7132 Hotel

Vals, Switzerland

THE PERSONALITIES

Architectural purists. Design pilgrims. Thermal seekers. Slow-luxury minimalists. Mountain modernists.

MOMENTS

Alpine luxury. Scenic mountain roads. Midnight soaks. Complete silence. Natural minimalism.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

7132 is compelling year-round, but late spring through early autumn (May–October) offers the most balanced experience. Snowmelt feeds the surrounding alpine meadows, hiking trails open above the village, and the contrast between crisp mountain air and thermal water feels especially restorative. Winter adds drama and quiet, with snow-covered slopes and a deeper sense of retreat, ideal for those drawn to introspection and architectural stillness.

COST

WHY STAY

Set in the small alpine village of Vals in eastern Switzerland, 7132 is a luxury hotel defined by geology. The valley is shaped by quartzite stone, ancient tectonic movement, and a naturally heated thermal spring that emerges from deep within the mountain at 30°C. The landscape is elemental and restrained: steep slopes, grazing pastures, and a slow rhythm shaped by altitude and weather. Nature here is not decorative; it is structural.

Accommodation unfolds across a collection of architecturally distinct buildings, most notably the stone-clad Therme Vals designed by Peter Zumthor. Guest rooms range from minimalist alpine interiors to high-design suites, each framed to emphasize light, proportion, and material honesty. Architecture at 7132 is not an object placed in the landscape but an extension of it, using local stone, concrete, and glass to echo the surrounding mountains.

Wellness is anchored by the thermal baths themselves, widely regarded as one of the most significant spa architectures in the world. Moving through pools of varying temperatures, sound chambers, and shadowed corridors becomes a sensory ritual. Heat, cold, silence, and texture work together to slow the body and recalibrate the nervous system. What makes 7132 singular is this union of radical architecture, elemental water, and an almost monastic approach to wellbeing, rooted in the vision of architect Peter Zumthor and the village’s long relationship with its thermal source.

Why Wander

Beyond the baths, Vals invites exploration through movement and stillness. Alpine hiking trails wind through meadows and forested slopes, offering expansive views across the valley and moments of solitude shaped by altitude and wind. In warmer months, walking becomes a meditative extension of the bathing ritual.

Winter transforms the region into a quieter, snow-covered terrain. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and gentle alpine routes replace summer hikes, while the village itself feels slowed and inward-looking. The rhythm of the day often returns guests to the baths as dusk settles early.

Cultural wandering is subtle but meaningful. Vals remains a working mountain village, with dairy farms, stone houses, and long-held traditions. Time spent observing daily life, visiting local chapels, or simply sitting with the landscape reinforces a sense of continuity between people, place, and natural resources.

Indulge In

Dining at 7132 is anchored by precision, provenance, and quiet drama. 7132 Silver, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, offers a refined alpine expression led by contemporary technique and rigorous sourcing. Menus evolve with the seasons, highlighting Swiss ingredients through restrained compositions that echo the hotel’s architectural clarity. The experience is intimate and intentional, designed to mirror the cadence of the thermal rituals below.

Getting There

Vals is reached by train via Chur, followed by a scenic regional journey through the Graubünden mountains. The final approach winds into the valley, reinforcing the sense of arrival and separation from faster-paced worlds.

Wild Initiatives

7132’s foundation is inherently sustainable, built around the responsible use of a natural thermal spring and local quartzite stone. Architecture prioritizes longevity over trend, and the hotel’s integration into the village supports local employment, regional sourcing, and the preservation of cultural and natural resources. The focus remains on low-impact luxury, where restraint, durability, and respect for landscape guide every decision.

*Images property of 7132 Hotel

HOTEL VILLA HONEGG

SWITZERLAND

The Personalities

High-altitude luxury seekers, spa aficionados, romanticists, and lovers of grand panoramic vistas looking for an exclusive, historic Swiss mountain sanctuary.

MOMENTS

Submerging into the iconic 34°C heated infinity pool high above Lake Lucerne as morning mist clings to the surrounding alpine peaks. Savoring a quiet breakfast on the sun-drenched terrace while watching gliders drift lazily through the valley. Wrapping up in a cozy cashmere throw to gaze at the starry night sky reflected in the still alpine waters below.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

From May through October, the mountain is alive with lush green hiking trails, clear sunny days, and vibrant alpine flora. From November through April, the landscape transforms into a dramatic winter haven with snow-draped peaks, crisp air, and cozy fireside retreats. Every season offers an unforgettable high-altitude perspective of the Swiss Alps.

Cost

Why stay

Perched 912 meters above sea level on the Mount Bürgenstock peninsula, Hotel Villa Honegg overlooks the dramatic blue waters of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding Central Swiss Alps. Wrapped in pristine alpine pastures and pine forests, the hotel offers a completely elevated, secluded sanctuary high above the world. This dramatic location provides total privacy and serene nature while remaining easily accessible to the cultural heart of Lucerne below.

Accommodations comprise just 23 lavishly appointed rooms and suites, ensuring an exceptionally private and intimate boutique experience. Blending classic Art Nouveau grandeur with sleek modern elegance, each room features warm natural woods, plush leather, rich textiles, and private balconies framing breathtaking mountain or lake views. Modern technology is seamlessly integrated into every suite to ensure effortless comfort and relaxation.

Originally built in 1905 by local builder Emil Durrer, this historic 5-star superior villa underwent a complete, painstaking renovation in 2011 to revive its Belle Époque splendor. Architecture honors traditional Swiss alpine heritage on the outside while showcasing chic contemporary design inside. Wellness revolves around the world-famous heated outdoor infinity pool offering panoramic views, an indoor pool with underwater music, a Finnish sauna, a steam bath, and tailored holistic spa treatments using premium Swiss botanicals.

WHY WANDER

The surrounding Bürgenstock mountain offers direct access to an extensive network of scenic walking and hiking trails right from the doorstep. Guests can embark on the famous cliff path (Felsenweg) to reach the historic Hammetschwand Elevator—the highest outdoor lift in Europe—offering thrilling vertical drops and staggering views over Lake Lucerne.

A short journey down the mountain leads to the pristine waters of Lake Lucerne, where travelers can board historic steamboats or luxury yachts for scenic cruises. The historic city of Lucerne is just a short drive or boat ride away, offering charming cobblestone streets, the iconic Chapel Bridge, Swiss watchmakers, and world-class concert halls.

During the winter season, the region provides serene opportunities for snowshoeing, winter walking, and easy access to nearby Swiss ski resorts. Guests can also indulge in paragliding over the valley, golf on the Bürgenberg plateau, or simple mountain meditation amidst complete silence and pure alpine air.

INDULGE IN

Gourmet GaultMillau-rated cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant, where refined Gstaad-meets-Lucerne dining showcases locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Savor modern Swiss and Lebanese-inspired dishes, fresh lake fish, alpine cheeses, and herbs harvested directly from the villa's garden. Dining on the famous heated panoramic terrace pairs perfectly with a selection of fine Swiss and international wines.

GETTING THERE

Hotel Villa Honegg is located in Ennetbürgen, Switzerland. Guests typically fly into Zurich Airport (ZRH) or EuroAirport Basel, followed by a scenic 1-hour drive or train ride to Lucerne and Ennetbürgen. The hotel can arrange private transfers, or guests can arrive via a combination of a Lake Lucerne boat ride and a funicular up the mountain.

WILD INITIATIVES

Hotel Villa Honegg is committed to preserving its delicate high-altitude ecosystem through sustainable, low-impact hospitality practices. The property utilizes geothermal energy systems for eco-friendly heating, employs energy-efficient water circulation across its infinity pool facilities, and strictly eliminates single-use plastics. Gastronomy centers on zero-kilometer sourcing, partnering directly with local dairy farmers, fishermen, and regional producers to support Central Switzerland’s agricultural heritage while minimizing carbon footprints.

*Images property of HOTEL VILLA HONEGG

Whitepod ORIGINAL

SWITZERLAND

THE PERSONALITIES

Eco-luxury pioneers. Adventure seekers. Star-gazers.Design enthusiasts looking for a low-impact alpine hideaway high in the Valais mountains.

MOMENTS

Unwinding by a crackling wood-burning stove inside a geodesic pod as snow falls softly outside. Stepping onto your private wooden deck to watch the morning sun light up the Dents-du-Midi peaks. Soaking in a Scandinavian wooden hot tub high above the valley after a day of snowshoeing through silent pine forests.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

From December to April, the high-altitude estate transforms into a snowy winter realm ideal for ski-in/ski-out access, snowshoeing, and cozy pod living. From June to October, the alpine pastures awaken with wildflowers, offering crisp air, mountain biking, and scenic hiking under clear summer skies.

COST

WHY STAY

Located at 1,400 meters above sea level in Les Cerniers at the foot of the Dents-du-Midi mountain range, Whitepod Original overlooks the majestic Rhône Valley and Lake Geneva. Spread across a private mountain pasture in the canton of Valais, this eco-resort provides a secluded, nature-immersed refuge far removed from high-traffic tourist hubs. The unique position balances raw wilderness and total solitude with sweeping alpine panoramas.

Accommodations consist of geodesic pods anchored to individual wooden platforms scattered across the hillside. Blending futuristic, low-impact architecture with cozy Scandinavian design, the pods feature plush bedding, organic textiles, fully equipped bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling PVC windows framing the mountain landscape. Heated primarily by individual wood-burning stoves, these geodesic domes offer a unique, immersive stay where guests feel completely connected to the surrounding elements.

Founded in 2004 by Sofia de Meyer and Nicolas Hale-Woods, Whitepod was born as a pioneering experiment in sustainable, high-altitude hospitality. The architecture relies on self-supporting geodesic shapes, which require minimal building materials and zero permanent foundations, allowing the land to remain virtually untouched. Central hotel amenities—including the reception, breakfast room, traditional sauna, and meeting spaces—are housed in a restored 1800s wooden chalet at the center of the estate.

WHY WANDER

The private 200-hectare mountain domain offers direct access to over 25 kilometers of marked hiking and snowshoeing trails right from your pod's doorstep. During winter, guests enjoy private access to the estate's own ski lifts and slopes, as well as dog-sledding adventures, forest survival workshops, and night snowshoe walks under the stars.

In the warmer months, the surrounding Valais Alps become an outdoor playground for high-altitude trekking, mountain biking, paragliding, and tree-top adventure courses. Guests can explore neighboring alpine pastures, visit local mountain dairies, or take guided nature walks to learn about local fauna and wild flora.

A short journey down the valley brings travelers to the shores of Lake Geneva, historic castles such as Château de Chillon, or the thermal baths of Lavey-les-Bains. Returning to Whitepod in the evening means escaping back to a tranquil, car-free sanctuary where artificial light and noise pollution are kept to an absolute minimum.

INDULGE IN

Seasonal, locally rooted gastronomy at Les Cerniers restaurant, where traditional Valais cuisine meets modern culinary techniques. Guests savor regional fondue, mountain herb dishes, locally caught lake fish, and seasonal meats sourced from nearby farmers. Breakfast and picnic baskets filled with fresh local pastries, mountain cheeses, and cured meats can also be delivered directly to your pod door.

GETTING THERE

Whitepod Original is located in Les Cerniers, Switzerland. Guests typically fly into Geneva Airport (GVA), drive about 1.5 hours via the A9 motorway toward Monthey, or take a scenic train ride to Aigle or Monthey followed by a short taxi or bus transfer to the base chalet.

WILD INITIATIVES

Whitepod Original is a global benchmark for regenerative, low-impact tourism. The eco-resort strictly limits energy and water consumption through wood-stove heating, water-saving device taps, and 100% renewable electricity. The pods are designed to blend into the landscape with seasonal camouflage covers—white in winter and green in summer. The property enforces a strict car-free policy on site, mandates zero single-use plastics, uses eco-certified cleaning products, and works in close partnership with local Valais producers and artisans to preserve the high-alpine environment.

*Images property of Whitepod Hotel

Zero Real Estate

SWITZERLAND

THE PERSONALITIES

Hikers. Photographers. Unique experience seekers. 

MOMENTS

Mountain air. Falling asleep to the sound of cowbells. Waking up to an unparalleled panoramic view. The best sleep of your life with nothing between you and the nature. 

BEST VISITING MONTHS

July - September

COST

WHY STAY

Zero Real Estate is a unique pop-up hotel in Toggenburg, Switzerland, inspired by the «Null Stern Hotel» art project by Swiss concept artists Frank and Patrik Riklin with their partner Daniel Charbonnier, truly embodying the Room + Wild spirit. 

The one-of-a-kind accommodation consists of three hotel rooms without walls, 1200m above sea level, on the awe-inspiring landscape of Toggenburg. The Burst Suite sits at the foot of the Alpstein mountain with a 270 degree panorama from the Rhine Valley to the Churfirsten mountain range. The tranquil Schwendi Suite overlooks the Schwendi lakes; and the Stump Suite sits under the canopy of giant trees.

WHY WANDER

Explore everything the Toggenburg region has to offer. Discover mountain lakes, outdoor pools, and rivers. Hike the Rhine valley. Climb Säntis, the highest peak in Alpstein massif at 2500 metres. Take a cable car to the Churfirsten mountain range and take in the views..

GETTING THERE

Fly into Zurich, rent a car, and take a beautiful drive to Toggenburg.

INDULGE IN

Fresh picked mushrooms. Breakfast prepared by your "modern butler".

*Images property of Zero Real Estate Toggenburg

Palafitte

SWITZERLAND

The Personalities

Types who enjoy life's simple pleasures, serenity and magic.

Moments

Breakfast on a private terrace in your own personal lake house, before embarking on an adventure in Neuchâtel.

Best Visiting Months

Throughout the year, depending on your preference for cycling or skiing.

Cost

Why stay

Palafitte is built on piles on the lake of Neuchâtel with breathtaking views of the Alps. Choose between the Lake or Shore Pavillions. Each room has a private terrace, with direct access to the lake, as well as a jacuzzi. 

Why wander

This is an outdoorsman's paradise! There is an array of activities from golf, mountain biking and hiking in the summer to skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Highlights include Creux du Van, a breathtaking cirque created from water and ice erosion and Saut-du-Doubs, a beautiful mineral and aquatic area to explore on foot or by boat. Check out www.neuchateltourisme.ch for a full list of activities.

Indulge in

A tour of local specialties that changes with the seasons, proposed by the chef.

Getting There

A train from the Zurich or Geneva Airport is a little over an hour long. Enjoy free use of public transportation in the city of Neuchâtel.

*Images property of HOTEL PALAFITTE