Saturday 26 / April / 2025
Perched high on the sunny side of the Swiss Alps, St. Moritz glistens like a well-kept secret - one that’s both timeless and thrillingly alive.
Here, snow-draped peaks shimmer under the alpine sun, the frozen lake mirrors an ever-changing sky, and the quaint village hums with a unique rhythm - where Italian warmth and German precision meet in a seamless cultural confluence. From the dialects spoken to the dishes served, this rare harmony adds another layer to St. Moritz’s charm.
It’s no surprise that St. Moritz holds its head high as a destination unlike any other. Nicknamed the “Top of the World” and proudly bearing the sun as its emblem since the 1930s, this celebrated corner of the Engadine Valley has long lured the world’s elite - from sports icons and movie stars to wide-eyed first-timers - each seeking their own Alpine story to treasure.
Best known for hosting the Winter Olympics in 1928 and 1948, St. Moritz today is a gleaming symbol of world-class winter experiences.
The frozen lake turns into a grand stage every year, hosting cricket matches, polo tournaments, and horse races in spectacular fashion.
Skiers and snowboarders descend upon the slopes of Mt. Corviglia and Mt. Corvatsch, while spa-seekers flock to the mineral-rich springs of St. Moritz Bad, drawn by the promise of therapeutic relaxation and rejuvenation.
But to assume that St. Moritz is only for winter is to miss the heart of its story.
Beyond the snow: Four seasons of alpine magic
As the snow begins to melt, a new charm unfurls. St. Moritz doesn’t retreat with the season - it transforms. Spring paints the valley in pastel greens and blooms, summer invites adventure seekers to hike, bike, or sail on the lake, and autumn burns bright with golds and crimsons across forested ridges. This is when the crowds thin, the air is crisp, and the real luxury begins: space, serenity, and personal time with nature.
Yet not all resorts remain open beyond ski season. That’s what makes Grace La Margna St. Moritz a rare jewel - a luxurious sanctuary that welcomes guests 365 days a year, redefining alpine hospitality for every kind of traveller, including families seeking quality time away from the bustle.
Grace La Margna St. Moritz: Elegance in every detail
Located just above the St. Moritz railway station and offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains, Grace La Margna blends old-world glamour with forward-looking design.
Originally opened in 1906, the hotel underwent a major renovation led by London’s Divercity Architects, who revived its soul while embedding modern-day sophistication across its 74 rooms and suites.
As you enter, you’re met with a quiet sense of grandeur.
Sunlight streams through expansive windows, original architectural elements coexist with contemporary art pieces, and there’s a palpable sense of welcome - for individuals, couples, and families alike.
“Our guests experience the best of both worlds — world-class luxury and heartfelt warmth. Whether it’s dining in our stylish restaurants or enjoying a carefully crafted mocktail at the bar, every moment is a pleasure,” says Federico Scribani Rossi, Sales Manager of Grace Hotel. “Guests can unwind in our spacious wellness area, complete with a 20-metre pool, multiple saunas and steam baths, and a relaxing lounge.Families are warmly welcomed with a thoughtfully designed play paradise for our youngest guests.”
Rooms with a view - and a story
Each room is a personal retreat. My deluxe third-floor room offered sweeping views of the imaginatively named Lake St. Moritz and the ridge marking the border between Switzerland and Italy.
The decor - soothing neutrals punctuated with deep blue and bronze - creates an atmosphere of calm, with tactile richness in every detail. A king-sized bed, handmade in Switzerland, is perfectly placed to take in the views the moment you wake with a dark blue plush headboard — a striking feature in a room filled with muted, relaxing tones.
Many suites offer private balconies, rain showers, separate living areas, and complimentary minibars. For active guests, the hotel offers on-site ski and bike rentals and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. HD televisions and free WiFi.
For those seeking slower indulgence, there’s always the spa - where wellness rituals meet mountain serenity.
An epicurean journey: Dining at Grace La Margna
The hotel’s culinary repertoire is as refined as its architecture. The View restaurant celebrates the spirit of the Mediterranean, serving dishes bursting with sun-drenched flavours, paired with an exquisite wine list.
Beefbar is a sleek and stylish space for meat connoisseurs, with signature cuts and contemporary side pairings. And Stüvetta Moritz brings a taste of the region alive, offering traditional fondue and Engadine specialities in a warm, wood-paneled atmosphere.
Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a lively family meal, the hotel ensures that every table is a place of celebration and comfort.
The Journey: Getting there is half the experience
My trip began in Tirano, a charming Italian town just across the Swiss border. After a three-hour journey from Milan, I boarded the Bernina Express, fondly nicknamed the “Little Red Train.”
What followed was one of the most unforgettable train rides of my life.
The Bernina Express, Europe’s highest railway and the steepest in the world, winds through 55 tunnels and 196 bridges.
The route spans stark contrasts - from Tirano’s palm trees to alpine glaciers - taking you over landmarks like the dramatic Landwasser Viaduct. Panoramic carriages offer an immersive experience; it’s less a commute and more a moving postcard.
Fresh snow appeared about an hour into the ride. The silence of the white landscape, broken only by the train’s rhythmic climb, was hauntingly beautiful. I arrived in St. Moritz awestruck, the landscape etched into memory.
Famous for its mineral springs discovered more than 3,000 years ago, St. Moritz began its ascent to international fame as a summer spa town. Over the years, it has stayed ahead by offering not just stunning vistas, but a sense of identity.
Here, heritage and innovation live side by side, and travellers of all ages find something to hold on to.
Children play in snowbanks while parents sip coffee on sunlit terraces. Artists and adventurers brush shoulders on lakefront paths. Every season writes its own story.
And at the heart of it all, Grace La Margna St. Moritz stands as a home - a stylish, warm, welcoming retreat that proves you don’t have to wait for winter to experience the best of the Alps. So whether it’s snow you seek or sunshine on the slopes, a spa retreat or a culinary adventure,
St. Moritz offers a luxurious, family-friendly escape all year round. And with Grace La Margna as your base, every visit becomes a memory that lingers long after you’ve left the mountains behind.
