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Ruchika Verma steps into a winter paradise at this luxury alpine retreat.
Step into a winter paradise at Six Senses Crans-Montana, an alpine sanctuary where the Swiss Alps’ breath-taking grandeur meets unparalleled luxury. Standing tall at an elevation of 1,200 meters this understated haven offers a front row seat to snow-dusted peaks and unspoiled natural beauty.
The setting, however, is just the beginning. Six Senses Crans-Montana redefines alpine escapes by presenting a harmonious blend of sustainability, wellness, and contemporary comfort, wrapped in an atmosphere of serene sophistication. Guided by a philosophy of mindful living, this ultra-luxurious resort promises an unforgettable experience for those seeking an unwinding retreat infused with the beauty of nature.
Hotel
The hotel’s cave-like entrance is adorned with earthy tones and natural textures
Nestled in the heart of Crans-Montana, a destination renowned for its champagne skiing in winter and world-class golf courses in summer, Six Senses Crans-Montana captures the essence of the region’s year-round appeal.
Getting here is part of the charm: a scenic two-hour train ride from Geneva to Sierre, followed by a picturesque 15-minute funicular ascent to Crans-Montana ensures you’ll arrive relaxed and ready to savour a leisurely lunch.
The hotel experience begins by arriving through an unconventional entrance that sets the tone for what lies ahead. As I walked through the dimly lit, cave-like passage, adorned with earthy tones and natural textures, my senses were piqued, leaving me pondering where the light had gone. With a clever play on one’s senses, you’ll embark on a journey that evokes the transition from the shadowy base of the mountain to its radiant peak. Emerging into the light, you’ll ascend to the fifth floor, where a warm reception awaits to ensure a seamless check-in.
The Earth Lab serves as both a sustainability showcase and an educational hub
Throughout the resort, your senses are indulged at every turn. Parisian architecture agency AW² have masterfully blended traditional Swiss chalet charm with a contemporary design ethos that connects deeply with the surrounding landscape.
Local materials such as quartzite, larch, oak, and slate bring authenticity to the interiors, while expansive windows and thoughtful spaces dissolve the boundary between inside and out.
Whether you’re unwinding in the alpine garden, browsing the cosy library, or immersing yourself in the indoor and outdoor pools, you’ll find an atmosphere of tranquillity that mirrors the surrounding alpine beauty.
Staying true to the Six Senses brand, sustainability isn’t just a commitment, it’s a way of life here.
From repurposing leftover kitchen oil for candle-making workshops in the Earth Lab to heating the entire resort with recycled wood pellets and capturing sauna heat for reuse, every detail is thoughtfully designed to minimise environmental impact.
The Earth Lab, a hallmark of every Six Senses resort, serves as both a sustainability showcase and an educational hub. Complimentary workshops offer guests an engaging way to learn about eco-friendly practices and I highly recommend joining one of these sessions. Not only will you come away with a personalised souvenir, but also with a discovery that at Six Senses Crans-Montana, sustainability isn’t just a trend, it’s a guiding principle woven into every aspect of your experience.
Room
Luxurious accommodation includes the three-bedroomed prestige apartment which is ideal for families or large groups
With 78 terrace rooms and suites, alongside a three-bedroom prestige apartment designed for larger families, the accommodation at Six Senses Crans Montana is a blend of sophistication and comfort. My terrace suite embodied the essence of a classic Swiss chalet, seamlessly fusing rustic charm with contemporary elegance.
Every detail invited the sense of touch to linger: the sumptuous bedding cocooned me in softness, while the intricate grain of solid wood furniture and the gentle textures of natural fabrics brought a tactile warmth to the space.
The bathroom, with its cabin in the woods aesthetic, was a haven of relaxation, featuring smooth stone finishes and plush towels that made every moment feel indulgent. The crowning touch, however, was the in-room sauna – a luxurious retreat I could step into at any moment. Paired with a steaming herbal tea enjoyed on the snow-dusted wraparound balcony, it was a perfect antidote to the winter chill.
Contrasting the earthy elements, the floor-to-ceiling windows allow light to flood in, maximising the connection to the natural surroundings, and again providing a poetic interplay of transitioning from the ethereal mountain base to its sunlit summit.
Food and drink
Byakko serves a menu of delectable dishes influenced by the pristine flavours and rich diversity of the Japanese Alps
Invoking your sense of taste, the resort’s two restaurants promise to delight your palate with fresh, wholesome creations.
Byakko, the resort’s signature Japanese restaurant, brings you delectable dishes influenced by the pristine flavours and rich diversity of the Japanese Alps. As you step inside you’ll be enveloped by an ambience reminiscent of a luxurious Japanese den, where deep, velvety hues and sumptuous silk accents set the stage for an unforgettable culinary journey.
Following the warm recommendation of the barman, I began my evening with one of their signature sake-based cocktails, a masterful blend of exotic herbs that awakened my palate and built anticipation for the meal ahead.
Ready to fully immerse myself, I chose the seven-course omakase menu – a daring adventure where each dish is a chef’s masterpiece, weaving together flavours, textures, and surprises into an unforgettable gastronomic journey.
My journey didn’t end with the last bite; as the evening deepened, a live DJ and saxophonist infused the space with an irresistible energy, creating the perfect ambience for a night to remember.
In contrast, the Wild Cabin exudes a serene charm, making it an inviting retreat for lunch or dinner. Here, Swiss cuisine takes on an inventive edge, complemented by hearty mountain classics.
For lunch, the wood-fire oven steals the spotlight, crafting artisanal pizzas that arrive at your table piping hot and irresistibly fragrant – just the remedy after an active morning on the slopes.
The truffle pizza, in particular, is a culinary triumph with its bubbling layers of cheese and delicate aroma of truffle providing a sensory overload. Come evening, the menu shines with perfectly cooked meat or delicately prepared fish dishes, each elevated when paired with a crisp glass of Chasselas.
Add in the magic of snowflakes drifting past the window, and it’s the perfect setting to end the day in style.
Spa and wellness
At Six Senses Crans-Montana, the sprawling spa is a haven of calm and tranquillity
When you’re ready to awaken your sixth sense of intuition, the sprawling 2,000 square-metre spa at Six Senses Crans Montana becomes your ultimate sanctuary. The experience begins the moment you enter, as the air is infused with calming aromas of essential oils, subtly designed to soothe the mind and guide you toward tranquillity.
Rooted in wellness and mindfulness, this haven offers an array of transformative treatments to restore your sense of inner peace, balance, and connection.
Indulge in one of the signature massages, each tailored to melt away tension, or embrace the therapeutic warmth of the saunas and steam rooms, enhanced by restorative scents. For a modern twist on renewal, the biohack recovery lounge presents innovative tools to rejuvenate the body and mind.
This is not just a spa, it’s an invitation to rediscover your best self, surrounded by an atmosphere that caters to every sense, seen and unseen.
To do

In winter, this ski-in, ski-out resort serves as an ideal base for snow enthusiasts
Six Senses Crans-Montana offers a wealth of activities to suit every season and interest. In winter this ski-in, ski-out resort serves as an ideal base for snow enthusiasts.
With 140 kilometres of ski slopes at your doorstep, the resort’s in-house ski concierge has everything you require to organise your day, whether it’s equipment hire, clothing, or lift passes. For those seeking an exclusive experience, the concierge can arrange a First Tracks ski pass, allowing access to the slopes an hour before they officially open to the public, offered twice weekly.
Come summer, the resort transforms into a hub for outdoor adventures. Golf enthusiasts can relish the chance to play on the same course where the world’s elite gather annually for the Omega European Masters.
The resort’s Experiences Team can tailor a perfect golfing day, including a visit to the nine-hole Jack Nicklaus course, often hailed as Switzerland’s most beautiful, or the more challenging 18-hole course. If you prefer something off the green, you can explore the region’s breath-taking mountain trails or dive into a range of water sports at the nearby lake.
In a nutshell
It’s rare to find a resort that caters to every one of your senses, but Six Senses Crans-Montana does so effortlessly. From the visual splendour of the Swiss Alps to the tantalising aromas of truffle pizzas and soothing essential oils, every detail is crafted to immerse you in an unparalleled sensory journey.
Whether it’s the touch of luxurious bedding in your suite, the sounds of snow crunching beneath your boots, or the intuitive wellness offerings at the spa, this alpine retreat redefines indulgence with a mindful connection to nature and self.
Factbox
Rooms can be booked from £650 (CHF 730) pn.
Address: Route des Téléphériques 60, 3963, Crans-Montana, Valais, Switzerland
Phone: +41 58 806 20 20
Email: reservations-cransmontana@sixsenses.com
Website: sixsenses.com
Ruchika Verma is a freelance travel writer from London. She is also a renewable energy lawyer at one of the world’s leading renewable energy infrastructure companies. Follow her on Instagram @wandering_ruchika and read more of her travels on wanderingruchika.com
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