TRAVEL DIARY: WINTER CHIC IN ST. MORITZ

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Oh, darling, if you haven’t experienced the electrifying allure of St. Moritz during the winter season, you’re truly missing out on a world where glamour meets adrenaline in the most exquisite fashion. This isn’t just any ski resort— it’s a shimmering jewel perched atop the Swiss Alps where the air is crisp, the snow is pristine, and the social scene is sizzling. Imagine carving down the same slopes that have graced the likes of James Bond in “The Spy Who Loved Me” , or sipping champagne where Alfred Hitchcock spent his holidays conjuring scenes for his films including “The Man Who Knew Too Much”.  Here’s a few highlights from my recent St. Moritz winter holiday—a travel diary of alpine glamour, sport, and snowy perfection at the top of the world.

Snow Polo World Cup: An Historic Victory

The Snow Polo World Cup celebrated its 41st anniversary in grand style. The Kusnacht Practice team clinched an historic win, defeating Azerbaijan Land of Fire with a close score down to the wire.  The final match was played under a picturesque snowfall, adding to the enchanting atmosphere. Isidro Strada was named MVP, with Eduardo Greghi receiving the MVP Amateur award. The White Turf races were nothing short of spectacular as well. Clément Lheureux rode Saadi to victory in the 84th Grand Prix of St. Moritz, a highlight of the event. The races attracted over 27,000 spectators over two weekends, with events like skijoring—where skiers are pulled by horses at breakneck speeds—keeping everyone on the edge of their seats. Watching these winter sports is pure adrenaline, but the other sport—just as fierce—is scoping out the fashion, which also deserves a trophy!

Glamour Everywhere

The streets and slopes of St. Moritz are a fashion runway of their own. No, darling—this is a town where glamour is simply part of the DNA. People aren’t trying to impress; they just wake up fabulous. Closets overflow with Fendi furs, Chanel quilted bags, Prada puffers, Jacquemus Moon Boots, Loro Piana cashmere, and Dior ski shades. And that’s just for walking to lunch. Diamonds and furs are not worn for special occasions here, it’s just Tuesday in St. Moritz.  Luxury brands showcase their latest skiwear collections, with après-ski fashion taking center stage. Notably, Prada unveiled a new two-story boutique in the heart of St. Moritz, offering their new collections along with a variety of accessories. Loro Piana also returned for the second year presenting an exclusive Capsule Collection inspired by the world of automobiles at its St. Moritz boutique.

Sip and Skate at Suvretta House

One of my favorite scenes in St. Moritz is the private ice skating rink at Suvretta House – especially when the sun is shining against a clear blue sky and the mountain views are covered in a blanket of snow.  There you are gliding across the ice while waiters in white jackets zoom by with bottles of champagne like it’s the most normal thing in the world. Guests are playing backgammon at the edge of the rink, laughing, sipping, socializing—it’s chic, relaxed, and totally iconic.

Afterwards, we gathered inside the grand hotel for their legendary high tea service. This magnificent space, often referred to as ‘The Hall,’ is adorned with arched windows that flood the room with natural light, highlighting the exquisite wood paneling and ornate ceilings. The ambiance exudes old-world charm, making it the perfect setting to unwind after a day on the slopes. The tea service itself is a lavish affair, featuring a selection of fine teas, delicate finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and an array of delectable pastries. As the sun begins to set, the room is buzzing with lively conversation and the clinking of champagne glasses—a truly enchanting experience.

Culinary Delights: The Most Coveted Tables in Town

Getting a dinner reservation in St. Moritz this winter was its own kind of competitive sport, with a few standout spots leading the charge as the hardest to book. At the top of the list was the Kulm Country Club, helmed by superstar chef Mauro Colagreco of Mirazur fame. With his signature ingredient-driven style and the elegant alpine setting, it was the table everyone wanted. Langosteria, perched inside the ultra-glamorous Grace La Margna hotel, served impeccable Italian seafood and quickly became the scene for late-night dinners that rolled into impromptu dance parties.  And then there was DALL·MULIN—a cozy yet impossibly stylish gem with a wine list to swoon for and the kind of refined, modern mountain cuisine that makes you want to become a regular. Getting into any of these spots? Nearly impossible. But if you did—brava.

Nightlife Extravaganza at Club Dracula

No evening was complete without a visit to the ultra-exclusive Dracula Club. The haute hideaway is owned by Rolf Sachs, son of Gunter Sachs, and is open for only a handful of nights each winter, making it one of the most elusive nightclubs on the planet—an invitation is gold, and getting past the door is practically an Olympic sport. With its low lighting, vintage interiors, and an anything-goes energy, it’s like stepping into a secret society of glamour and mischief. This private members-only venue is the epicenter of nightly revelry in St. Moritz, with champagne flowing and decadence until dawn.

A Sanctuary Spa at the Kulm Hotel

The spa at the Kulm Hotel in St. Moritz is an expansive 2,000-square-meter haven of tranquility that will take your breath away.  Spending a full day luxuriating at this unparalleled retreat is my favorite way to end the holiday:  I slip into the soothing saunas, rejuvenating steam baths, plunge pools, and infrared light therapy room that melts away every ounce of stress. Then, a heavenly massage that leaves one in a state of bliss. But the pièce de résistance? The seamless transition from the indoor to outdoor heated pool through a magical glass door that gracefully lifts with a gentle pull of a lever. Swimming through that portal into the crisp alpine air, surrounded by breathtaking views of the majestic Engadine mountains, is a simple yet exhilarating treat that never fails to delight me.

 

*Photos provided by Suvretta House and Kelli Delaney Kot

*St.Moritz für ICON-Schweiz