Valsana Hotel, Arosa: Eco-Minded Alpine Luxury At Its Best

Daniella Laxton checks in to Arosa’s Valsana Hotel, an impressive Alpine retreat where eco-credentials go hand-in-hand with luxury.

Hotel Review: Valsana Hotel, Arosa

STAY

Renowned for its commitment to climate protection (climate neutral since 2019), The Tschuggen Collection is no stranger to eco-luxe hospitality, but its latest outpost is arguably the most ambitious yet. The group’s second hotel to grace Arosa, a charming Alpine village in the Schanfigg Valley, Valsana combines everything you desire from a contemporary ski resort with first-rate environmental practices. 

Thinking further than refillable bottles and elective housekeeping, the award-winning Swiss retreat truly goes the extra mile when it comes to sustainability. Valsana itself is what the group refers to as an ‘eco-powerhouse’, running entirely on recycled energy. The complex uses a progressive energy storage solution known as an ‘ice battery’ where waste heat (that would ordinarily be lost to the surroundings) is captured and reused, stored in a large water tank located beneath the hotel. The team is keen to share the workings behind this innovative system, and guests can discover the ice battery for themselves on the Valsana Green Tour. 

Of course, it’s not just the hotel’s eco-credentials that makes it stand out from the crowd. The interiors are a talking point, too. The work of international architect and designer Carlo Rampazzi (who also designed the Tschuggen collection’s other hotels), the decor is attuned to a cosy mountainside chalet but with a contemporary twist; think soft colours, functional wooden furnishings and plenty of natural light. Sophisticated but with an informal feel that makes you feel at home and want to kick your feet up – preferably fireside in the snug hotel lounge. The beds are also worth a mention; a good night’s sleep is guaranteed with cloud-like natural mattresses and plenty of space.

With just 40 rooms, Valsana has a real boutique feel where everything has a personalised touch, from an in-room turntable with vintage vinyl records (available with selected rooms) to the option of fondue on your very own private balcony.

DO

Central to Valsana’s ethos is its ‘Moving Mountains’ programme which aims to help guests re-energise and reconnect with nature. Weaved into every aspect of Valansa’s offerings, from the restaurant to the spa, the hotel also encourages to make the most of the spectacular surroundings. From snowshoe hiking – with an outdoor fondue experience thrown in – to Swiss snowball chess and ice bathing (renowned for its health benefits), Valsana offers a variety of alternate experiences – and there is plenty to discover. 

But if it is a ski-centric holiday you’re after, the Arosa Lenzerheide ski area certainly won’t disappoint with its beautiful mountain scenery, excellent range of pistes, and buzzy après-ski destinations. First time skier? The Arosa snow sports school can be your introduction, whilst the Gisler Sport shop (located inside the hotel) will ensure that you have everything you need. 

Off the slopes, Valsana encourages self-regeneration and relaxation with it’s in-house spa, inspired by the Swiss mountains. Complete with a warm relaxation pool (with gorgeous mountain views), a steam bath and multiple saunas, it’s the perfect place to unwind. The hotel also offers yoga and meditation classes, a fully equipped gym, as well as an in-room yoga programme available at the click of a button. 

EAT

The hotel’s restaurant TWIST is a relaxed day-to-night destination, focused on producing nourishing but delicious dishes with, as the name suggests, a contemporary spin. Outlined as ‘healthy, mindful, yet creative cuisine’, the innovative menu adheres to the ‘Moving Mountains’ programme, spotlighting seasonal and local produce; imagine Lostallo salmon with a coconut broth, orange-ginger chicken with pumpkin gnocchi and for dessert – the raspberry-pistachio tart is a must, served with raspberry-thyme sorbet. There is also a broad selection of plant-based options from beetroot carpaccio to spinach knödel, boiled dumplings served with a forest mushroom ragout. 

A jam-packed day in the mountains requires a hearty breakfast, and TWIST certainly delivers on that front. Opt for a range of flavoursome, energy-giving dishes such as tapioca-coconut pudding and French toast rolls, or fill up at the self-service breakfast bar. And you can enjoy your morning espresso on the terrace, overlooking the beautiful mountain backdrop.  

THE FINAL WORD

This Swiss hotel ticks so many boxes. A pioneer in sustainable luxury travel, its commitment to the environment is enough to incite praise, but its the personalised touches, regenerative ethos and meticulous attention to detail that make a stay at Valsana truly unforgettable.

BOOK IT

Valsana Hotel Arosa offers rooms starting from CHF 454 based on two adults sharing a lifestyle double on a B&B basis. valsana.ch