There are many good reasons to take a trip to the Alps: to get away from everyday life, breath the clean mountain air, enjoy the view of the majestic rocky crests and the clear alpine lake. Now, in Melchsee-Frutt there is a new reason: the Frutt Family Lodge & Melchsee Apartments. The hotel complex opened in December 2015 and the spa and bathrooms feature quality mixers and showers by Hansgrohe, the Shiltach-based sanitation specialist.
In the heart of the Swiss Alps
The newly built resort hotel is in the village of Melchsee-Frutt, a ski resort located at 1920 metres above sea level in the canton Obwalden. ‘The Frutt’, situated on a high and sunny plateau, has been a spa since 1865, and to this day, the idyllic spot remains free of cars. The pioneer Alois Reinhard opened the area’s first hotel in 1889. For nearly 100 years, the Hotel Reinhard pampered holidaymakers, including distinguished and wealthy guests from all over Europe, in an elegant atmosphere. The Reinhard family also opened Switzerland’s back then longest cable car at Melchsee and installed a power generator, at the time Europe’s highest altitude power turbine.
Soothing views
Philip Loskant, the architect, and Architekturwerk, the company responsible for the realisation of the project, used large panorama windows to showcase the retreat’s stunning natural surroundings. Guests enjoy spectacular views of the mountains and lake from their rooms and suites as well as from the spa, which comprises a swimming pool, sauna, steam bath and relaxation room. Whether soaking in the pool or relaxing in a lounge chair: contemplating this panorama soothes the mind and body. Entertainment is available in the lower lobby level, featuring a cinema, gym and bowling alley.
Golden days at the spa
Situated in the basement, the spa is the high point of the building’s expressionist design. A succession of chambers simulates the experience of bathing in a cave system. The way the rooms are connected and the overhead lighting are reminiscent of a hammam; the stark geometric planes and angles give the space a futuristic feel. In the spa, the single-lever washbasin mixers of the Axor Starck V collection combine minimalist aesthetics with resource-saving EcoSmart technology. A raised and open-ended glass spout with a 360-degree swivel range makes it possible to see and experience the natural power and vitality of a water vortex. The mixer, designed by Philipp Starck, is made of crystal glass and chrome with a brushed gold finish, a special surface finish supplied by the Axor Manufaktur. The same warm gold finish was used on the concealed shower valves of the Axor Citterio collection with their well-known characteristic cross handles. Accessories of the Axor Citterio and Axor Uno ranges give the bathrooms a finishing touch. Another gold highlight in the spa: the Axor LampShower designed by Nendo. The combination of overhead shower and ceiling lamp not only delivers a warm, extra wide rain spray, but it also bathes the user in a pleasant, warm light. There’s no better way to cap off a day of skiing, hiking or pampering.
