When most people think of a holiday to St Moritz, they might instantly associate the beautiful Swiss town with winding ski slopes, wintery markets and restaurants serving up some of the best raclettes money can buy.
But when the snow has melted and the ski shops have closed their doors, this beautiful town becomes a stunning summer getaway, and for golfers, it is an alpine paradise.
Nestled high in the Swiss Alps is the famous Kulm Hotel, a luxurious resort that is brimming with elegance.
To say this hotel is a palace is an understatement; from the moment you arrive, you are greeted with grandeur. Hotel staff usher you in the front door and as you step inside the lobby, you’re presented with stunning tapestries, a carved wooden ceiling and the aroma of fresh mulled wine. As first impressions go, this tops it.
The hotel, which was founded nearly 165 years ago by Swiss businessmanJohannes Badrutt, is largely credited as having played a vital role in the establishment of Alpine tourism in the region.
While winter sports are the main attraction here, golfers from far and wide have been coming to this resort to play in the region and check out Kulm’s very own nine-hole track, situated next to the town’s Winter Olympics stadium, which hosted the Games back in 1928 and again in 1948.
There is a lot on offer at this stunning venue, including its outstanding state-of-the-art spa, its seven outstanding restaurants and of course Kulm’s golf course. Guests are sure to not get bored at this epic five-star venue.
The Kulm Hotel is one of St Mortiz’s premier resorts and is a must visit if you’re planning a winter or summer break in the Alps
The hotel is nestled in the heart of St Moritz and boasts its own stunning nine-hole golf course
This is one of the most sensational hotels I’ve stayed at. From its outstanding restaurants to the stunning vistas from its terrace, guests are left blown away by the Kulm hotel
Golf in St Moritz
Situated just a five-minute walk away from the hotel, next door to the Kulm Country Club, you’ll find one of the most picturesque golf courses in the world.
The golf course is nestled in the heart of an alpine forest, and is arguably one of the most unique and picturesque places to play golf in Europe, winding its way around ski chalets and towering pine trees, as you take in the view of the Swiss Alps that surround the town.
Perhaps the best time to head down to the first tee is early in the morning. On a crisp day, the clouds settle low amongst the towering pine trees that weave their way around the course and as the sun’s rays break through, it felt like I was playing golf in a fantasy world.
The par-three course itself was first established in 1891 as the first nine-hole track in Switzerland. It has recently been redesigned, with groundsman re-shaping the bunkers, fairways and altering the greens to make this a truly unforgettable experience.
On the first hole, golfers tee off to a raised green at the top of a hill. A hook to the left or a slice to the right on this narrow opener is perilous, with an errant shot sloping off downhill.
The course is narrow in certain areas, but it is adequate for players of all levels, including junior golfers. The hotel even has its own golf academy and the team at the hotel’s reception can provide lessons and tutoring on the course or on its driving range, no matter what area of your game you’re trying to improve.
It is a diverse course too, that kept me guessing at what comes next. The second hole requires players to hit over a road towards a small sunken green. Don’t miss right, or you’ll land your ball on the roof of the neighbouring bar and ski lodge on the right of the tee box.
Situated just a five-minute walk away from the hotel, next door to the Kulm Country Club, you’ll find one of the most picturesque golf courses in the world
Perhaps the best time to head down to the first tee is early in the morning. On a crisp day, the clouds settle low amongst the towering pine trees that weave their way around the course and as the sun’s rays break through, it felt like I was playing golf in a fantasy world
The round then begins to weave its way through a stunning woodland area. Here, the trees block out noise from the town, and I felt isolated from the outside world. It is tranquil and the occasional birdsong, or sound of a jet flying high overhead, preparing for landing at the nearby Samedan Airport, are the only sounds you’ll hear.
The unique experience of playing golf at 1,860m above sea level also adds to the enjoyment. Shots travel much further, meaning I was forced to think more about strategy, club selection and precision after firing a couple of shots long over the back of the green.
Grounds staff have also done an excellent job of maintaining the course. Considering the level of snow and rain this region receives in the winter, the fairways are in excellent condition, while the greens are firm and a joy to play on.
Each green has its own unique character and qualities, with a keen eye required by players to map out the undulations and changes on the surface to make par.
The unique experience of playing golf at 1,860m above sea level also adds to the enjoyment. Shots travel much further, meaning I was forced to think more about strategy, club selection and precision after firing a couple of shots long over the back of the green
It has recently been redesigned, with groundsman re-shaping the bunkers, fairways and altering the greens to make this a truly unforgettable experience
But Kulm is not the only golf course in the area.
Just a 10-minute drive north is the Engadine Golf Club, which boasts two stunning golf courses: the Samedan and Zuoz-Madulain.
During our trip, I was able to enjoy a round at the Samedan course, which, like Kulm, is also steeped in history, having hosted the Engadine Amateur Championship – the oldest amateur tournament in Switzerland.
It is also the country’s first purpose-built golf course, having been established at the end of the 19th century and plays to an impressive 6,217m.
This par-72 track is nestled into a basin between two different mountain ranges and while it may not boast some of the same elevation changes as Kulm, it is an equally stunning and challenging golf course, offering 360-degree panoramic views of the Alps.
Strategy is very important on this track. While the ball may fly further off the tee, the lush grass on the fairways is sticky and dewy, but that isn’t a bad thing. It again forces players to think about which shot to play, and where to play it to, again adding another consideration to the round.
Again, I was astounded by the quality of the course. The greens rolled well and each provided a unique challenge.
Just a 10-minute drive north is the Engadine Golf Club, which boasts two stunning golf courses: the Samedan and Zuoz-Madulain
The Samedan course is a stunning track that is nestled in the heart of two mountain ranges
Strategy is very important on this track. While the ball may fly further off the tee, the lush grass on the fairways is sticky and dewy, but that isn’t a bad thing. It again forces players to think about which shot to play, and where to play it to, again adding another consideration to the round.
Throughout the round you are faced with doglegs moving both left and right, with the par-four sixth and par-four eighth holes both asking players whether to take the Tiger line across a network of tall pine trees or lay up short on the fairway and pitch on
Throughout the round you are faced with doglegs moving both left and right, with the par-four sixth and par-four eighth holes both asking players whether to take the Tiger line across a network of tall pine trees or lay up short on the fairway and pitch on.
Perhaps the signature hole is the 110-yard par-three 15th. Players tee off under the crest of a huge mountain, with the sound of water trickling out of a small trough behind the tee box.
An errant slice or hook is not advised with the target zone, while only 110 yards away, feeling small from the tee box.
The club has a community feel. Stood on the driving range before my tee time, I was greeted by members and locals who were arriving with their children to play. The staff in the pro shop, were equally friendly, giving me tips and advice on how to play certain holes.
Green fees are also priced exceptionally well. An adult can expect to pay around £37 per person for an off-peak tee-time. In fact, kids under the age of 12 can play for free, making this a brilliant place to bring your family on your next European golf getaway.
Samedan has a community feel. Stood on the driving range before my tee time, I was greeted by members and locals who were arriving with their children to play. The staff in the pro shop, were equally friendly, giving me tips and advice on how to play certain holes
The Kulm Hotel
Walking through the main dining area of the Kulm Hotel, you are struck by the sheer grandeur of this timeless hotel.
Antique furniture sits perfectly placed in front of a range of huge glass windows that look out onto the mountains. It is cosy, welcoming and is brimming with a buzz of excited guests, chatting and enjoying the delicious range of beverages and food options available.
Don’t be fooled by its sophisticated decour, though, the hotel is classy but not presumptuous. The staff are wonderful and truly go the extra mile for their guests, from offering a warm welcome cup of tea on arrival, to leaving a chocolate coin on your pillow at night.
The hotel is also famed for its outstanding dining options that source their ingredients from local farmers. As mentioned above, there are seven restaurants to pick from here, so you will not go hungry.
On the basement, you’ll find Kulm’s traditional Italian trattoria. It serves up a range of wood-fired pizzas and delectable pastas. We sat down for a meal here on our first evening at Kulm and I was blown away by the quality of the food, especially the creme brulee capuccino. I had an Nduja pizza, which was excellent, and twinned that with a range of sides from bruschetta to cured meats.
Walking through the main dining area of the Kulm Hotel, you are struck by the sheer grandeur of this timeless hotel
Kulm is situated in the perfect location, just a five-minute walk uphill from the town centre. Shops, restaurants and cafes are situated right outside the door of this luxury resort
On a warm day, guests can even sit on the Hotel’s Summer Terrace and sample some of the hotel’s lighter aperitifs or snacks as you gaze out over the mountainside
Looking for a spot of lunch? Head over to the restaurant at the Kulm Country Club. Michelin star chef Mauro Colagreco heads up operations here, and there is plenty on the menu to whet the appetite. Grab anything from a light bite to a Swiss Rosti – a traditional sausage dish that is plated on a giant hash brown and covered in gravy, which proved a hearty filler for me after wrapping up nine holes on the course.
The Country Club, which has an old bobsleigh and relics from Winter Olympics past hanging from its ceiling also welcomes guests in the evening and here we sat down to enjoy an enormous platter of T-bone steaks, braised lamb and grilled chicken. The chefs arrived at our table with the enormous chunks of meat and proceeded to slice it up in front of us as we chatted with them about living in St Moritz.
Guests can also dine in the Grand Restaurant, which is situated in the heart of the hotel and serves breakfast in the mornings before catering to a six-course dinner in the evenings.
On a warm day, guests can even sit on the Hotel’s Summer Terrace and sample some of the hotel’s lighter aperitifs or snacks as you gaze out over the mountainside.
Staff again are attentive in all of the restaurants, even welcoming us back into the bar after our meal at the Country Club, to sample one of their handcrafted cocktails at the bar.
The Country Club, which has an old bobsleigh and relics from Winter Olympics past hanging from its ceiling also welcomes guests in the evening and here we sat down to enjoy an enormous platter of T-bone steaks, braised lamb and grilled chicken
Guests can also dine in the Grand Restaurant, which is situated in the heart of the hotel and serves breakfast in the mornings before catering to a six-course dinner in the evenings
A true fine dining experience also awaits at Kulm’s sister hotel, the Grand Hotel Kronenhof Pontresina, another luxurious five-star venue situated a 10-minute drive from Kulm. During our visit, we were welcomed into one of the hotel’s intimate wooden ski-lodges, the perfect spot for a romantic dinner, with antique skis and poles lining the walls, along with old rustic pieces of art, depicting the Winter Olympics here over a century ago. Chefs arrived and served up a range of delicacies, including braised lobster tail and grilled steak fillets.
Kulm is situated in the perfect location, just a five-minute walk uphill from the town centre. Shops, restaurants and cafes are situated right outside the door of this luxury resort, meaning there is plenty on your doorstep to explore here if you’re taking a break from the golf course.
The hotel started as a 12-room bed and breakfast. But since its inception, it has grown to have over 150 expertly designed rooms and suites.
Each offers a homely feel styled as a ski chalet, with the walls and ceilings lined with pine wood. Guests situated on the northern side of the building are also able to wake up in the morning, open their windows and gaze out onto the mountain ranges that overlook the town. It is simply breathtaking.
The hotel started as a 12-room bed and breakfast. But since its inception, it has grown to have over 150 expertly designed rooms and suites
Each offers a homely feel styled as a ski chalet, with the walls and ceilings lined with pine wood
The Kulm Hotel Spa
After a long day on the golf course, I headed straight to the jacuzzi in the hotels luxury, situated on the lower floors of the hotel.
I can safely say this is one of the best spas I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting. Arriving at the lobby, the staff kindly gave me a tour of the facilities and advised me on some of the treatments on offer, which included massages, facial treatments and even private spa sessions, which can include a relaxing herbal bath and a rosequarz scrub.
Kulm call this ‘Alpine Bliss’ and the hotel couldn’t be more accurate. My favourite part of the sauna was the outdoor pool. I swam through the doors into the external pool and took in the vistas of the mountains, as the bubbles from the outdoor jacuzzi soothed my muscles.
Kulm call this ‘Alpine Bliss’ and the hotel couldn’t be more accurate. My favourite part of the sauna was the outdoor pool
A trip to Kulm is one you’ll never forget. From the delectable food to the outstanding staff, this hotel has everything you could ever want in one place
A trip to the pinewood sauna or the steam room is also a must and I particularly enjoyed the salt-water grotto, a 45-degree room that pumps soothing vapour into the air.
The Spa also has its own infrared cabin and pinewood bio-sauna and guests can take advantage of the modern fitness studio, complete with all the gym equipment you could possibly need.
A trip to Kulm is one you’ll never forget. From the delectable food to the outstanding staff, this hotel has everything you could ever want in one place.
It’ll make you want to keep coming back season after season.
