Suvretta House: The Refurbished Alpine Retreat for 2026 Ski Holidays
As the 2026 ski season approaches, one historic Swiss hotel stands out after a significant refurbishment. Suvretta House in St Moritz, often described as a Belle Époque eyrie perched at 1,850 metres, has reinforced its status as the ultimate base for discerning winter sports enthusiasts. This Alpine fantasia, catering to St Moritz's quieter money for over a century, represents the pinnacle of ski holiday luxury with its recent updates.
A Legacy of Aristocratic Appeal
Among St Moritz's three grande dames – The Kulm (established 1856), Badrutt's Palace (1896), and Suvretta House (1912) – this relative newcomer has consistently attracted the most aristocratic clientele across generations. While other establishments have embraced overt flashiness, Suvretta House maintains a stoically old-fashioned brand of luxury, carefully integrating contemporary flourishes without compromising its traditional character. The hotel's peaceful sylvan setting, approximately a mile outside town, and its unique private button lift – first used by actor Douglas Fairbanks in 1935 – contribute to its exclusive atmosphere.
Unparalleled Ski-In Ski-Out Facilities
Suvretta House remains St Moritz's sole ski-in ski-out hotel, a crucial feature for those who prefer to avoid walking in ski boots. Guests prepare in a state-of-the-art ski room featuring modern lockers, flickering fireplaces, and circular sofas that could belong in a James Bond film set. The hotel also boasts a games room containing a £105,000 Pininfarina-designed Roarington racing simulator, allowing guests to experience Monza in a realistically-handling Ferrari F40 after tackling the slopes.
The £32 Million Wellness Transformation
The most impressive enhancement is the newly opened £32 million Suvretta Spa, designed by architects Ritter Schumacher. Spanning three levels and 4,670 square metres, this hydrothermal paradise includes four saunas (one infrared, another women-only), a steam room, experience showers simulating Antarctic and Amazon environments, glacial cold plunge pools, indoor and outdoor heated pools, a children's pool, and a jacuzzi – all framed by forest vistas and snowy horizons. The spa's square footage doubles that of competitors, offering a warm, informal atmosphere complemented by treatments from Sisley, Ila, and Swiss brand Cellcosmet.
Historic Elegance Meets Modern Comfort
The 181 recently updated rooms and suites feature generous marble bathrooms, walk-in wardrobes, and a comforting colour palette of fresh green and warm orange tones. Many offer spectacular views across the Engadine valley to the hotel's historic ice skating and curling rinks, seasonal fixtures for 114 years. Suvretta House proudly hosts the world's only hotel-based curling club, with gleaming rinks said to be unmatched elsewhere. The hotel also claims historical significance as the founding site of Switzerland's first ski school in 1925, with over 200 Prada-suited instructors currently based there.
British Influence and Automotive Heritage
The British upper classes who pioneered luxury ski holidays in the late 19th and early 20th centuries left an enduring mark on Suvretta House. An Englishness pervades the establishment, from afternoon tea and twice-daily turndown service to the dinner dress code requiring dark suits and ties in The Grand Restaurant – unchanged since the days when the Shah of Iran, Eva Peron, and Alfred Hitchcock dined there. The annual British Car Meeting, chaired by immaculate general manager Peter Egli, attracts collectors of classic vehicles including E-Type Jaguars, Mini Coopers, Aston Martins, and Rolls-Royces from the 1960s to 1980s.
Culinary Excellence and Exclusive Dining
Dining at Suvretta House represents a distinction even for seasoned travellers. The Grand Restaurant features original honey oak panelling, intricate triple-height cassette ceilings, and carved pillars reminiscent of pre-war ocean liners. Signature dishes include Mediterranean tuna, gnocchi with caviar, venison Wellington, and Crêpes Suzette flambéed tableside. Alternative dining options include the cozy Suvretta Stube for traditional fondue, Chasellas restaurant with its saffron risotto, and Trutz at 2,211 metres serving delicacies like white truffle pizza.
This winter palace successfully balances historical preservation with contemporary luxury, ensuring its position as the classiest hotel in the Swiss Alps for generations to come. The sensitive updates align with founder Anton Bon's original Anglo-Swiss vision, creating a ski holiday experience that honours tradition while embracing the future through its substantial wellness investment.
