A Retro-Inspired Laid-Back Escape in the Swiss Alps

The Brecon, a new all-inclusive getaway high in the Swiss Alps, is raising the standards for chill glamour. The adults-only resort faces the Adelboden Massif in the small historic mountain town of Adelboden, 1,350 metres above sea level in the Bernese Oberland region. With 18 rooms and four suites, The Brecon offers a delectable selection of all-inclusive food and beverage options so guests can immerse themselves in the stunning beauty of the mountain escapes without distractions.

The hotel took over a historic building constructed in 1914 as the Waldhaus, maintaining the original timbered framework but giving it a new lease on life. Designed by the Amsterdam-based interior design studio Nicemakers, The Brecon channels the laid-back luxury of the midcentury when the Waldhaus was a thriving hub for socialites. Now, though, in a playful contrast to the hotel’s storied past, it’s a place to remain unseen, to disappear in an oasis of tasteful retro design. “With The Brecon, we want our guests to feel completely at ease, as if they’re staying in a generous friend’s home rather than at a hotel,” the founder, Grant Maunder, says.

Quality was important when sourcing items for the interiors, and the designers chose vintage and contemporary furniture, incorporating natural materials that echo the landscape. A muted colour scheme of warm jewel stones adds hominess to a space resplendent with wood, high vaulted ceilings, and locally sourced stone flooring, while artwork by Bisou Gallery and natural materials like linen, leather, and wool imbue the hotel with a homey feel.

With crisp white walls and warm wood accents, the rooms are all chalet charm, featuring earthy-toned textiles, residential lighting, elegant furnishing, and jaw-dropping views. The bright and cheerful bathrooms are stocked with Aesop amenities. One thing is noticeably missing: you won’t find televisions in the rooms, as a stay at The Brecon is all about disconnecting and unwinding.

Dedicated to alpine hospitality, mealtime at the Brecon is a highlight. Awaken to an extravagant spread of pancakes, eggs, locally cured meats, muesli, smoothies, and pastries. After a morning spent skiing, ice-climbing, hiking, or biking, an afternoon tea, with sandwiches and sweets, hits the spot. And come dinnertime, expect a seasonal menu with dishes like fig and ricotta salad, fish velouté, and wild mushroom risotto. And of course, there’s no shortage of cocktails, wines, and fresh juices to wet the whistle throughout the day.

Awash in rosy hues, walnut woods, and forest-green glazed ceramics, the residents-only spa area is the ideal place to unwind after a day of physical activity. In the relaxation room, stocked with a diverse array of reading materials, a line of lounge chairs offers a place for fireside tranquillity. Glass walls in the sauna and steam room allow guests to take in the panoramic vistas of Adelboden Massif while they relax. Outside, the art deco-inspired pool is kept at a balmy temperature to combat the brisk mountain air.

Wherever guests go at the resort, they are in the presence of the Adelboden Massif, a majestic backdrop to the serene experience at The Brecon.

Photography by Michael Sinclair.

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