Photo © Hotel Monopol

With March and its spring squalls blurring the seasons, it is hard to know where to turn. For those who want to stretch winter’s magic to the very last snowflake, head to snow-covered St. Moritz. And more precisely to Hotel Monopol.

By Sabah Kaddouri

And in the beginning, there was St. Moritz! Alpine resorts have always vied for the title of winter tourism’s birthplace, a debate that firmly tilts in favour of the flagship town of Graubünden. St. Moritz has more than a valley’s head start on the competition, so celebrated is its art of living around the world that it draws the crowds. Skiers, jet-setters, entrepreneurs, gourmets, artists, sportspeople… and not only them. Beautiful horses and classic cars also gather there for high-society events that have become global fixtures. The White Turf race and The Ice St. Moritz are powerful symbols of the destination’s appeal. It is easy to understand why some return several times over the winter, which encroaches on spring’s territory.

Among the addresses worth knowing is Hotel Monopol, a boutique hotel as thrilling inside as it is outside. Located in the heart of St. Moritz, the property enjoys a royal vantage point over the town’s views. Aware of this asset, the hotel offers wide picture windows in the rooms, allowing guests to wake up with their eyes fixed on the day’s first light. It is the station’s only truly silent moment. A soothing spectacle that we often forget to pause and watch, worn down by our hectic city lives. At sunset, the same feeling returns: the blue hues blending with yellow, orange and bronze create a magnificent high-altitude dusk. The 67 rooms and suites, each with its own décor, are designed as havens of peace and observatories of Mother Nature. We particularly appreciate the residential feel of the apartment suites.

Each guest can experience the mountain at their own pace, making family holidays and getaways with friends that much easier. Large bathrooms with shower and bathtub, generously sized seating areas, sliding doors separating the sleeping space… This four-star property has the trappings of a five-star hotel. That becomes even clearer when it comes to the culinary offering. The MONO restaurant draws foodies from the resort and the surrounding area. Its Italian-Mediterranean cuisine, always paired with an exceptional wine, brings a taste of la dolce vita to the middle of the peaks. The escape begins with the décor, rich in contrasts between the raw wood of the ceiling beams and the elegant leather covering the chairs, all framed by immaculate white walls cut from chalk. A cosy, chic trattoria atmosphere. The tone is set. The impeccable bearing of the maître d’s — mostly of Italian origin or from Ticino — and their warm welcome help immerse us in this sunlit kingdom. The atmosphere is just soft enough, while still leaving room for a festive spark.

For each dish arrives like a dance of gestures, a song in the presentation led by your server, culminating in a firework display when the plates arrive and are finished with a blowtorch. At times you are in your own bubble, at times in the middle of a culinary show. You will love the Burrata salad with cherry tomatoes and basil, served with garlic and herb crostini; the beef tartare with its crispy pinsa; or the Luma Wagyu cured-meat puff tartlet with sour cream and caviar. An opening act to suit every taste. Then it is on to pasta made in Italy: tagliatelle with lobster, bisque and fresh tomatoes; spaghetti Cacio e Pepe; Sorrentina gnocchi with mozzarella; or citrus risotto with lemony prawn carpaccio… Each day of your stay gives you the chance to explore the menu. As for dessert, the MONO Restaurant also knows its Italian classics. Between the selection of gelati and the unforgettable homemade tiramisu, the Mediterranean promise is fully delivered.

During your stay, you will also notice the team’s eye for detail, whether in seating you at your favourite table, opening your preferred wine or preparing your dishes according to your dietary requirements. Breakfast is also served at MONO, a true living space within Hotel Monopol.

The property has more than one personality and proudly proclaims its love of beauty and reflection through art. Every corner is dressed with a dazzling work in which bold colours meet avant-garde depictions of landscapes and well-known figures, including Lady Di, the eternal muse of pop culture. The eye delights in this graphic immersion by artists such as Hunt Slonem and Rainer Lagemann. It is a pleasure to photograph these jewels and post them on Instagram. Lobby, lounges, Sky Bar or rooms… boutique hotel or art gallery?

Another place is sure to draw you in: the Sky Bar. This is where you will come to unwind after a day on the slopes. Distinguished by the ‘Swiss Gastro Awards’, it offers uninterrupted views over the shimmering lake and the majestic mountains. Time stands still. Guided by the baristas or not, you can choose delicious cocktails or mocktails according to your mood. The lounge feel adds a refined dimension to the experience, set to a jazzy soundtrack. Be sure to book your seats well in advance, as the venue is heavily frequented by visitors to the resort.

From vintage delights to the benefits of a treatment room session, the step is a small one — and gladly taken! On the same floor lies the Hotel Monopol spa, a haven of serenity conceived as an echo of the majesty of the Alps. This restorative space draws inspiration from the great high-altitude spas, where clean design, mineral materials and recreated nature combine to create a setting that is as soothing as it is enveloping. At the heart of this sanctuary: a Finnish sauna, ice fountain, steam bath, jacuzzi, pool… Guests can invigorate themselves with a genuine Kneipp circuit in a hot-and-cold dance. The benefits are many: improved blood circulation, immune system support, sports recovery, a revitalising effect…

After this energising session, you may prefer to simply watch and surrender to the expert hands of the spa therapists. Between aromatherapy candle massage, targeted work on the neck and shoulders to release the deepest tension, and a range of facial treatments, you will be reaching new heights.

Each passing day opens the door to enchantment. Indoors or outdoors, alpine life brings us back to what matters most: reconnecting with nature and with ourselves.

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