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Sensual spaces and alpine hospitality in the Engadin
There are places that touch you immediately - the Hotel Maistra 160 in Pontresina is one such place. The lovingly thought-out details, the warm and inviting furnishings and the tranquil wellness area nestled in the midst of nature inspired me straight away. Accompany me on my autumn weekend, where nature, design and relaxation come together in perfect harmony.
The architecture of the Maistra 160 impresses with its sculptural, powerful presence, which embeds the house naturally in the Engadin mountains. Architect Gion Caminada has created a masterpiece here, which is given a pleasant grounding by massive pillars made of gray-blue gneiss. These pillars lend the building stability and an almost sculptural beauty, which is softened by the variable spacing and the deliberately irregular surfaces of the concrete slabs.
The clarity of the architecture continues inside: a central core arranges the room floors in the shape of a windmill so that each room enjoys an unobstructed view of the surroundings. This open concept brings light and airiness into the rooms and creates a well thought-out connection to the landscape - a reflection of Caminada's philosophy of open yet sheltered architecture.
Interiors full of details and retreats
The interior of the Maistra 160 reflects Caminada's signature style: minimalist and yet full of characteristic details. Every element in the room seems like a deliberate choice. From the spacious restaurant to the hidden bar behind an elegant wooden wall to the narrow but well-stocked reading library - all areas are designed to encourage encounters and tranquillity in equal measure. The combination of light-colored terrazzo floors, solid wood and concrete walls and soft, well thought-out seating areas shows that the focus here is not only on aesthetics, but also on function.
I am particularly pleased that the wonderfully designed furnishings were created by a lovely and incredibly talented colleague, Laura Hürlimann. It almost makes me a little proud to say that she worked at Mooris as an interior design consultant and has now been able to take over her family business with Abitare.
The Maistra 160 celebrates the love of books 📚
The hotel's beautiful library offers around 900 titles. Guests discover the facets of the Engadin and its neighboring regions, including poets, artists and painters who shaped the high valley. Novels inspired by the Engadin are on display. I immerse myself in the history of the hotel industry, architecture, agriculture and cuisine and feel wonderfully informed and inspired.
My room N°305
The rooms in particular are little hideaways: each suite has a daybed with a window overlooking nature. A sliding door visually separates this space, making it the ideal retreat for reading, daydreaming or simply gazing out over the vast landscape.
The wellness area of the Maistra 160 is a masterpiece of relaxation and tranquillity. With its simple aesthetics and the use of natural materials such as Arzo marble and dark cast basalt, the spa pays homage to Engadin nature.
The centerpiece is a central atrium, through whose circular opening daylight streams into the high-ceilinged rooms - an inspired connection to nature that transforms the spa into an almost sacred retreat.
Large windows in the relaxation rooms open up the view of the surrounding mountains and reinforce the feeling of being in a quiet retreat in the middle of nature.
Excursion ideas around Pontresina
For those who want to explore the Engadin actively, the region offers numerous possibilities. A real insider tip is the bike tour to Poschiavo - a route that leads through impressive valleys and past idyllic lakes until it ends in charming Poschiavo, where Italian flair and Engadin mountain idyll meet.
If you want to take it easy, you should plan a detour to Lej da Staz - an idyllic lake, ideal for a walk or a short break in the midst of nature. For hiking enthusiasts, Alp Grüm is a worthwhile destination: a charming hike leads to this mountain hut, where a delicious soup awaits hungry hikers and rounds off the day perfectly.
The hike into the Roseg Valley is also a must - an easy valley that leads through forests and along the Roseg River and offers fantastic views of the surrounding glaciers and mountain peaks.
Hotel Maistra 160 is more than just a place to spend the night. It is a space for encounters and retreats, for guests and locals alike. The architecture, the tasteful design and the openness to the Pontresina village community make this hotel unique. Gion Caminada has created a hotel here that builds bridges - between tradition and modernity, between nature and architecture, and between guests and the region. A place where design and Alpine hospitality combine to form an inspiring whole.
Click here to go to Hotel Maistra 160 I wish you relaxing days and a wonderful stay in Pontresina.
