The revival of winter holidays is finally upon us, after two seasons having been struck off by Covid we couldn’t wait to get our ski’s back on and what better resort is there than St Moritz to give us the pure winter paradise we’re craving. Famed as the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism and hosts of the Winter Olympics twice over, St Moritz in Switzerland is renowned for delivering one of the most lavish experiences the Swiss Alps has on offer. 

In the aftermath of Covid, many people have discovered what really matters to them; their health. This has catapulted travel across the globe to reshape their offering, inspiring jet setters to venture into wellness in new and exciting ways. One hotelier that has been championing this concept for many years is The Carlton Hotel. Paving the way to new beginnings, the Tschuggen Hotel Group have curated what we deem the ultimate winter wellness escape; Moving Mountains.

Designed to make you feel exhilarated and rejuvenated in equal measures, Moving Mountains is the lifestyle programme that opens the gateway to restore vitality, reconnect with nature and celebrate joy. Built on the five pillars of; Move, Play, Nourish, Rest and Give, the programme offers guests the opportunity to embark on wellness experiences that exploit the breathtaking surroundings. Whether you’re just looking to dip your toe into the wellbeing offerings or fully immerse yourself in all The Carlton has to relish, guests can attempt as much or as little as they please. The flexibility of the programme is definitely an element we are on board with, holidays aren’t about regiments in our opinion, which is why Moving Mountains works for everybody with the aim to tailor the experience with the activities you will get the most joy out of. Working in partnership with leading health and wellness experts, the programme features an array of traditional and modern experiences with wellbeing at the core. From torchlit hikes to sunrise skiing, ice baths, relaxing treatments and an exquisite set menu that shows off the chef’s flair for plant-based culinary, Moving Mountains will fulfil all desire for wanderlust and adventure that we’ve all been depleted of throughout the pandemic.

PLAY
‘Play’ is at the heart of the Moving Mountains ethos, guaranteeing escapism for every guest that experiences the adventures and expeditions, some of which will push you out of your comfort zone. Port of call for all things ‘Play’ is the hotel’s Outdoor Butler, Janis, who will undoubtedly have a noteworthy impact on your stay. Allowing you to push the boundaries and embark on new worldly adventures, these experiences with family and friends will form everlasting memories. Endeavour sunrise skiing; tobogganing; ice sculpture carving; a tour of the glacier caves and more enthralling adventures and expeditions.

Thanks to Wim Hof, ice bathing has become increasingly popular due to its endless health benefits. There is no better place to venture into icy cold waters than a lake surrounded by the jawdropping backdrop of the mountains, nothing will bring you more mental clarity we can assure. The Carlton have their own private ice bath carved out of the frozen-over lake. After a few rounds of breathwork to prepare, the plunge into the 4-degree temperatures is slightly more bearable. It is both a physical and mental challenge, hone into your breathing and you’ll be able to withstand more than you ever imagined. The exhilarating feeling you’ll endure following is what you’ll get the buzz for, leaving you clear-headed, renewed and energised…plus you’ll sleep like a baby! Watch me taking the plunge here

The torch-lit night hike is a major highlight of the trip, led by Outdoor Butler, Janis, you’ll journey into the starry night with only a fire-lit torch to guide the way. Taking you off the beaten track, the hike will cover a few of St Mortiz’s best kept secret spots that most tourists won’t get to experience, including the local’s own ice rink submerged into a forest where you can warm up with a cup of hot chocolate whilst stargazing.

MOVE
Experimenting with adrenaline-charged ways to move your body, the Moving Mountains programme is, of course, geared towards winter sports. Year after year, many descend on the mountains with one main objective in mind, skiing! One of life’s most joyous moments is carving your way down untouched snow whilst taking in the breathtaking skyline of the mountains. The Carlton Hotel is located perfectly for those looking to spend the day skiing, the staff will drive you a short way up to the shuttle which transports you to Corviglia, the central hub of the slopes. Boasting wide, sprawling runs, St Mortiz has some of the best pistes the Alps has to offer, ranging from plain sailing blue runs to challenging blacks. Tackling the vast landscape of runs will give you hours of elevated jollity. Visiting the peak at 3057 metres, skiing/boarding the snow park and taking on the Audi slalom time trial is not to be missed!

St Moritz’s is home to a 230-kilometre cross-country skiing network, including the world-famous Engadin Ski Marathon route. Boasting majestic tree-lined scenery, the locals will urge you to give the unfavoured skiing discipline a go. Adopting a more mindful route into winter sports, cross-country skiing allows you to soak up the wonderment of the surroundings fully, plus it is an insane form of exercise burning up to 600 calories an hour! 

Taking on a new form of apres-ski, guests can book a yoga session with The Carlton’s in-house instructor to stretch out the muscles and realign the body after a tiresome day on the slopes. The hotel gym is kitted out with the latest Technogym equipment, guests can book PT sessions which can be held here or outdoors, the choice is yours!

NOURISHMENT
‘Nourishment’ is a key element of the programme, you’ll need to fuel the body efficiently with the line-up of activities on offer. Working alongside nutritionist, Rhaya Jordan, the Tschuggen Hotel Group’s Michelin star chefs have conjured up a plant-based menu designed to nourish and fulfil your desire for delectably crafted dishes. From breakfast through to dinner guests will find a selection of options that are aligned with Moving Mountain’s principles. Alternating on a daily basis, the Moving Mountains set menu is one of the best vegan dining experiences we’ve encountered. Each dish is executed beautifully, arriving at your table like a piece of art that equally tastes sublime. The wholesome set menu features a beetroot and purslane salad topped with hazelnuts, radish and seaberry; quinoa plated with pumpkin, spinach and grape; cauliflower cooked in a multitude of ways with sesame seeds and almonds; a dreamy winter pudding with pear, apple and warming cinnamon; plus a range of non-alcoholic tipples and superfood-spike cocktails to choose from.

REST
After a day on the slopes, guests can retreat to the hotel spa, spanning three levels. The wellness sanctuary houses a swimming pool, an indoor-outdoor jacuzzi, 90-degree sauna, steam room, treatment rooms, caldarium, Finnish sauna, hydro-massage showers, relaxation area and outdoor space. For an extra layer of indulgence, the Moving Mountains spa treatments focus on recovery and rejuvenation. The Immune Recovery Body Ritual is a deeply relaxing and detoxifying massage treatment that involves exfoliating dry body brushing and cupping, ideal if you’re experiencing muscle pain, stress or immune deficiency. The Immune Recovery Facial works to cleanse the skin and drain the lymph nodes using a series of effective techniques including cupping and the signature rose crystal massage, leaving skin dewy and sculpted.

Curated in partnership with Hofklinik, leaders in sleep research, the Moving Mountain’s programme incorporates a sleep experience to optimise regeneration. From fine bed linen, aromatherapy, sleep-inducing teas and bedtime stories, the offerings invite you to fall into a blissful night of dreams. If falling asleep/staying asleep doesn’t come easily to you, take advantage of the hotel’s Dream Butler who will prepare the room for the perfect night’s rest and deliver a special in-room dining menu that is made using ingredients that help to aid sleep.

GIVE
The Tschuggen Hotel Group strives to be as sustainable and ethical as possible and is proudly the only climate-neutral Swiss premium hotel group. Supporting a number of local businesses that champion sustainability, The Carlton are on a mission to retain an eco-friendly status, one example being the switch to Swiss-owned natural, refillable body care by nooii in the bathrooms. The Moving Mountains programme makes commendable efforts to protect the environment and actively seeks out new and innovative ways to become greener.

As a keen skier and wellness lover, experiencing the Moving Mountains programme first-hand was a dream come true! Combining a synergy of all things that excite me, plus the chance to embark on brand new adventures, my time spent at The Carlton in St Moritz will be truly unforgettable. I put this down to the amazing variety of activities on offer, meaning no two days being the same and the remarkable hotel staff who I became very fond of by the end. With my screentime down and a sense of mental clarity and energised vitality, I departed with a renewed gratitude for the captivating nature that adorns the mountains.

Encompassing escapism, the Moving Mountain’s experience achieves the perfect equilibrium of play, movement, rest and nourishment. Amplifying the health benefits of the mountains, the Tschuggen Hotel Group have mastered the art of wellness.

Click here for more info on the Moving Mountain’s programme & The Carlton Hotel