Arosa

As the Rhaetian Railway trundles up through the Schanfigg valley, it’s hard to believe that up there, at 1800 metres, a small luxurious oasis is waiting for guests. But that is exactly what Daniel and Caique found: their own personal paradise in springtime Arosa.

Newly married, the two treat themselves to a pre-honeymoon weekend at the BelArosa Chalet. The welcome alone is worthy of a film: a Mercedes Van limousine is waiting at the station to chauffeur them through sun-drenched Arosa to the chalet. The house sits enthroned above the village like a guardian – made of wood, with imposing glass fronts, perfectly nestled into the slope. An Alpine dream.

The house is a poem: old wooden beams meet timeless elegance, historic chalet doors meet stylish design elements. Everything feels of a piece – warm and refined. “Almost too beautiful to go out,” Daniel enthuses. But who wants to stay inside when the sky pool on the balcony is calling? And there they are, floating in warm water above the rooftops of Arosa, gazing at glittering mountain peaks and leaving the world behind beneath them.

Evening slowly settles over Arosa, the light turns golden, the mountains glow. Daniel and Caique have dressed up – shirt, jacket, a splash of perfume. They had actually planned to go to the village for dinner – but Daniel has one more surprise up his sleeve. At 19:30 on the dot, the chalet doorbell rings. Caique opens the door – and there he is: Daniel, the BelArosa’s charming private chef, with two trolleys full of fragrant delicacies. Fresh herbs, fine wines, tender fillets, glistening handmade tortellini. “Tonight you’re staying here – for a very special dinner.”

Caique is bowled over. While the chef prepares the aperitif with a practised hand – champagne with amuse-bouches – the mood is relaxed, almost familial. A chat about favourite ingredients, a joke here and there. Chef Daniel works with great discretion; his presence is pleasantly unobtrusive. The two guests simply get to enjoy themselves. By the time dinner begins, the mood has changed: candles flicker, the fireplace crackles, their personal playlist plays softly from the speaker.

Daniel serves course after course, explains, discreetly disappears again. Homemade tortellini, melt-in-the-mouth fillet, crunchy spring vegetables. Alongside, wines from the Bündner Herrschaft – a fine white from Jenins, a Pinot Noir from Fläsch. To finish, Daniel opens the humidor. Inside: chocolate from the Swiss manufacturer Nala Chocolatière, perfectly tempered. Caique tastes it, closes his eyes and smiles. “I hardly need anything more tonight.”

Retreat in style

Ten chalets. Lots of wood. Even more peace. The BelArosa Chalet is a place that invites you to slow down. The trend behind it is called “nesting”. The chalets have room for one to six guests – with plenty of space to breathe and generous places to retreat to. The living areas are open and warm, defined by natural materials and fireplaces with antique surrounds.

If you like, you can stay in your bathrobe, look out at the mountains from the sauna or swim a few lengths in the private infinity pool. Two chalets have sky pools that rise high above Arosa into the sky. Breakfast is served whenever you like – late, too. For everything else, a private chef is available on request. No buffet, no hustle in the dining room – just peace.

The BelArosa Chalet is made for days when your phone is allowed to stay silent. Bring your dog and you’re bringing a member of the family – it shows in the details: from a cosy resting place to a dedicated dog shower in the entrance, everything is there to make the stay pleasant for people and pets alike. Outside, walking paths are waiting; inside, relaxed comfort. With no compromises at all.

By Raphael Hadad