Whenever I thought of Switzerland, I imagined mountains, valleys, clear water rivers and picturesque houses. I blame the Sound of Music for painting this picture in my head, but ever since I was a little girl, I dreamt of seeing this…When I boarded my flight to Zurich with The Leading Hotels of The World, as part of our collaboration to seek the remarkably uncommon side of travel, I felt as if I was a little girl on her way to Disneyland for the first time. My mother has always told me these stories about Switzerland, how it was her favourite country when she came to Europe in the 70’s, that there was something so special, she has never been able to find anywhere else. I have traveled a lot and I have seen such incredible places, so I wanted to keep realistic expectations about it.
I guess that train ride from the airport to our first location at The Chedi Andermatt Hotel went a little beyond my expectations. I am not sure if you followed my journey on Snapchat and Instagram, but going across the Alps, those clear blue lakes, deep green forests and snowy mountains kept me up my seat the entire way. I wasn’t sure if I should document it of just enjoy it, but I couldn’t help but to do both.
When we got to the hotel, I was completely blown away. I knew that you had to be a pretty spectacular hotel to become a member of The Leading Hotels of The World, but I guess the moment I stepped foot in the door, I realised why this incredible hotel was one of their members. Picture a tiny town in a valley, at the heart of the Swiss Alps. This Luxury ski resort was exquisite, beautifully decorated, wooden panelled walls and fireplaces everywhere, the cosiest most beautiful thing. -I could really pictured myself coming back here after a full day of skiing, sitting by the fireplace on the entrance and having some tea and cake.-
As soon as I dropped my stuff in one of the best rooms I have ever stayed at, I wanted to explore the hotel a little more so I went on a small adventure by myself, trying to find the gym for my morning workout and bumped into the Spa area. After getting lost around all those beautiful wooden corridors, I arrived to a space with 4 indoor pools, all in different warm temperatures and discovered not 1 but 2 different steam rooms and saunas, which is one of the first things I seek for when I am searching for a hotel. The space was so calm and zen, with beautiful Asian inspired architecture, perfect place to relax. I knew I had to get up extremely early the next morning just so I could fit in a workout and time at the hot pools and steam room.
After a very much needed massage at the Spa, I got back to my room wrapped in a cosy robe, opened the door to the balcony and stared at the snowy mountains for a while, took a few photos and all of a sudden, I started hearing bells up on the mountains; “-Oh my god! Are those the Swiss cows with the bells on their necks!” Such a beautiful cliche!… I remember many stories about these Swiss cows, most of them told by my Mum when I was a little girl, constantly curious about her trip to Europe in the 70’s. Hearing those cows was such a special moment for me, because of the memories it represents and because I finally saw them myself, I made that memory for myself :). That night ended with an incredible Asian fusion dinner, exactly the type of food I love and the perfect way to close our first night there!
One of the most special and definitely uncommon moments of the whole trip was taking that hike up the Alps with Camille, Lucy and Jessie. I couldn’t even imagine how I would feel being able to finally see my “Dream Switzerland” from one of those small trails, surrounded by mountains. Its was so peaceful up there, like we were the only people for miles, everything seemed so pure, greener, more vibrant!. We had a guide showing us all the different herbs we were finding on the trail, he told us stories about the Alps, about the history of Andermatt, it was so priceless! Once we started to make our way down the mountain, we found a wooden table set up for what is arguably the most picturesque picnic I have ever experienced! The Hotel manager at The Chedi had planned a picnic for us right in the middle of the trail, with a delicious barbecue, wine, assorted cheese and countless sauces. You can probably get an idea from the photos above but sitting there in the middle of the Alps, wearing big chunky blankets, having a picnic, sipping some wine and sharing some stories was such a special moment, one which I will probably never forget.
This short but intense stay at The Chedi Hotel has made me fall in love with Switzerland hard, harder than I ever thought possible but its far from over, we still have another The Leading Hotels of the World location to go to…
Stay tuned!
55 Responses
Beautiful traveling photos! The views are surreal, almost like you photoshop it :P
wow wat an experience……so serene both inside and out!
its a dream experience!
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What’s this “Swiss Travel” Voucher in your passports? But incredibly beautiful Pictures!!!
Lisa
xx
Joy Della Vita Travelblog
Amazing pictures! Looks a lot like the location used for the film “Youth” of Paolo Sorrentino….could it be?
Love Switzerland landscapes!! The pictures are amazing! :)
♥ ★ ♥ GINGER COLLAGE ♥ ★ ♥
Following you on Snapchat during this trip was so much fun! You’re so hilarious and also so cute. Loving those snaps! x
http://www.tomboychronicle.com
Amazing *-*
Amazing place, amazing photos!
This country is amazing! I’ve been there when I was a child! Love so much the trip!
xoxo
http://www.donkeycool.es
How absolutely gorgeous! Switzerland has been high on my travel list lately and this just made me want to go even more! And that hotel! I’m so envious!
http://www.ashbam.com
Wauw. The hotel, the place, the food. Everything looks soo beautiful!
x
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Your photos are spectacular!
http://imyownmuse.blogspot.com
Beautiful photos, the Alps look incredible! I think this post has bumped Switzerland up on my places to go list!
Just seeing the pictures, im like I need to be there right now!
Such a beautiful place, perfection.
Disfrutalo mucho Andy
these photos are just so beautiful Andy, I can see why you fell in love with Switzerland, I can only imagine what it’s like to see in person…it does look very much like how it does in the ‘Sound of Music’, so much natural beauty <3
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Wow, beautiful. I am only a little bit jealous..
Absolutely stunning pictures!
oh my god! this is all to beautiful I’m just going to sit here and cry
beautiuful photos
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Loved Switzerland!! Can almost smell the fresh mountain air and remember the sounds of the cow bells as they grazed… through your pictures!!
http://www.freedupgirl.com
These are spectacular photos of you at an incredible hotel! The outdoor cookout looks like so much fun and all of you looked so adorable wrapped up in your faux fur blankets!! xo
(=’.’=)
-Lauren
adorn la femme
I have to say that this place looks amazing! I only know Zurich, but this wow!
Kisses
Aga
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These photos are gorgeous! I’ve always wanted to go visit Switzerland and now, after seeing your photos I want to go even more.
Erika
http://whaterikawears.com/
Andy,
Me encantaron las fotos, son bellísimas!
Me emociona mucho y me inspira la pasión con la que haces tu trabajo. Enhorabuena por estas vacaciones en este lugar de ensueño. Ahora muero por visitar Suiza :D
Recibe saludos de una paisana desde la Ciudad de México
Wow! So gorgeous <3 I cannot wait until the day I get to go back to Switzerland. It's such a magical place!
Glitter Boots & Champagne Flutes
OH-MY-GOD! Oh, I’m so envy right now! The nature, teh rooms, the food…..Everything looks amazing!
I love Switzerland!! Great post! xxx
Looking great, babe<3
Shall We Sasa
Wow, I guess I need to visit Iceland because it looks beautiful! It’s not one you would automatically think of as a vacation spot, but it looks like an absolute breathtaking movie scene.
coffeeslag
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incredible pics
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Posts online about Tahiti, Vienna, Auckland…
what gorgeous photos of Switzerland!
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Such a great post, Andy! And beautiful photos too! Hoping to drive down to Switzerland when I’m back in Germany this summer. So excited for your next post!
– rocionaval.blogspot.com x
Can’t wait for your next post from this series and oh God, now I wanna go to Switzerland so badly!
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Absolutely amazing scenery pictures and the bbq food looks so mouth-watering, especially on a cold day! Thanks for sharing!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.com
Amazing photos!
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amaizing pictures!!
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Great place and great photos !
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Amazing place!
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This must have been such a nice trip :) hope you enjoyed your time there!!
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WOW the views are breathtaking! I can’t remember much of Switzerland but I definitely want to go experience it for myself again – what a beautiful hotel and location!
Lauren x
Britton Loves | Lifestyle Food Beauty
I know Swizzerland is beautiful.
Switzerland is truly a beautiful country!! love all the photos
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I know Swizzerland is beautiful!
That place is amazing, lucky you!
L.A
omg, this post was just amazing, I enjoyed it a loooot :D
I loved all the pics, the scenary is absolutely insane and the food looks delicious :D
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Wow!!
Amazing photos. Switzerland is so beautiful!
It looks unreal.
Xx,
http://sacosha.blogspot.com
I really enjoyed your trip via Instagram and Snapchat and this hotel is beyond.
Kisses,
Elle
http://www.ellesdiaries.com
Amazing photos, seems like you had fun !
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Love from Paris
Breathtaking photos!!! So happy for your incredible experience!!!
This place is really amazing, it looks like a part of a Heidi world and every view and corner is breathtaking. Adore you comfy, casual and always cool outfit, these pants look so great with the denim jacket. Wonderful photos
Kisses
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Madre mía! Qué maravilla de paisaje, quita el aliento! Seguro que fue una experiencia fantástica! Un beso
THE PINK INNUENDO
Gosh what a stunning place:))) You made me crave for Switzerland getaway!
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WOW! This is absolutely gorgeous. Beautiful x
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This place is absolutely incredible<3
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Wow!!!! That’s breathtaking. It seems so serene! Now I really need to go there one day. Beautiful pictures Andy!