ON THE SLOPES SWISS BLISS A diamond among Switzerland’s glittering alpine destinations, St Moritz is shining bright, thanks to a new array of hotel, dining, retail and cultural openings // By Ivan Carvalho 76 NetJets
WHEN THE TEMPERATURE drops and snow begins to fall, savvy travellers know the best leisure destination in the Alps remains Switzerland’s Engadine and its crown jewel: St Moritz. The long, remarkably wide, high-altitude valley boasts easy access for private jet passengers thanks to the airport at Samedan, which is conveniently situated 10 minutes from downtown St Moritz and its assortment of premium accommodations. This winter the Swiss resort has plenty of new attractions to welcome visitors. First among them is the recently opened 74-room Grace La Margna (gracehotels. com). The original property, which dates to the early 20th century and overlooks the lake from a prime spot above the town’s train station, has undergone an extensive, multiyear remodel managed by London’s Divercity Architects and French interior designer Carole Topin. A new, more minimalist wing has been added and the property has been equipped with formal and informal dining spots, a spa, and boutique where winter sports enthusiasts can peruse highperformance designs from the likes of Swiss ski-maker Zai (zai.ch), whose pricey models made from exotic materials such as local granite are manufactured in the surrounding Graubünden canton. Keen to stand out from its peers, Grace has opted to shun the seasonal calendar and stay open year-round to cater to those who love stunning Alpine scenery and invigorating mountain air. A highlight is the evening aperitivo at bar N/5. Here patrons can pull up a chair at the RENATO MUOLO / UNSPLASH NetJets 77
