Shereen Shabnam
When it comes to nature, the best place to enjoy mountain scenery, hiking, skiing is in Engelberg, in the heart of Central Switzerland. A few days at the Kempinski Palace Engelberg saw us enjoying a host of activities that included long walks, taking a cable car ride up to the mountains, experiencing a heart stopping suspension bridge walk, sliding down a mountain to trying local cuisine and more.
We arrived in Engelberg using the luxurious Swiss Trains to the attractive village is known for its famous monastery and unforgettable alpine experience surrounding the Engelberg-Titlis area.
We arrived at the Kempinski in time to enjoy their 1st anniversary since opening as well as celebrating the brand which was founded 125 years ago and currently has 79 five start hotels in 34 countries across the globe.
The Kempinski Palace Engelberg is an exceptional tourist destination at any time of year and exudes new charm after being extensively renovated, restored and extended with the addition of a new building. For the design, local materials such as wood and stone is used and influenced by local craftsmanship and traditional techniques, which are given a modern twist and inspired by Alpine motifs.
The charm and the unique history of the historic hotel complex was retained using modern construction methods and resulted in a luxurious retreat, with spectacular views of the nearby mountains.
The hotel regained its status as a luxurious, elegant and comfortable year-round destination for both Swiss and international travellers for rest and relaxation end of day after the thrill of sports such as skiing, bobsleigh and skeleton in winter and hiking in the spectacular nearby mountains.
As we entered the impressive lobby, we were greeted with refreshing drinks in a relaxed area with an informal vibe and a view of the inviting landscape of the adjoining gardens.
The winter garden is a perfect place for a morning cup of coffee or afternoon cup of tea, with a focus on relaxation and enjoying the unique views. The décor convinces with its cool texture and its shape against the background of the original terracotta floor tiles.
Before our wholesome dinner, we headed to the “Palace Bar” for mocktails and immersed ourselves in an ambient area complete with a fireplace lounge and a horseshoe-shaped bar. This warm atmosphere richly decorated ceiling is a popular meeting place for guests.
Breakfast was served in the “Cattani Restaurant” connected to the Winter Garden and we had impressive views of the mountain landscape while sipping steaming coffees and hot chocolate.
The hotel has an impressive spa complete with a sauna and steam room, but it is the relaxation lounge that impresses us the most. The Spa focuses on the forces of nature, restoring clients inner balance using the restorative effects of plants, flowers, and herbs in all treatments. The Spa is equipped with a fitness room with state-of-the-art equipment such as bikes, treadmills, cross trainers and more.
The pool area uses differences in depth to create stepped seating areas made of dark stone, which radiate both feelings of intimacy and a unique appeal. The pool speaks for itself with its glazed frontage, providing panoramic views of the mountains.
The rooms and suites stand out with their warm atmosphere thanks to the use of materials such as brushed oak and luxurious light-brown leather. The bathroom was large and designed like a private oasis of wellness and relaxation. We found more hidden treasures during our hotel tour as we noted expressive mosaic and marble elements, historic floor tiles and antique serving trolleys.
While staying at the hotel, we took a trip to the top of Mt. Titlis using the Titlis Xpress and the TITLIS ROTAIR, the world’s first revolving cable car. On Mount Titlis, we experienced the Titlis Cliff Walk, Ice Flyer Chairlift, Titlis Glacier Park and had a wonderful lunch with scenic views of the alps.
Kempinski Palace Engelberg is easily accessible thanks to its central location by the spa gardens and proximity to the Engelberg train station. Getting to the hotel is a few minutes’ walk from the train station.
We flew SWISS to Zurich from Dubai and used the SWISS Travel System trains to get Engelberg. Exploring Switzerland using the Swiss Travel Pass by train, bus and boat is always a wonderful experience with panoramic views on trains or relaxed boat cruises.
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