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Bruno H. Schöpfer
By: Bruno H. Schöpfer
I am frequently asked which Swiss hotel showcases everything that is unique about Switzerland, combined with a world class hotel experience. My answer, The Riffelalp Resort (photo) in the Valais resort of Zermatt.
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The hotel lies on 2222 meters a.s.l. in the heart of the world famous Gornergrat skiing and hiking area, and Zermatt, a traditional village is dominated by what is arguably the most magnificent, mountain monument ever created - the Matterhorn.
The Riffelalp has a long distinguished history. In 1856, Alexander Seiler, the Zermatt hotel pioneer, purchased the land and later built a grand hotel here. It became the playground of Europe's high society before it was destroyed by fire. In 1998 it was reopened by the Seiler family with the help of the Sandoz foundation.
It has bee rebuilt in an Alpine traditional lodge theme, very cosy, using all local materials including granite and reconditioned timber. The rooms are spacious, truly deluxe, and all have terraces facing the majestic Matterhorn which dominates the skyline from the breathtaking sunrise to the stunning sunset.
There are three restaurants. The Alexander serves Swiss specialties, with great service and an outstanding wine list. The Walliser Kanne offers a great fondue in a wonderful homey atmosphere and the lobby lounge and bar, with its huge open fireplace, is where you can enjoy a bottle of the fine wine produced in the valleys below.
But, what makes this a great hotel truly special are the superb leisure facilities and the spa. After a full day of skiing or hiking, sitting in one
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of the water jet seats in the outdoor pool at 35° water temperature, watching the sun set over the Matterhorn, is a dream experience to remember for a lifetime. There are the usual saunas, steam baths, but have you ever enjoyed a saline grotto? You lie in saline water in jacuzzi-style pools, deep under the hotel in the granite mountain, surrounded by waterfalls. You might try a Schönbiel steam bath, where heat radiates from an open fireplace - it is also truly unique. After dinner, make use of the hotel's own cinema, its bowling alley and its billiards table. All in all, a really memorable hotel experience.
THE AUTHORBruno Schöpfer is a highly-respected hotelier, who rose to the top at Mandarin Oriental and Mövenpick, where he is Chairman. His company "Hospitality Solutions" is busy with the development of a myriad of creative Hotel and mixed use Tourism projects. He is highly active in the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO).
Bruno H. Schöpfer
Chairman, Mövenpick
www.moevenpick-hotels.com
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