VERBIER, Switzerland—W Hotels Worldwide, part of Starwood Hotels and Resorts will make its debut in Switzerland on in December with the opening of W Verbier and The Residences at W Verbier. Owned by Les Trois Rocs, the W brand’s first alpine and ski retreat is situated at the foot of the slopes beside the Médran gondola. Featuring four traditional wooden chalet-style buildings, each connected by a contemporary glass atrium, the retreat will offer travelers and Verbier enthusiasts immediate ski-in, ski-out access.
Award-winning Dutch design agency Concrete Architectural Associates has created a design inspired by the dynamic carve of the ski through the snow. W Verbier’s innovative interiors will juxtapose New York’s urban cool against traditional Swiss design and the stunning mountainscape.
“For the first W alpine retreat, we wanted to provide guests with an unforgettable experience using interiors that complement the breathtaking scenery surrounding the hotel,” said Rob Wagemans, founder and creative director, Concrete Architectural Associates. “Our design introduces smooth lines that carve through the spaces with contrasting materials reflecting the simplicity, beauty and energy of Verbier and the contemporary cool of New York.”
In the public spaces and guestrooms, natural materials will be juxtaposed against sporty synthetics and contemporary fabrics. Seating areas will be carved out of solid wood blocks; climbing ropes will be used to hang lamps; local stone will clad walls; and upholstery and soft furnishings will be covered in leather, nylon, fur and lycra. Cosy fireplaces will appear throughout the public spaces and will be a key feature in each of the hotel’s 123 rooms and suites, including one Extreme WOW Suite. In the guestrooms, rustic wooden, chalet-style features will provide a warm contrast to sleek furnishings and contemporary lighting with mischievous animal footprints in the corridor carpets leading a pathway to the rooms. All guest rooms and suites will offer balconies, many offering views of the surrounding mountainscape.
The glass atria connecting the four chalet buildings will allow natural light to flood into the spaces, creating a link between the mountain slopes above and the views of the valley below. One of these atria will feature a decorative climbing wall with statement gold and silver climbing stones, whilst another will house a giant showpiece staircase leading down to the entrance to W Verbier’s bar, Carve.
W Verbier will offer the brand’s signature AWAY Spa with a white reception area leading through to a darker, cocoon-like pampering zone that will include nine treatment rooms, a sauna, Jacuzzi, and hammam. In addition to views of the valley, the indoor/outdoor WET deck will feature its own bar area and underwater lighting that will transform the pool from day to night. W Verbier will also feature FIT fitness center.
