Mountain Refuge

Description by Peter Silling & Associates

The Cambrian in Adelboden, Switzerland’s superlative version of the 21st century Swiss mountain getaway. With interiors by Peter Silling, the hotel and spa offer guests a warm, laid-back atmosphere that is perfectly Swiss and exquisitely serene.

The Cambrian prides itself on the primary use of natural, local materials throughout the hotel. Upon entering, guests will immediately take note of the welcoming warmth of the décor that is comfortably complemented by the superior service for which the hotel is celebrated. The eye is drawn from one end of the room to the other and back again: the grey, inconsistent slate of one wall extends and flattens in the floor; the rich, dark wood of the reception desk is reflected in some of the sleek chairs and tables surrounding the stone fireplace.

One of the hotel’s highlights is its beautiful winter garden that extends out of the lobby. The crisp modernity of its interior furniture is dynamically integrated into the vast and powerful landscapes by which the hotel is surrounded. For those guests who choose to experience the bracing mountain air, the enclosed winter garden opens onto a sun deck that is the perfect place to enjoy an après-ski drink and tan under the tender winter sun.

The Cambrian’s 750m2 spa is adjacent to an outdoor terrace where bathers and steamers can cool off after one of the many treatments offered. The deck’s outdoor thermal pool hypnotically appears as though it is flowing over its own edge to lead its occupants straight into the massive surrounding mountains. The spa’s interior is constructed largely out of the same grey stone that can be found in the lobby. The indoor pool is lined on one side by water cascading down one slate wall while inside the pool itself, guests can take a dip under a starry night sky. The Bisazza Mosaic centerpiece highlights the importance of craftsmanship to the spa and hotel’s purveyors.

Each of The Cambrian’s guestrooms – from the most basic Deluxe to the Presidential Suite – is endowed with a breathtaking view of the Swiss Alps. The elegant, sleek furniture and general design scheme is beautiful in itself, but its charm is in its submission to the incredible landscape. The cool steel curves of each Barcelona chair echo the snow covered ridges visible while seated in them. The Cambrian’s charm lays in this thoughtful respect for its surroundings, paired with superb service and a keen aesthetic sensibility.