Asian haven in the Alps
FOLLOWING launches in the mystical island of Bali, the cultural heartland of Vietnam and the fabled Arabian shores of Oman, General Hotel Management (GHM) is set to open its first Swiss property with The Chedi Andermatt.
The property nestles among the classic ski chalets of Andermatt, a village in the Urseren Valley in Switzerland, and offers the brand’s signature Asian touch.
Newly appointed general manager Alain Bachmann, who returned to his home country three years back after living abroad for more than 15 years, is geared up for the opening of the luxury property later this month.
“The Chedi Andermatt will be a destination in itself in the picturesque village of Andermatt and the flagship property of this integrated resort of hotels, apartments, congress centre and golf course being further developed over the next years,” he tells TTN.
The Chedi Andermatt features 104 rooms and suites offering captivating views of the Swiss Alps, Andermatt Village or Schöllenen Gorge and with generous living spaces that start from 52 to 55 sq m.
The resort offers two exclusive restaurants: The Restaurant, an all-day dining venue for central Swiss and European dishes plus flavours from the Far East and an enticing 5-m-high cheese cellar, and The Japanese, with authentic Japanese sushi, sashimi and tempura. Other dining options include two bars, The Wine and Cigar Library, The Lobby, three private dining rooms and a 24-hour room service. Exclusive meetings can be held at The Boardroom, and over 200 fireplaces throughout the hotel enhance the cosy yet grand and stylish atmosphere.
The Spa, which extends over 2,500 sq m, showcases a 35-m indoor and 12-m outdoor pool, hydrotherapy area, a health club, yoga studio, a hair dresser, saunas and steam rooms and 10 fully self-contained spa suites. An exclusive selection of garments, gifts and leather goods can be found at The Boutique.
AUTHENTIC DESTINATION
Ski aficionados can look forward to a ski butler team who will ensure that both guests and their winter sport equipment are in great shape throughout their stay at the property.
Bachmann says: “The Chedi Andermatt is built in a traditional Swiss chalet style, but with a spectacular blend of alpine chic and a profound Asian zen-style which is sure to take Swiss hospitality to new heights. Andermatt is a truly authentic destination that enjoys a dramatic setting in the heart of the Swiss Alps and is yet easily accessible by car or rail from most European and Swiss cities. Zurich is a mere 90-minute drive away, Lucerne 40 minutes, and Milan a two-hour drive whilst the German cities Munich and Stuttgart can be reached in four hours.
“The hotel will be open all-year-round and offers an unrivalled choice of leisure facilities including an 18-hole championship golf course, the spa as well as a superb choice of food and beverage options that is unique to the entire region.”
Though there are indeed a large choice of luxury operators in the Swiss market, Bachmann believes the Chedi Andermatt, like many other GHM hotels around the world, will become a destination in itself with a product and service offering that is “truly unique and not yet available in Switzerland”.
The property’s initial key source markets are expected to be Switzerland, neighbouring European countries, Russia, the Middle East and Asia.
“We are also offering special Christmas and New Year’s packages and, unlike other alpine destinations, we have opted out on imposing a minimal-stay requirement for this festive season, which allows for greater flexibility for our guests, thus enabling them to visit us according to their schedules for the ultimate short break or an extended vacation,” he adds.