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St Moritz is a special place for Francis Sultana, so much so that he's even designed a furniture collection inspired by the Alpine culture and topography of the Swiss mountain town. After many happy visits, Francis shares his insider tips and secrets - from his favorite cocktail at Badrutt's Palace to his favorite spot for cheese fondue on the slopes.

 

BY FRANCIS SULTANA | CABANA TRAVEL | 7 FEBRUARY 2025



My Favorite Place to Stay: Kulm Hotel 

I love this place as it really feels like a home, it's quite old school, which I like and it is very well located right in the heart of St Moritz. I know it very well and the staff there always look after me.

My Favorite Thing To Do

I don't ski anymore sadly so I love walking - my favourite walk is from St Moritz as far up to the Paradiso mountain club and restaurant, which has fantastic views down the mountain. It's a stunning walk both ways and the exercise means I can still indulge in a cheese fondue (with no guilt!) when I get to Paradiso. I also get to enjoy the snow and the mountain whilst avoiding any injuries!

 

My Favorite Restaurant: Chesa Veglia

An institution of a restaurant. It's very cozy, lots of fun and the best for amazing pizzas in the upstairs restaurant - my favorite is the Dama Bianca with truffle and parmesan, which goes very well with a bottle of good red wine. It's the perfect spot for meeting up with friends in the evening and I have had some wonderful evenings there.

My Favourite Cozy Bar: The Renaissance Bar

The Renaissance Bar at Badrutt's Palace Hotel is a great spot for meeting friends. It's elegant and buzzy and everyone meets there in the winter season. I always drink the same thing - a piscine with brut champagne and lots of ice. It's my go-to cocktail, even in depths of winter.

 

 

My Favorite Coffee Shop: Cafe Hanselmann

This is a St Moritz tradition and was opened 125 years ago so they must be doing something right! Apart from having the best chocolates and biscuits, it really is like going back in time. It's a great spot for a daytime coffee and cake, I especially love their apple tart. It's right in the centre of town and feels so authentic, you could be in St Moritz back in the 1920s.

My Favorite Museum or Gallery: The Engadiner Museum

This is a wonderful place with rooms that chart Alpine culture and interior design history from different periods. It was hugely influential on me when I was designing my latest collection of furniture called St Moritz, which plays homage to the unique history and topography of the Engadine. I love all the craftsmanship that you can see in the museum's interiors from the carved wooden furniture to the ornate panelled ceilings and walls. There's a kitchen, bedroom and state room - the museum was built to house these rooms and I visit it whenever I am in St Moritz.

 

 

My Favorite 'Insider Tip': The Castle of Tarasp

It's a day trip from St Moritz, but I do urge people to visit the Castle of Tarasp, it is one of my favourite places in the Engadin. Part of the Not Vital Studio and Foundation, the castle was built in 1040 and looks like something from a classic fairytale, nestled on the top of a mountain, it is so dramatic. There are also exhibitions of contemporary art so makes for a great day away from the slopes.

My Favorite Shop: Loro Piana

Well, it has to be Loro Piana who of course sell the best cashmere and wool and the St Moriz store has the best selection, in St Moritz, cashmere is really all you want to wear and lots of it, ideally.

 

 

Travel tips by Francis Sultana 

Images from Nicholas Quiniou and Camilla Frances

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