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W
A hotel that’s a cut above
The growing awards list for the W Hotel in Verbier shows no signs of slowing. It has (once again) been named Switzerland’s Best Ski Hotel by the World Ski Awards — for the 10th time in a row! This winter, the hotel debuts a brand-new restaurant: Brasserie 1519.
Now accustomed to being on the world’s best podiums, the W Verbier claimed nine additional awards this fall… notably winning gold in two categories at the World Travel Awards, Switzerland’s Leading Resort and Switzerland’s Leading Hotel Residences, and then winning the award for Switzerland’s Best Ski Hotel for the 10th consecutive time at the World Ski Awards! What’s the secret to this success, which has never dipped since the hotel opened in 2013? It’s the W’s ability to unite the highest international standards with local flavour: it’s urban and alpine, chic and dynamic, very ski and trendy.
Warm
Its patina wood exterior is visually in harmony with nature, yet once inside, another universe emerges that exudes glamourous, big-city energy, pulsating in sounds, colours, spirit and desires. The W is not a hotel for the timid. Before even reaching your room, there may likely be a detour via the Living Room for an expertly mixed St. Bernard (cognac, sherry, Bénédictine, Angostura) or a Heidi (Pisco, Campari, génépi, sherry, lemon, milk). Beyond the drinks, a new Asian-Alpine fusion menu awaits to brighten your winter as you dine near the fireplace. After-ski, after-work, after-dinner, any occasion is a good one to stop in… or lounge on the terrace of Off Piste, lit up by DJs on the weekend. This year, the Amundsen brand collaboration brings Norwegian “rugged luxury” to the party, with fresh waffles paired with mulled wine or hot chocolate.
The tempo slows down naturally in the Spa W. After the popularity of ski-in, ski-out, now there’s swim-in, swim-out. Split by large windows, you can swim between the indoor pool and the outdoor pool with ease. There’s nothing like the snow falling on your shoulders while you gently float in warm water. To further eliminate stress or treat sore muscles (you did come here to ski, after all!), the spa’s 1’300 m2 host all kinds of delights: Jacuzzi, saunas, hammams, treatment rooms, cryotherapy, dynamic or skier yoga, sound meditation (new) or even a personal fitness coach. You can book the entire spa for a fully private moment, sweet treats and champagne included! Now there’s no excuse for not being in shape or finding inner peace.
In an instant, you can retreat to the generous space of your room. A flickering fire in the fireplace and an Alpine panorama from the balcony await, as does the delightfully cosy bed, complete with a down duvet and a pillow menu.
W-ine and dine
A mountain escape, reinvented, goes the slogan. The same also applies here for the dining, where there are no eternal raclettes or fondues. Instead, you can enjoy sushi at U-Yama (“the mountain”), surrounded by traditional Japanese aesthetics — and don’t skip the wagyu tataki, with a cinnamon-orange glaze, or the omakase evenings (reserved for 6 people), where the chef sets the pace.
This winter, the restaurant Bô! is being reinvented by starred Chef Sergi Arola, the W’s faithful matchmaker for years, to become Brasserie 1519 led by Jean-Philippe Dupas. The concept? Where the soul of the Swiss Alps meets the boldness of the Mediterranean in a generous interpretation of brasserie-style dining. The opening is set for 4 December, with a contemporary feel shaped by raw, natural materials and an iridescent ceiling, Mediterranean-blue chairs, walnut tables and olive trees. Those who loved the ex-Eat-Hola will be delighted to find some of the signature tapas back on the menu augmented by fire, a nod to the new arrival of Dupas’ tartares and charcoal grilling. The cherry on the cake: musical projections every Tuesday in winter, as part of 1519 Circle-Nights. Still to come: the announcement of exclusive collabs with special guest chefs.
