The Nira Alpina hotel sits just along the valley from St Moritz in the village of Surlej yet is located in the best position to access the famed resort’s Corvatsch ski area. As it‘s connected via a private walkway to the cable car, this means it‘s not only (uniquely for the area) ski-in/ski-out but also only 15 minutes from the highest point in the entire Engadin ski region, at 3300m, with its most challenging runs at your feet.

A member of the Design Hotels group and architecturally inspiring, the hotel unobtrusively clings to the mountainside as each floor steps up to the next. Every room features a vast sun-drenched balcony or terrace, huge panoramic windows and breathtaking views. Bedrooms are graced with super king beds and luxurious granite bathrooms with oversized baths and waterfall showers.

Families are very welcome, with a private children’s ski school in high season. Parents can watch from the terrace, or even Jacuzzi, as their offspring slide past on the nursery slope.

Facilities include a choice of restaurants, serving locally sourced ingredients transformed into world cuisine, a superb spa, an Apple Mac-equipped library and a rooftop bar where the Nira Alpina’s DJ plays through an eclectic set as guests sip well-mixed caipirinhas.