Zermatt’s Cervo Redefines Its Philosophy

Project CERVO 2020 is responding to the global need for ecological, economic and social sustainability and aims to create a new Alpine awareness of values. CERVO hopes that this shift in corporate philosophy will shape the concepts of tradition and an international outlook, revealing new, authentic ideas. “The world has been discovered. It’s now time for that discovery to turn inwards,” said host Daniel Lauber. Since it was founded, the five-star hotel has been associated with hunting, top quality après ski and Alpine design. As part of their 10-year celebrations, their corporate philosophy will now shift away from hunters towards gatherers and nomads.

Culinary reform and local emphasis

CERVO’s menu will also reflect their new philosophy. The current lounge will be renovated into an all-day “bazaar”, with the majority of dishes being vegetarian, taking guests on a culinary journey from the Middle East to North Africa. Guests who like to have meat with their breakfast will find local, ethically sourced delicacies in the neighbouring wine cellar, “Grapes & Juniper”. The concept for CERVO Puro is also being refreshed, with the new name of “Madre Nostra” reflecting a modern Italian influence. Specialities will include homemade pasta and sustainably sourced grilled meat and fish dishes, enabling guests to enjoy delicious food with a clear conscience. The pop-up bakery Stazione by CERVO on Bahnhofsplatz will also have a new concept from the spring. Pema, an Italian grandmother with a Tibetan background, will prepare the best pasta, ravioli and momos. She will also lend her name to the establishment, “Nonna Pema”, which will be open all day as a restaurant, take-away and shop. The second Restaurant Ferdinand continues to support local suppliers, serving a wide variety of cheese. The very best après ski with fantastic views of the Matterhorn will still take place on the CERVO terrace.

CERVO will stay open

Daniel Lauber emphasises that not everything is changing: “We mustn’t forget who we are and where we’re from.” The current rooms will continue to embody the traditional, Alpine heritage of Zermatt. The Boutique Resort will become an exquisite combination of old and new, with a design inspired by adventurers and explorers. In addition to the renovations, a new chalet will be built, offering nine bedrooms and an apartment. Eventually, therefore, there will be 55 rooms available, an increase over the existing 36. The comprehensive renovation work on the CERVO Mountain Boutique Resort is scheduled to take place between April/May and November 2020. During this time, the hotel will be open as a pop-up version under the name “Ferdinand”, offering bed and breakfast.