My husband Peter and I had long anticipated visiting St. Moritz, a town that epitomizes winter luxury. Nestled beside Lake St. Moritzersee in the Alpine valley, this historic village is famed for pristine slopes, high-altitude glamour and a lively seasonal calendar. With over 300 days of sunshine, it’s the ultimate winter escape. We couldn’t imagine a better home for a few days than Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz, at the foot of the Swiss Alps.
Inside Our St. Moritz Winter Escape:
St. Moritz in Its Most Elegant Form
Arriving in St. Moritz feels like stepping into another world. We passed the private jet airfield (a hint of the town’s exclusivity), then caught glimpses of the famous red Glacier Express winding through alpine valleys. Each curve revealed snow-capped peaks, sparkling lakes and quaint villages that seemed frozen in time.
Finally, we arrived at our destination: Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz. Its twin towers rise dramatically, offering stunning views of the lake and mountains. The entrance is grand but inviting, and inside the lobby, modern alpine design meets timeless elegance—a Belle Époque chandelier hangs overhead, while iron pillars and historic photographs nod to the hotel’s storied past.
Small Touches, Grand Impressions
We arrived to a warm welcome in our room: a bottle of champagne, a platter of chocolates and a personalized note from General Manager Konstantin Zeuke—a thoughtful touch that instantly made us feel at home. The space was full of little luxuries: Dyptique toiletries, a balcony with beautifully crafted iron railings and sweeping mountain views. Recently refurbished, the hotel’s 76 rooms and suites mix natural wood, textured fabrics and earthy tones, blending modern alpine design with contemporary style.
Soak It All In at the Alpine Spa
Our first stop was the Alpine Spa, a perfect evening of relaxation with mountain views all around. The heated outdoor pool looks right out onto the Alps, and treatments range from classic massages to cryotherapy, all built around the Mauritius Spring—a mineral-rich thermal source that’s been part of St. Moritz’s wellness scene for centuries. A huge stone wall shows off the spring, with iron-tinged water trickling like a natural sculpture. With multiple saunas (we loved the herbal one) and dedicated massage rooms, it’s impossible not to linger, soak and let the mountains work their magic.
A Feast For the Senses, Inside and Out
Waking up for breakfast in the main restaurant, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the mountains, felt like a treat. A crackling fire and soft live piano set the perfect morning mood. The buffet was exceptional—fresh seasonal fruit (even winter cherries!), delicate pastries, a la carte options and champagne. Attentive staff made sure everything was just right, and insiders say it’s the best breakfast in town. In-room breakfast was just as indulgent, served on silver trays under cloches—a feast for the eyes and the palate.
After breakfast, we set out to explore St. Moritz. A gentle two-kilometer walk along the lake—often shared with horse-drawn carriages—leads to Via Serlas, the town’s main shopping street. Flagship boutiques from Dior, Hermès and Gucci line the street, with Michelin-starred restaurants in between. Everywhere you look, understated luxury is on display, from sleek cars gliding by to impeccably dressed pedestrians.
Turning Snow Into Show
Next, we geared up for skiing. The hotel has all the gear you need, plus a friendly staff to help out. It even has two high-end boutiques with winter apparel, footwear and formal wear so you can hit the slopes in style. Skiing from the hotel is a breeze: the Corviglia–Piz Nair area is just steps away, with 60 to 65 kilometers of marked pistes. Iconic Prada lift pylons add a playful, Instagram-ready touch, and sun-soaked slopes are dotted with lively après-ski spots serving champagne and fondue, a perfect mix of sport, style and socializing.
Back at the Kempinski, the Igloo Savour by Beluga—a cozy ice bar in front of the hotel’s grand façade—offers a fun take on après-ski. Guests gather around ice tables to sip Beluga vodka, champagne and cocktails like the Beluga Gold Martini, while a live DJ sets the evening’s rhythm. Outdoor seating, complete with a snowsled and Beluga-branded skis and snowboards, adds to the playful, picture-perfect vibe.
For something more refined, the Quintessence Bar & Lounge inside the hotel serves fine wines, cocktails and afternoon high tea with exquisite pastries and champagne. This experience is as beautiful as it is delicious—and one we highly recommend.
From First Course to Final Encore
Dining at the hotel is just as impressive. One evening, we tried Grand Restaurant Les Saisons, the French restaurant, and were blown away by the menu: Tuna Tataki with sesame, velvety mushroom soup finished with crème fraîche and parmesan foam, beetroot risotto with sea bream and hazelnut and a decadent chocolate mousse with raspberry and cocoa nibs. Carefully chosen wine pairings by the sommelier made every course even better.
By the end of our stay, it was easy to see why St. Moritz sets the standard for winter luxury. From our room at the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski to the slopes of Corviglia, the spa, the dining and the town’s own rhythm, every moment felt thoughtfully planned. This rare mix of history and modern style, quiet glamour and effortless comfort makes for a true alpine escape that lives up to its legendary reputation.
About the authors: Miriama and Peter Matay, known as auldsouls, are European-based content creators specializing in luxury travel, fashion and lifestyle. Follow along with their travels on Instagram @mataymiriama.
