EAST MEETS WEST IN THE ALPS

Venetia van Kuffeler visits Hidden Dragon, an idyllic mountain hideaway.

I think I’ve discovered the ultimate getaway: Hidden Dragon, a brand-new, privately-owned alpine lodge nestled among fir trees and situated in the heart of Switzerland’s 4 Vallées ski region. This idyllic mountain retreat, accessed by private road through its own extensive grounds, offers enchanting, uninterrupted panoramic views over the Rhone Valley, far away from the crowds, the queues, the noise, and the chaos of urban life. Gastronomy, fine wine, great skiing, invigorating alpine activities and holistic therapies are all on the menu at Hidden Dragon, where staff members devote themselves to exceeding guests’ expectations.  Their aim is to return guests to their normal lives feeling happier, healthier, refreshed and re-energised – quite a tall order, all in all, and one that I felt compelled to verify for myself!

A WORLD-CLASS LOCATION

Les 4 Vallées is undeniably one of the most dynamic ski regions in Europe. A well-kept secret by those in the know, it consists of 412kms of groomed pistes interlinked by 92 lifts, connecting the resorts of Verbier, La Tzoumaz, Siviez, Nendaz, Veysonnaz, Mayens de L’Ours, Thyon, Les Collons and Les Masses. Since Hidden Dragon is perched at 1,500 metres above sea level near the sleepy village of Veysonnaz, it offers skiers the luxury of ski-in/ski-out access. With empty pistes on one’s doorstep, but with a wide range of exciting resorts within easy reach, Veysonnaz is a truly a hidden gem.

In winter, the region is suitable for people of all ages, abilities and inclinations. There is truly something for everyone: board parks, world cup race pistes, free-ride championships, numerous ski de fond (cross country) trails and torchlight descents, not to mention multiple opportunities for snow-walkers to strap on their raquettes and enjoy the alpine air. Off-piste skiers and riders can take advantage of the legendary unmarked trails behind the Mont Fort summit. For those looking for even more adventure, heli-skiing or ski-touring are readily available.

But Hidden Dragon, as I discovered, is more than just a winter destination: in summer and autumn it offers an assortment of outdoor activities – yoga, meditation, golf, hiking, rafting, paragliding and wine-tasting, to name but several.

AUSPICIOUS SITE, HARMONIOUS LODGE

The plot on which Hidden Dragon now stands was selected according to the ancient Chinese principles of feng shui: the mountain at the rear offers protection and timeless support, while the meandering river out front ensures the essential flow of cosmic energy, known as Qi. The name of the lodge came when one of its celestial guardians, a ‘hidden dragon’ disguised as a large grey rock with moss-covered spines, revealed itself. The idea is that guests will leave urban stresses at the door and immerse themselves in the serenity of this auspicious location, unconsciously absorbing the positive energy around them.

 Notwithstanding its traditional architecture and wooden interiors, which imbue the lodge with rustic Swiss charm, Hidden Dragon is anything but conventional. Here, ancient feng shui principles and Asian accents are harmoniously fused with modern design and contemporary and antique pieces. Organic materials – wood, stone, metal, bamboo, hide, eel skin, wool, shell, rope – are used to create a dramatic, multi-textural visual effect and wholesome atmosphere in which one cannot help but feel reverence for nature. With 700 square metres of generous living space, finding a quiet place of one’s own is no problem, and the ambiance is so cosy and casual that guests may dine in their pyjamas and slippers if they wish!

The six en-suite bedrooms are each named after a celestial animal representing desirable virtues – the Red Phoenix, for example, embodies benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom and sincerity. All bedrooms offer super-king size comfort and come equipped with plasma screens and DVD players. Hypo-allergenic bedding, Egyptian cotton sheets and towelling, pillow menus and under-floor heating (with individual thermostats) are provided to ensure an indulgent stay.

Though I wasn’t able to take advantage of it (owing to the time of year), a major attraction of Hidden Dragon is the fact that guests can ski in and out of the ‘Gents-Club’ style ski-room. Furnished with vintage leather club chairs, heated boot-racks, personal kit-baskets, ski-servicing equipment and a private après-ski bar, the room is also equipped with a plasma TV, DVD player and Wii, allowing guests to prepare for the slopes by watching white-knuckle free-rider videos while climbing into their warmed boots!

The luxurious facilities do not end there – the Hidden Dragon Spa includes a hammam, sauna, hot tub, meditation room and yoga deck, and offers extensive massage treatments to promote well being. In winter, the focus is on the skiing guests and their aching limbs: sports massage, deep tissue treatments and hot steam, air and water therapies are all employed. In summer, the Hidden Dragon Spa celebrates nature, offering a range of outdoor activities in the invigorating alpine environment; clients are encouraged to practise yoga, Pilates and meditation to enhance their physical and spiritual wellbeing.

Completing the ultimate five-star experience, Hidden Dragon also houses a private, professionally sound-proofed cinema with a 3.5 metre screen, providing the same aspect ratio as used on commercial film releases.

GASTRONOMY

The private chef at Hidden Dragon follows the old adage, ‘You are what you eat.’  Meals are nutritious, energizing, healthy and delicious. Due to the founders’ Eurasian heritage, Hidden Dragon’s cuisine embraces an Asian fusion style, combining the Japanese philosophy of letting good ingredients speak for themselves and classic French cooking techniques. Emphasis is also placed on using the finest seasonal produce, sourced, wherever possible, from local/ethical suppliers. Luckily, the Swiss canton of Valais is famed for its exceptional dairy products, cured meats, fruit trees, vineyards and highly prized Val d’Hérens beef.

HIDDEN, YET EASILY ACCESSIBLE

Despite Hidden Dragon’s secluded location, this alpine lodge is a mere 15-minute drive away from Sion (which is serviced by its own airport, heliport, and train station), less than two hours’ drive from Geneva and not much more than that from Zurich. With such convenient transport links, international travellers in search of both fun and balance, of harmony between yin and yang, need look no further than Hidden Dragon, which amply succeeds in fostering spiritual and physical health through mindfulness, exercise and wellbeing...not to mention the occasional indulgence!