Scott Dunn: ANYTHING ELSE IS JUST A HOLIDAY

Description

One of the historic hotels of Zermatt, the Mont Cervin exudes an air of understated elegance. The excellent facilities and discreet service ensure its place among The Leading Hotels of the World is well deserved. The hotel has a great choice of rooms and suites, varying in style from rustic to modern, and many enjoy stunning views of the Matterhorn. Just 50 metres from the main hotel the 'Residence' houses several luxury apartments, which are furnished in a modern style.

The fine international cuisine in Le Restaurant is complemented by an impressive choice of wines from the wine cellar (gentlemen are required to wear jackets) or, for a more informal atmosphere, choose market-fresh produce and delicious fish dishes in Le Grill Cervin. The hotel also offers a fabulous 'dine around' system with its sister hotels, allowing guests on half board to dine at 12 different restaurants around the resort.

For relaxation, soothe tired limbs in the stylish spa, with its heated indoor and outdoor pools, two whirlpools, Finnish sauna, steambaths, ice-grotto and relaxation room, or enjoy a muscle-relaxing massage in the beauty salon.

Children are well catered-for with a children’s dinner menu served at 6pm, babysitting and a baby listening service. The Nico children's club for 2 - 8 year olds offers an eventful and varied in and outdoor programme, Sunday to Friday.

The Mont Cervin is perfectly located in the very heart of Zermatt, just a few minutes walk from the Gornergrat railway. The resort itself lies at an altitude of 1620 meters at the foot of the world-renowned Matterhorn and surrounded by an additional 38 majestic peaks. Due to its southerly location, Zermatt shares part of its border with Italy and thus enjoys a mild climate with extended periods of sunshine. Although a beautiful and internationally renowned spot with numerous hotels, restaurants, bars and elegant shops, Zermatt has never lost any of its village charm and both in summer and winter remains an ideal spot for an active, refreshing or relaxing vacation.

Guide price £1,955 Per adult

£1,955 price is per adult, based on a 7 night stay in a double room on a half board basis, including British Airways flights to Geneva and return first class train transfers in mid season.

Accommodation

The 165 rooms and suites offer every modern comfort and there is a choice of style and size. Some rooms have balconies, some are interconnecting and some have magnificent views of the Matterhorn. Many suites boast Jacuzzi baths and fireplaces. All rooms have wireless internet access, Cable TV, mini-bar, hairdryer and safe. Just 50 metres from the main hotel the 'Residence' houses several luxury apartments, which are furnished in a modern style.

Childcare

Children are welcome; a children’s dinner menu is served at 6pm. Babysitting and a baby listening service is available. The Nico children's club for 2 - 8 year olds offers an eventful and varied in and outdoor programme, Sunday to Friday. On request the hotel can also care for babies from 3 months old. The hotel is equipped with cots, high chairs and a children's pool.

Scott Dunn pioneered skiing holidays with childcare and this is an optional extra that many families consider indispensable. We offer childcare from 4 months and ensure that children have the most fantastic holidays and that parents can completely relax with peace of mind that their family is in great hands. Your children can be taken to and collected from ski lessons and will be kept entertained with a varied and imaginative activity programme and given healthy home made lunches and snacks.

Our childcare staff are qualified professionals and guests here can opt to have a private nanny service. Babysitting is available too. A wide range of equipment for babies and toddlers can be provided to all guests on request, mostly free of charge.

Facilities

There are several brilliant restaurants to choose from, including 'Le Restaurant' for formal dining and Grill Le Cervin for delicious dishes cooked over a wood-fired grill. The 'dine around' system allows guests on half board to dine at 12 different restaurants around the resort, ranging from traditional Swiss cuisine to Japanese delicacies and gourmet affairs. For après ski relaxation, swap stories over a colourful cocktail in the Rendez-vous Bar, and after dinner, relax with a cigar in the Salon Davidoff.

The fabulous spa has a large indoor swimming pool, a heated outdoor pool and jacuzzi, two whirlpools, a Finnish sauna, steambaths, an ice-grotto and a relaxation room. The MCP beauty spa offers a range of revitalising massage and beauty treatments.

Activities

Zermatt is part of the Matterhorn Ski Paradise area, home to 350km of pistes, with a connection to Cervinia in Italy. There’s enough to keep skiers of all standards amused. The village itself is a pleasure to explore, whether on foot or in a horse-drawn carriage, with a wealth of shops, restaurants and historic buildings to enjoy. Exploring the mountain is also straightforward with mountain railways and some wonderful walks, whether on foot or on snowshoes. If you would like a really close view of the Matterhorn, a helicopter flight around it is truly breathtaking.

Zermatt is much more of a cultural centre than many other resorts. The Matterhorn Museum is a must-see with fascinating exhibits and the English church is a highlight, especially at Christmas. Every April, the Zermatt Unplugged music festival attracts big name acts.

There are also plenty more active possibilities including the fitness centre, indoor tennis and squash, gym, heli-skiing, ice skating, paragliding, stunning walking tours, gorge adventures, ice climbing and tobogganing.

When to travel

Location and directions

Zermatt, Switzerland

In the middle of the village, in the heart of the action. Nearest ski lift is Gornergrat station - 5 minute walking distance, Sunnegga Station is between 7 to 10 minute walk

How to get there

Scheduled British Airways flights from London to Geneva followed by a scenic first class train transfer (3 hrs).