Discreet elegance at the Guarda

One glance is all it takes. Whether from a room, suite, bay window or flowering balcony, there’s no room for jealousy at the Guarda: here, every guest wakes up to views of the golf course and the Valais mountain peaks. The hotel is perched on the first hole of the Jack Nicklaus Course (the Severiano Ballesteros is not far off) and offers a private golf cart for guests and the GG Lounge for a post-game debrief (over a GG burger), making golfers feel right at home.

A member of Leading Hotels of the World and Swiss Deluxe Hotels — and overseen by the owner, Nati Felli — Guavrda gives high-level luxury a dash of local flavour, which comes to life the minute one steps into the brand-new reception area. Featuring noble materials, a natural colour palate and décor that gives a nod to the natural surroundings, the reception was intentionally designed to act as a threshold between the surrounding mountains and the hotel’s cosy intimacy. The bedrooms and suites have the same spirit, each with its own unique look-and-feel for furniture, colourways and artwork. Currently labelled “Committed” by Swisstainable, the establishment aims to obtain the “Leading” label and meticulously renews their facilities during the low season to ensure discreet longevity.

Faithful regulars attest

The numbers say it all when it comes to client satisfaction: more than two thirds of guests have already stayed at the hotel before… and sometimes more than once, which is unusual in the luxury hotel sector! Could it be because of Chantel’s poetic flower arrangements in the rooms? The mini pastries by Pastry Chef Irina? Or, perhaps, the concierge’s ability to organize a birthday party in less than 24 hours, complete with a Cirque du Soleil Spiderman who climbs the walls? Or the small gift that awaits in the spa — a product from the exceptional Swiss skincare brand La Colline — which is exclusively available here?

“Over the years, we have developed deeply personal relationships with our regular visitors. We have learned to anticipate their habits and have memorized their preferences for their favourite rooms and meals, in addition to other customized courtesies”, explains the establishment’s Head of Communications and Sales, Giulia Felli.

Cuisine with both local and Eastern roots

When it comes to dining, the delightful Restaurant Five (14/20 with Gault&Millau) is powered by two heads and four hands: Frenchman Félicien Christie (as Culinary Director) and Turkish Chef Uğur Can Sarikaya. The restaurant’s Levantine-inspired menu is built around sharable mezze which also includes sarma (stuffed grape leaves) and tabbouleh (with pomegranate) that speak directly to the chef’s roots, along with a revisited warm hummus that features a twist of the Chef’s special spiced butter and dried meat chips direct from Valais! The legendary istakoz salad features Breton Blue Lobster with avocado, fennel and grapefruit. It’s an absolute “must have”, along with the truffle pide (Turkish pizza). On Sundays, an impressive buffet with a wide range of succulent meats, fish, desserts and seasonal specialities attracts diners from the hotel and all over Crans-Montana. And let’s not forget the 280 different wines, half of which showcase Valais’ rich oenological heritage.

The Guarda is open for the summer season from 13 June-21 September and reopens again for the winter season beginning 11 December.

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