Hi Everyone,
The other weekend we were lucky enough to visit Pontresina and stay at Hotel Maistra 160 to experience the concept of Deep Health. Our trip took place in summer. However experiencing the quietness and solitude of the Engadine landscape in autumn is something you will never forget. The colours of the trees for one are simply breathtaking — if you’re curious, see my article from two years ago for more.
Sometimes arriving somewhere feels less like checking into a hotel and more like meeting old friends again. That’s exactly how it felt when we walked into Maistra 160. The hotel is run by Irene and Martin Müller, (each with their own area of responsibility) yet their wonderful team-ship is reflected in the entire staff. Everyone we met was warm, attentive and so genuinely lovely. This warmness set the tone for our whole stay.
Before reaching Pontresina, we chose to drive over the Albula Pass. One of our absolute favourites. At the top (2’315 m), we stopped at the Albula Hospiz and had the most delicious sandwich ever. Stepping inside, we were surprised to see how beautifully it has been renovated. Our waitress told us it’s also a hotel, and we found ourselves thinking that next time we travel in that direction, we might just stay there.
Keep reading for the full account of “Why Every Urban Professional Needs A Deep Health Break”.
Why Every Urban Professional Needs A Deep Health Break
Introduction to Hotel Maistra 160
Hotel Maistra 160 is one of those rare places where architecture, intention and wellbeing meet in perfect harmony. Designed by award‑winning architect Gion A. Caminada, whose work on the project was honoured through participation in the Swiss Arc Award 2024. The hotel is the result of a long‑held dream of Bettina und Richard Plattner, realised with meticulous care.
What leaves me in awe each visit are the hidden details. The authentic Palazzo style Terrazzo floors, made using stones from the region, the Bodio Nero stone surfaces, and the way light moves gently across the handcrafted materials. Every corner, every object has a meaningful story behind it.
Hotel Maistra 160 is also a place devoted to deep health. A retreat where architecture, nature and intention work together to help you slow down, breathe differently and reconnect with yourself.
Our room
The rooms are lined in Swiss stone- pine (arven). There is a separated nook with a view – a little corner made for reading, thinking or meditating.
Each room has a different local flower painted on the ceiling, a tiny, charming detail that makes the space feel rooted in the Engadine.
The view from our room was simply breathtaking. I felt like simply sitting there for hours at a time.
Deep Health Concept
At Hotel Maistra 160, Deep Health is grounded in evidence‑based prevention and the scientifically supported principles of Mind‑Body Medicine. It brings together psychology, nutritional science, sports science, mindfulness and healthy‑living practices to strengthen personal resources and support sustainable lifestyle changes. The goal is to help guests reconnect with body and mind through methods that are proven to work.
There are a number of interesting courses available on the subject such as:
- Mindfulness basis course
- Mindful Leadership
- Mind Body Medicine Basis Week
Guests can try out these evidence based tools for themselves and take them home with them. Autumn, when the Engadine’s colours are so wonderfully vibrant, is my personal favourite time of year for practising the principles of Mind‑Body Medicine. The landscape simply becomes a natural classroom.
I recommend the Mind Body Medicine Basis Week in November. It is one of the signature Deep Health courses at Hotel Maistra 160 and a great all round introduction into Mind Body Medicine. You will leave the course with plenty of great tips and tricks to use in your every day life – details here.
Special offer for FunkyForty readers:
book a group of 5 for the November Mind Body Medicine course for the price of 4.
Be sure to mention FunkyForty to make this offer valid!
A mini introduction to the benefits of Meditation
A pleasant surprise this visit was learning that my dear friend and Mindfulness coach, Regula Saner, who is also a trained psychologist, was there too.
She gave Mr FunkyForty and me a mini introduction into the benefits of meditation. It’s amazing how even two minutes of silence — simply trying to meditate — can help reset your mind. Even if your thoughts wander in all directions, you still notice a sense of refresh afterwards.
An early morning start for Lej da Staz – sunrise and the Festival da Jazz St. Moritz
The picture above was nature’s gift to us for getting up at 4:30am and biking 30 minutes from Hotel Maistra 160 to Lej da Staz. Would I do it again — YES.
Our stay also coincided with the Festival da Jazz St. Moritz. I was amazed at how many people turned up at such an early hour to hear the Don Kosaken Chor Serge Jaroff. The music seemed to flow perfectly with the rising mist as the sun came up — a photographer’s dream.
Breakfast
Back at the hotel after the morning’s adventure, the delicious buffet breakfast was a welcome treat. The morning staff were so friendly and cute that any thoughts of tiredness simply vanished from our minds.
The Rominger Arvenweg
Fully energised after breakfast, we decided to do our own Mind‑Body‑Nature experience along the Rominger Arvenweg.
Did you know it’s medically proven that spending time in nature reduces stress hormones and lowers blood pressure? Sunshine, wind, birds tweeting or the sound of water help calm your nervous system. Being outside and moving in fresh air strengthens your physical health and makes you feel more connected.
Mr FunkyForty is ever so clever at figuring out interesting mountain trails — a trait he attributes to his Swiss military experience. In any case, our route ended up being an hour instead of half an hour, extending down to the Flaz river upon my request.
At some point I thought I heard music in the distance, so we walked towards the sound and stumbled across a free live concert, (Camerata Pontresina), right in the middle of the forest.
The Hotel Maistra 160 Creative Box
Back at the hotel, the nature walk seemed to awaken my inner creative soul, so I decided to visit Ramon Spaeti in the Hotel Maistra 160 Creative Box.
Wow — what a room filled with absolutely everything a creative mind could possibly dream of. There is even a 3D printer. I knew I didn’t have much time, so I settled on taking 30 minutes to paint. The Creative Box is a place where everyone can become creative and let their inner creativity flow, even if it’s something they would normally never do.
Hotel guests can use the Creative Box for free, you only have to pay for the equipment you use.
The Spa
The hotel the spa is beautifully designed with two levels, an open atrium, an outdoor warm pool, bio and Finnish saunas, a basalt steam room and calm lounges.
I had a pedicure that was done with such gentle care and precision that I managed to fall asleep midway. Mr. FunkyForty had a sports massage that loosened travel‑tight muscles. He said it really helped the aches he’d been having from his regular fitness activities. He is a bit of a fitness freak — smile.
Dinner
Food at Maistra 160 follows the Deep Health idea: seasonal, local, designed to nourish — and absolutely delicious. We noticed that even locals and people not staying at the hotel come for dinner, which really speaks for itself.
Both of us beamed as we realised that mindfulness and leading a healthy life do not mean giving up our passion for fine wines with good food. In fact, we even learnt about – and got to visit – the wonderful wine cellar that has been carefully curated by Martin Müller since the very beginning.
Our personal wine recommendations are two Pinots: Obrecht Monolith 2018 (mineral, alpine) and Fromm Spielmann 2020 (silky, Burgundian). We love trying local wines wherever we visit.
Time to say goodbye
Our stay at Hotel Maistra 160 seemed to pass by in an absolute flash. However, there was still one last stop before leaving: a visit to the Concept Store, filled with so many cool things, each with its own special story. Be careful — it’s very easy to be tempted to buy the whole store, haha.
I personally believe that taking home at least one souvenir from the Concept Store is obligatory after a lovely stay at Hotel Maistra 160.
The stones in the bracelets above are made using the same local stones as those used for the Palazzo‑style terrazzo floors. The jewellery is a collaboration with @dolceperla.ch. There are even stone workshops available where participants get to find their own semi‑precious jade stone and then have it made into a piece of jewellery of their choosing – see more here.
Conclusion
Both Mr. FunkyForty and I truly recommend a stay at Hotel Maistra 160. This is a place for anyone wanting to reset and rejuvenate. The benefits of a stay here last well beyond the time you spend at the hotel — whether you take part in one of the many useful courses or simply take time out for yourself.
Final tip: Autumn really is a magical time here in Pontresina, and I can wholeheartedly recommend the Mind‑Body Medicine Basis Week course in November – details here.
Special offer for FunkyForty readers:
book a group of 5 for the November Mind Body Medicine course for the price of 4.
Be sure to mention FunkyForty to make this offer valid!
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