Maybe I’m biased because I was born there, but there’s no place quite as magical as Switzerland when it comes to alpine beauty. Although there are dozens of stunning mountain towns in the country, Zermatt is a very different sight. Home to Europe’s most famous mountain, the Matterhorn, this charming village lies on the southern border with Italy.
Zermatt is an unspoilt, car-free village that feels like it came straight out of the classic Swiss fairytale Heidi. It is only accessible by electric taxi from the train station or a car park a few kilometers away. Picture this: a typical Alpine town with wooden chalets with gabled roofs, a river running through the center, cozy restaurants serving fondue and other local specialties, and superb hotels like The OMNIA. In winter, Zermatt is one of the best ski resorts in Switzerland.
The OMNIA: A modern luxury hotel with Swiss charm
Built into the mountainside in the heart of the village and offering panoramic views of the Matterhorn, OMNIA is a modern interpretation of a traditional American mountain lodge. What sets this luxury hotel in Zermatt apart, however, is its incorporation of the subtle sensibility for which the Swiss are known.
OMNIA is furniture designer Alexander Schärer’s first foray into the hospitality industry. It is a harmonious blend of modern aesthetics and functionality, creating a visually stunning, practical and inviting space. The interior functions as a vibrant showroom for USM, Schärer’s architecturally-focused furniture design company, complemented by artistic elements such as sculptures, contemporary artworks and tasteful nods to Swiss and European culture and fashion.
Luxurious rooms with incomparable views
In the 28th BILANZ hotel ranking, the OMNIA was rated as the best hotel in Zermatt and 9th overall among the top holiday resorts in Switzerland. It is a boutique hotel with 30 rooms, including 12 suites, in different floor plans.
I stayed in the double room with mountain bathroom and loved it. The decor is modern and the room is spacious. The king-size bed had a lovely soft duvet and pillows on high thread count linens and I slept wonderfully. The fine details here are impressive. Instead of a minibar, there is a complimentary bottle of bourbon in a crystal decanter with two glasses to sip from throughout your stay.
If you enjoy bathing, this room is one of the best I’ve seen. The deep, freestanding bathtub is surrounded by windows that offer views of the Matterhorn in all directions. The only downside is that there is no separate shower, although other room categories do. The terrace was perfect for enjoying the fresh mountain air.
OMNIA is also known for its impeccable service and warm hospitality, which I recognized immediately when I stepped out of the car. Managing Director Christian Eckert was awarded the prestigious Hotelier of the Year 2023 award at the eighth annual Hoteliers Gala in Zurich and his management skills are warm and helpful. The OMNIA team interacts with guests. The hotel runs like a Swiss clock and the service is extremely personalized – ask and you will receive.
Fine dining at OMNIA’s Restaurant
The in-house restaurant at OMNIA, under the direction of Executive Chef André Kneubühler, serves a vegetarian menu, with meat and fish available as sides. Try the raclette here – a regional speciality of melted cheese served with potatoes, pickled cucumbers and onions. The wine list and cocktails are excellent and make dining at this Zermatt hotel an unforgettable experience.
Wellness at OMNIA: Spa, pools and more
My favorite part of staying at OMNIA is the wellness center with spa and pools. The indoor/outdoor pool and hot tub offer views of the city below and the Matterhorn above. In the evenings, candlelight and romantic atmosphere create a romantic atmosphere. There are several saunas and steam rooms, including ones with floral and herbal scents. The spa menu is long and offers some truly excellent treatments. I loved the OMNIA Signature Massage, which uses hot stones from the Matterhorn and a Zermatt herbal oil tincture to put you in a state of relaxed bliss.
Becca Blond is an award-winning travel and lifestyle writer specializing in pet, solo, luxury, and adventure travel. She lives with a mental health disability and travels with her service dog Poppy. Becca is the author of more than 30 Lonely Planet guidebooks across five continents. Her name regularly appears in Travel + Leisure, The Points Guy, Thrillist, Matador Network, Planetware, and more. When she’s not on the road, Denver is her home.
