Hortensia Mountain Retreat

Belle Epoque Sanatorium Suite Still Delivers Wellness

Built in 1900 as a luxury private clinic, this former sanatorium now houses a panoramic retreat, where piste-perfect views and an immaculate interior once again offer restorative, reinvigorating benefits.

Created as a specialized aerotherapy and heliotherapy resort to treat tuberculosis patients and chronically stressed urbanites, this Alpine-clinic-turned-luxury apartment still offers unrivaled views and a focus on wellness and deep relaxation. Similar to the notable tuberculosis sanatorium designed by Alvar Aalto in Finland, the Art Nouveau-era building was designed to capture vibrant, healing sunlight and fresh open air.

Today, the former treatment balconies have been transformed into a spacious, enclosed living and dining room lined with generous French windows. The apartment retains its pristine, vivid interior décor, featuring startlingly white walls, a gleaming chevron wood floor, and a sleek, practical layout. A curated selection of contemporary wall hangings, cool fixtures and modern furnishings update the heritage space, and its key location opposite some of the region’s most dramatic jagged peaks draws the eyes outward.

Redesigned as the secondary residence of a prominent Zurich family in the mid 20th century, the apartment’s more recent renovations in 1989 and 2011 earned spots on television and in Architecture Suisse magazine, as well as other publications.

AROUND

This vacation home rental in Switzerland is located in Leysin. Designated in 1890 as a key location by the Société Climatérique for its geographic exposure, altitude and air quality, the town was put on the map for its majestic mineral environment and curative properties—one of several such Alpine wellness resorts of the early 20th century. Today, the town offers all services—shops, pharmacy, groceries, bakeries and restaurants. Leysin’s local ski area is accessible by cable car about a 15-minute walk from the home, and the three interlinked resorts of Leysin-Les Mosses-La Lécherette offer some 100 kilometers of downhill slopes and several cross country ski tracks. Expert skiing and snowboarding awaits at the nearby Glacier 3000 resort, and sledding, curling and ice skating add to the winter fun. 

Outdoor enthusiasts come to the area in summer for hiking and mountaineering, a mountain bike park, a technical via ferrata, road cycling, and a paragliding outfitter and station. The apartment’s owners have compiled a guide to many regional, hike-in, rustic restaurants accessible via both simple and arduous hikes, including a fondue spot with a view, a classic mountain inn about a 1½-hour hike in summer (skiable in winter), as well as both rugged and refined lodges and restaurants serving regional game and rosti. 

Located at the foot of the Tour d’Aï, Leysin offers majestic views to Mont Blanc and other ranges and easy access to Lake Geneva with its many activities and cultural offerings.

LOCATION

Leysin, Switzerland. Nearest airport: Geneva, Sion

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Year-round