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Fancy a snug getaway in the mountains, with picturesque views and perhaps an Aperol Spritz to hand, but without any strenuous winter sports? As non-skiers, we found all this and more just under two hours from London as we embarked on a magical trip to Davos in the Swiss Alps. Flying into Zurich, a tranquil weekend awaited us, and we discovered this stunning destination caters for everyone throughout the year.
How to get to Davos If unwinding amidst nature is your cup of tea, then your holiday begins the moment you touch down in Zurich. There are two travel options to Davos from here: a five-hour train ride or a two-hour car journey.
We chose the car journey, and relished looking out at the endless green hills dotted with quaint little houses and flower-filled meadows, with snowy trees and peaks in the distance. As we drove into the mountains towards our hotel, we passed Lake Davos and were struck by the intense blue of the water, reports the Mirror.
We visited stunning Davos in Switzerland
(Image: Getty Images/Westend61)
Where to stay in Davos We stayed at Hard Rock Hotel Davos, which added a unique spin to our relaxing retreat. Don’t be deterred by the ‘hard rock’ moniker – the hotel seamlessly blends music with relaxation, helping us to fully unwind.
Dating back to the 19th Century, a portion of the building was once a hospital where patients would come to breathe in the clean and dry air, believed to help treat diseases. Some original features, such as balconies, still exist at the luxury modern hotel, making it an ideal spot to bask in the Swiss sun and admire the stunning mountains.
The hotel is filled with cool music touches, such as QR codes in the bathrooms that bring up a shower playlist. Our massages at the Rock Spa included subtle but effective bass vibrations that rippled through our beds and matched the tempo of the calming music in the room. It was so relaxing we dozed off.
The rooms at Hard Rock Hotel Davos
(Image: Hard Rock Hotel Davos)
Hard Rock Hotel Davos
(Image: Hard Rock Hotel Davos)
What to do around Davos Sun, drinks, comfort food, good music and dancing… If this sounds like your cup of tea, then aprés ski is for you – all year round. We were thrilled to find out we could jump on a cable car and head to the mountain bars without a ski pass. Our tour guide thought ahead and booked a table to beat the queues, which allowed us to enjoy a sit-down meal. We had to sample the local cuisine, including the comforting dish of bratwurst sausage with rösti and gravy.
We were surprised to discover such a fun atmosphere up in the mountains, seemingly miles away from the rest of the world. Forget nightclubs – daytime drinks in the sun, close to the clouds, is where it’s at.
We took a cable car up to the mountains
(Image: Getty Images)
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Hard Rock Hotel Davos
A luxurious four star hotel in Davos that combines music with relaxation.
From £146 per night
Booking.com
Davos is renowned for its skiing and snow sports, making it an ideal destination if you’re a fan of these activities and are travelling during the ski season. We were told that only about 5% of guests at the Hard Rock Hotel come solely to stay in the hotel – which isn’t too surprising given the wealth of attractions in the local area.
A must-do is a factory tour of Christoffel Rötali Davos, where the traditional homemade cherry liquor Bündner Röteli is produced. The two-hour tour includes a personal interaction with founder Patrick Christoffel, a welcome aperitif and Röteli tasting, as well as hearing plenty of intriguing stories about this Davos speciality. You even get to pour and seal your own bottle to take home.
If you’re looking for something more active, don’t leave Davos without trying an outdoor activity, such as snow walking in the winter, or hiking or biking in the summer. There are numerous guided routes and different levels depending on experience – and you’re absolutely spoilt for choice with stunning views.
Guests can go skiing or snow walking in winter
(Image: Getty Images)
We loved our trip to Davos
(Image: Lucy Freeman)
The food Our guide whisked us away on a magical journey through the mountains, passing through a quaint village and alongside a crystal clear (and drinkable) river, leading us to the charming Swiss restaurant, Walserhuus Sertig. Nestled in the picturesque Sertig Valley and at the base of the Mittaghorn, Plattenflue and Hoch Ducan mountains, this eatery exudes warmth with its cosy lighting, wooden interiors and welcoming ambience. We indulged in a mouth-watering cheese fondue, accompanied by an assortment of nibbles, bread and potatoes for dipping. Delicious!
How much does it cost? Rooms at Hard Rock Hotel Davos start from £146 in summer and £219 in winter for a double room.
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