The Engadine is one of those places that never cease to surprise you. I have stopped counting how many times in a year I spend my days there, but I never stop being amazed every time it shows me something new.

That’s the incipit of our postcard from St. Moritz, which arrived fresh from the snowy expanses of Switzerland, brevi manu from Gresy Daniilidis. But let’s leave it to our host to discover this wonderful destination!

St. Moritz, which has always been the base of my Engadine getaways, is a destination capable of meeting every need. A place where you can disconnect from the world, immerse yourself in social life, engage in all kinds of sports, or be delighted by the culinary offerings.

Each year’s season gives a different experience, but winter remains my favourite. Skiing between Corviglia and Diavolezza is almost taken for granted, but the list of sports to enjoy is endless. The frozen lake becomes the perfect backdrop for skating, curling, field hockey or polo. The valley is ideal for cross-country skiing, snowkiting, bobsliding or long walks. My favourite is the one along the Philosopher’s Trail, which rewards with breathtaking views from Muottas Muragl.

Although the city’s iconic sunshine stars most days here, it is lovely to get lost in the streets and discover undiscovered addresses when the snow falls. Below, here are my favourites.

SEGANTINI MUSEUM

This monographic museum is dedicated to the famous (and eponymous) Symbolist painter and is almost a place of worship for lovers of art and beauty. Open year-round, it houses the famous Nature Triptych, and it is a must-see.

Segantini Museum – Via Somplaz 30, St. Moritz

KULM HOTEL

With over 165 years of history, the Kulm is the first hotel built in St. Moritz. Expanded over the years, it nevertheless keeps intact and original some of its parts that make it a magical place in which to feel immediately at home. The spa will not be missed, while the outdoor pool overlooking the lake will leave you spellbound.

Kulm Hotel – Via Veglia 18, St. Moritz

HOTEL KRONENHOF

Not far from St. Moritz, the Kronenhof is also known as the Grand Dame of the Engadine and is one of the most architecturally significant hotels in the Alps. A place where time seems to stand still. A habitué’s tip? Plan a dinner (with fondue and raclette) in the historic Bowling Alley. It will be like taking a real trip back in time!

Hotel Kronenhof – Via Maistra 130, St. Moritz

Serlas Street is the shopping destination in St. Moritz. On this street, two are my favourite addresses, and today, I want to share them with you, Gou Gous.

ELEUTERI

Eleuteri is a true Wunderkammer of superb vintage treasures, a must-visit destination for the most nostalgic Gou Gous and seekers of rare gems and pearls. They have the best collection of jewellery from every era here, and it is impossible not to get lost in front of their storefront next to the Palace Hotel.

Eleuteri – Via Serlas 27, St. Moritz

TROIS POMMES

This place is a concept store with a creative soul, where imagination multiplies simply by crossing its threshold. Trois Pommes is an interesting miscellany made of the most sought-after items from well-known or niche brands. An address to have on your agenda.

Trois Pommes – Via Serlas 29, St. Moritz

EBNETER & BIEL

An address passed down from my grandmother, who used to buy strictly hand-embroidered sheets and tablecloths here. My favourite purchase, however, is the cocktail napkins embroidered with fawns, skiers or edelweiss, to bring Engadin charm to home as well.

Ebneter & Biel – Plazza dal Mulin 6, St. Moritz

LÄDERACH

Don’t call it a cliché, because Swiss chocolate truly has no equal. I never return from Engadine without first stopping by Läderach. Here, I lose hours choosing from more than 60 different chocolate pralines, perhaps charmed by the scent, possibly gratified by the display on par with a jewellery store. What can I say? It is an authentic sensory experience, impossible to pass up.

Läderach – Via Serlas 26, St. Moritz

PARADISO MOUNTAIN CLUB & RESTAURANT

A must-visit destination for skiers and others, Paradise is an iconic local verse in St. Mortiz. An icon of St. Moritz. I would make lunches here all afternoon before putting my skis back on. Its southern exposure gives amazing views of the lakes, especially at sunset.

Paradiso Mountain Club & Restaurant – Via Engadina 3, St. Moritz

KRONE

The Krone is a restaurant that can be described as essential and unforgettable. Chef Samuel Carugati offers a genuine and sophisticated dining experience with a Michelin star. The welcoming atmosphere and the friendly staff have made my experience here always truly enjoyable

Krone Restaurant – Via Tinus 9, St. Moritz

CAFÈ HANSELMANN

It is an unmissable pitstop in the heart of St. Moritz, ideal for a mouthwatering snack. They also serve breakfast, lunch, and aperitifs, and everything is in the perfect Engadine mood here. I always choose the Engadiner Nusstorte, my favourite hazelnut cake. But other homemade cakes and chocolate pralines are also worth trying.

Cafè Hanselmann – Via Maistra 8, St. Mortiz

CHESA VEGLIA

This chalet in downtown St. Moritz opened in the 1930s; very little has changed since then. Its traditional, rustic charm and local cuisine with French influences make it one of my favourite restaurants for dinner. It deserves a visit, or more than one!

Chesa Veglia – Via Veglia 2, St. Mortiz

Gresy took us on a beautiful trip to the Engadine, discovering the wonders of St. Moritz …and putting us in a great mood for hand-embroidered tablecloths, sunny afternoons and chocolate raids.

We look forward to your social shares with a tag to  @ateliergourmode, and if you too would like to send us a postcard from a place you love, feel free to write us at  atelier@gourmode.com; we will be proud to share beauty with our passionate community!

Bon Voyage!