An ode to the mountains

We may be up among the snow-capped peaks, but we’re a million miles from the rustic comfort of the average mountain hut. At La Cordée de Alpes, it’s more about discreet luxury in inviting surroundings which cater to your well-being. The décor is discerning; contemporary interiors infused with subtle touches of nostalgia harking back to the Alps of times gone by. A pair of old, weather-worn skis lean delicately against the wall, old wooden panelling and furniture feature throughout, and the intricacy of the carved balconies is akin to lace. “We drew inspiration from old hotels from the turn of the last century. But that doesn’t mean we’ve overlooked the requirements of a modern hotel!” explains Marcus Bratter, the Swiss-Australian who owns this establishment, as well as the Nevaï nearby.The cosy chalet-style décor makes you instantly feel at home — but better! In the 32 bedrooms and suites, the quilts are plumped up like clouds, the pillows dreamily soft, and cosy rugs yearn for you to wrap yourself up in them – an unadulterated invitation to kick back and relax. We continue our visit to discover a lounge area with a fireplace, a huge bathroom and a balcony offering a panoramic view of the mountains.

A spa for enchanted evenings
The pursuit of well-being continues with a spa in the basement. We’d gladly sink into the water in the Jacuzzi or do a few gentle laps in the adjacent 15m pool, surrounded by high vaulted ceilings. A steam room and a sauna round off the facilities. Aching muscles? Succumb to the expert hands of the therapists at the Cinq Mondes and Karin Herzog Spa for an organic massage treatment using aromatic plants from the Napf pastures. For those aspiring to total privacy, the spa can be privatised. Then collect your thoughts as you recline on a chaise longue by the fireplace as you contemplate the beautiful view of the treetops.

A prestigious table
The journey of the senses carries on into the evening in La Cordée’s fine dining restaurant, a blend of urban brasserie, cosy booths, exposed beams and shuttered windows which lay claim to its Alpine identity.
The bar is the best spot for admiring the chef Fabrice Taulier and his team as they go about preparing their wares in the large open kitchen.  Trained by some of the best chefs (2 and 3 Michelin stars), and namely by Joël Robuchon, the new chef from Cannes is hard to beat for references: he has worked at the Royal Plaza in Montreux, at the Grand Hôtel du Lac in Vevey, and at the Mirador Kempinski. The menu is strongly inspired by local products, meticulously sourced from Valais producers and farmers, and worked under the codes of French gastronomic cuisine with a touch of contemporary boldness. For even more originality, you could be invited to dine at the ‘chef’s table’ – serving up to five guests in the kitchens.

Hotel and residence
Tucked inside La Cordée des Alpes are a handful of spacious private apartments, some of which can be hired for the day or by the week. Comprising two or three bedrooms, they can accommodate up to six guests and include the personalised services of a concierge, which can be called upon to arrange meals at the residence or book private ski lessons or a mountain guide. These luxury apartments also have access to the same services as the hotel’s rooms (breakfast, shuttle buses to the slopes, etc.). Ultimate luxury.

www.hotelcordee.com