Whilst spending a perfect weekend at the Six Senses in Crans-Montana, guests can disconnect from life's distractions, says Regional General Manager Europe Christian Gurtner in an interview with finews.com. The resort and spa in the canton of Valais has newly opened and already announced a new expansion phase.
Christian Gurtner, why did you become a hotel director?
Hospitality has been ingrained in my family for several generations. I believe there is something in my DNA that naturally pulled me towards this industry. Growing up surrounded by the essence of hospitality, I developed a genuine passion for creating memorable experiences for guests.
Describe how you came to your current role.
A few years ago, Six Senses announced its plans to open its first ski resort in Switzerland and asked me if I would be interested in being a part of this exciting adventure. After spending 25 years in North America and Asia, the idea of returning to Switzerland to take on this amazing opportunity was very exciting to me.
What are the five things that make your hotel stand out?
(all pictures, media @ Six Senses Crans-Montana)
1) Our Team and particularly our GEM (Guest Experience Maker) team
2) Our unique ski-in/ski-out access
3) Our 2,500 square meter spa with two swimming pools over two levels and 6 different type of saunas...
4) No single-use plastic in the hotel
5) Bio-hacking / Sleep With Six Senses / Eat with Six Senses
What is the most unconventional thing you’ve experienced in your job?
Over the years I have seen many interesting requests, particularly in Beverly Hills and Hong Kong. One of our regular guests used to request 20 brand-new Mercedes for every time he visited the hotel.
They only used the cars for one week and the cars were resold. Another celebrity used to request that we redecorate the suite based on his personal design request. He used to pay 200 to 350 thousand extra each time he stayed with us to change the furniture, wallpaper and suite layout for a few days.
How do you define hospitality and excellent guest service?
With us at the Six Senses, we encourage guests to disconnect to better reconnect with their environment. We aim to give guests some time off to reawaken their senses, share gratitude for today, set intentions for tomorrow, and work up an appetite for life. Our vision of hospitality is to help them disconnect from life’s distractions and rekindle outer connections to people and the natural world.
Which VIPs have you had the privilege of hosting at your hotel?
At our hotel, every guest is a VIP! We believe in the golden rule of hospitality: treat everyone equally whether they are famous on the big screen or just the star of their own life story. Over the past 25 years I have seen many interesting celebrities and personalities, the most interesting time probably was in Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Singapore.
What does your hotel offer for a perfect weekend for two?
Our hotel has an extensive offer for guests seeking vitality, serenity and adventure. For a romantic getaway, I recommend starting your day by exploring the slopes in the morning and relishing the breathtaking panorama of Crans-Montana from above. Carve your way from the Glacier de la Plaine Morte to our ski-in, ski-out Alpine Lounge, where you can savor a delightful lunch on our sunny terrace at Wild Cabin.
In the afternoon, treat yourselves to a blissful duo massage at our Six Senses Spa, followed by a rejuvenating Bio-Hacking session to recover from your morning on the slopes. As dusk falls, elevate your experience with a paragliding flight, capturing the essence of the day's emotions. Conclude your day with a unique Omakase dinner at Byakko.
And what next?
On day two, delve into the sustainability initiatives at our Earth Lab. Gain insight into our eco-friendly practices before immersing yourself in a cheese-making workshop, where you'll discover the culinary treasure of Crans-Montana.
In the afternoon, rendezvous for an extraordinary moment: snowshoe through the alpine forest to reach a typical Mayen where you will eat local cheese fondue, and sled down to awaken the child within you. Your stay with us promises a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable experiences.
What plans for the hotel are you excited about?
We are thrilled to share that our hotel is on the brink of a significant expansion with the imminent launch of our second phase. This expansion includes an additional 33 rooms and suites, providing an enhanced and spacious accommodation experience for our esteemed guests.
Furthermore, we are proud to unveil a new 700 square meters meeting and events space, designed to cater to the diverse needs and wants of our clientele. Whether it be corporate meetings or special events, our state-of-the-art facilities are poised to exceed expectations. In addition, a noteworthy feature of this expansion is the introduction of our Grow With Six Senses, designed to provide a delightful and secure environment for our younger guests.
This momentous development marks an exciting chapter in our hotel's journey, and we look forward to welcoming guests to these new offerings. It is our commitment to continuously elevate the guest's experience, and these enhancements represent a significant stride in that direction.
How is dining changing at your hotel?
We propose two different dining experiences both characterized by a commitment to culinary excellence.
At our brasserie Wild Cabin, we take pride in introducing seasonal menus and in our pursuit of elevating the dining experience, we have established close collaborations with local producers. This partnership ensures that our menu reflects the pinnacle of quality, featuring ingredients sourced directly from the region's finest artisans.
Our dedication to providing a different type of luxury is exemplified in our meticulous approach to crafting a menu that showcases the diversity and richness of locally sourced flavors. This commitment extends beyond the plate, fostering an appreciation for the culinary heritage and sustainable practices of our local community.
And the second dining experience?
At our evening restaurant Byakko, inspired by the mystical aura of the highest mountains in the Japanese Alps, we invite the guests to embark on a culinary journey that seamlessly blends a modern take on Japanese tradition with the essence of conviviality, craftsmanship, and pleasure.
In the spirit of this mythical white tiger, our menu showcases the finest Izakaya, Robata and Omakase. Each dish is an ode to the freshness and diversity of the Japanese Alps. After 10 pm, the ambiance rises to the rhythm of the music allowing the guests to dance and celebrate together.
What’s your personal motto in leading a hotel?
Here are a few personal mottos that encapsulate my approach to effective leadership. One guiding principle is 'Think Different!' which underscores the importance of creativity and innovation in finding unique solutions. Another motto I value is 'Focus on the 20 that gives you the 80,' emphasizing the significance of prioritization and efficiency in achieving impactful results.
I also strongly believe in the mantras 'Change it if it does not work!' and 'Consistency & Quality is non-negotiable'. Lastly, 'If this did not work, try harder!' reflects the persistent and resilient approach to overcoming obstacles. These mottos collectively guide the team, promoting a culture of innovation, efficiency, adaptability, unwavering quality, and a determined pursuit of success.
Describe your favorite hidden gem in the area.
One of my favorite hidden gems in the hotel is the Alpine Lounge. Nestled within the hotel's heart, it is a tranquil space that embodies the essence of coziness and relaxation. The highlight is our fireplace surrounded by comfortable seating, creating an inviting ambiance that encourages guests to unwind.
What makes it truly special is the view when the snow falls outside, providing a picturesque backdrop while enjoying a warm drink. It's a serene and intimate atmosphere that captures the charm of the surroundings.
What is the best piece of advice you received from your mother or father?
«Only advise someone if you know yourself how to do it.»
Christian Gurtner has over 20 years of experience in the international luxury hospitality industry. He has been the General Manager of the Six Senses Resort and Spa in Crans Montana since 2022, after being the General Manager at the Six Senses Kaplankaya in Turkey. Furthermore, he has worked in renowned hotels such as The Ritz-Carlton in Macau, Hyatt International in Shanghai and Singapore, and the Four Seasons hotels in various states in the USA. Gurtner obtained his degree at the École Hôtelière de Lausanne.
