The Client: pioneer and globetrotter Zermatt has always attracted adventurers, pioneers and explorers. Be it expeditions into the impassable mountains, into the impressive nature or into the wide world. Curiosity is also the constant companion and driving force of Daniel and Seraina Lauber, who run the Hotel CERVO together. After ten formative years, the CERVO is entering its next phase: the local values remain, but beyond that, a global understanding of conscious being, sustainability and ecological responsibility is growing. The Task: Translating the CERVO spirit into a future-oriented concept The new overall concept BEYOND EXPLORING is dedicated to all people that act and travel consciously. One of the key principles in CERVO is a strong environmental awareness as well as a certain sense of a social responsibility. The concept is aimed towards a holistic and decelerated approach in life. In line with these ethical standards, the interior concept is based on natural materials. The aim was to sharpen the entire design of the hotel and also to adapt the existing rooms to the new design concept. The existing rooms, as well as the rooms in the newly built chalet, will be re-categorized and differ in price and amenities, in order to attract broader target groups. Along with the rooms, much has changed in the public areas as well. The entrance and lobby area has been redesigned completetly. A new shop invites guests to browse, transforming smoothly into the new restaurant, the “Bazaar”. In addition, the ski room has been enlarged and the existing restaurant has been redesigned and given a new concept: the "Madre Nostra". The construction of a new, now central SPA and wellness area allows CERVO to operate in a more cost-effective way, thus being more attractive in terms of price, especially during summer. In the Mountain Ashram Spa, the focus lies in reconciling body and soul. Spending some quiet time in the steam bath with local herbs, meditate in the uniquely designed yoga area, or feast on the Matterhorn view while relaxing in the outdoor onsen, - all unforgettable ways to end a day after hours on the slopes and in the cold. The Idea: a place for nomads and explorers The explorer is an adventurer, a collector and a modern nomad. The base of CERVO is and remains Zermatt, with its close connection to nature, the spirit of discovery to move in it, the appreciation of its products and the respectful treatment of them. In a more global approach, CERVO’s mindset towards lifeis based on responsibility and sustainability. Hence, a a concept was created around explorers and modern alpinists. People with a sense of community and inner self-reflection. The Implementation: high-quality, relaxed, mindful Zermatt is known for its regional focus, the surrounding nature, but also for après ski and luxury. It represents a cosmopolitan and liberal-minded crowd, as well as a certain pioneering spirit. This melting pot is reflected within CERVO´s interior concept. On the one hand, a lot of regional types of wood were implemented, in the area of the new restaurant Bazaar, granite flooring was used that derives from the alps. In the SPA and meditation area, a black burnt wood was used for wall claddings. This surface technology originally originates from Japan. It is a perfect match for the japan-inspired wellness-experience and puts emphasis on the dark and mystic atmosphere of the spaces. Yes, Zermatt stands for luxury, but at Cervo, we put focus on a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Thus in the interior concept, we use high-end materials, without appearing too exclusive and too noble. The different room categories cater for anyones needs: The Huntsman Lodge (existing) offers individual luxury with private saunas and outdoor tubs. The existing rooms of the category Alpinist were adapted towards the new concept and offer now a calm and classy retreat with warm colors and fantastic views. Each room surprises with a (not-so)- minibar. Exclusive CERVO-signature drinks are ready within a blink of an eye! The rooms in the newly built structure (category Nomad) revolve around various natural materials, such as natural linen, dark-stained oak and concrete wash basins that were custom-made for the project. The Nomad rooms are extremely flexible and house up to 4 guests. It is the base camp with CERVO feeling, for anyone ready for a more unconventional approach. All rooms, regardless of their category, are private retreats, offering very warm, minimal, but contemporary interiors to feel at ease instantly. All interiors focus on warm, earthy colors, wooden surfaces and natural materials. Bed skirtings and curtains are made of natural linen; in most of the rooms, wall claddings made of a linen-mesh, were implemented. The Nomad rooms offer unconventional cupboards with canvas panels, which allude to expeditions in a tent… True to the modern nomads, various influences and treatments from all over the world come together in the Mountain Ashram Spa, offering inner contemplation and thus a freer view of the world around you: the onsen with a view of the Matterhorn, a herbal steam bath with local herbs from the alps, an outdoor sauna, a tea yurt.... there is a lot to discover. To turn the focus inward, we deliberately worked with dark colors and materials that are mystically illuminated and support the letting go. The Success: numerous guests already during the soft opening phase! Driven by the spirit of discovery and curiosity, the hotel was already exceptionally well booked in the soft opening phase, despite aggravating circumstances caused by Covid-19. The new conceptual orientation of the hotel with its focus on the appreciation of the environment and its resources, as well as the conscious and decelerated experience, meets the spirit of the times to the point.