This past weekend, I got to stay at the unbelievable and stunning Chedi Andermatt! I had dreamed about it for a long time and finally my wish came true! As I always say, never stop dreaming and aim as high as possible because the sky is the limit and anything in between is a huge blessing.
For two days, I fully relished in the moment and completely surrendered to peace and quietude. Everything there inspired Zen and joy – from the unique architecture and infrastructure, to the pianist in the lounge to the impeccable service from the staff and of course to my amazing room and super comfy bed!
I got to feast on Asian and Swiss delicacies, bathe in the olympic size pool, bask in the sun, detox in the hammam and get tipsy on the wine carefully and personally selected for us. What more can a girl ask for?
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
I couldn’t get there fast enough! Thankfully the drive from Zurich was only 1.5 hours which is nothing compared to what I am used to. The weather was absolutely amazing – full sun and heat, great predictors for a perfect getaway!
I must admit that the drive leading to the hotel was not quite what I had expected. I had imagined a bigger than life building but what I saw was quite ordinary. But as we drove into the driveway, that’s when it all began. The entrance was quite unique and the cars parked indicated a prestigious clientele. The moment we walked in, I felt at home and completely in awe with the design, the high ceilings and the space. The flow felt natural and organic.
And to make a first impression even better, we got greeted by the General Manager himself, Mr. Jean-Yves Blatt. I just couldn’t wait to discover the rest of the hotel and see what was in store for us!
ARCHITECTURE | PHILOSOPHY
From my humble point of view, I can imagine that the standard in design and hospitality in Switzerland was elevated to the next level with the opening of the Chedi Andermatt, official member of the Five Star association Swiss Deluxe Hotels. The style exquisitely allies tradition and nature. Designer Jean-Michel Gathy was able to skilfully and sensitively marry local elements with Asian details all throughout the hotel – large fireplaces, wood panelling, and terraces allowing the indoor and outdoor spaces to blend seamlessly together.
When asked about the Chedi’s ultimate philosophy, Jean-Yves Blatt, General Manager, had only one word to say: PASSION, without which no hospitality business can ever sustain. Skills can be learned and mastered over time but passion cannot. You either have it in you or you don’t. Our goal is to transmit that passion through everything we do.
OUR ROOM
A spacious room, modern and cosy was awaiting us along with a sweet welcome note and a bottle of wine 🙂 Our guest room opened to an immense terrace overlooking the outdoors pool. One of the most interesting and unique feature was the fireplace which could be enjoyed from both inside the room and outside on the terrace – perfect for romantic gateways.
OUR DINNING EXPERIENCE
The Chedi Restaurant
I still dream of my dinner at the Chedi restaurant! My mouth waters just reminiscing our meal! The fresh Carpaccio of Hamachi with Scallop tartar, cucumber dill and lemon infused olive oil melted in my mouth. The Shrimp and Spinach dumplings were to die for with a perfect balance between the filling and the dough. Let’s not mention the Halibut, flaky and so flavorful.
It would take too long to list everything we had, but truthfully it was all a delight for the palate and the sight. And for someone like me who is always concerned about eating healthy food, I was in heaven.
The ambiance, decor and the service were impeccable.
Executive Chef Dietmar Sawyere is doing a tremendous job at introducing his clientele to Swiss and Asian classics revisited with his personal signature style.
What makes the Chedi special?
I love Asian food and here I am lucky that we have a strong asian influence here mixed with Swiss cuisine! We produce a very authentic asian product here, which is our point of differentiation with other hotels.
Where do you get your products from?
Surprisingly it’s quite easy for us to get our products from Asia (spices for example). As for our fresh products we try to get Swiss products as much as possible.
What ingredient could you not live without?
Salt! I change the menu every few weeks, so there isn’t one single ingredient that we cannot live without, except for salt!
Outside of Asian food, what is your favourite cuisine?
I love anything to do with cheese! I cannot live without cheese!
Who is our customer?
Mostly the house guests, the majority being Swiss then German and British. Asians are a very small percentage. They don’t know about us yet!
How is to live in Switzerland again?
Wonderful! I miss Asia but we love being back.
If you could cook for your dream person, who would that be?
I suppose over the years I got to cook for many high-profile people in the likes of royalty, politicians, celebrities, etc. But I think for me I always love cooking for other Chefs.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
The products mainly. I come up with my own recipes. I am in close contact with all of our suppliers. Since I started working here, we have built strong relationships with the local cheese makers, butcher, farmers, etc.. In the end it doesn’t matter how good of a cook you are, you have to start with a good product. Obviously we have concepts here, like modern Japanese (but still as authentic as possible). Originally it was more classical Japanese but we changed it to a more modern approach and since it got the highest rating for a Japanese restaurant.
How is it to work for you?
These days, I think pretty easy. When I was younger though, a very different story! (LOL) We have a good team. Would be good to have more Swiss cooks but they are hard to come by these days unfortunately. Our team is pretty mixed – we make a point to have Japanese cooks for our Japanese restaurant to keep the flavours authentic. We also have a good Indian Chef who understands the Indian flavours.
2,400 square metres of pure serenity and bliss! You can rest in the Tibetan relaxation lounge, detoxify in the sauna and hammam or get fit in the 35-metre indoor pool. You can also chill in the heated outdoor pool looking at the incredible Alps.
I left The Chedi relaxed and energized with a wish to come back soon.
“Luxury is ….. Authenticity
Comfort is…. Feeling well
A good hotel has to… Live and breathe Passion” (General Manager Jean-Yves Blatt)
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