Visiting the Engadin in Switzerland is a legendary experience, but staying at the charming old world Hotel Waldhaus Sils-Maria completes the image of this beautiful place. As many of you have seen on Instagram, I’ve been globetrotting around the Alps the past few weeks. My first stop on this epic journey was in Sils-Maria, a southern village in the Engadin. The quaint alpine villages in the Engadin feel like a home away from home, Staying at the Waldhaus makes it even more comfortable and relaxing. The hotel is perched above Lake Sils and the views are tranquil and invigorating. No matter what time of year you visit, there’s something for everyone.

The Swiss Alps are available for you to gaze on everywhere you turn…

Prior to this trip I had never visited the sweet village of Sils Maria, the second to last southern most village in the Engadin valley. St. Moritz is the village you might know best in this region, but there are so many lovely places to visit while here! Staying at the Waldhaus offers historic charm & comfortable elegance. It’s been a family affair since 1908. Every detail is well thought out and has been practiced for nearly a century!

Upon arrival I was greeted with a delicious dinner at the hotel. Offerings are based off of local ingredients and clearly the chef’s here know quite a bit about fine cuisine. Executive Chef Dennis Brunner, Sous-Chef Fabian Marolf and Pastry Chef Renato Pellegrinellihas showed off their capabilities with a warm welcoming dinner. I was so hungry from travels, that no bite was left untouched.

My room was very comfortable with simple & clean alpine details. My terrace offered beautiful views of Lake Sils and the surrounding pines and snowy peaks.

It was great to relax and take time to learn about the diverse winter activities in the area. Beyond the amazing alpine and cross country skiing there is so much to do. In another blog post (coming soon) I will share the opportunities that came my way, including Snow Polo, Yoga on Snow and watching the buzz build up for the FIS World Ski Championships that will be held in St. Moritz this winter.

Each morning I fueled up with breakfast served in the well appointed dining room. The offerings were plentiful! Including local cheeses, cured meats, homemade breads, pastries, eggs to order (above) Swiss specialties, Bircher Museli, cereals and much more.

How sweet is my room?! The splash of red on the drapery went perfectly with the long stem roses sent by my sweetheart.

The wellness & bath products throughout the hotel are supplied by Austrian spa specialist Suzanne Kaufmann. These all natural products are based off the principle of detoxification. Certainly welcome after long hours of travel.

Beyond the hotel rooms, it’s the great room, dining rooms and common spaces that make a grand hotel even grander. Descending this staircase was always a treat.

The stark light winter light with the red patterned carpet is swoon worthy.

Fresh mountain flowers make me reflect on what the spring and summer are like here. A few years ago (my first trip to Switzerland) I spent a week touring the Engadin. I fell in love with the cows, hospitality and Swiss authenticity in this beautiful region. I knew I would make it back here some day!

The afternoon tea service in the living room cannot be missed. Gorgeous sweets await in this room filled with vistas of the forest.. The Waldhaus is perched at the highest edge of town. Each afternoon you can treat yourself to pastries, coffee, tea and live classical music. Thoroughly relaxing and enjoyable.

December 2016 marks the opening of the new spa. It’s absolutely gorgeous & is a must if you stay at the hotel or if you are visiting the area. This wellness center promotes the feeling of well being with fitness, treatments and water sports activities for people of all ages. The architecture & design let’s the indoors and outdoors meet in harmony.

The contrast to the historic hotel and this modern spa is a fun twist.

I giggled when I saw these rubber duckies my the hot tub…

Plenty of vitamin C and citrus makes any day more vibrant…

I was treated to a full body massage that totally blissed me out. Totally needed after many hours on the ski slopes. Sublime serenity before I said farewell and made my way to destination #2, Klosters, Switzerland.