Switzerland’s Upper Engadin may be best known for its glamorous winter ski season, thanks in part to swish St. Moritz being nestled in the valley, but the region’s sunny and verdant summer may offer even more reason to visit. While the mercury in the GCC remains at its peak, savvy travellers can escape to the pristine mountains in August and September for outdoor cultural events amid fresh Alpine air for a dose of natural invigoration. And in the relaxed luxury of the five-star-superior Giardino Mountain hotel, there is arguably nowhere better suited to relax in blissed-out comfort between exploring the Alps’ ultimate summer paradise.
Situated in Champfèr, just minutes from St. Moritz, Giardino Mountain welcomes guests from the moment they arrive at the charming, traditional-Engadin-style building decorated with sgraffito – meticulous designs created by hand-carving through plaster. Within the traditional exterior, modern comforts and designer furnishings inspired by the surrounding region fill the contemporary hotel, which includes 78 guest rooms and suites, three restaurants, dipiù Spa and a myriad of summer (and winter) activities such as yoga retreats, paragliding, hiking and sailing on the lake.
Tranquil guest rooms and suites embrace sophisticated tastes while taking aesthetic inspiration from the natural charms of the Alpine landscape: modish fabrics sit against warm wooden flooring; oversized, contemporary-style bathtubs, and terraces or balconies beckon guests to take a deep breath and relax. More unwinding is easily accomplished in dipiù Spa, where eight treatment rooms engulf guests in pampering indulgence with therapies such as the signature dipiù Aroma Oil Massage, and saunas, an indoor pool and an Aveda hair salon are also found throughout the rest of the spa. From one indulgent experience to the next, Giardino Mountain gives guests the option to dine as their mood dictates – how does under the sunny sky or cosied up by a fireplace sound? – with Italian, Asian and Mediterranean at Guardalej, and authentic Engadin fare at Stüva. It’s Ristorante Ecco, however, that is one the most sought-after dining experiences in St. Moritz, having been awarded two Michelin stars for its seasonal, natural menu by chef Rolf Fliegauf. Closed during the summer months, Ecco will reopen for the winter season at Giardino Mountain.
In the warmth of a summer day guests can hop on one of Giardino Mountain’s complimentary bicycles to take in one of the many cultural events happening throughout the summer season. In August, the 20th Celerina New Orleans Jazz Festival kicks off from the 19th-21st with street parades, performances in village squares and evening concerts; over the same dates, car enthusiasts will enjoy the 5th Passione Engadina where Italian-manufactured vintage cars are displayed in a refined atmosphere. In September, the great outdoors is the place to be with St. Moritz Art Masters (Aug 26-Sept 4) showcasing renowned American artists such as Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock and Jeff Koons in venues around town, making for a world-class art crawl; and from September 18-24, the 14th Resonanzen International Culture Festival guides visitors on cultural walks around Engadin by day, and at night entertains with chamber music, theatre performances and poetry.
This trifecta of offerings – luxurious hospitality, incredible culture and breathtaking natural beauty – makes the ideal summer escape, and one that is sure to enrich while refreshing the body and mind. To book a stay, visit www.giardino-mountain.ch or call +41 (0)800 333 313.
