Slow down
The first snow has covered Valais in a white winter coat. And while the hustle and bustle of the pre-Christmas period has already arrived in Switzerland´s towns and cities, one of the most precious commodities of all can still be found in Riffelalp high above Zermatt: peace and quiet. The hotel provides an almost unrivalled setting for a tranquil getaway with someone close to your heart.
The hotel’s outdoor pool provides a wonderful place to unwind and recharge your batteries away from the stresses of everyday life. While your back is massaged in the whirlpool, your gaze will glide directly to the Matterhorn. And then it’s off to the grotto. Here, you will get to bathe in a mountain landscape that feels as though it could be situated hundreds of metres below ground in a mountain tunnel. Relaxation can also be found in the saunas and steam baths.
If you want to supplement your recuperation with a little action, you can get snowshoes from the hotel’s integrated sports shop and head out on one of the signposted snowshoe trails– you’ll quickly find yourself in snow-covered nature and feel how a sense of tranquillity comes over you. Alternatively, you can join one of the snowshoe tours organised by the hotel and benefit from following the expert hiking guide Yann.
The hotel bar is an especially cosy corner of the establishment. Here, the mood is set by a pianist and the crackling fireplace. Through the high windows, you can marvel at the contours of the Matterhorn through the night and toast the experience with a cocktail in your hand. The start of the evening here is just as atmospheric as the last drink you enjoy before heading to bed. The bar is also a great place to visit for an informal dinner.
As the saying goes, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. At Restaurant Alexandre, you can look deep into each other’s eyes and savour fine dishes from head chef Luigi Lafranco. In the Italian Ristorante Al Bosco, you will be seduced by wonderful dishes full of amore and sweet desserts such as tiramisu. And a sociable ambience can also be found in the Walliserkeller, where you can indulge in some raclette and a glass of whitewine.
Alongside relaxation, it is important that there is also no shortage of fun. Those who discover the bowling alley located in the hotel’s basement certainly won’t be disappointed in this regard. You can also head down to the billiard room to pot a few balls.
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