Words by Kelsey Haslam
Crans-Montana in Switzerland is the home of adventure. True adrenaline junkies will find themselves in paradise when skiing and snowboarding down the deep winter slopes, then hiking or mountain biking back up them in the summer. If that’s not your idea of fun, then perhaps a taste of the local wines or a luxury shopping trip may be what you need. Whatever it is that’s wanted, Crans-Montana will surely have it.
Amid the action, the spectacular Guarda Golf Hotel and Residences is standing proudly, ready to welcome guests into the world-renowned Swiss ski and golf resort.
Hotel
Owners and founders of Guarda Golf Hotel and Residences, Nati and Giancarlo Felli opened the property in 2009. The duo then chose to take on an extension project in 2014, which led to the opening of two private residences and more hotel suites for guests. The sophistication and refinement of the completed property make it so highly recommended that it’s no surprise that many influential and notable visitors are attracted worldwide.
Situated right in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Guarda Golf Hotel and Residences truly provide a homely feeling but with a VIP touch. An elegant yet welcoming atmosphere is felt upon arriving at the hotel. With refined designs and specifically chosen artwork hanging on the walls, paired with the essence of family, all visitors feel like royalty during their stay.
Seven exclusive suite apartments make the property perfect for families that are keen to have a memorable trip, with personalised service that ensures that you have everything that’s needed and more. With a restaurant and lounge, an award-winning spa, and a 15-seat private cinema room, the hotel still goes above and beyond any expectations that one would imagine. The highest standards are met which leaves guests reluctant to return home after their stay.
Rooms and apartments
The alpine surroundings and spacious rooms are designed to provide a cosy stay. This comfortability and sense of well-being allow Guarda Golf Hotel and Residences to become the ultimate sanctuary after a hectic day in the mountains.
For the spacious guest bedrooms and suites, expect a traditional chalet feel. Each room is unique, but all have a classic, rustic interior and antique solid wood furnishing to invite visitors in. Every room at Guarda Golf Hotel and Residences has a ventilation system to humidify and filter the air, which adds a special touch upon arrival and immediately makes guests feel refreshed and ready for an exciting trip.
The intimate rooms are perfect for smaller families or couples. Guests are greeted with welcome gifts such as chocolate platters and stunning flower arrangements, with the hotel receiving fresh flowers every few days.
Crans-Montana doesn’t always have to be fast-paced and adrenaline-infusing. If you need a break from the excitement, feel free to take off your skis and jump into the comfortable luxury beds or gaze at the extraordinary views from your room. A clear highlight that makes the Guarda Golf Hotel and Residences stand out is the private and spacious balconies that show breath-taking panoramic views of the Swiss Alps. A stay in one of the luxury suite apartments makes these views very hard to find elsewhere.
Not only will you find the best view, but the personalised service and additional luxury can certainly be expected in the suite apartments. Each apartment comes with a private, fully equipped kitchen, large living areas and separate bedrooms for privacy and comfort. For further convenience, families with children may request a private chef who can cook and serve meals to the guests in the kitchen without creating any disturbance. The huge master bedrooms also have a separate dressing area for extra discretion.
The effortless elegance of the hotel can be epitomised by the Italian limestone tiles and Bulgari toiletries in the stunning bathrooms. Upon entering the apartment, majestic, golden chandeliers hang from the ceilings as the interior design for each room has been specifically selected by the owner. The apartments have a different interior to the other rooms and suites, with the subtle and natural colours creating the sleek design of a modern, alpine chalet.
Family is extremely important to Nati Felli, therefore providing a welcoming atmosphere for families was vital when opening the hotel. Those travelling to Crans-Montana have the option to book a private floor with two suite apartments, allowing them to invite friends and family during their trip with access to up to six bedrooms.
The exclusive service is evident and goes beyond the expected standards during the stay. While they also manage the three residences on the grounds, the team aims to accommodate every need of those who stay. During the festive season, families may request Christmas trees and decorations in their apartments and the Guarda Golf team prevail. Working chimneys are also built into all apartments so families can relax and watch a movie by the fire during the colder months.
Genuine pride is felt by the team here, and it is noticeable to anyone who visits. This pride encourages impeccable service, which may be an additional reason why many guests choose to stay for a few months each year.
Food and drink
Visitors can find themselves a bite to eat at Restaurant FIVE situated in the hotel. Enjoying Mediterranean cuisine inspired by the culinary heritage of the Levant, guests can dine in the sophisticated restaurant or the comfortable lounge for a casual dining experience.
Restaurant FIVE follows the spirit of sharing food, encouraging guests to share dishes while they are served continuously during their meals. The menu boasts irresistible options including fresh fish and meat dishes while paying homage to the cuisine of the Levant.
The Guarda Golf Lounge offers an intimate environment for guests to relax while snacking on classic dishes such as a burger or homemade pizza and pasta. During the winter, diners can keep warm by the stunning fireplace, surrounded by glamourous artwork and sophisticated décor. In the summer months, the terrace is open for all to admire the view while enjoying some of the hotel’s speciality teas or a sweet treat from the dessert trolley.
After dinner, guests at the Guarda Golf Hotel and Residences may find themselves surrounded by the golden and brown hues in the intimate Les Alpes Bar to sip on impressive cocktails, wines and other drinks.
To do
Whether you’re there for adventure and adrenaline, or a well-needed relaxation and rejuvenation, Crans-Montana will provide. The hotel alone offers several activities and experiences to make one’s stay memorable. The private cinema room is named after Sir Roger Moore, former James Bond and regular guest of the Crans-Montana property. Those who stay at the hotel can book the cinema room, which provides an authentic cinematic experience that includes popcorn, leather adjustable chairs and the latest movies.
For some relaxation, the hotel’s award-winning spa features amenities such as a heated indoor pool, whirlpool, VIP suites and a fitness centre with indoor golf. Unique highlights at the spa include the oxygen-based treatments that help to rejuvenate the skin.
Other amenities in the hotel include a games room with a pool table, and a cigar lounge for an intimate space to relax. It is possible to privatise the entire property for events that the team can organise. Private bookings may include celebrations, and dinners served by a private chef seated in a full dining room.
Of course, outside of the hotel, Crans-Montana will lead you to many exciting experiences. The winter months may find you in your element while the resort delivers every winter sport imaginable, such as skiing, snowboarding or even husky sledging. Guarda Golf Hotel and Residences has a ski room with a boot warmer and valet service where visitors can leave their belongings after a busy day on the slopes. Private transfers, skiing lessons and rental services are also available for those staying at the property.
However, as the snow melts, Crans-Montana remains an exceptional place to visit. The location adapts to the warmer weather and attracts thousands of visitors for intense mountain biking, unlimited hiking opportunities or unique excursions such as wakeboarding. Crans-Montana is also home to one of the biggest annual golf competitions in Europe, the Omega European Masters.
Similar to the winter months, Guarda Golf Hotel and Residences provides a variety of exclusive services for golf enthusiasts, with the ski room transforming into a golfing room, chip and putt at the hotel while the balconies provide a view of the Jack Nicklaus-designed nine-hole golf course.
In a nutshell
Whatever you ask for, you’ll be sure to receive. The Guarda Golf Hotel and Residences has everything to offer when on a trip to Crans-Montana, from exclusive, personalised service with luxury facilities to exciting activities or relaxing sanctuaries. Whether in the snow or sun, adventurers, families and anyone wishing for a break from their hectic everyday lives can find themselves at home in the elegant chalet-style haven.
Factbox
Rooms can be booked from £585.
Address: Switzerland Route des Zirès 14, 3963 Crans-Montana, Switzerland
Phone: +41 27 486 2000
Email: info@guardagolf.com
Website: guardagolf.com
