Check-In: Giardino Mountain, St. Moritz

Situatated in Champfère, just 10 minute from St. Moritz, the five-star Giardino Mountain is a luxurious yet cozy mountain retreat nestled at nearly 2,000 meters above sea level. Positioned between the Alpine peaks of Corvatsch and Corviglia, the hotel is surrounded by the stunning forests and mountain lakes of the Engadine valley. Originally a collection of seven Engadine buildings, the property underwent extensive restoration in 2011 and reopened as a Alpine chic design hotel. St. Moritz, particularly in the winter season hosts prestigious events like Snow Polo, White Turf and The Ice, making it a prime destination in the canton of Graubünden.

Ambiance
Arriving at the hotel amidst heavy snowfall, with flakes gently descending and a snow-covered path leading to the entrance, felt like stepping into a warm and inviting home away from home. The hotel’s beige and warm brown tones, accented with red and purple, created an enchanting atmosphere. While its historic walls retained a sense of tradition, the contemporary interior – featuring untreated wood, vibrant fabrics, and Alpine charm – offered maximum comfort. The hotel’s welcoming ambiance and excellent service make it an ideal destination for solo travelers, couples and families alike.

Location
Located in the Engadine region of Graubünden, St. Moritz is easily accessible by car, train, or private aviation. After a scenic three-hour train ride from Zurich, I arrived in St. Moritz and took a 20-minute bus ride to Champfèr, stopping at Champfèr Guardalej. From there, the hotel was just a short two-minute walk away. The journey on the Rhaetian Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage route, passed through picturesque Swiss villages, streams and breathtaking landscapes framed by the train’s large windows. Guests can either take the hotel’s shuttle transfer from St. Moritz station or a local bus, with the hotel located just 10 minutes from the town center.

Rooms
Giardino Mountain offers 55 rooms and 22 suites, ranging from 18 to 60 square meters. Options include the Double Room Small  (15 sqm), Double Room (25 sqm), Junior Suite (30 sqm), Suite Small South (33 sqm), Alpine Suite (55 sqm) and Mountain Suite (60 sqm). The larger suites feature added luxuries such as in-room bathtubs, separate sleeping and living areas and balconies with stunning Alpine views. The Mountain Suite also includes a fireplace. The interiors, in soft cream tones with colorful accents, exude contemporary Alpine chic. Rooms are equipped with coffee machines, plush bathrobes and toiletries from the hotel’s dipiù spa.

Drinking and Dining
Giardino Mountain features three restaurants, a bar lounge, and a cigar lounge. Upon arrival, guests are guided to the bar lounge, a cozy space with a fireplace, ideal for reading, writing, unwinding or socializing. The dining options cater to various tastes, from casual to fine dining. Ecco St. Moritz, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, offers an exquisite culinary experience, while Hide & Seek serves contemporary dishes inspired by local and seasonal ingredients. Stüva focuses on traditional Engadine cuisine. Hide & Seek is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, offering a diverse menu that includes  eggs, bowls, waffles, pancakes and crêpes. The breakfast options are varied, whether a la carte or  buffet, featuring various  juices, breads, meats, fruits, cereal and more. The dinner deserves a mention with the pumpkin soup flavored with ginger and topped with  delicate pieces of coconut. The menu includes Swiss and international cuisine, as well as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, influenced by Ayurveda. Additionally, the hotel’s sun deck lounge terrace offers a perfect setting for après-ski relaxation, while the smokers’ lounge  provides a quiet retreat with leather club chairs.

Pool and Spa
The dipiù spa, inspired by nature and rooted in Ticino traditions, offers a wide range of treatments using regional ingredients. Services include massages, beauty treatments, a gym, pools and saunas, along with yoga and meditation programs. The name “dipiù”, meaning “more” in Italian, reflects  the spa’s commitment to innovation, professionalism and Mediterranean dolce vita. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a warm towel and drink before being led to their treatments. Specializing in Ayurvedic therapies, the Abhyanga full-body oil massage is particularly noteworthy for its rejuvenating effects, improved lymphatic circulation and immune system benefits. The spa also offers facials, body treatments and specialized services such as QMS medical beauty treatments, Zone Anti-Aging Trilogy treatments and Aveda elemental nature therapies. A nail and hair salon is also available. Guests can enjoy the 75-square-meter indoor pool, and the hotel regularly hosts wellness retreats, such as the recent Longevity Retreat, which included yoga, meditation, treatments, and expert-led presentations on longevity in collaboration with Diana Nicoli from Bloom and Grow, Dr. Krisztina Barath from epigeniXzürich and Danijela Schenker and Dr Katrin Dreissigacker from Epigenedit. The yoga sessions where particularly relaxing, not only due to Diana’s expertise as a helpful instructor but also because of the serene atmosphere – the warmth of the room and  the sight of snowflakes gently falling outside  the grand window added to the peaceful experience.

Activities
St. Moritz is a world-renowned winter resort that attracts an international crowd and hosts prestigious events like Snow Polo, White Turf and The Ice. Beyond events, the town offers museums, luxury  shopping, and breathtaking ladscapes perfect for long walks, whether through town or along the frozen shores of St. Moritz Lake or Silvaplana Lake, creating a true winter wonderland. At the hotel, guests can also enjoy an on-site ice-skating rink, adding an extra touch of winter magic to their stay.