Legendary and unique, the Badrutt’s Palace Hotel has been an unmistakable landmark in St. Moritz since it opened in 1896. Looking out onto the breathtaking Swiss Alps for more than a century, the ‘Grande Dame’ of Swiss luxury hotels has welcomed royalty, stars and sports-lovers who value quality. Many outstanding icons of style, including Fiat’s former top executive Gianni Agnelli and layboy/writer Gunter Sachs regarded the Gothic-style lobby and dining room to be their second home during the Christmas holidays, and today’s jet-set continues to embrace the luxurious vibe. Why is the Badrutt’s Palace still the place to be, 120 years after it first opened? Well, traditional and luxurious, the Badrutt’s Palace’s aim is to leave nothing for its guests to desire. Surrounded in stylish luxury, travellers with even the highest expectations will find little to complain about. And still today, the hotel is not standing still. For example, the new restaurant La Coupole/Matsuhisa@Badrutt’s Palace by Japanese star chef Nobuyuki (‘Nobu’) Matsuhisa is housed in what used to be the hotel’s tennis hall and not to be missed. During my stay last month, I enjoyed what was truly my best Japanese dinner ever. From the yellowtail tartar to the salmon karashi su miso, the sushi selection to the black cod yuzu miso and beef toban yaki, everything was simply flawless. This winter, the second season in St. Moritz, restaurant guests will enjoy an open chef’s kitchen with Japanese and Peruvian influences. Another example is the appointment of Geneva-born Michel Jost as the new executive chef at the Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, bringing a wealth of experience and achievement from three continents. I enjoyed an amazing dinner in ‘Le Restaurant’ prepared by executive sous chef Valmiro Pasini. With the outstanding service and friendliness of its staff, the Badrutt’s Palace will make every guest’s stay more than impeccable. That’s why the Badrutt’s Palace is still the place to be after 120 years.

Copyright 2016 Mart Engelen