We have heard a lot recently about the recently renovated Villars Palace, whose opening during the summer of 2022 revealed an interior architectural wonder; a magnificent collection of works of art, elegant rooms, a breathtaking view, and a grandiose welcome hall that combines authenticity with luxurious simplicity.
But it is much more than just one hotel, as grand as it may be, that makes up the Villars Alpine Resort. With no fewer than 3 hotels, 6 restaurants, and a hotel school, it is the realization of the ambitious vision of Jérôme de Meyer and Marco Dunand, co-owners and founders.

The Villars Palace, a Renaissance of a resort institution

In 1913, the Villars Palace was constructed on the site of the Grand Muveran, a 19th-century hotel. It was the center of tourist activity at the time. News of its reopening revives memories in the minds of all those who had the chance to know the resort during those years.

More recently, three architects were tasked with reviving the Villars Palace: Denis Glatz for the construction itself, Philippe Jacquier for the exterior architecture, and Ottavio Di Chio for the interior architecture.

For Denis Glatz, it was a major modernization and preservation of a building that, despite its lavish appearance, had not been well-designed and was showing the effects of time. This massive project lasted three years and was punctuated by discoveries and unpleasant surprises. But the challenge was met: without losing a drop of authenticity, he was able to restore the building’s shine.

Inside, for Ottavio Di Chio, it is a matter of combining luxury and Swiss simplicity. The Palace is full of works of art displayed temporarily or permanently, both in public spaces and in the halls, described as real art galleries.

Something for everyone

A stone’s throw from the Villars Palace is the Villars Lodge, which offers simple but high-quality rooms at very competitive prices. Families with young children are able to rent small apartments there, and young people eager to ski down the slopes and collapse into a soft bed at night will find what they are looking for.

Across the road, the Victoria Hotel & Residence with its Italian restaurant “Le Peppino”, its bar, and its 2 meeting rooms, is aimed at trendy young professionals. There is even nearby a traditional Swiss chalet that can accommodate 10 people.

The goal is clear: to offer a range of options for each budget and each type of customer.

A 360-degree vision

Jérôme de Meyer and Marco Dunand are not stopping there in their desire to revive Villars. The “Palace Academy” is a partner of the VET (Vocational Education Training) by EHL™ program at the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne, which they opened in the heart of the resort. The school offers a 24-month hotel training course. An intelligent way to generate a tailor-made workforce for the hotels and restaurants in the group.

In addition, the Villars Alpine Resort group is a partner of the “Villars Institute” foundation, a non-profit foundation with the goal of accelerating the transition towards a sustainable local economy.

In the last four years, those whose vision was to revive Villars have not been idle. We look forward to taking stock of this first ski season.

Happy of winter to all!