Hotel Omnia, A Modern Mountain Lodge & Spa in Zermatt

Several of my Zurich-based friends keep raving about this contemporary hotel and spa in the alpine resort of Zermatt, Switzerland.

Its location, perched on a rock above the rest of town, seems to imply superiority—and there's a lot to be said for it on that front. It's architecturally stunning—mountain lodge meets Modernism—a symphony of glass, wood, stone and steel. You won't find any twee, Bavarian style motifs or Heidi outfits. Interiors have sleek, modular furnishings in earthy tones, but wood-paneled walls and stone fireplaces keep things cozy. Those cool uniforms the staff is wearing? Yes, they were designed by Marc Jacobs. The huge spa is a marvel, with a sauna, caldarium, Turkish bath, steam room, and picture windows lining the indoor pool, offering views of the outdoor pool terrace and the mountains beyond. All of the 30 rooms and suites have balconies, but you should try to book one that has a fireplace. The ultimate is the Omnia Roof Suite, with a wood-burning fireplace, sauna, a large wooden soaking bath, plus a telescope and a balcony with views of the Matterhorn! NB: It's best to arrive by train, as Zermatt is essentially car-free. Those traveling by automobile must park in nearby Täsch, and then take a taxi or hotel shuttle. By train, Zermatt is 2.5 hours from Bern, and between 3 and 3.5 hours from Geneva, Zurich, Basel and Milan.

Rooms from $250.