ForbesLife: Vacation Like the Rich in St. Moritz
Nix the jetsetter crowds and crispy winters, and book yourself a final summer sojourn in St. Moritz complete with lake sailing, spa pampering, mountaintop dining, and seaplane gliding over the awe-inspiring Swiss Alps. With low-season rates, sunbathing temps, and sublime mountain-meets-lake scenery—now is the time to steal away to one of these alpine hideaways and vacation like the rich in St. Moritz. 
1. Suvretta House Come to this postcard-perfect 1912 stone chalet in Upper Engadine for the most majestic valley vistas you’ve ever seen. But stay for classic Swiss luxury with rainbowing archways, wood-beamed ceilings, impeccably crafted antique timepieces—and staff that treats you like royalty. Rooms are full-on elegance with black-and-white marbled bathrooms and romantic wrought iron balconies boasting a panorama of peaks, lakes, and rolling hillsides.
The High Life Highlights: Breathe in fresh alpine air from shaded bed loungers dotting the idyllic greens; plunge into the solarium-enclosed pool with a gorgeous slate waterfall; dangle amongst the treetops as you chairlift 7,000 feet above sea level to Restaurant Trutz for rustic fare; or bliss-out with an organic treatment of aromatic Ila oils. In the evening, don your formals for Le Grand Restaurant with wood-paneled opulence and artful French cuisine.
2. Badrutt’s Palace Forget that this iconic green-capped hotel—smack within St. Moritz’s ritziest boutiques—has been the place to “see and be seen” since 1896. It’s the historic palace itself that knows how to strut its stuff—from the Cathedral-like decor with stained glass arched windows, antique church pews, and museum-worthy artifacts (like Raphael’s original Madonna) to the over-the-top sumptuous suites with golden-hues, whopping closets, and ridiculously breathtaking Lake St. Moritz vistas. The High Life Highlights: There’s an underground rock-walled spa blasted into the Alps with an indoor/outdoor plunge pool ringed by floor-to-ceiling windows. Indulge in your own spa suite and they’ll pamper you with…wait for it…gold water. Later, take sailing lessons on the palace’s private watercraft; followed by wood-fired pizza at Chesa Veglia—a converted 1658 farmhouse faved by the ultra-wealthy, that sits just above the hotel. 
3. Giardino Mountain From the outside, this circa-1320 huddle of A-frame houses is as quintessential Swiss as it comes with sloping rooftops and etched trim. But inside is a blast of nature-inspired swank with shiny geometric fixtures, mod décor, and pops of purple and apple green. Cheeky chic rooms are decked in pine wood paneling, shag carpets, black bunny lights, tree-stump nightstands, and huge rain showers.
The High Life Highlights: There’s a sun terrace with umbrellaed tables for savoring the surrounding peaks, a light-flooded yoga studio, and a state-of-the-art spa with walls made entirely of wood logs. Stroll the shimmering turquoise waters of Lake Silvaplana; followed by a heart-pounding bird’s eye view of the Alps from a two-seater glider flight. Then ground yourself with authentic Swiss fare at the hotel’s Stuva restaurant with traditional wood-carved walls and original stone floors.
4. Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains You can’t help but be awestruck at the sight of this sprawling 151-year-old grand hotel—with its blue shuttered windows and twin towered peaks—flanked by emerald trees and picturesque parklands at its front door. Interiors channel a contemporary lodge vibe with high-ceilings, walls of windows, rich-wood accents, and dreamy vintage pics of St. Moritz’s yesteryear. The High Life Highlights: Wile the days away in the two-story, water world of a spa with dips in the lap pool and aromatic grotto; decadent treatments lathered in Swiss-made luxe lotions; or riding the next-door gondola up for alpine hiking and biking. For dinner, the hotel’s Enoteca Mediterranean restaurant is a must with stunning original Belle Époque details and a boisterous Italian staff that makes service look like a graceful dance. 
5. Kulm Hotel St. Moritz The deeper your pockets, the more ornate the ceilings. That was the creed when this 1856 hotel was built…and the Kulm sure knows how to show it off. Expect knotted Swiss Pine timbering so elaborately and artfully carved, it (nearly) rivals the phenomenal Lake St. Mortiz and mountain sights from your suite. Opulent rooms range from alpine chic to luxurious Neo-baroque with silk and linen wallpaper and the biggest soaking tubs ever.
The High Life Highlights: You can golf the highest course in the Alps; enjoy gratis jazz concerts by the likes of Natalie Cole in the leather-lounged bar; relish the vistas from the giant outdoor whirlpool or glass-walled relaxation area with mountain-front waterbeds; or get rocked and lulled into serenity with the signature Kulm massage. Don’t miss: Dinner in the hotel’s lavish red- and yellow-hued restaurant where the Beef Consomme is top-notch—and Switzerland lit its first electric lights.