Finding Inner Peace & Adventure at The Cambrian Adelboden

Hi Everyone,

Just recently I read that the perfect vacation resort is one where you can simply be without ever having the feeling of FOMO (fear of missing out). Then last week whilst staying at The Cambrian Adelboden I found myself saying “no thanks I would like to stay here”, as someone offered to go shopping with me. Anyone who remotely knows me will know, for me to turn down a shopping trip under any circumstance is huge! Could it be that I had found the perfect vacation resort?

Getting there: A picturesque 2 hour train journey from Zurich took us to Frutigen.  From there we were picked up by the owner’s son, Joel.

I found out the owners, Grant & Craig Maunder are Welsh. In the mid 80’s they used to come for Winter vacation to Adelboden on a shoestring. Convincing one of the local guesthouses to let them stay in a concrete bunker below the property. Later visiting again in 1988 a new luxurious hotel had been built. Grant and Craig walked past it wishing they could afford to stay there, they never did.  However 20 years later they bought it and turned it into The Cambrian Adelboden. Fun fact – it too has a concrete bunker (but remember I never told you – smile).

Keep reading for a pictorial account of “Finding Inner Peace & Adventure at The Cambrian Adelboden“.

 

Finding Inner Peace & Adventure at The Cambrian Adelboden

Despite our somewhat unorthodox arrival attire, Beatrice (aka AskTheMonsters) and I  were given the most wonderful warm welcome as we entered the hotel.

They saw we were in obvious need of refreshments so a delicious second breakfast was waiting for us outside on the terrace.

Food first and then our attention was immediately drawn to the most spectacular views. Our gazes fell upon the Engstligen waterfalls, the Wildstrubel (3’243m) and more. It’s no wonder this area was Tolkien’s inspiration for The Lord of the Rings.

 

Adventure

Personally I was ready to check into my room and then head for the pool instantly. However it was decided because we had eaten so much breakfast we had to do some work to deserve lunch… This meant getting into the local gondola up to the mountain restaurant Sillerebüel. Still no lunch for us however!

Instead (and actually much better), it was time to select a scooter and zoom downhill all the way to where our picnic lunch would be. Of course everyone except for me wore proper mountain clothing. Not to worry I proved to the World that it is possible to scooter downhill at great speed (possibly moderate or even slow speed in parts – smile). The main thing being I made it in one piece!

Naturally I selected a pink scooter.

The ride to lunch was great fun.  I even managed to make friends with one of the locals, Alois Kuster en-route. He comes here each day to blow his alp horn whilst his wife listens by the car you see in the distance. I am now wondering if Mr FunkyForty will later also blow alp horn music for me each day…

Initially as we reached the lunch spot I was afraid that I would be doing the cooking myself. Luckily Will Gordon (head chef at The Cambrian Adelboden), quickly came to the rescue – with a smile and all!  We were served the most delicious picnic bbq lunch ever.

Apparently you too can book these if you are travelling as a group to The Cambrian Adelboden.

 

Back at the Cambrian Adelboden…

The rooms

Each of the rooms has a warm and comfy contemporary style to it. The green blankets you see were especially designed by The Cambrian Adelboden in a collaboration with Smörgasbord ( a Swiss design studio) and Melin Tregwyn ( a Welsh company). In fact I noticed lots of special Welsh/Swiss traits dotted throughout the hotel.

The views from each of our rooms was simply spectacular:

 

Rejuvenate, Revitalise & Relax

“Rejuvenate, Revitalise & Relax” being the motto of the hotel when it comes to their spa area. With an indoor and outdoor pool which both have stunning views of the mountains.

A well equipped gym, beautiful treatment rooms (including fantastic masseurs), Finnish sauna, steam bath and rain shower.

 

Oona  Caviar Apero

Our evening started with a special Oona caviar apero served on the terrace. Oona caviar is the first Swiss caviar from sturgeon which are bred in naturally warm mountain spring water at the Tropenhaus in Frutigen – another great place to visit. More information here.

The apero and later dinner menu were especially created by Bryn Williams together with Will Gordon.

Bryn Williams is a Welsh chef, currently “Chef Patron” at The Cambrian Adelboden. Bryn has worked in some of the most prestigious London restaurants with some of the Worlds best chefs such as Marco Pierre White and Michel Roux.

 

Dinner

Moving inside to have the most delicious caviar based menu. See what we ate…hope you’re not too hungry just now – smile!

 

The next morning

Beatrice had me up at 6:30 doing yoga… actually it was the most beautiful experience out to be up before everyone else and simply soak in the tranquility of our beautiful surroundings.

There is also a yoga room and we had an official yoga lesson at 8am… so  breakfast at 9am was certainly well deserved – am sure you agree.

Some relaxation time…

I could have stayed here all day but after a short while it was already time to explore some more of the hotel…

 

The Axe Bar

The owners aim was to create the best bar in Adelboden – mission accomplished I would say!

Beatrice doesn’t drink any alcohol at all which possibly explains why she kept on trying to serve me pure ice as we were in the Axe bar!

Usually (when Beatrice is not taking over) the bar serves wholesome food, is a great place to sit and read or simply sample some of the local beers and wines.

 

Conclusion: Finding Inner Peace & Adventure at The Cambrian Adelboden

We loved our stay at The Cambrian Adelboden and both Beatrice and I were feeling somewhat stressed as we arrived. However left feeling totally refreshed and full of energy again! We plan to come back in Winter to experience the snow.

If you haven’t booked your Summer vacation yet or are looking for a spontaneous few days away, The Cambrian Adelboden is a great option!

 

Dorfstrasse 7 CH-3715 Adelboden

Tel: +41 33 673 8383

info@thecambrianadelboden.com

 

See here for more Swiss Hotel recommendations.

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