PLUSH LODGE IS JUST AN ECONOMIC NECESSITY IN DAVOS
I’VE just been on a Grand Swiss Tour, hopping from fondue to fondue with an invaluable Swiss Rail Pass.
One of the most intriguing ski towns I visited along the way was Davos, just days before the World Economic Forum kicked off.
I saw the town – which has 11,000 inhabitants – prepare to welcome 20,000 guests in the biggest week of its season. Shops and restaurants were emptied to make way for financial popups, resort prices doubled and security checks intensified around the Congress Centre.
All to a backdrop of huge snow fall. Delegates may have had trouble arriving in Davos but I had fresh powder on the mountain – the kind of wealth I adore.
They say WEF week is the best time to ski the Jakobshorn and Parsenn slopes in Davos because everyone else is attending forums. That’s all well and good if you can manage to find a bed in the area...
One local told me he was renting his home in nearby Klosters for a cool 10,000 Swiss Francs during WEF week and it seems that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to accommodation prices during the event.
The InterContinental Hotel is a hub for big hitters during WEF but I took a peek at a luxurious Davos chalet hideaway that’s popular with well-heeled families throughout the season and WEF attendees in late January.
Tivoli Lodge, owned by a UK venture capitalist and his wife, was built ten years ago in traditional Graubunden style with each room designed around a painting and specific childfriendly features such as a unique two-storey soft play room and a spa pool which manages to be child-friendly and super glamorous all at once.
The lodge, with its sweeping staircase, classic style and beautiful dining room, costs from £47,000 (€55,000) a week to rent for up to twelve adults and six children in low season, rising to around £100,000 (€115,000) during New Year’s.
Lottery figures to you and I perhaps but WEF rates are ‘on application’ and if you’re wondering what guests get to enjoy at one of the most stylish addresses in the Alps, here’s a preview...
Bollinger champagne on arrival and each evening, predinner canapés, custom menus and a tasting menu by South African chef Scott Henry, exemplary service from staff members like Matt Hawkins, a master bedroom suite that I can only describe as a princess suite, doorstep skiing, private transfer to downtown Davos and ski concierge. Guests who require absolute discretion can have private access to the Angerer Sport ski shop to hire equipment or stock up on clothing. As the last in a long line of princesses, this is the kind of ski life I dream of.
Tivoli Lodge has one other special feature – staff member Brian Moore from Mayo. Enterprising Brian is a great fit for Davos during WEF week. Just 23, this rallydriving entrepreneur runs his own company, providing contract mechanics to racing teams like Bentley Motor Sport and Ford Performance.
Brian has fulfilled his dream of working a season in the Alps and will be returning to the motor racing business in March. I on the other hand will be continuing my Grand Tour of the Alps.
For more info on Tivoli Lodge, go to tivolilodge.co.uk For info on Davos, go to www.davos.ch.