Take a winter break at the uniquely designed five-star Tschuggen Grand Hotel, Arosa, in Switzerland. Look at bit closer, and there’s something unexpected about the hotel: it paints a picture-perfect portrait with nine surreal looking ‘light trees’ designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta. Towering over the four-storey hotel and its grandiose spa, these filigree sails of glass and steel add drama to the Tschuggen Grand Hotel. Considered one among the best winter hotels in the region, it offers panoramic views of the deep blue skies and snow-blanketed landscape.
For some years now, the hotel has become an all-year luxury setting offering a thrilling ride. The highlight here is the two-and-a-half minute ride on board the Tschuggen Express. The hotel’s very own train zips across the mountain to take you into the heart of Arosa’s skiing and hiking area.
Nestling in the Grisons mountain, the hotel’s rooms offer a glamorous view of the mountains and valleys; just what you need while on a break. Craving for food? Head to Tschuggen Igloo Village. Here, wrap yourself in fuzzy warm blankets and cushy furs to indulge in Swiss fondue. The Grand Restaurant offers a wide selection of contemporary international cuisine, while La Vetta promises to whip up an ‘alpine gourmet fairytale.’ La Collina, with its tantalising views of the Graubünden mountains, is the ideal place to dig into monkfish medallions with ham foam on mashed potato-beet roots, glazed snow peas or duck breast with lingon-berry gravy on orange-red cabbage, rolled noodles and chestnuts.
Time to check out the spa. The Tschuggen Bergoase Spa is not your run-of-the-mill luxury spa. There is a certain rawness about it, while being very impressive. For starters, light filters in to the farthest corners of the spa through the glassy ‘light trees,’ casting a magic spell of sorts. Spread over 5000 sq.m., the spa – with 12 treatment rooms and private spa suites, indoor and outdoor pools – blends nature, geometry, rocks, light, water and warmth to create a haven of comfort. The rooms are named Talitha and Seginus. They take their names from constellations in the skies above Arosa, which can be seen from the Bergoase. Rejuvenate yourself with the spa treatments before getting back to your hectic life; you’ll be glad you did.
Besides cross-country skiing, you could whet your appetite for outdoor winter activities with snowboarding, sledding, Nordic walking tours, paragliding (at Weisshorn, depending on weather conditions) and hot air ballooning. Be sure to take time out from your skiing schedules to soak in the Alpine charm and visit the village nearby.
Website: tschuggen.ch
GETTING THERE
By car: From Zurich, take the A3 towards Chur. Then take the off-ramps Chur-North towards Arosa.
By flight: Fly in to Zurich Kloten (airport). Take a limousine transfer (pre-arranged through the hotel’s concierge) or hop onto the train headed for Chur. From Chur, take the Arosa Express.
By train: Travel via the ICE/IC to Chur. There are hourly trains departing from Chur to Arosa.
For more details, visit: www.sbb.ch
Smitha Sadanandan
