Welcome Hotel, Villefranche-sur-Mer – France
The Welcome Hotel in Villefranche-sur-Mer is appropriately named given that this delightful small port has had a reputation for welcoming...
Unlike many hotels in this Alpine resort town, Grace La Margna St Moritz is open all rear round. The five-star boutique hotel which blends heritage and contemporary design, first opened in 1906, and has recently undergone a significant renovation to restore its former Belle Époque elegance, while introducing a fresh, modern twist. Located in the heart of St. Moritz in the Engadine, Switzerland, the hotel offers breathtaking views, impeccable service, and a range of world-class facilities, making it a premier destination for travellers seeking an extraordinary alpine experience.
The hotel couldn’t be more conveniently placed; just a few minutes walk to Lake St. Moritz, which ensures not only panoramic vistas, but gives guests easy access to the most spectacular lakeside scenery with its dramatic pine-forest backdrop. It’s also just a ten minute stroll into the centre of town. The historic hotel sits high above St. Moritz railway station, for those who might want to explore further afield.
London-based Diversity Architects in collaboration with French interior designer, Carole Tobin, are responsible for the hotel’s impressive transformation, seamlessly merging the original structure with the modern extension.
The hotel is divided into the historic La Margna Wing and the modern Grace Wing, offering a total of 74 spacious rooms and suites. We stayed in the newer Grace Wing with floor-to-ceiling windows, Swiss king-sized bed, a spacious spa-like bathroom, all decorated in calming, muted tones. The elegant Alpine aesthetic harmoniously blended with the landscape, which really aided relaxation.
The seven-meter linear Carrara marble bar is the scene-stealer in the chic No. 5 Bar, decorated with work by celebrated artists and photographers.
Mediterranean-inspired restaurant The View, where breakfast is also served, is anchored in a sophisticated circular design, providing guests with never ending magical mountain views. During our stay, we were treated to a memorable Grace Sharing Tavolata which included a delicious mix of Eggplant Hummus, Marinated Sardines, Cod, Potato and Celeriac Terrine, Fregola Couscous and an Asparagus Duo.
Dessert was a Tiramisù Grace Style where our waiter invited us to choose our own delectable toppings!
Guests who prefer local Swiss dishes such as a traditional fondue or crispy rôsti, can also enjoy the cosy alpine design of Stüvetta Moritz.
The Spa, taking inspiration from the surrounding Alpine rocks, features a beautiful 20-meter pool, steam bath, saunas, wellness showers, and dedicated treatment areas offering an extensive range of cosmetic and wellness services. The Spa menu offers a combination of treatments from Aesop botanicals, to more hi-tech skincare including light therapy and cryotherapy, It’s the perfect spot to relax, sip a herbal tea, breathe in fresh air, and again marvel at the staggering scenery,
For travellers with little ones, the Grace La Margna St Moritz has you covered with their 120 square metres cheerfully designed Kids Club for guests from 3 years of age.
During the winter, Polo matches and horse races are held on the frozen Lake Moritz, but in summer, the only spectacle belongs to nature: a calm, crystal-clear shimmering lake and snow-dusted peaks. Heavenly.
For further information please visit: here
All images by CELLOPHANELAND* and Grace La Margna St Moritz
CELLOPHANELAND* were guests of Grace La Margna St Moritz
