The Chedi - Andermatt

For me, this entertaining trip ends as it began: with raindrops. In between lies a sun-drenched window of time made up of around 36 eventful hours, enriched with suspenseful moments, a hotel stay of a special kind, fantastic music, interested guests and a “Devil's Picnic”. But let's take things in order.

On premium coach trips like this there is always something special in the air: expectation. It was particularly high among the participants and for me alike. After all, we are heading to “The Chedi” in Andermatt – hardly an everyday luxury hotel.

With two well-filled Setra coaches from the new Car Rouge fleet we storm the Alps after a short stop at the Gotthard service area. Towards early noon we are at 1,447 metres above sea level. This is where I did my service for the fatherland about 29 years ago. After the Schöllenen Gorge, a quick glance to the left confirms that the barracks are still standing, but are now surrounded by scaffolding.

Otherwise, the sleepy Andermatt of back then is barely recognisable. Of all people, an Egyptian entrepreneur by the name of Samih Sawiris has set about implementing, sustainably, a project that was at first criticised and then widely admired. 96% of the population are said to have supported him, and around 80% of the 500 residential units have already found an owner. We also join a guided tour that brings the “Andermatt Swiss Alps” project closer to us. First by means of a model in the info centre, then in real life too. At the newly laid-out piazza in the Andermatt Reuss holiday village we then view two apartments.

A word about property prices. They start at CHF 10'000.– per square metre. The first unit is on the 8th floor of the Radisson Blu Reussen with a great view. What stands out about the architecture is that tradition, mountains and nature are combined with modern construction methods and technology. Materials such as wood and natural stone, which occur naturally in the mountains, are preferred.

You surely want to know how I liked the property and whether I would buy it? Since that is academic anyway given my current bank balance, I would just note, first, that for that sort of money I would rather have Lake Geneva in front of me. But that is only my opinion. The second apartment, on the ground floor of a residential building on the piazza, can be had for three quarters of a million.

Next we pop into the new concert hall, with a capacity for a maximum of 650 visitors. Since Sawiris himself plays the piano and has a strong affinity for music, the acoustics there are likely to be among the best in the Alpine region.

After a little free time comes the eagerly awaited moment: check-in at “The Chedi”. #1114 is my home for the next night. My impression: you could stay here much longer. The eye-catcher is the provocatively free-standing bathtub in the bathroom area. The finest materials, quartz floors, various lighting compositions and the Asian touch delight me, as does the large balcony. Almost everything in the room can be controlled with an iPad. I only have to change clothes myself. I do that straight away and head to the spa area to relax and swim. Wonderful!

In the evening an aperitif and a concert with the “Stars of Tomorrow” are on the programme in the Gotthard Hall of the Chedi. Jardena Flückiger, herself a soprano and Car Rouge music tour guide, leads us charmingly through the musical menu, which offers highlights from operas by Rossini, Mozart, Puccini, Wagner and Bizet, among others. Long-lasting applause sends the musicians off. An appetisingly presented four-course dinner at “The Restaurant” concludes the evening, which certain guests extend a little longer at the hotel bar.

The next morning we have time to enjoy the hotel's amenities. This starts with the oversized breakfast buffet, which leaves nothing to be desired and is open until 11 am. In glorious weather, a short hike to the Devil's Bridge and on through the Schöllenen Gorge to Göschenen is then on the programme.

When the guests arrive at the legendary Devil's Bridge, a picnic prepared by the “Devil's hand” is already waiting there. Together with Loris Plozza, Daniel Dicke and Armin Portner, I look after the wellbeing of the trip participants. We all enjoy a hearty tasting. A grappa or a limoncello must not be missing either, so that the hikers are fortified for the last stage to Göschenen.

Hours later the Chedi is already history, and we ride back to our boarding points, thrilled and full of new impressions.