CERVO Zermatt
Approximately 11 years ago, Seraina and Dani, fresh out of the hospitality school, decided to open a hotel in Zermatt, Switzerland, in the land of Dani's family. Where there was once a terrain now stands a little paradise called CERVO.
When they hit the ten years mark, they've decided to give the hotel a new face. Until last year, CERVO was known as a five-star hotel with two restaurants, the CERVO Puro (now renamed as Madre Nostra and with a new focus on Italian Kitchen) and Ferdinand (Valais cuisine). Last year, after a redo, the five-star chalets and the existing restaurants remained. However, a new four-star segment called Nomad has been opened and a new restaurant, Bazaar, focusing on Middle Eastern, North African and North Indian specialities. The majority of the dishes are vegetarian, except the CERVO Burger, which contains free-range Swiss meat. The relaxed environment with a view to the Matterhorn and a cosy terrace makes it the kind of place you could spend the whole day.
Additionally, a brand new Ashram Spa was created, inspired by the couple's trips around the globe. Nordic Sauna, Onsen Shower, Alpine Onsen, a tea yurt, relaxation room, and other features make the ideal place to completely unwind and/or relax after a day of outdoor sports. Guests can participate in yoga and meditation sessions given in the ritual room. Retreats are also in planning. “Off to a journey to your inner self.”
The new project puts a big emphasis on aspects of sustainability, both environmentally as well as socially. Attention to details is to be seen everywhere. 95% of the energy they consume is self-produced. In the rooms, they have features that let the visitor decide if he wants and needs the sheets and towels to be changed. The Menus are all available online at the table with a QR code, with no paper wasted.
The food is bought as much as possible from local producers, fostering the local economy. A garden is in the making to grow some of the products themselves. Their food waste is minimal, and they are in the process of making the necessary adjustment to hit their target of becoming zero waste by 2025. Pretty amazing.
Their branding has also adapted to fit the changes. Their slogan now being: "beyond exploring - because our focus is always on a close exchange with our environment and the careful treatment of it". They describe the CERVO Mountain Resort as being where they "combine alpine tradition with a global understanding of conscious living, sustainability and discovery both internally and externally. "
As someone who is personally very interested in positive impact and change topics, the hotel highly inspired me. One can also feel that energy among the employees—young, dynamic, extremely friendly and passionate. The owners give them the space to be, to follow their passions and develop themselves. Attention to the people is given.
The entire combo is simply a must-visit. The team's creativity doesn't seem to cease, constantly innovating. The breakfast buffet is one of a kind, amazingly presented with the most delicious options for all tastes. During the pandemic, they've adapted their restaurant Ferdinand into a co-working space, being able to offer a compelling package for individuals to do home office in the mountains and integrate a higher quality of work-life balance at least for a week.
During my stay, I also had the opportunity to do some lifestyle shooting in cooperation with the sustainable company FTC Cashmere and the micro-influencer Maria @flightmodediaries. It was a fun and inspiring collaboration. I look forward to more co-creations alike.
It was more than a pleasure to have had the opportunity to visit this one-of-a-kind hotel. I can't recommend it highly enough. I hope to come back soon and experience it in the other seasons as well. During summer, CERVO also has a beach lounge with a Wakepark at a lake located in the village of Täsch. Locals and visitors meet and exchange at the Schali Lago - a good vibe place to spend the whole day in the sun, wakeboarding, enjoy good food and drinks, swim and simply enjoy life. With no doubt, I will try to stop by during summer to check it out personally ;)
