For 120 years, the Cresta Palace has been basking in the Engadin sun. The newly renovated rooms and suites offer a journey into a glorious past, as well as the chance to indulge in modern luxury. Heading to the mountains in the middle of summer? We’ve already packed our hiking boots and high heels.
When the gates of the Cresta Palace first opened, the world was newly in love. Their romance? The Swiss Alps, which—during the Belle Époque—sparked a passion for hiking and travel, first in Great Britain and later in other countries. Guests could get close to their own Arcadia at one of the grand hotels that blossomed across the country starting in the late 19th century, pampering guests with unprecedented luxury. Starting in 1906, the Cresta Palace in Celerina joined their ranks. No other place in the Engadin is kissed by the sun as often—an average of over 300 days a year. Since 1904, Celerina has shared a world-famous bobsled track with its glamorous neighbor, St. Moritz. There, champagne glasses may clink even before lunch, and fur coats may jostle through the narrow streets. Celerina, however, has preserved the idyll of a mountain village as carefully as amber preserves a spring flower. Those who can tear themselves away for an outing will find themselves surrounded by natural wonders—from the sunrise over the mountain lake Lej da Staz to a hike through the nearby Swiss National Park.
Relax in Art Nouveau Style
But before we strap on our backpacks, let’s unpack our suitcase. The 90 rooms and suites at the Cresta Palace have been freshly renovated for the 2026 summer season. The modernized Art Nouveau style still exudes the same magic that amazed visitors from all over the world 120 years ago. The lovingly designed Art Nouveau rooms evoke an era when ladies strolled through the garden in Robe-de-Style dresses, twirling a parasol between their fingers. Aesthetically, the Cresta Palace remains true to its history. In terms of amenities and services, however, this four-star superior hotel meets the needs of a contemporary clientele. Guests find relaxation not only beneath the Engadin’s blue skies and among the green Alps, but also in the hotel’s own Vita Pura Spa. Those who’ve spent the whole day hiking over hill and dale can experience nature’s treasures up close thanks to a herbal stamp massage or hot stone treatment. And if you still have some energy left after a mountain bike trip, a personal trainer in the gym can help you get up to speed on the treadmill. By then, at the very latest, it’s high time to enjoyably make up for the calories you’ve burned. And to do that, the Cresta Palace takes you on a grand culinary journey.
Travel Through Food
When you take a seat at Ya Mama by Moses Ceylan, you can gaze out the restaurant window at the romantic mountain scenery of Graubünden. But when the dishes are served, your senses are transported to a faraway place. The aroma of stuffed pointed peppers with baba ganoush, Aramaic-style deep-fried trout, or marinated baharat lamb loin fills the room and evokes the feeling of having been transported to the Levant in the blink of an eye. Chef de cuisine Moses Ceylan is responsible for these creations. As a child, he marveled at the culinary skills of his mother and grandmother, who conjured up Aramaic dishes using just a few ingredients. Moses set out into the world, took the reins in the kitchen, and has been honored with, among other accolades, 18 Gault-Millau points and two Michelin stars. At the Cresta Palace, Moses returns to the roots that shaped his culinary style. Recipes from the Middle East and ingredients from the Engadin region blend into delicious creations. Ya Mama by Moses Ceylan celebrated its opening last fall and quickly became a sensation far beyond the local area.
More than a century has passed, and the world is just as enamored as it was on the very first day. The sun still shines over the Engadin, and the Cresta Palace rises from the landscape, more resplendent than ever. Whether for a summer fling or a winter romance, the hotel’s doors are open to anyone who wants to step out of time for a moment—and enjoy a soft landing in the process.
Cresta Palace
At 120 years old, it’s more beautiful than ever: As of this summer season, all rooms and suites at the Cresta Palace have been freshly renovated. Thanks to its modern Art Nouveau design, a visit to this four-star superior hotel is a journey back to the golden age of luxury tourism. And with the new restaurant Ya Mama by Moses Ceylan, the culinary exploration of Celerina extends all the way to the Levant. The sunniest town in the Engadin entices visitors with spectacular mountain scenery all around. But guests reach the pinnacle of relaxation at the Grand Hotel’s 1,200-square-meter Vita Pura Spa.
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Photos: © Cresta Palace
