GRACE LA MARGNA: A Legend Reborn

GRACE occupies a prime position of real estate, perched overlooking the central train station and twinkling Lake St.Moritz, which plays host to the Snow Polo World Cup every January —  a key date in the high society calendar. The original La Margna hotel was closed for seven years before renovation began in spring 2021.

Built in the early 20th century in the Art Nouveau style, the original building is imbued with heritage charm in keeping with the traditional architecture of the Engadin location — this was retained in the renovation, preserving the original chandeliers, vault ceilings and marble fireplaces, whilst the new GRACE wing brings a purist touch with modern flair. These two wings work harmoniously, bringing an air of gentle innovation to this most exclusive (albeit sometimes stuffy) of Alpine retreats.

The sea change is palpable as soon as one steps into the hotel reception, it’s newly-created entrance on Via Serlas: bright, airy, and smelling distinctively expensive, we were greeted by the most amenable of concierge, clad in smart-casual slacks and pristine white trainers, setting the tone of unpretentious luxury that would come to dominate our stay. In short: this is St Moritz, but not as you know it, tearing up the rule book of what it means to be a 5 star hotel in this elite destination. 

The Rooms

With an intimate 74 rooms, GRACE is the first luxury boutique hotel in St Moritz. Rooms in the restored La Margna wing are the definition of contemporary Alpine chic, honouring the region’s winter sports heritage. Think faux fur throws, snow-dusted mountain prints, and plenty of natural wood to mimic the natural surroundings. In the Grace wing, minimalist designs reigns supreme: all clean lines and muted tones, whilst beds are angled to capture the best view of the mountains through the floor-to-ceiling windows as you sip your morning coffee. The crowning glory is of course the Grace Penthouse — complete with a sprawling terrace and private jacuzzi overlooking vista view — taking secluded luxury to another level.

Every last detail has been considered: fully-stocked minibars are complementary, spacious showers and sunken baths are accompanied by fragrant products by Feuerstein and there is an in-room pillow menu to suit your desired weight (I opted for lavender to lull me into an instant slumber). Dyson hair dryers come as standard, so you can recreate a salon-perfect blow dry from the comfort of your hotel room, and Dyson hair straighteners can be delivered at the click of a button via the affable concierge.

Food and Drink

Come for the views, and stay for the food. The culinary offering at GRACE is nothing short of exceptional. The No.5 Bar is a true masterpiece: an 8-tonne slab of Italian marble is the focal point, so gargantuan the floor below had to be reinforced to hold it. No.5 perfectly exemplifies the conflation of the Art Nouveau charm and contemporary flair, and it isn’t just the beating heart of GRACE, but St Moritz as a whole, luring guests out from the stuffier Palace hotels that dominate. Here Bar Manager and Master Mixologist Mirco Giumelli mixes up the most exceptional of cocktails, infused with Willy Wonka-style extracts  —from panettone to coriander — which are lovingly stirred into punchy cocktails. The bar also serves a joyful array of aperitivo-style dishes, from pillowy-soft pizzas to beef cannoli and cheese eclairs — so moreish they quite frankly need not serve anything else.

Moving on to the aptly named, The View, this circular restaurant plays host to an extensive breakfast buffet by morning, and by evening serves up hearty Mediterranean fare, designed to be shared. Think seafood risotto generously jewelled with mussels, slivers of kingfish crudo, a carpaccio of carrot, melt-in-the-mouth beef cheeks, and a feather-light tiramisu to ceremoniously end your meal.

Moving underground to The Max Moritz, this cosy cabin-like restaurant has a distinct après-ski feel. Dishes are hearty, and once again designed to be shared. Think rösti piled high with smoked salmon and caviar or spinach and gruyere cheese, mac and cheese peeks out under a generous layer of fresh truffle, and a decadent foot-long mille-feuille — the only appropriate way to end your meal.

For a lighter bite, The Living Room plays host to the most quintessential of afternoon teas next to the roaring fire, accompanied by bespoke blends of Mariage Freres tea and glasses of GRACE’s house pour, not champagne, but English sparkling wine from Sussex-based Gusbourne — yet another way GRACE is subverting the norm.  

Beyond The Hotel

GRACE is one of the few hotels in St Moritz open 365 days a year. Basking in 320 days of sunshine a year, it is the sunniest of alpine resorts in the world, and as we learnt, there is plenty to do outside of ski season. Shake off last night’s cocktails and rent an e-bike from the hotel’s shop: you’ll feel practically euphoric soaring up the mountains, and you may even spot a rare black squirrel. The hotel has also partnered with The Outdoors to provide a series of curated activities for guests, from hiking and climbing to gourmet experiences. We experienced a divine al fresco fondue feast, complete with fur blankets, local flowers, lashings of wine, and a decadent hazelnut cake. 

Back at the hotel, there are a multitude of activities the team can arrange, from a cocktail masterclass, to pizza making and a private wine tasting in the cellar. 

For the ultimate indulgence make your way to the spa — a 700 metre-squared haven to tranquillity — which endeavours to bring the serenity of the mountains within. A vision of dark marble, slate, wood and water: hop between the steam room, traditional Finnish sauna and Himalayan salt sauna before dousing skin with crushed ice and jumping in the emotional shower for a full multisensory experience. The heated  20m pool is ideal for languid lengths, whilst the hydrotherapy whirlpool gently pummels tight muscles as you recline on the bed to leave you floating out anew. Treatments in the spa are second to none: think invigorating body scrubs, the most restorative of massages, plus glow-inducing facials care of their partnership with leading luxury Swiss skincare brand Bellefontaine.

The Takeaway

Underpinning the entire GRACE experience is a feeling of unpretentious luxury, not often experienced at St Moritz. Yes, you are more than welcome to come to dinner in sequins and dinner jackets, but you will feel just as at home in your cashmere sweater. The attentiveness and informality, joviality of the staff and laughter that permeates throughout the hotel, is just part of the GRACE magic that will have you planning your next visit before you’ve even departed. 

La Margna Suites start from 690 CHF per night

www.gracehotels.com/