A little more than a mile outside the bling-ridden town of St. Moritz lies a fairy-tale like hotel called Suvretta House. At the center of a park-like resort setting with its own ski lift that connects to the Suvretta chair, wintertime guests from the German-speaking countries consider it the top hotel for ski holidays that last anywhere from a long weekend to multi-week stays. More old world formal than glitzy glamour of Badrutt's or billionaire luxury of the Carlton, Suvretta features a grandiose entry with white cornice ceiling and walnut-paneled reception with dutiful attendants fresh out of a 4-year hotel school.

Large arch windows throughout the lobby frame incredible views of the mountains leading to Anton's bar with its gentlemanly vibe or the baronial Grand Restaurant that has one of the toughest dress codes we've ever encountered - requiring dark suits for men anytime after dark. Also be sure to visit mountainside Bergrestaurant Turtz while on the slopes– but have the concierge score you a prime 1pm table.

During ski months an outdoor ice rink is one of the most Christmassy scenes you'll ever see with former world champions creating a triple-lutz wonderland. Ground level boutiques are well stocked with Zegna but along a rather dark promenade while a club-level feature apres ski bar and lively kids club with all-day and night babysitting but lacking the belle époque details of the rest of the hotel except for on the outdoor terrace open during better weather conditions. 

The Room:

Standard rooms maintain a German sterility albeit a luxurious one with muted color palate of simple woven carpeting, minimally patterned decor and tranquil but unmemorable furnishings with east-facing or Corviglia views. Upgraded rooms like the junior suite are a bit more expressive with occasional wide plank hardwood floors, beam ceiling painted in glossy white, and walnut wood paneling that varies from room to room. Top of the line suites take on more of an apartment feel, located along the roofline of the hotel, with impressionist palette of rose and creamy colors at 6-person dining room with separate living and bedroom. An impeccably furnished spa with sauna circuit is built for German expectations with indoor swimming pool and outdoor whirlpool facing a snowy horizon.