makes balls travel
faster and further than on low-lying land. Uniquely, Suvretta House
has a golf pro, Fredrik Svanberg on site seven days a week upon
request, to provide private tuition for children and adults at the
Suvretta House Driving Range -the hotel even offers guests a
complimentary introduction to golf with Fredrik himself to whet their
appetite for the sport.
If, however tennis is their
sport of choice, Suvretta House also has three well-tended clay
courts set against a striking backdrop. In addition to this, The
Sport Camp welcomes children and teenagers to enjoy a wide selection
of sporting activities daily - including horse riding, swimming and
athletics.
A FEAST FOR THE SENSES
A 1.5 hour guided hike away,
treats guests to the most magnificent views of the Engadine’s
glaciers, the sound of rushing water, and delightful aromas from the
grill at Suvretta’s weekly summer picnic, available for guests to
enjoy throughout the summer season. Every Wednesday, hotel guests are
invited to partake in the picnic serving traditional Swiss fare and
delectable grilled dishes on the mountain. Foodies visiting during
the month of August will have the opportunity to celebrate
Switzerland’s national holiday on the first of the month, savouring
a five-course gala dinner in the exquisite Grand Restaurant, while
admiring bonfires and fireworks over the Alps.
suvrettahouse.ch
Summer rates at Suvretta House
start from 300 CHF (currently approx. £228) in a Single Room, or
from 410 CHF (currently approx. £312) in a Double Room, per night,
on a half-board basis (half board includes daily breakfast and
four-course dinner in the Grand Restaurant)
Rates are inclusive of service
charge, taxes, VAT, access to the Suvretta Sports & Pleasure
Wellness Club, participation in ‘Fit & Fun’ activity
programme, and Suvretta shuttle bus into the centre of town.
