Experiencing the 5★ Waldhaus Sils | Luxury Hotel in Sils Maria, Switzerland

Why personal visits matter in our Swiss hotel partnerships

For Swiss Tailor Made, the partnerships we have with our Swiss product partners are essential. To ensure they operate successfully, it’s vital that we spend time visiting them in person, whether it’s a luxury 5* hotel like the Waldhaus Sils Maria or one of our transport partners.

Our partners are dispersed all around Switzerland. Regular visits ensure we keep them up to date with the progress we are making on their behalf, and allow us to ensure that we are aware of recent developments or staff changes that may affect the stays of our Tour Operators’ guests.

Handpicked for their commitment to quality and service, our Swiss hotel partners are always looking to the future and planning exciting new projects and initiatives to keep guests happy and returning. We look forward to seeing these plans progress on our personal visits and always learn something new to bring back to our Tour Operator clients.

Exploring the hotel and region as a guest

Such visits are mostly short, covering all the necessities, before we move on to see one of our other partners in the region. Depending on the location and proximity of other partners, our visit might include an overnight stay, enabling us to enjoy more of the hotel’s hospitality and services.

But to really experience the hotel from a guest’s perspective, it is important to spend a bit more time at the hotel, for example over a weekend. A few more days in and around the hotel allows us to venture out and take up some of the day excursions on offer from the hotel. And we can sample some of the VIP experiences on offer, those special touches that our tour operators are looking for, particularly those operating at the higher end of the market.

During a recent stay at the Waldhaus in Sils Maria, I was able to coordinate my visit with that of a couple of friends who had never visited before. Not only were they excited to discover the hotel, I was also delighted to show them around and see them experience some of the highlights that make the Waldhaus so special.

Experiencing the Waldhaus wine cellar

Our tour operators tell us that more guests coming to Switzerland are looking for Swiss wine experiences, and Swiss Tailor Made has a number of hotel partners who can offer that – including the Waldhaus wine cellar.

On this occasion, the hotel arranged a behind-the-scenes visit for us to the extensive wine cellar. With over 30,000 bottles, the wine cellar is vast and covers most of the world’s major wine growing regions. However, the management pride themselves on the fact that the majority of wines they have are actually Swiss. It may sound overwhelming having so many to choose from, but the Waldhaus has a team of sommeliers on hand to guide you through the collection, led by Oscar Comalli. Naturally, my friends and I enjoyed a wonderful bottle of a local wine at dinner.

Watching the Waldhaus kitchen in action

From the outside, the hotel looks huge and, with 144 rooms, can accommodate close to 200 guests. However, even when fully booked, the Waldhaus never feels busy or overcrowded, which is one of its greatest advantages.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the main dining room, where there is a real feeling of a sense of occasion, every member of staff is impeccably dressed and the service is professional and understated. Of course, the cuisine itself is exceptional, but the real insight came when the Executive Chef Gero Porstein invited us into the kitchen during service to meet his team and observe the precision and coordination behind each dish.

Watching the kitchen team work with such precision and coordination was truly impressive. In fact, guests wishing to get up close to the kitchen themselves can enjoy a seat at the “Chef’s Table” once a week. Together with their friends and family, a small group can enjoy a sensationall five-course dinner while experiencing the kitchen in full flow, with the Executive Chef personally preparing and serving each course.

Discovering the Val Fex by Horse and Carriage

On the final day of my friends’ stay, they were keen to explore the Val Fex, a visually stunning valley hidden directly behind the hotel. To make the excursion extra special, we headed out to a restaurant situated in the valley by horse and carriage for lunch.

On arrival at the restaurant, the terrace was already almost full guests, which was unsurprising given the beautiful weather and the fact that it was a weekend. Any concerns about finding a table quickly disappeared, however, as the restaurant owner greeted us warmly at the door and escorted us straight to the best spot on the terrace, with uninterrupted views down the valley.

As guests of the Waldhaus, everything had already been arranged for us, ensuring that we could simply relax and enjoy a wonderful lunch in an exceptional setting.

What makes the Waldhaus so special

What sets the Waldhaus apart is the balance it achieves between historic grandeur, understated luxury and genuine warmth. Family-owned since opening in 1908, the hotel has retained an authenticity and character and a relaxed atmosphere that immediately makes guests feel at home.

No two rooms and suites are the same. Some feature beautiful original furnishings dating back to 1908, others have a more contemporary alpine style. Guests are able to choose from a wide range of room types, styles and configurations to suit different party sizes and travel preferences. Many rooms have exceptional views across the Engadin lakes, forests and mountains.

The Waldhaus Spa is equally impressive, spread across three levels and covering 1,500 square metres. It includes indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam baths, relaxation areas and treatment rooms, a well-equipped fitness area, yoga sessions and a wide range of wellness treatments, making the spa an ideal place to unwind after a day spent exploring the Engadin.

Beyond the hotel, the Waldhaus offers a year-round programme of events, excursions and activities. During the winter months, the surrounding Engadin region offers excellent skiing and winter sports, whilst in summer, guests can enjoy hiking, cycling, lake activities and exploring the spectacular valleys and mountains direct from the hotel.

It is touches like these, along with so many others, that make the Waldhaus a truly unique hotel in a truly unique and wonderful location.

And, why Swiss Tailor Made are happy to represent the hotel to our tour operator and travel agent clients.

Include the Waldhaus in Your Switzerland Programmes

Would you like to introduce your guests to the 5* Waldhaus Sils Maria, one of Switzerland’s iconic historic hotels? We would be delighted to help. From exclusive experiences to seasonal activities. the Waldhaus offers something special for every type of guest.

For more information on including the Waldhaus Sils Maria within your own Switzerland programmes, please get in touch with our team.