Breathtaking scenery coupled with plenty of traditional Swiss alpine charm and the ever watchful Matterhorn keeping guard, I went in search of finding the best luxury chalets in Zermatt and to get under the skin of the town to give you the best insight into the resort.
After an arduous 13 hour journey involving a delayed flight, a missed train and a replacement bus service (yes even in Switzerland!) I arrived in Zermatt under the cover of night eager to see the ubiquitous Matterhorn. However upon waking the next day it was nowhere to be seen.
Staying at the beautiful Chalet Zen courtesy of one of our independent operators, the property was a very welcome sight after a long journey. Perched on the side of the mountain in a private location near the Klein Matterhorn lift, the chalet exudes understated luxury and cosiness. With a wonderful traditional interior with antique furniture, original paintings of the surrounding landscape, this alpine retreat has a very relaxing atmosphere, hence the name! With a choice of two living/ dining areas, all ensuite rooms with modern bathrooms, hot tub and massage area, this is truly the perfect place to call home during a stay in Zermatt.
After a restful night’s sleep I went to view Chalet White Pearl. Arriving via one of the many electric vehicles in Zermatt, we took a slightly off road route to reach the property as the main road was being dug up (as you would expect in any alpine resort during the summer months!)
Situated in the quiet suburb of Winkelmatten this chalet is the only freestanding chalet in Zermatt with a private swimming pool and also one of the few properties that has a true ski in ski out location. Upon entering the chalet you are met with a beautiful, sumptuous interior oozing elegance and luxury. Chandeliers hang from the ceiling, plush soft furnishings feature through-out and the outside terrace with the towering Matterhorn above make this chalet an absolute dream to stay in! Although there was still no sign of the Matterhorn at this point, so I had to use my imagination!
The chalet has 5 large ensuite bedrooms with ultra modern bathrooms, many with their own bath. There is also a sauna, steam room and a large games room with games consoles, large cinematic television and a pool table that can also be table tennis table should you wish!
Day Two involved a look around the fabulous Chalet Zermatt Peak. The journey to the chalet itself creates an air of anticipation, first you enter via The Omnia hotel then up some steps and finally in via the boot room, which is a sight itself featuring a trickling waterfall, lit up wine cave and expensive skis on the wall. Walking up into the lounge requires a sharp intake of breath! You are met with probably one of the best views in Zermatt featuring a 180 degree view from a vantage point looking down on the village and then across to the Matterhorn, you can only imagine how this beautiful vista would look on New year’s eve with the glistening lights below, fireworks above and the ominous presence of the Matterhorn to your right. No expense has been spared in the creation of this ultra contemporary and modern chalet with every high tech feature and fixture you can think of. A stay here would undoubtedly be a truly memorable experience to treasure for a lifetime!
Besides looking at the best luxury chalets in Zermatt, I was also there to experience the services and catering of one of our operators. Staying in Chalet Grace I was met with a glass of Champagne upon entering and was immediately smitten (not because of the Champagne but because of the interior of course!) The chalet has a very female influence and has a soft, restful aura about it with delicate and elegant soft furnishings and original contemporary artwork. The wellness area as you walk in is lit up like a night sky with twinkling lights in the ceiling, walking up the stairs and into the lounge area the floor to ceiling windows perfectly frame the Matterhorn and the surrounding sumptuous furnishings make this a real home from home.
The evening meal was an elegant affair featuring more Champagne, a selection of canapés and five delicious gourmet courses including a roast pumpkin and goats cheese salad, pan fried salmon with braised endive and baked apricots with plenty of delicious wine. The service was seamless and beautifully presented on slate allowing the colours and textures of the food to speak for themselves.
On my last day in Zermatt and after days of waiting I opened the curtain of my window to finally view the true beauty of the Matterhorn! With the pink of the sun reflecting off the top I finally understood the magic of this ubiquitous mountain and its dominance and presence over the town.
The day’s activities consisted of a hike in the mountain via the Gornegrat, which is the highest altitude cogwheel railway in Europe. The journey itself is a wondrous affair with breathtaking views down to the town below. Getting off at Riffelalp we walked in rather drizzly weather through trees, past turquoise lakes and soaring mountains to a beautiful spot near the learner area at Findeln for a quick sip of Champagne and strawberries.
For lunch we headed to the traditional restaurant Chez Vrony. Built in 1900 the restaurant has been in the same family since 1922 and still features many of the homemade meals according to the original recipes. The restaurant is an absolute must with a warm welcome, exceptional views and amazing delectable desserts- you may have a little trouble skiing down afterwards that’s for sure!
On my final day in Zermatt I was once again rewarded with a final glimpse of the Matterhorn before getting the mountain train, this time in daylight down to Visp. Auf Wiedersehen Zermatt!
