The view is the Matterhorn, the ski trails cross boundaries between Italy and Switzerland and due to its location on the Plateau Rosà glacier, skiing is possible throughout the year. That’s the advantage of checking in to this recently opened resort VRetreats Cervino located in the heart of the Valtournenche in Italy’s Valle d’Aosta.
The overall setting is the Breuil-Cervinia Valtournenche Zermatt ski area, one of the largest in the Alps, spread over three valleys in these two countries with over 224 miles of connected slopes along with heli-skiing, tandem paragliding, dog sledding and snowmobiling. Cross country skiers also have a two mile loop at the foot of the Matterhorn that is appropriate for beginners but also has a section that branches off with ascents and descents that are more challenging for intermediate level skiers.
Non-skiers aren’t left out, however. They can take in the spellbinding scenery from the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing’s Matterhorn Glacier Ride II, a cable car that was unveiled last July. The mile long route, the last link connecting the two countries, goes between the Klein Matterhorn mountain station at a 12, 740 foot elevation and the Testa Griglia valley station in Italy at a 11, 345 foot elevation, the highest crossing by cable car in the Alps. The cars skim past the Matterhorn and provide views of 38 peaks that soar above 13,000 feet. It’s a stunning view whether blanketed by snow in winter or green and lush during the equally popular warmer months.
Within this panorama, Cervino is located on the slopes of the Gran Becca at an elevation of 6,726 feet, constructed of local wood and stone intended to blend into the environment with tall glass windows to bring that environment in. The décor in the 66 rooms and suites is rustic but refined with earth toned color schemes and walls lined with wood panels. Four of the suites are SPA Suites containing their own saunas.
There are fuller facilities in the Adara SPA, a 6,620 square foot wellness center designed to restore bodies that have gone through intense outdoor workouts—either winter sports or hiking and mountain climbing, including climbing the Matterhorn, during the summer/early fall months. The facility contains a lap swimming pool with mountain views and a Jacuzzi Hydro massage, a Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, ice waterfall, showers with lemon and mint and a relaxation area with Himalayan pink salt. The spa treatments include, for obvious reasons, a special focus on revitalizing legs with the application of regenerative creams and draining to reduce fluid retention and promote the elimination of toxins.
Since the hotel is in Italy, the culinary options are extensive and carefully conceived. The aptly named Panorama Restaurant puts the surrounding views on display while serving classic Italian cuisine with international touches composed of mostly local ingredients. The intimate Abrì Restaurant is insular and wood paneled, serving dinners of local Vadostan cuisine. The Zero bar and bistro has a light menu, a creative cocktail list and an outdoor terrace with Matterhorn views, perfect for reflecting on that day’s activities in a spectacular setting.