If experiences around nature, activity and great food inspire you — keep reading. I have some hidden gems to share.

Through a wonderful connection in Switzerland who has been supporting our metsa journey, a few introductions were made, and before I knew it, I was on a train or in a car heading toward some truly remarkable people and places. At metsa, we're all about opening doors for our travelling guests matching you with genuine people and beautiful spots around the world.

First stop: Engelberg

Andreas, Managing Director of the grand Kempinski 5-star luxury hotel in Engelberg, had invited me for lunch and a tour. I'll be honest, I showed up in loose trousers and sneakers and quietly wondered if I'd fit in. I did. The magic of that hotel is that despite its size, it feels like stepping into a warm, welcoming home. A “home” where every luxury you could wish for is quietly presented. I arrived with some scepticism (too big, too stiff, I thought), but I left with a fresh perspective on hospitality and a genuine desire to come back. A few fun details: every single room faces the surrounding stunning nature, part of the garden is shared with the municipality, and the building itself has a calm, inviting presence that only a place rooted in a small village and its landscape can pull off.

From grand luxury to chic luxury — with a bunch of food lovers

This next place is somewhere you absolutely cannot miss for dinner. I did miss it this time, but I've already promised myself I'll be back. Just a handful of rooms, a beautiful outdoor kitchen, and a passion for local ingredients sourced from the surroundings whatever the season has to offer, or the cellar can offer that is carefully stored in glasses of all sizes. On this visit, it was spring, which meant fresh asparagus in the kitchen and roots slowly grilling over an open fire outside. It did rain a little, but I honestly barely noticed the atmosphere around that fireplace and grill was just too good. The view from that spot is simply stunning, and for anyone who loves hiking, the trails lead right past cows grazing in the fields. A deep respect for local food runs through several of these hidden Swiss gems.

Close to Davos and St. Moritz, but worlds away

A train won't get you here. Like the castle, Berghuus Radons is the kind of place where you're not lost you're just on your way to something special. Tucked between the Alps, the old tourist cabin is transformed to a slow luxury hotel by a passionate couple with an extraordinary eye for detail and a genuine care for their guests. Fadri the host grew up in the wally now he is back with a global experience as a first-class chef and his Sandra to support him on this new journey. Every room faces a breathtaking view, and if you want, you can even see that view from your bathroom. The old mountain cabin has been transformed from a simple tourist hut into a high-end, cosy luxury retreat where the extraordinarily luxury is the nature surrounding you in all four seasons, complemented by thoughtful service, beautiful new rooms, and a wellness offering also indoor. The wine cellar deserves a mention of its own.

Have a look and go visit, you will not regret