W Hotels has just had a birthday. It’s 15 years since the now global brand opened its first venue in New York City; since then it has become a leading figure in urban chic accommodation. Recently though, W has been branching out a bit. In the last couple of years the company has spread its wings and taken flight to father-flung, more laid back locations such as Puerto Rico and the Thai island of Koh Samui, but the change of pace has not diminished the hotels’ impact one little bit. So where next?
It’s traditional to receive presents on one’s birthday, but W Hotels have given one instead. Unwrap with us the lovely parcel that is W Verbier – W Hotels’ first Swiss property, first ski resort, and the last word in snowbound style. Operated on the ground by local firm Les Trois Rocs, the resort has been designed by Alpine architectural specialists Fima and Amsterdam’s Concrete. W Verbier comprises four buildings, linked by glass atriums, which contain 123 guest rooms and a presidential “WOW” suite. There are also 15 Residences (with a capital R) for the papparazzi-dodgers who need a bit of extra exclusivity. It’s a ski-in, ski-out place, reflected in the choice of materials, favouring hard, non-porous surfaces of stone and wood which gives a crisp, sharp and stylish feel.
As an aside, those wanting to check in on the W’s hip dining rooms and ice-cool cocktail bars but prefer the privacy of a vacation chalet would do well to peruse The Luxury Chalet Company’s superb collection of Verbier luxury chalets.
