The name “Chedi” may sound Schwyzerdütsch, but is in fact Thai and refers to a temple complex. In Bali there are already two exclusive hotels with the name operated by the same company as will run the new luxury hotel in the Swiss mountains. Indeed, Egyptian investor Samih Sawiris is planning an entire resort of apartment buildings and villas in the quaint, traditional town of Andermatt, meaning “The Chedi” hotel is just a spectacular prelude to what is a most ambitious project.
In his endeavor the investor champions an architectural style that not only makes clear reference to the surrounding countryside, but uses sustainable materials from regional productions. As a consequence the interior design is neither over-pompous, as you tend to find with hotels in this category, nor does it celebrate a kind of starry-eyed, romantic folklore. Plenty of natural stone, different types of wood and elegant designs, such as the Axor bathroom fittings, team up to forge a link between tradition and modernity. The luxury begins the moment you step into the generously sized rooms – the smallest are an impressive 52 square meters. The open-plan layouts mean that you even get to marvel at the gorgeous alpine landscape while having a relaxing soak in the tub.
Jean-Michel Gathy of Dennison International opted for natural materials and colors that underline the country-style ambience of the rooms and suites. The blend of open fireplaces, bright timber floors and wall panels combined with rough stone walls exude the flair of alpine mountain huts. Even if the design is decidedly modern and the dimensions make barns seem small. Minimalist design and elegant simplicity therefore predominate in the bathroom, too, especially when it comes to Philippe Starck’s fittings for Axor. The timeless quality of the functional elements, which are almost archaic in character, aptly references the rugged ambiance of this alpine town.
The luxuriously finished bathrooms feature fittings from Axor – masterminded by Philippe Starck. Photo © The Chedi Andermatt
The bathroom design is decidedly modern; nonetheless Philippe Starck plays with the timeless images of a trough and a fountainhead. Photo © The Chedi Andermatt
The mountains can be glimpsed even from the bathroom.
Photo © The Chedi Andermatt
Different types of wood set the interior tone of the rooms.
Photo © The Chedi Andermatt
Smooth transitions ensure that even the smaller rooms - and they are 52 square meters in size! - appear spacious. Photo © The Chedi Andermatt
The town of Andermatt near the St. Gotthard pass is far less pretentious than its siblings St. Moritz or Gstaad. Photo © The Chedi Andermatt
