Simply Abu Dhabi XXIX

2 6 9 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I Snow globe magic Majestic winter retreats W e take it upon ourselves to reveal the finest of hidden mountain gems and inevitably see the potential of having it all – from unrivalled ski slopes, to deluxe spas and sumptuous gastronomy, all within the finest of luxury hotels. Pine-scented Arosa It goes without saying, the best places are hidden and coveted by those in the know and this surely is true for the tiny, pine scented, mountain town of Arosa, the latest craze of outdoor winter fun. Those who have heard its name whispered amongst the privileged try to keep it amongst their inner crew, whilst others might never reveal where they venture to for their best ski of the year. A direct flight from Dubai to Zurich and then a three-hour train ride—Swiss trains run like their famous clockworks—or a private chauffeur and luxury transport can be arranged. This alpine town in the Schanfigg Valley, a cul-de-sac of mountain terrain, offers skiers the very best of slopes and weather conditions. The wind factor is close to non-existent due to Arosa’s prime geographical positioning. Cornered by mountain peaks on one side and flanked by pinetree slopes on the other. Furthermore, Arosa is located 1,800metres above sea level, a great starting point to head even higher up the slopes to enjoy the sun- covered plateaus and 225km network of perfectly groomed pistes catering to every level of proficiency. For those who like to mix things up, the 60km of unspoilt hiking routes and over 25km of cross-country trails through stunning natural surroundings are sure to delight. Here, in this darling little town of beautiful boutiques and cosy cafes—where local produce and friendly smiles are considered a given—the lines blur between tradition and residential cool. On the edge of town, off the slopes, lies the Tschuggen Grand Hotel. With its grand location at the foot of the slopes and with striking vistas all round, the hotel has become the place to be during ski season, whilst the latest spa extension Tschuggen Bergoasa, literally meaning ‘Mountain Oasis’, is true to its word and receives high acclaim from around the world. Design and beauty in one The internationally renowned Swiss architects, Mario Botta, and interior designer, Carlo Rampazzi—known for his striking colour combinations—went for a minimalistic approach in materials in the spa’s design. Glass, maple wood and granite, as if the chosen materials determine the relationship of the existing hotel and the surrounding mountain peaks. Fine lines and characteristic glass domes peak out and cut through the landscape, their shapes referring to the trees in the landscape and lighting up the calmest of colours at night with their green, blue and yellow hues, all of which are those of the Arosa flag. The menu of spa offerings is extensive, and the staff are sophisticated in their approach. Relax rooms are available around every corner and the set up of the three levels of this mountain oasis is so grand, you feel as if you are spending the day in a private retreat. Privatemountain retreat The Tschuggen Grand Hotel, part of the Tschuggen Group, took its Romanish name from the nearby Tschuggen mountaintop—the locally spoken dialect. It is the only hotel in the region offering its own ski express, a private mountain railway offering guests an exclusive ‘ski in-ski out’ service, which takes guests either halfway up the mountain from where they can meet the brightest of sunrays, or opt for lunch on the terrace of the Tschuggen Hutte. Alternatively, guests can venture higher still to the source of some of Switzerland’s first-class ski, snowboard and carving routes.