If one is after the kind of mountain escape that balances alpine charm with effortless comfort, then Sunstar Pontresina may just be the perfect choice. Located in the Engadine valley, this sleek yet inviting hotel offers a base that is equal parts stylish retreat and practical launchpad for snowy excursions. For someone like me, who enjoys a space that feels like a home away from home, it was impossible not to fall in love with our top-floor apartment.
Staying at Sunstar Pontresina
After an Aperol in the sun, we were taken up to a suite that genuinely felt as though it belonged in a travel magazine. The space was huge and airy with a turret that housed a dining area overlooking the crisp mountain skyline. The lounge was plush, the kitchen fully equipped, and the bedroom and bathroom generous enough to entertain friends without ever feeling on top of one another. I was completely taken by the colour scheme.
The soft pink hues throughout the apartment and the striking red tiles in the bathroom gave it such personality. It felt less like staying in a hotel and more like living somewhere ourselves, with a sense of calm and luxury that made us actually want to hang out in the apartment rather than rushing out every second.
Every little detail was covered. The Delizio coffee machine had a small but perfectly adequate selection of capsules, and the minibar was stocked with soft drinks, mineral water, and beer, all replenished daily.
Dining at Sunstar Pontresina
Breakfast at Sunstar was an affair not to be rushed. The buffet featured local produce in abundance, from cheeses that practically melted in the mouth to fresh pastries and hearty options for those who desired something more substantial before heading into the mountains. There was a certain satisfaction in knowing that every morning started with such a considered, high-quality spread. It set the tone for the day ahead, whether that included skiing, hiking, or a slow wander through Pontresina itself.
Dining in was just as important as the views. We spent evenings at the Mountain Lounge and Terrace, a venue that perfectly married laid-back vibes with a touch of alpine glamour. Alex, who looked after us in the lounge, was welcoming and relaxed, effortlessly balancing service with a sense of friendliness that made one want to linger over drinks. Christian, a cheerful German originally from Rügen Island, and Gabriella, equally warm, added to the overall sense that this was a team who genuinely enjoyed what they did.
Food-wise, the highlights were too many to list without getting carried away. The Pinsa Italian with its thick Naples-style crust was nothing short of divine. The chicken dumplings were nicely salty, and the Ghackets with Hörnli, a hearty pasta with ragu, was comfort food elevated to perfection. The green salad was clean and refreshing, practically a palate cleanser for the soul. The alcohol-free grapefruit spritz was bitter in exactly the right way, the kind of drink that encouraged one to pause and savour each sip.
Natalia, from Ukraine, deserves a special mention. Her energy and friendliness were infectious, adding a spark to our meals that made the experience feel less like dining and more like being welcomed into a family.
Another standout dish was the Pinsa Engadine, topped with air-dried beef, apple, and walnut, a perfect balance of salty and sweet. The broccoli and almond dumplings were utterly delicious, and for something more traditional, the local sausage served with Swiss mustard was exactly the kind of dish one imagines on an alpine winter evening. Each plate felt thoughtful, local, and completely satisfying. I found myself wanting to return to the lounge just to experience it all again.
Relaxing at Sunstar Pontresina
No stay in Pontresina would be complete without some downtime in the Mountain Relax wellness area. The spa was on the smaller side, but it was perfectly formed with a Finnish sauna, bio-sauna, steam bath, experience shower, and a quiet room that felt like a hug after a day on the slopes. I particularly loved the steam room. It was deceptively simple, but there was nothing quite like unwinding there after skiing Diavolezza or Corvatsch. The space was compact but thoughtfully designed, exactly the kind that encouraged one to linger, sip a glass of something warming, and just breathe.
There was something genuinely restorative about Pontresina itself. The crisp mountain air, the charm of the village, and the effortless style of Sunstar combined to create a stay that was both energising and indulgent. For me, the apartment truly stood out. The pink hues, the red-tiled bathroom, and the space to just be made it feel less like a hotel and more like a place we lived in rather than visited. We loved lingering in the lounge, enjoying a coffee in the turret, or simply unwinding with a view of the mountains as the sun dipped behind the peaks.
Sunstar Pontresina is not just a hotel. It is a base for exploration, a retreat for rest, and, if one allows it, a small but perfect taste of alpine bliss.
Sunstar Pontresina
Fulluns 6
7504 Pontresina
Switzerland
