The Omnia, a feeling of wholeness

A contemporary and panoramic refuge above Zermatt

Author
Claude Hervé-Bazin
Copyright
The Omnia
Release
Winter 2022-2023

In Latin, omnis means “all.” All beauty, all on a silver platter, all it takes to be happy. This is the Omnia’s mission: to create the ideal ensemble, where all the puzzle pieces fit together perfectly for an unforgettable stay.

At first glance, one cannot help but admire the exceptional location, unique to Zermatt: a private, natural terrace, surrounded by pine trees in the hills above the village, with the parish church of St. Mauritius and the Matterhorn in full view. The address? Auf dem Fels… On the cliffs. It’s a lovely pedestal, fitting for the venue’s lofty aspirations. How to reach it? Through a tunnel, up an elevator, and voilà!

Then there’s the architecture and design. Dreamt up by New Yorker Ali Tayar, the Omnia strikes a fine balance between the old world and the new. Its inspiration? American mountain lodges and modernism, revisited with the refined influence of Valais design. The lobby sets the tone with a crackling fireplace, elegant log reserves, a common thread of white granite and locally sourced light-coloured wood, and an expert sprinkling of leather, velvet, and taupe. It’s easy to spend hours lounging here.

Nothing is left to chance. Everything has its place. The furniture, largely handmade, navigates between a Bauhaus aesthetic, industrial design, and the ingenuity of Bern-based manufacturer USM – specialists in contemporary and modulable pieces (which are notably part of the New York MoMA’s permanent collection). These precise yet unpretentious arrangements evoke three key words: quality, purity, and refinement. An almost holy trinity that perfectly echoes the Omnia’s cardinal values.

The 30 rooms and suites express this same identity while also exuding their own unique charm. No room numbers here, only vast amounts of space (24-110 m2) embellished with – for the luckiest guests – an elegant bathroom and magnetic mountain views, a wooden Japanese bathtub, an open fireplace, a Jacuzzi, or even a private sauna. Not to miss are the exceptional balcony views of the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa.

The hotel’s hospitality has been recognized time and time again – notably as the 5-time winner of Europe’s Best Boutique Hotel by the World Travel Awards (2017-2021).

And then there are the balmy hours spent at the spa and pool, surrounded by large windows, which one can pass through like a mirror to the terrace that overlooks the Alps. There’s also a fitness room, a caldarium, and a movie theatre.

And finally, the restaurant boasts 15 points with Gault&Millau, directed by Chef Tony Rudolph (previously of Zermatterhof and Prato Boni). The menu revolves around sustainably sourced regional products, with dishes that can be enjoyed vegetarian or complimented by choice by a choice of either fish or meat. The dining experience here is a true taste of both respectful and refined authenticity.

the-omnia.com