Search for meaning

In the stairway that leads to the spa, a majestic macramé unfolds in long, cream-coloured knots. “It was a communal art piece, made by participants at the ‘A Love Beyond’ festival last year. It’s a beautiful reminder of the time we spent together,” explains Dörte Bundt. The Berlin-based artist will return this year for the third edition of the event, during which she will lead a weaving workshop using dried herbs, wool, pinecones, and other natural treasures upon a canvas of branches. The festival is organised by her partner Joel Isaac Black — a DJ of many talents, whose look and mindset are undoubtably “on trend.” It’s through these kinds of activities that the CERVO has brought fresh life and innovation into High Valais hospitality, proving that luxury can be compatible with sustainability, authenticity, and “awesomeness.” This belief infuses the “A Love Beyond” festival, along with the rest of the annual programming for this eco-friendly hotel.

Sustainability = real luxury

At the CERVO, simplicity has become a guiding principle. The goal is to be carbon neutral when it comes to heating and hot water usage — 99% of which already relies on geothermal energy. The resort is also devoted to sourcing supplies locally. As such, the Ferdinand and Madre Nostra restaurants focus on regional specialities, while the Eastern-inspired Bazaar primarily serves vegetarian dishes. A founding member of the Responsible Hotels of Switzerland alliance, and holder of the “Sustainable Living” and “Ibex Fairstay” labels, the CERVO was also crowned “Switzerland’s Best Resort Spa” at the 2023 World Spa Awards and won gold in the Global Luxury Mountain Resort category at the 2023 World Luxury Hotel Awards.

And yet the resort’s rooms and chalets spare no luxury; it simply feels like they have been adapted to function within the limits of the available resources. That adaptation is even reflected in the décor, which features natural materials like wood and stone, accented with pops of colours from beautiful, dried flower bouquets. In the spa, the natural pool is surrounded by bulrush, and rubs shoulders with a thermal pool complete with a waterfall and a yurt. From the relaxing spa treatments to the abundance of pillows in every room, all of it was designed with the guests’ comfort in mind. This sustainable luxury has already proven its value as the hotel is often completely booked.

With a dash of inspiration

Everything about the “A Love Beyond” festival is designed to help build meaningful connections. Musicians, yoga teachers, artists, and even CERVO employees happily interact with guests — a relaxed (yet intentional) casualness that has been built into the program by the resort. Here, mystery and magic brought to life through singing bowls, cooking workshops, photography sessions, natural dyeing, live DJ sets, and acoustic guitar concerts that combine with yoga, quantum healing, and psychedelic breathwork. It’s all designed to encourage revitalization, connection with self and others, and new experiences.

The truth is that a sustainable approach that reconnects us with nature has never been more urgently needed, especially considering the current climate emergency. Breitling — a brand that has been a CERVO partner since its last renovation in 2021 — had an informal presentation during the festival about their brand strategy and shared some key numbers from their Social and Environmental Sustainability Report. Explorer and Breitling Ambassador Bertrand Piccard gave an inspiring presentation, where he underlined the importance of “creating a new story that focuses on protecting our environment” in partnership with innovative companies. He spoke from personal experience, having been the first to complete a round-the-world solar-powered flight. “The aviation industry said it would be impossible to travel around the world by plane without using fossil fuels. I knew nothing about the industry, which allowed me to approach it with a completely new perspective, and to succeed in doing it!” It was an inspiring moment, perfectly followed by a moment on the CERVO terrace, set to electronic music in the warmth of an Indian summer.

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