word on the street 21 There are few places in the world that make me want to return time and time again, but Switzerland is one of them. It might be something to do with the fresh mountain air, the views that are so postcard perfect they bring a tear to my eye, or the array of things to do that always calls me back. But visiting for the fifth time really did feel more special than ever before. From St Moritz and Zermatt to Geneva, here’s my luxury guide on making the most of the country in one whistle-stop tour… DAY 1-3: ST MORITZ Where to stay: The Kulm Hotel The first stop on my seven-day adventure across Switzerland took me to the iconic Kulm Hotel in St Moritz. The hotel’s heritage dates back 160 years. Founded by Johannes Badrutt, legend has it that the hotel’s fate was sealed by a group of guests who visited from England. In 1864 Badrutt made a bet with six guests that if they returned in winter, they would also be able to sit down on the terrace in the sunshine. If he was wrong, then he would pay for their travel expenses from London to St Moritz, but it was when he was proved correct that winter tourism was launched. The family ended up spending Christmas at the hotel and did not return to England until Easter. Little did they know that their one decision to holiday there would be the beginning of the story for the Kulm Hotel. It was then that the news of winter holidays in the snow spread like wildfire and why the Winter Olympic Games were held here in 1928 and 1948. With so much history inside the walls of the Kulm Hotel, you only need to step inside their lobby to understand the reason why they have managed to thrive for 160 years. It could also be something to do with the inspiring views that are unlike anywhere else in the world. The lobby alone is enough to write home about, dripping in elegance looking over Lake St Moritz, which attract hordes of people every single year just wanting to get *that* iconic shot. But it’s more than just a pretty hotel with a story, it’s a home away from home where the staff make you feel like a part of the family you never knew you were missing. With 164 rooms and suites, I checked into one of their deluxe rooms, which was more like a suite, boasting panoramic and dramatic views of the mountains and Lake St Moritz. With every amenity you could ask for, from the oversized bathtub with a window overlooking the living room so that while you’re splashing away in the tub you can still enjoy the scenery, to the pillow menu, walk-in wardrobe, grand living room and well-stocked complimentary mini bar. There’s not much else you could possibly need, but the real star of the show is the view. It’s the kind of view that, if it was painted perfectly on a canvas and hung in an art gallery, people would flock from miles afar to view it. I took advantage by sleeping with my balcony doors open so that when I woke up in the morning, I would be able to breathe in the fresh mountain air and now no morning will ever compare. SOLO IN SWITZERLAND Words and Images: LAURA BARTLETT 24 THE MINDFUL ISSUE Kulm Hotel
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