The Chedi Andermatt - Where Asian Fusion Meets the Alps
The Chedi Andermatt is the place to stay in the Alps - my visit this month is one which will stay with me forever, an experience to both awaken and calm the senses in one!
Until recently it was only Andrea, Ski Safari’s Switzerland Product Manager, who had been lucky enough to visit. That was until early December when I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to discover the hidden talents of the unassuming town of Andermatt, source of the famous Rhine and Rhône rivers. This is where Asia has been cleverly fused into the Alps to create something rather special - the 5* Chedi Andermatt.
It was my ideal long weekend: enough time to ski, relax and enjoy The Chedi's effortless blend of Asian sleek with Alpine chic. The Chedi provides the Asian influence with fabulous cuisine and artfully crafted design and yet compliments the Alpine town beautifully. Celebrating its fifth year, this is 5-star luxury in the mountains without pretence.
Earth, Fire, Air and Water
The Chedi embodies all four essential elements:
Earth - represented in the calming and warm tones which feature throughout the property.
Fire - home to over 200 fireplaces, The Chedi has more fireplaces than rooms!
Air - step outside and you can take in the crisp mountain air, step back inside to breathe The Chedi's own subtle blend of aromatherapy oils.
Water - completes the quartet: the upper floor of the beautiful spa has a large indoor and outdoor pool; the lower floor houses a specialised hydrotherapy area with a range of hot and cold pools plus a steam room.
Ski Fit With a Difference
The Chedi like to do things differently. Relax on a comfortable sofa in the hotel's living room and let The Chedi's Ski Butlers match you with the correct equipment. They’ll find and bring you the perfect pair of boots and then fit your skis or snowboard whilst you sit back and contemplate the day ahead. Very Zen. They even have ski jackets and salopettes if you don’t have your own!
Awaken Your Senses
When you hear you have to travel through the Devil’s Pass to reach Andermatt you know you’re going to be in store for exciting terrain. Andermatt did not disappoint. Skiing here is a tale of two mountains - one tame and one wild, Nätschen and Gemsstock.
The latter has built a following amongst the freeride community, primarily down to its accessible and open terrain. Gemsstock is a fantastic mountain for adventure seeking intermediates and will satisfy experienced freeriders too.
Switch to the other side of the valley and you have the tamer and sunnier south-facing Nätschen mountain. Flattering terrain for first-timers yet enough to challenge intermediate skiers too.
Calm Your Senses
After a day on the slopes The Chedi really comes into its own. You can calm your senses post-skiing with a trip to its sumptuous spa. Split over two floors taking up 2,400 square metres, the spa area is perfect for balancing body and mind.
Or if you prefer you can meet for 'The Chedi Afternoon Tea' in the Lobby or wind down in the Bar and Living Room with signature cocktails and rustic bites.
The Finest European and Asian Dining Under One Roof
The Chedi's main dining room 'The Restaurant' has both European and Asian cuisine and comes complete with four theatre kitchens.
For an extra special dining experience choose 'The Japanese Restaurant'. Awarded 1-Michelin Star, you can choose to dine at the open sushi and sashimi bar or at the tempura counter where you'll be entertained by both the Japanese masters and visiting chefs.
The Wine Library offers tasting evenings and provides an opulent setting for you to enjoy a huge variety of fine wines and separate humidor for fine Cuban cigars. A visit to The Chedi will ensure your taste buds are in for a treat!
