Over the past fifteen years I have highlighted practically all the legendary five-star hotels in and around St Moritz, including the Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, the Kulm Hotel, the Suvretta House and the Waldhaus in Sils Maria. So now it is time to highlight some of the smaller diamonds in this exceptionally beautiful region. Many times after skiing, my wife and I have enjoyed lunch or dinner at the wonderful Hotel Bellavista in Surlej, Engadin, just ten minutes from St. Moritz. Last December we were delighted to be invited to stay at the hotel. This beautiful family-run hotel is just the way you want it, with traditional pine interiors and huge open fireplaces in the public areas. When you think about a place in the mountains, you are thinking of the Bellavista with all its Alpine details. It has one of the best sun terraces in the area where you can enjoy top-notch food and excellent wines. On a clear day, you can witness the best sunsets I have ever seen in the mountains and take in magical views of Lake Silvaplana and snowy mountains. It won’t come as a surprise that this unique place is frequented by prominent guests from all over the world. The Kleger family run the hotel with passion and commitment. It is truly extraordinary when three children follow in their parents’ footsteps and work in the same business. Nico, Fabian and Elena all attended the Belvoirpark Hotel Management School in Zürich, where their parents, Beni and Corinna Kleger, first met. Beni, a former top skier and carpenter, completed his culinary appren- ticeship with Plinio Testa at Salastrains, the very establishment currently run by his son Fabian. In 1987, he and Corinna purchased a residential property in Surlej with an unobstructed view of Lake Silvaplana and started running a very modest guesthouse with just one employee. Over the years, they gradually transformed it into a four-star hotel with 31 rooms, several dining areas, a spacious wellness oasis and state-of-the-art underground parking with a passage leading to the annex across the street.

“Not shying away from where help is needed”, all the Klegers are involved and can be found anywhere and everywhere. I was in contact with Elena the whole time during my photo-shoot and she helped out fantastically, always with a big smile on her face. It is rare to meet such a genuine, warm and friendly family. Can’t wait to go back.