Weekend in Engadine

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The first thought that comes to the mind when you hear about Engadine is certainly the renowned resort of San Moritz, lying on the homonymous lake, undisputed destination of charm in the Swiss Alps. However, San Moritz today represents only a small part of the offer that the Engadine territory afford to its guests, in search for a high level comfort experience.

A mountain destination suitable not only for those people who make sport the common thread of their daily life, but also able to offer food and wine, wellness and relax experiences to any kind of holiday traveler. As soon as you cross the Swiss border and the Maloja pass, let yourself be amazed by the colors and shades of a mountain landscape that amazes in each season: when the lake that runs along the main road reflects the snowy peaks of winter, green trees in the summer and in the spring, besides the golden orange of the autumn leaves.

Is there a better way to start the day in the valley than having a breakfast overlooking the lake? To satisfy your wishes, Hanselmann has the solution, a historical pastry and chocolate shop that stands in the main street of San Moritz Alta, a few steps from the windows of the best international luxury brands. Hanselmann offers a wide range of Sweets and Engadine specialties, starting with the typical nut cake, prepared with mountain honey. Chocolate lovers won’t be disappointed: the restaurant boasts a tradition of excellence in its processing and preparation, ensuring a daily choice of pralines, sweets and biscuits for all tastes. To make the hot chocolate better, enjoy it with a puff of fresh homemade cream. An answer to the breakfast that not only satisfies the palate: in fact, the main hall presents the furniture of other times with mountain wood furniture and a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.

Give yourself a weekend in the mountains that also means getting lost in nature, you can walk until Lago di Staz from the small wooden station of Celerina, which is a great commitment to keep fit and immerse yourself into the green. At this destination, you can have lunch at the Hotel Lej da Staz, where the Engadine cuisine offers local proposals and it’s combined with attention to each detail of the raw materials. The outdoor kiosk also allows a faster meal, based on meat cooked on the grill and tasty sandwiches, strictly overlooking the lake.

The relax proposal is a cornerstone of the valley’s offer; in fact, many facilities are dedicated to the SPA and wellness centers. The Mineralbad & Spa in the center of Samedan is the perfect location for a pampering after a day dedicated to sports and walks. With a rich menu of spa rituals and massages, the center takes place into the white Engadine house, inside on several floors with mineral pools that accompany the visitor on a path of tranquility. A refreshing welcome that will embrace you: a glass of spring water will be just the first taste of a relaxing experience for all the senses.

Where staying for an unparalleled stop over with views of the mountains and the valley? Madulain, a small town a few miles from San Moritz, welcomes a structure that has managed to maintain the typical mountain architecture combined with modern furnishings and design details, the Hotel Chesa Colani. A location that preserves the original woods and stones, with 13 rooms and suites, a Wellness area with Spa and Gym and a restaurant – Stuva Colani – where the high-altitude cuisine meets creativity and love for the raw materials and unexpected combinations. The chef, Paolo Casanova, as a result of training experiences with renowned haute cuisine personalities, chooses as primary elements of his menu ingredients and seasonal first-fruits, reworking the Alpine tradition in a contemporary key. A careful selection of wines from the local wine cellar will be the perfect accompaniment for your dinner.

A mountain place to breathe the magic of the Swiss Alps without giving up the quintessence of comfort. Engadine mon amour … you won’t regret it!