The hotel, which is enjoying a centenary this year, was the creation of Anton Sebastian Bon who built it on the Plateau Chasellas, just two kilometres from the village of St Moritz. Together with Englishman Sydney Goldman, Bon engaged Swiss architect Karl Koller to design a ‘villa in the countryside’. It opened in December 1912 and soon became popular with crowned heads of state (King Farouk of Egypt was an early visitor), Maharajahs and popular actors such as Charlie Chaplin, while the author Thomas Mann found Suvretta House a refuge away from the high society bustle in nearby St Moritz.

The hotel has its traditions. As a reminder of more formal days in the Roaring Twenties, for example, after 7.30pm guests are only admitted to the Grand Restaurant if wearing a suit and tie.

From the very beginning, Suvretta House was blessed with skiing on its ‘doorstep’ (actually a magnificent, drive-through covered entrance). In addition to winter sports on the slopes, inside the deluxe hotel the spa, saunas, a 25-metre swimming pool and outdoor hot tub cater both for those returning from a day’s skiing, and for guests more than happy to stay put in 5-star luxury.

For over 23 years, Vic and Helen Jacob have welcomed guests from all over the world. When Jacob, a director of the hotel, speaks of it, his eyes light up with excitement. This enthusiasm is contagious – and can be felt throughout the Suvretta House, truly one of the gems of the Engadin.

Photos: Suvretta House / Jan Baedeker