Building a hotel from the ground up

Maistra 160 is one of the few Swiss hotels to be built entirely from scratch... How did this dream come to life?

We both completed traditional hotel management training and worked in the industry for over 30 years. We knew we wanted to invest our knowledge, experience, and resources into our own project early on. Finding the right property took time – we were looking for a place that truly resonated with us, both in terms of the property and its location. Maistra 160, built on the former site of the Hotel Post, fulfills all our expectations – it’s our dream project. Along the way, we’ve also realized the Alpine Lodges, but this hotel is our most recent and likely final project.

We never wanted to take over an existing property and renovate it. Instead, our vision was to build a hotel from the ground up, entirely from scratch. We’re thrilled that it came to fruition in Pontresina. It’s where we are at home and where we see the greatest potential.

Tourism, both globally and in Switzerland, is experiencing significant transformation. Where do you see the future of tourism in the Alps heading?

The world is changing faster than it did just a decade ago. Key themes like digitalization, individualization, globalization, and a renewed focus on local issues are driving this shift. The concept of the “third place” – the fusion of work, leisure, and vacation – is becoming increasingly important. Creating spaces where people can retreat and work in peace is one of the greatest opportunities for Swiss mountain regions. These areas offer the perfect balance of work and relaxation for companies, organizations, families, couples, and individuals—ideal for retreat, inspiration, and networking. 

The Engadine, in particular, provides a unique living environment with direct access to nature, outdoor activities, tradition, and culture. These ideas are deeply integrated into the concept of Hotel Maistra.

What are your visions for the new hotel in Pontresina?

Typically, hotels are developed by building on what already exists. You have a starting point, formulate a vision, develop a strategy, and then the architecture follows – renovating, expanding, or refreshing what’s there. But with Maistra 160, we’re building entirely from scratch. This process is fundamentally different. Vision and architecture evolve side by side. The concepts of “creating spaces” and “resonance” have become central to our thinking. 

Gion A. Caminada’s architecture has become a part of our culture, crafting spaces that evoke emotions through resonance, fostering a sense of belonging, simplicity, and purpose. The building comes alive with its people, and the people, in turn, connect with the building. It creates a feeling of home. At the Maistra, we are creating new spaces designed for meaningful encounters, activities, and experiences. 

In developing the new hotel, you’ve chosen to collaborate with the renowned Grisons architect Gion A. Caminada...

The key question was: who could handle such a sensitive, central location in Pontresina? Grisons architect Gion A. Caminada has proven this ability in similar situations many times before. He possesses the sensitivity required to create something new in the heart of the village while respecting its character. While we did consider other architects, Caminada convinced us from the beginning. He gave us a keen sense of confidence and contributed meaningful ideas to the project. This prominent location demands an architect with great sensitivity, solid knowledge, and extensive experience. You can’t just build anything here – this special place deserves an exceptional Grisons architect.

The new hotel will have a strong presence, and that’s exactly what we want. But presence doesn’t necessarily mean restraint or simplicity. The Maistra will take on its role as a central hotel in Pontresina, serving not only visitors but also local residents. There will be a regulars’ table, and the ground floor will have the welcoming atmosphere of an inn. The Pöstli Keller will see a revival, and the Creative Box will find a new home within the hotel. We aim to keep the entry threshold low, making it a place where people feel comfortable walking in.

How has the local community in Pontresina responded to the new building?

The response from the local population has been overwhelmingly positive – virtually without exception. In the crucial vote on the zoning plan change at the Rondo in March 2019, 100 percent of the 180 attendees supported the project, with only two abstentions. There is a powerful sense of optimism in Pontresina. The general sentiment is that a new hotel will benefit everyone, enhancing what the village has to offer. It’s a win for local trade, business, and the hotel industry. In this case, community spirit takes precedence over competitive thinking.

What are the particular challenges in building Hotel Maistra? 

One challenge is that our architect, Gion A. Caminada, is not directly on-site – he’s based more than two hours away, though still within the same canton. Coordinating everything on location has been demanding, with numerous interfaces and a high need for constant communication. It’s a large and complex construction site involving many planners and partners, along with intricate processes and hierarchies. Establishing clear systems and ensuring communication at every level was critical. Thankfully, it’s now running smoothly.

Given Caminada’s reputation as a renowned architect, there was some risk of ego-driven decisions, but we’ve experienced none of that. He’s highly collaborative, open to dialogue, and willing to explore novel approaches. We’ve managed to align the needs of both the hoteliers and the architect while keeping the entire team motivated and on track.

The opening is planned for around two years from now. Where does the project stand at the moment? 

The hotel will have nine floors: a ground floor and three floors visible from the main street, along with five basement levels extending downhill toward Via da la Staziun. The garage, located on the two lowest levels, is mostly complete, and the floor of the wellness area has already been built. Although not much is visible yet, the vision for the hotel is already well-defined. 

There will be a stunning spa area, with its core concept inspired by an open cloister, featuring an open fire and an exceptional pool. A multifunctional yoga room will offer a range of possibilities, and the Creative Box will find its new home here and continue to evolve. On the ground floor, there will be an open restaurant area with an innovative kitchen, a bar, and ample space for focused work, reflecting the “third place” concept. The Pöstli-Keller will be brought back to life in its original location but with a new design and a separate entrance.

This interview took place in December 2020.