CERVO Zermatt
With the delights of the wintry season upon us, we turned to the team at CERVO Zermatt in Switzerland to share their perspective on creating an alpine escape that sets the bar high. Here, in our 15th edition of Cultivating Conversations, we discover what it truly means for a hotel to commit to sustainability and see just how a mission driven brand can continue to evolve.
Located above the village center of Zermatt, the CERVO Mountain Resort reopened its doors in December 2020 after an extensive renovation.
“The spectacular view over the village and the Matterhorn accompanies guests throughout their stay.”
Whether from the 54 rooms and suites spread over seven of nine lodges, to the onsen of the Mountain Ashram Spa or during après-ski from the terraces. The CERVO lifestyle can be experienced and felt throughout the resort. This is based on the principles of conscious, respectful treatment of the environment, appreciation of the homeland with its traditions and values, and inspiration from around the world.
AS AN ALPINE DESTINATION, WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM THE OTHER MOUNTAINTOP RESORTS?
With its unique concept CERVO is more than a hotel, it’s an awareness of life. The three room concepts – Nomad, Alpinist and Huntsman – include 54 rooms and suites, seven lodges and each are a small world of their own. Whether as a modern base station for expeditions into the mountains of Zermatt or as a suite with a private spa – every guest will find their home at CERVO. Furthermore, there are three restaurants and a bar which cover a wide variety of culinary traditions, while remaining true to one principle: sincere service and the pleasure of hosting guests and visitors.
“CERVO is a melting pot that embraces the traditional values and culture of the Alps, while offering leeway for modern and international influences.”
It is a place where guests, staff and locals can interact with each other. And last but certainly not least, the Mountain Ashram Spa is an exceptional world on its own. Peace, relaxation and mindfulness are combined in the spa which is inspired by centuries-old wellness traditions from all over the world and brought to the Zermatt mountain landscape.
HOW DOES YOUR SWISS HERITAGE PLAY A ROLE IN THE HOTEL’S CULTURE?
“When CERVO was first built in 2009, the Swiss/Alpine chalet style was key to the design and philosophy of the hotel.”
In 2014 the restaurant Ferdinand had its opening and with it another big anchor to the Swiss traditions and the Valais region itself. The restaurant offers traditional Swiss cheese dishes such as Fondue and Raclette and also its interiors are held in a rustic/typical Alpine style.
With the big renovation and construction in summer 2020 and the re-opening in December 2020, the hotel's philosophy took a step forward and the hunter and gatherer evolved to a nomad and explorer. The deer in the logo remained and became more agile.
“The Swiss style stayed but was combined with influences from all over the world.”
And of course, the restaurant Ferdinand still offers the best Swiss Fondue and Raclette you can get.
HOW DOES CULTURE INFLUENCE CERVO’S PROPERTY AND PROGRAMMING?
“In December 2020 CERVO not only re-opened its doors but also debuted an evolved philosophy.
Overall we work with the claim “Beyond Exploring” and just as important are the two sub-claims “Beyond Sustainability” and “Beyond Culture”. This shows how important culture is at CERVO.
In all three restaurants the culinary culture of each respective country and region is taken into consideration when creating the menu. The Madre Nostra celebrates Italy’s culinary tradition in all its deliciousness. Modern creations and refined classics with all the wonderful treasures Mother Earth has to offer can be found on the menu. Inspired by the lively markets of the East, the Bazaar is the heart of CERVO. It’s furniture and decorations are personally selected by the Owner Daniel F. Lauber in Marrakesh and brought to the Swiss Alps to represent the most authentic picture of the (mid-)eastern culture. And of course, the Ferdinand “lives” Swiss culture with a twist, with its traditional cheese dishes and table bbq offerings which are to be cooked at the table by the guests themselves.
In the Mountain Ashram Spa wellness traditions and cultures from all over the world are combined in the treatments as well as in the general spa offerings. Additionally there is a weekly program of activities which is offered to the hotel guests for free in the Mongolian tea yurts or the ritual room. The activities vary from macrame workshops to yoga lessons and movie nights.
Finally, the hotel and its rooms are decorated with treasures from the different represented cultures. All decoration pieces are handpicked by the Owner of the hotel Daniel F. Lauber and the interior design studio Dreimeta.
Whatever culture your heart desires, it most likely can be found at CERVO.
WHAT INSPIRED THE RECENT HOTEL RENOVATION AND BRAND SHIFT FROM EXCLUSIVE ALPINE CHIC TO HOLISTIC ECO WELLNESS?
We wouldn’t call it a brand shift but more of a development. The “old” style of CERVO hasn’t completely been abandoned but simply took a step further in its history. As described above, the hunter and gatherer evolved – just like he did in human history.
Since CERVO was founded in 2009, ecological and social responsibility have been central principles. The renovations and new constructions gave us the chance to invest even more and put into place energy and heating systems which are more sustainable and support our values. New partnerships have been made with suppliers that work in a sustainable way and old partnerships have been improved to support our goals.
“The tourism industry is getting more aware of sustainable and mindful travel.”
So, we decided to be one step ahead of this change. The new Mountain Ashram Spa and the improved sustainable efforts are therefore a representation of our own values and mindsets and as well our guests’
HOW DOES CERVO ZERMATT APPROACH WELLNESS?
With a deeply rooted sense of the extraordinary, CERVO invites its guests to explore the impressive nature and to discover themselves. True care sees body and mind in harmony.
“The holistic Mountain Ashram Spa combines various traditional bathing cultures from all over the world.”
The exquisite treatments, the steam bath with local herbs and the Japanese onsen, meet meditation and yoga sessions. Under the open sky, overlooking the lights of the village and the majestic Matterhorn, CERVO invites its guests to reconnect with their inner selves and the world around them.
Being at home in a mountain region like Zermatt requires a close exchange with nature. CERVO is dedicated to a type of travel that is close to nature, authentic and conscious. This thought is also carried forward in the spa. During the summer months, tea herbs can be picked in the herb garden and the sound path invites guests to stimulate their senses. The balance of relaxation and activity is central to a holistic well-being. Regular sound meditations, pilates and yoga sessions provide harmony and peace of mind. Whether in a group or privately, the yoga and meditation offerings are tailored specifically to the guest's wishes. When the temperature permits, outdoor yoga lessons take place on the various yoga decks.
Over centuries and in various cultures the use of the power of nature has been refined. This knowledge is the basis for the holistic program of treatments and rituals that are offered to the guests of CERVO.
HOW LARGE A ROLE DOES SOCIAL MEDIA PLAY IN APPROACHING, ATTRACTING, AND ENGAGING WITH YOUR CLIENTELE?
Social media is a very important tool for us. With the Matterhorn visible from almost every corner of the hotel, there are many spots which offer beautiful photo opportunities.
“social media gives us the chance to transport the CERVO feeling to our followers all year round.”
Guests nowadays are often active on social media and prefer an easy and direct way of communication where Instagram, Facebook and so on come in very handy.
TELL US ABOUT THE DEMOCRATIC MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY.
“CERVO represents an awareness of life.”
It is a place where guests, staff and locals can interact with each other. Every guest is a part of the experience. The community and the companionship characterize CERVO – together is better than alone.
The Democratic Mountain Community not only shares the same passion for nature and the mountains but also a sense of community. End the day together, and enjoy the entertainment. Members can benefit from special offers, exclusive reservation rights for the après ski and yearly promotion periods to upload their member card which can be used in all CERVO outlets.
SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL IS NO LONGER A TREND, BUT A VERY REAL CORE VALUE OF TRAVELERS. HOW DO YOU EMRACE THIS MISSION?
As part of the tourism in the Alpine region and in harmony with the nature of Zermatt, all our actions are based on a strong environmental awareness.
“Sustainability is the central factor underlying all decisions on both a large and small scale.”
The ethical treatment of people and the environment is part of all processes and permeates all areas: A sustainable energy supply and the natural production of hot water and heating energy are just as much a part of this as the commitment to various projects at local and international level. But sustainability not only involves the conscious handling of nature but also the thoughtful interactions with each other and the careful dealing with objects and installations. Therefore social responsibility is also a main factor which we take into consideration with various partners and sponsorships.
Almost 95% of CERVO’s energy requirements are covered by geothermal energy. All waste heat is being reused in hotel operations. To save heating energy, a demand-dependent ventilation system was installed in the new Lodge.
CERVO is the manifestation of a mindful awareness of life, which is carried out every day through interaction with visitors, employees and, in the long term, in projects around the world.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR CERVO ZERMATT?
Our long-term goal is to achieve a 100% CO2 neutral energy production for heating and hot water as well as a zero waste culture throughout the hotel, but at CERVO we never stand still. It is our daily goal to become better, improve our sustainable efforts and offer our guests a memorable and unique experience.
© All Photo Credit via CERVO Zermatt