|
by Nick Ross and Manos Angelakis
Rosewood Hotels and Resorts has been quietly adding properties around the world to their portfolio of super luxury hotels. The company’s reputation was forged at the Mansion on Turtle Creek, a Dallas, Texas, property acquired in 1979 by Caroline Rose Hunt. Previously known as the residence of the Sheppard King family, it became the flagship of the Rosewood luxury hotel group.
 Another of the world-famous hotels this international group manages since 1999, is the St. Moritz situated Badrutt’s Palace, a resort where the cream of the European aristocracy can be found during ski-season. The hotel hosts a lengthy calendar of art auctions, jewelry exhibitions and gourmet festivals that attract the international elite as well, drawn to this charming, more than a century-old Swiss castle by it’s tradition of unparalleled service; the expansive views of the lake and the snowy Alpine peaks; the restaurants -- from the formal French dining room Le Restaurant, to the traditionally Swiss Chesa Viglia (a rustic, Engadine farmhouse dated back to 1658 and one of the oldest houses in St. Moritz situated opposite the hotel and featuring three restaurants and two bars), to the French-Asian fusion cuisine of Le Relais, to the rustic Mediterranean offerings of the Trattoria -- and the expansive 1,400-bottle wine cellar that boasts cases of 200-year-old Bordeaux. For those guests concerned about their weight or with special dietary needs, the restaurants offer outstanding special diet and low-calorie dishes that are available within the pension plan. There is also The King's Club, recently refurbished in a Moorish/ Ottoman design. Europe's finest disco is a fabulous after-dark venue. And, the Aprés Ski/Renaissance Bar is a stylish bar with a cozy open fire that serves every cocktail imaginable.
 People become attached to the 209 very distinctive guest rooms and 29 suites so much, that the hotel has families that have been faithfully staying with them for 5 or 6 generations.
Badrutt’s offers an in-house ski shop and ski school to the guests wishing to take advantage of the numerous cross-country trails and downhill ski slopes in the winter, as well as a private ice rink and an indoor/outdoor pool. The in-house Caroli Health Club is equipped with a steam bath, sauna, Jacuzzi, solarium, a gym  and fitness studio and offers massage therapies. The Daniela Steiner Skin Care System utilized at the Beauty Spa is considered the ultimate in nourishment and rejuvenation. Treatments for the entire body are combined into a single philosophy featuring scientifically formulated products blended from the essence of rare botanicals and tested for their superior cleansing, healing and age-defying properties. Here, luxurious creams, oils and essences from Steiner’s exclusive Care Suites line are complemented with relaxing treatments and renewing therapies.
In the summer, a resident pro coaches at the three private tennis courts. A playground of igloos and evergreens is extremely popular with the younger set, too small to join their parents on the slopes.
The hotel is seasonal, open December to April and July to September.
© October/November 2002. All rights reserved.
|
