Hotel Snapshot
Carved into the Swiss mountainside, CERVO is a modern alpine bolthole and skiers’ paradise. Placed on-piste, the ski-in, ski-out hotel offers immediate access to the slopes and boasts two terraces that fill at the end of the day with skiers and a DJ, making it the après destination for all of Zermatt.
Opened in 2009 by Zermatt-locals Daniel and Seraina Lauber, CERVO has grown to host seven lodges, a third restaurant, and robust indoor and outdoor spa. All of this while staying committed to its environmental integrity and original vision as ‘a boutique hotel at the base of the Matterhorn, where the whole world could come together and enjoy a break.’
Design & Character
Designed by award-winning studio Dreimeta, CERVO knits together the best of warm alpine interiors with modern minimalism, employing organic materials and understated colors to harmonize with the jaw-dropping natural beauty just outside. One such example is the larch wood cladding that comes from the forests directly around Zermatt, making the lodges appear as though they have always been there. The property feels both contemporary and anchored in time, with antique mountaineering equipment and ski poles lining the walls of the lobby, while the rooms are equipped with every modern amenity needed (and the most sumptuous-to-sink-into beds).
The Rooms
In a noteworthy fun fact, every single room at the 54-key CERVO has a view of the Matterhorn. It’s tempting to gaze out your window all day, but let’s be real, the beauty of CERVO is best experienced mountainside during the day and tucked into your incredibly comfortable bed at night, with the 100% cotton sheets and layers of blankets pulled up to your chin.
Food & Drink
You cannot eat a bad meal at CERVO. Each of the three restaurants, Ferdinand and the Michelin-recommended Bazaar and Madre Nostra, have a distinct character and offering, making for infinite gastronomic variety over the course of your stay. Ferdinand provides the quintessentially Swiss fare, while Madre Nostra offers elevated Italian classics with regional produce. Bazaar was the real jewel in the crown for me, with its wide range of dishes from around the world influenced by Eastern markets from India to Marrakesh. It’s also where breakfast is served – the bountiful buffet best enjoyed under Bazaar’s truly sensational skylight.
Amenities
In addition to a gym, climbing wall, robust wellness programming, daily DJ sets at the terrace, and a generally great vibe, the hotel has really thought through everything you might need to make the most of your outdoor adventures. The hotel has a ski room in the basement and partnerships with two ski shops who will bring rentals up the mountain for you. In your hotel room, there are extra metal water bottles and ski backpacks in case you’ve forgotten anything essential to your outdoor adventures.
Spa & Wellness Scoop
The Ātman Mountain Spa is a sprawling indoor-outdoor wellness oasis that includes an outdoor hot tub inspired by Japanese onsen hot springs, Bhutanese herbal baths, Mongolian yurts, and Nordic saunas, as well as a natural outdoor cold pool. The perfect spot to peel off your layers and decompress after an action-packed day of outdoor activity. Daily wellness programming includes yoga classes, sound baths, sauna infusions, steam peeling, and singing bowl meditations and the hotel offers a gym and climbing wall as well.
Skiing is, of course, a main draw to CERVO, but there’s also an opportunity for snowshoeing, hiking, and sledding. In the summer, there are ample hiking and biking paths on the mountain as well as wakeboarding, waterskiing and other lakeside activities at the Schali Lago, a pristine fresh water lake just a few minutes drive from Zermatt in the small village of Täsch.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
On days when you’re not skiing, I’d recommend catching the scenic train in Zermatt all the way to the top of the mountain on the Gornergrat Railway for the best views of the Alps. There are several hiking and sledding paths up there as well as Iglu-Dorf, an igloo village with ample photo opportunities and food options.
Fast Facts
Location: Zermatt, Switzerland
Vibe: Rugged luxury, a modern-day hunting lodge cut into the Swiss mountainside
Rating: 5-star
Room Count: 54 rooms and suites spread across three lodges
Pricing: From $615 in low season and $1,000 in high season
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: Location. Location. Location.
Dining: With three in-hotel restaurants offering completely distinct menus with seasonal produce, there’s something for everyone.
Amenities: Gym, spa, laundry, concierge, ski room
Nearby Attractions: The Matterhorn, need I say more?
Airport: Geneva or Zurich (and then a train from either). Pro tip: Splurge for first class rail tickets to get the train car with skylights and then the journey is the destination
Zermatt, Switzerland
