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Christmas at The Chedi in Andermatt - the ultimate luxury festive ski break
by Richard Visick, 21 December 2020
The multi-award-winning Chedi in Andermatt is widely regarded as one of the most luxurious ski hotels in the Alps. We were lucky enough to spend a few days here in December 2019, enjoying the festive season with a large helping of Chedi luxury and extravagance.
Just 90 minutes’ drive south of Zurich, super-snowy Andermatt is fast emerging as one of Europe’s coolest ski destinations. We arrived here by train, but those looking for the ultimate in luxury may prefer to indulge in a 30-minute heli-transfer direct from Zurich airport.
Whichever option you choose, as soon as you arrive you know you are in good hands. As your private chauffeur pulls up to the hotel, you’ll find your door opened for you by one smiling concierge as a second welcomes you in to the hotel with the offer of a glass of Champagne (or a warm drink). Meanwhile, a third collects your bags and takes them straight to your room as you immediately start to unwind.
Walking into The Chedi’s main entrance, our first impressions were of its understated opulence and interesting combination of styles - think Swiss Alpine chic mixed with cool Asian Zen - both simultaneously impressive and relaxing. Every single aspect of The Chedi has been carefully designed, with no expense or effort spared to ensure that guests are offered a uniquely calming experience.
All of the hotel’s public areas are elegantly decorated, with plenty of private nooks and crannies where you can curl up on one of its luxurious sofas. What’s more, with over 100 fireplaces you are never far away from the warm glow of an open fire!
The Chedi’s bedrooms are also truly luxurious, all designed with a subtle Asian feel and furnished with traditional, locally sourced wood and stone.
The sumptuous and spacious bathrooms are heated underfloor and have both deep soak bathtubs and separate rain showers - perfect for guests to refresh, relax and warm up in after a hard day’s ski.
With all the in-room amenities you would expect in a hotel of this standard, such as open fireplaces, multi-infotainment system, super-comfortable beds and mood lighting, it may feel difficult to tear yourself away from the comfort of your room! But try you must, as the Chedi has a lot more for you to discover…
The Chedi’s enormous 2400m² state-of-the-art spa and wellness centre is lavishly equipped with a 35m indoor pool, beautiful outdoor pool overlooking the mountains, hydrothermal pool area, bio and Finnish saunas, organic steam room, relaxation area, and treatment rooms offering an extensive range of holistic therapies.
The food at The Chedi is also truly exceptional. You start the day with one of the most extensive, most diverse, and most delicious breakfast buffets we have ever experienced, offering everything from croissants to curry! For lunch, dinner, or anything in between there is a wide choice of eateries to suit every mood and taste.
The East-meets-West-themed ‘The Restaurant’ offers authentic Swiss, European and Asian fare served from four open kitchens, where you can be wowed by the chefs at work as you eat. Don’t miss its five-metre high cheese and wine cellar - a real highlight!
The rustic chic ‘The Chalet’ is a more traditional option where guests can enjoy classic Swiss dishes with an emphasis on local cheese and meats. For those looking for lighter refreshments, or perhaps afternoon tea, ‘The Lobby’ is a plush and comfortable area with live piano music.
For a real treat, you must try the kaiseki tasting menu at the Ched's Michelin-starred ‘Japanese Restaurant’. Each delicious course here is paired with a different Sake, which will be presented and its origins explained to you by The Chedi’s own 'Master of Sake', one of only three sommeliers in Switzerland to have achieved this prestigious qualification.
In our brief stay at The Chedi, we found that what makes this hotel so special is its successful combination of luxuriousness and lack of ostentation. Service here is slick and discreet, while remaining friendly and unfailingly courteous.
The Chedi is a truly special destination for a luxury ski holiday at any time of the season, but add in the magic of Christmas and it is elevated to a whole new level.
The hotel fully embraces the yuletide season, with beautiful Christmas trees and decorations throughout, subtle festive music playing gently in the background, and seasonally-themed menus and cocktails at the bar. Santa Claus even pays children staying here a visit on Christmas Eve. Judging by how well The Chedi does everything else, we’re almost certain he is the real Father Christmas!
A 3 night short break at The Chedi at Christmas starts
from £1995 pp
(incl. flights, private transfers and breakfast)