St Moritz is so steeped in tradition that the Grace La Margna Hotel is the first new hotel to open in the past fifty years. Its unique approach and modern interior bring a different aspect to a summer holiday in this pretty mountain resort.

Grace La Margna Hotel, St Moritz, Switzerland

This new, boutique hotel, retains its 20th-century façade with interiors designed by a local architect. It comprises two wings, the modern Grace wing and the original Margana wing. The latter, a historic building in the style of Engadin Art Nouveau, designed by Swiss architect, Nicolaus Hartmann. 

Winter is the high season of St Moritz yet it has many advantages for a healthy stay in the summer delightfully exploited by the La Margna Hotel. Guests can cycle and hike in and around lakes and mountains then enjoy healthy food, treatments and massages in the spa.

Who for

Grace La Margna Hotel is ideal for couples, singles, families, groups celebrating a special occasion or colleagues on a bonding exercise.

Accommodation

The two wings of the hotel have 74 rooms, including 32 suites. Rooms vary from the La Margna Superior Room mirrored by the Grace Superior Room through a range of suites to the amazing Penthouse with a large terrace incorporating a hot tub and panoramic views of the town and the lake.

Rooms in the new Grace wing also feature floor-to-ceiling windows and air-conditioning. All the rooms have king-size beds by the Swiss brand Elite Beds All the rooms and suites have spacious bathrooms and most include a bath. The well-equipped rooms include a B&O Bluetooth speaker, a coffee maker by Sjöstrand so Stoll coffee and tea by Mariage Frères can be enjoyed in the rooms. Toiletries include natural care products from the Engadine brand Feuerstein. Each bathroom is equipped with a Dyson hairdryer with various attachments. Technological features include controls for the lights and a tablet to order that special pillow.

Junior Suite at the Grace La Margna Hotel in St Moritz, Switzerland

Food and Drink

The View a Restaurant in the Grace La Margna Hotel in St Moritz, Switzerland

Breakfast and dinner are served in the main restaurant, The View. As well as an a la carte menu this restaurant offers a sharing menu – a delicious mix of flat breads with dips followed by a main course. Dessert involves the theatre of creating the Grace version of tiramisu at the table.

Creating a Tiramisu at the Table, Grace La Margna Hotel in St Moritz, Switzerland

Breakfast in The View is a delightful mix of buffet and menu choices. The buffet includes good choice of luscious fresh fruit, freshly baked bread and local cheeses. Friendly waiters take requests for hot drinks, orders from the menu, and serve fresh bread rolls at the tables.

 N/5 (pronounced Number 5) is the main bar in the hotel. It has been created around the original features of the bar including the chandeliers that march across the ceiling and marble fittings that add up to a total weight of 8 tons requiring a reinforced floor. This bar is open all day and features a bar menu. The bar and the bar menu have been nominated for awards in Switzerland and is a hotspot for locals and other visitors.

N/5 Bar in the Grace La Margna Hotel in St Moritz, Switzerland

Afternoon tea is available in the Living Room and features a luxury version of the local nut cake. Max Moritz, a culinary boutique on the ground floor is subject to seasonal opening.

The Living Room at the Grace La Margna Hotel in St Moritz, Switzerland

Facilities

The Spa and Wellness Centre has a good-size swimming pool surrounded by comfortable loungers. Beyond the pool is a large, warm jacuzzi with a variety of powerful jets. Yoga and swim sessions take place every Tuesday and Friday.

There is a steam room, an organic salt sauna, a Finnish sauna, an Aquamoon and two emotional showers with different functions delivering relaxing water experiences. The sonnenwiese (sunbathing close to nature) tanning device stimulates collagen formation and the natural renewal processes of the skin gently tanning the skin. A good choice of massages and treatments are available in the treatment rooms. After a session in the spa guests can relax in the lounge or private spa suite where health drinks and food are provided – but bubbles can be ordered too.

Other facilities include a small gym offering the latest equipment from TechnoGym and an old-fashioned Cigar Room. A Sports Shop sells and hires equipment and a boutique. 

Activities

Grace La Margna offers an interesting range of activities. These include Master Classes in mocktails or cocktails and pizza making. These light-hearted events are a chance to get to know the staff and meet other guests in the hotel.

Guided walks which include an al fresco fondu (weather permitting) also feature in the programme. And so do guided e-bike tours. Instruction is available for those who have not used an e-bike before. These two activities present a great opportunity to explore the stunning landscape surrounding the hotel and profit from some healthy exercise.

Pizzaiolo Mauro Starting his Masterclass at the Grace La Margna Hotel in St Moritz, Switzerland

How much

Double rooms start at £432.27 (CHF500) for one night but offers are available for longer stays. Rates include breakfast with hot dishes cooked to order. Also included is free wifi, a complimentary minibar and public transport from the second night. In addition, guests must pay a local city tax of CHF 5.00 per person per night on check out.

BOOK THIS HOTEL

What’s nearby? 

Grace La Margna Hotel is in the Engadin St. Moritz region. An area of incredible beauty due to its unique lake plateau. There are four large lakes, St Moritz, Silvaplana (best for surfing and sailing), Champfèrer (a paradise for anglers) and Silser. There are also numerous, picturesque mountain lakes in the forests that populate the area. Trails criss-crossing this plateau allow all levels of walkers and bikers to safely explore. The pretty village of Silvaplana is within easy reach of St Moritz and the ideal place for refreshing break in one of its cosy cafés.

High-end shopping is nearby in the town of St Moritz. Top brands line the main shopping street and the town also features several museums and the world-famous Café Hanselmann – perfect for taking a break from the retail experience. St Moritz is also on the Albula/Bernina railway line, a spectacular UNESCO railway route which can be incorporated in the journey by rail to the Grace La Margna Hotel.

VERDICT: Switzerland is renowned for its scenery and the Grace La Margna Hotel is the best place for a luxurious and restorative immersion in the best this country has to offer

You may also like:

• Ski Review, Switzerland’s Murren ski resort and it’s red hot inferno
• Ski guide: St Moritz, Switzerland
• A gastronomic tour of St Moritz

The post Grace La Margna Hotel review, St Moritz, Switzerland appeared first on The Travel Magazine.

From city to shore, to tropical wilderness, Florida’s Paradise Coast – Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades – has many family-friendly experiences ideal for a family summer getaway. Whether you’re a family of adventurers, arts and culture lovers, or like to spend the day relaxing on a white sandy beach, there is something for every type of family in Florida’s Paradise Coast.

For nature and wildlife lovers

White sandy beaches, dolphins or swamps?

The Dolphin Explorer: Head out on this dolphin-spotting adventure, the only ongoing dolphin project in the US which engages with, and is supported by, the public. The tours are great for families and run around the impressive Ten Thousand Islands – the majority of which are uninhabited – to study the movement and behavioural patterns of Bottlenose Dolphins. Passengers will serve as citizen scientists by assisting the dolphin researchers by using ‘photo-identification’ as each dolphin is recognised by their ‘fingerprint’ dorsal fins. 

Dolphin explorer

Everglades Airboat Tour: Families who want a little thrill can opt for an airboat tour through the Everglades National Park. Going at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour on open water, gliding over grasslands and weaving through mangrove islets, the airboat ride is filled with exciting moments, not forgetting the occasional alligator sighting. With a guide to talk through the unique flora and fauna of the area, families will also gain a better appreciation for the environment around them. 

Airboat in the Everglades

Tigertail Beach: Take it easy at Marco Island’s Tigertail Beach. A truly unique spot due to its sand bar shape and access route, the beach boasts pristine white sands and clear waters. Families can choose to relax and stay dry on the coast or rent equipment like kayaks, paddleboards and even jet skis to add some fun in the water. Tigertail Beach is also a popular bird-watching spot, listed in the Great Florida Birding Trail Guide as one of the best all-around birding locations in Southwest Florida.

Tigertail Beach c. Naples Marco Island Everglades CVB

Educational Eco-Tours: Choose an eco-tour with Everglades Area Tours and take a kayaking tour through mangroves to dolphin, birding and shelling tours around Marco Island. Tours are led by naturalist guides who give insights into the biodiversity.

Florida Coast For inquisitive minds

Families wanting a break from the sun and love arts and cultural attractions in Florida’s Paradise Coast should check these out:

Artis–Naples: Home of The Baker Museum and the Naples Philharmonic, Artis–Naples is the premier destination for the visual and performing arts in Southwest Florida, and hosts a summer programme of events, activities and concerts which are perfect for the whole family. Immerse in the world of Andy Warhol at the recently opened Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop | Works from the Bank of America Collection exhibition (until 8 September 2024), featuring rare complete portfolios and individual prints by Warhol. Alternatively, join a Make and Take family workshop to create works inspired by the art on display in the various museum exhibitions. The programme is free with museum admission. 

Revs Institute: Kids and car lovers shouldn’t miss a visit to Revs Institute, named as one of the best auto museums in the world. The Revs Institute houses more than 100 cars built between 1896 and 1995, one of the largest specialised automotive libraries in the world.. Admission is free for children aged 8 and under and $20 (£15.50) for adults.

For food-loving families

Stone Crab Festival: This annual festival, which takes place 25-27 October 2024, is a family-friendly experience not to be missed in Florida’s Paradise Coast. The festival celebrates stone crab season and is held at several connecting locations on the Old Naples Waterfront, kicking off with the ceremonial “Cracking of the Claw” at Pincher’s restaurant. Visitors can look forward to live music and entertainment, kids’ activities, an abundance of stone crab claws and other seafood throughout the weekend.

Florida’s Paradise Coast – Stone Crab Festival

Where to eat in Florida’s Paradise Coast?

Food with a view: Mango’s Dockside Bistro in Marco Island for great food accompanied by panoramic views of the bay and marina.

Pasta perfect: The recently renovated Ritz-Carlton Naples has unveiled its newest culinary experience, Nolita, which features artisan pastas made in-house alongside hand-tossed pizzas and a menu of familiar Italian classics inspired by traditional family recipes. 

Best for ice cream: Head to Kilwins Naples located along Fifth Avenue South for the best ice cream in town. 

Family-friendly accommodation in Florida’s Paradise Coast

Florida’s Paradise Coast offers a variety of family-friendly places to stay. Luxury LaPlaya Beach and Golf Resort located in Naples, reopened in January 2024 with fully renovated rooms and suites. The resort hosts family-friendly activities poolside and beachside.

Tiki Sunset – LaPlaya Beach and Golf ResortThe JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort hosts a unique “Tiki Day Camp”, featuring whole-family activities and supervised children’s programme for those aged 5 to 12, allowing parents the chance to relax for the day. On select dates, the hotel offers “Tiki Time Tonight”, an evening activity so parents can enjoy dinner without the little ones. 

Later this year, Naples will be welcoming the iconic Great Wolf Lodge which is set to include a 90,000 square-foot indoor water park, a 60,000 square-foot Great Wolf Lodge Adventure Park, 500 rooms, restaurants and retail outlets for families to enjoy. 

For more information on Florida’s Paradise Coast, visit www.paradisecoast.com.

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What: The Chef Series

Trio of Stars of the UK Restaurant Scene Grace 2024-2025 Edition of The Chef Series by The Datai Langkawi

The post The Chef Series, Datai Langkawi, Malaysia 11-13 October 2024 appeared first on The Travel Magazine.

Sunrises and sunsets are among the most popular scenes when shooing in the field, but many photographers are disappointed with their results. These misfires often occur because some shooters don’t understand how to take advantage of this soft, warm, and beautiful light. We’re going to fix that today with a five-step guide from the Yorkshire Photo Walks YouTube channel.

Instructor Tom Marsh is a successful British landscape pro whose tutorials all have a common theme; namely, to “help you become a more thoughtful and confident photographer. So if you struggle to capture captivating images when the sun is near the horizon, Marsh’s five simple tips will change all that in a hurry.

In his behind-the scenes episode at the stunning Yorkshire Dales you’ll watch Marsh photograph the iconic Norton Tower—a ruin dating back to 1540 that is thought to have been a hunting lodge. The good news about this form of photography is that the sun rises and sets every day— so there’s plenty of opportunities to practice todays great advice.

The first tip is one you’ve likely heard before, but it definitely bears repeating: “Location. Location. Location.” Marsh explains what to look for at a destination while waiting for Golden Hour and he puts it like this: “I like to think of my sunrises and sunsets as the background in my scene. Therefore it’s my job (and yours) to find something interesting to place between the background and the camera.”

This is a much different and me affective approach that just photographing the landscape as the sun peaks above or drops below the horizon. Compelling elements can be natural, like an interesting tree or impressive pile of boulders, or man-made objects like buildings (or in this case the Norton Tower.

You’ll also learn the benefit of shooting from an elevated vantage point, as well as several ways to frame a scene to accentuate both the midrange element and the warm, glowing background to perfection. Marsh also reveals two popular apps that enable you to quickly determine the precise position and trajectory of the sun at any point in time

We’ve barely scratched the surface to far and there is plenty more great advice, including how to deal with different types of weather and skies, the best way to position a key element with regard to the horizon, and the key camera settings and gear that Marsh recommends

Bottom line: Don’t be satisfied with the same-old-same-old sunrise/sunset photos when you are capable of so much more. The Yorkshire Photo Walks channel is full of helpful lessons like this one, so be sure to pay a visit when you have time to explore.

And on a related note, don’t miss a recent tutorial we featured with a straightforward Lightroom technique that will transform dull daylight landscape photos into attention-grabbing images with a realistic sunset appearance,