Sunrise on the Matterhorn is a sight to behold. From the moment light hits the summit and begins to work down the Eastern face, time appears to stand still. Here at the gateway to the glaciers of the Valais Alps, stands the most iconic symbol of Switzerland. Shaped like a pyramid, the Matterhorn’s distinctive crest rises to a mighty 4,478 metres. On a clear day, tourists can gaze up at the pinnacle, shaped like a jagged canine tooth against a bright blue sky chasing the sun. In the foothills of the Matterhorn lies the beautiful little alpine village of Zermatt and its most sublime respite, the luxury Hotel Firefly Zermatt.

Zermatt in and of itself is an ideal destination for skiers as well as those who do not partake. In fact, it has a long and illustrious history as an exclusive winter ski destination. Walt Disney and Audrey Hepburn visited during the 1950s and today it continues to have celebrity appeal with Madonna, Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and even Prince William visiting at one time. It is Robbie Williams favourite ski-resort, he even has a holiday home here.

Surrounded by more 4,000m mountains, Zermatt provides advanced skiing on the glaciers. With 300 sunny days a year, it is ideal to host events throughout the seasons. The Matterhorn’s early infamy in the late 19th century ensured Zermatt had the right international exposure to evolve into a high-end luxury resort from a humble farming community.

Zermatt is home to hundreds of hotels and chalets, but Hotel Firefly’s prime location offers some of the best views of the Matterhorn. A cosy hideaway from the slopes, this five -star hotel stamps out its own brand of luxury, inspired by the elements. The family-run establishment offers a modern take on the traditional alpine lodge, with an exterior of wood and stone that marks out its presence against the mighty Matterhorn, towering tall and shining bright like a beacon.

At night, the chalet lights up like the firefly it is named after, glowing green and yellow against the inky sky. Inside, there are 15 unique suites, each one designed around the four elements: air, earth, fire, and water. Suite sizes vary between 30 and 200 m², accommodating between two and 12 guests and many rooms offer spectacular views.

In most fire suites, rooms sit beneath pine beams and are characterised by lava-coloured and snow-white walls, and furnished with volcanic black sofas, fiery-red cushions and ashen rugs. An open fire burns brightly, its embers reflected in the window in contrast to the wintery scene outside. Guests feel instantly at home as they lounge in one of the easy chairs taking a sip on a warming hot chocolate watching snowflakes fall.

Likewise, all the water suites have a nautical theme with cobalt blue walls and navy bedspreads that rest next to walls as white as clouds, framed with pine beams and timber doors.  In keeping with the water element, floating light fittings like ship sails create a sense of calm and relaxation. Some suites open out onto a wooden decked patio to complete the feeling of being at sea, while present in the mountains.

Similarly, many air suites feature a sunny backdrop to the sleeping areas and contain golden ornaments like the sun’s rays. Light pours in through the floor to ceiling patio windows, offering a wonderful alpine vista to help guests to rise and shine.

Finally, in the earth suites, visitors find bronze or green walls, cowhide bucket chairs, earthy curtains, and classic white couches. Alpine plants are potted in wood-tubs and there are tree-like lamps rooted to the ground. A stunning village scene is framed perfectly in the window, inviting the outside in.

The top floor of the hotel is the ‘skylight loft’ – the finest lodging in the establishment, sleeping up to 12. Light pours into the penthouse which features a grand dining table as its focal point and a vast living space of 250 sqm, heated by a stunning central fireplace. After a day of skiing, guests can relax to a panoramic view of the Matterhorn in all its glory.

Each suite at Hotel Firefly Zermatt features original bathrooms some with floating sinks and walk-in showers others with freestanding marble bathtubs. In the skylight suite, there is even an inbuilt private sauna.

Firefly Hotel does not have a restaurant, so guests are encouraged to provide their own food that they can prepare using the kitchenette provided in each suite. However, there is the option to order à gourmet la carte breakfast to rooms. There is a dining area in all suites so guests can feast in their robes while gazing out at the picturesque alpine village. However, Zermatt has some of the best mountain restaurants in the world just a 10-minute walk from the hotel, covering lunch and dinner options if visitors do not fancy cooking. Some even have take out options.

A refined après ski experience awaits the beau monde traveller in the many bars and hotels. Choose snails, oysters or caviar at Elsies Wine and Champagne Bar, or the best Tokyo sushi at Myoko. Inside the historic Grand Hotel Zermatahof, a favourite of Walt Disney, guests will find a range of options.

There’s delicious fondue at Say Cheese!, Italian food at Brasserie Lusi and gourmet dining at Prato Borni. With its one Michelin star and 16 Gault and Millau points, at Prato Borni, hungry epicureans can dine in opulent oak panelled surroundings as chef Heinz Rufibach conjures up fine food. Other Michelin star offerings in town include Mediterranean food by Head chef Giovanni Bavuso at Ristorante Capri within Mont Cervin Palace, a Seiler hotel.

The Design Hotel with its Bond-esque entrance, hosts The Omnia, a restaurant renowned for its vegetarian fayre prepared by virtuoso Hauke Paul. Over at the Backstage Hotel Vernissage, Ivo Adam creates an incredible dining experience in the After Seven restaurant. This establishment has 17 Gault Millau points and two Michelin stars, and is classed as one of the top eateries in the whole of Switzerland.

Back at the Hotel Firefly Zermatt, the iconic Bar55 invites guests to sink into plush mahogany leather sofas and relax as they enjoy their drinks while bathed in a warm yellow glow. Decorated in wood, metal and leather materials, Bar 55 has a classic hunting lodge feel with its wall-mounted stag heads and horned sculptures adding a contemporary and stylish twist.

Unwind in the gaming area playing on the pinball machines and shoot a game of pool on a retro table framed by a Harley Davidson hood. In the smokers and whiskey lounge, fire and ice combine as winter wonderland scenes display on the flat screen tv, and a cluster of flame-red couches form a snug around a wooden-framed traditional chess table.

The wine tasting room features a dining table, surrounded by oak barrels. Here you can sample the best vintages from the vault. The cellar itself is an Aladdin’s treasure trove of wines from the new and old world, some stockpiled into the stone walls, and others displayed around a pebbled area framed by wooden beams.

After a day on the slopes, skiers can sling their boots into the frosty ski room, rack up their skis and head to the sauna to warm up. In the spa, all the elements exist in equilibrium to create a place of true relaxation. In the wellness oasis, the stainless-steel pool area glows with mood lighting creating light shows that play in between the shadows of the stone exterior and the bronze walls.

There are two steam rooms with different aromas. Guests can relax on a white hammock with a billowing canopy, breathing in the ambient mountain air, before taking a dip in the heated pool. With stunning alpine views, the outdoor jacuzzi melts away hiking and skiing pains. The spa treatment room is small and intimate where residents can unwind with a relaxing massage or facial treatment. Enjoy the distiller sauna, salt grotto, steam bath or those feeling brave can cool down in the ice room.

Afterwards, head over to the food bar and pick up spring water and fresh fruit. Finally, rest in the adjacent conservatory with large windows offer a clear view of the sky and mountains as you drift away in a nap.

The light of a firebug represents hope, guidance, and inspiration and you will find all of this and more at Hotel Firefly. Staff members are friendly and always helpful. Knowledgeable concierge personnel are ready to help with your luggage or plan excursions, be that a moonlight descent of the Matterhorn, an exhilarating sled-dog experience, or simply hiring a bike to explore the mountains. A stay at the Hotel Firefly Zermatt leaves you with a warm glow long after the vacation is over, and the suitcases have been unpacked.