Camping is something that everyone should try at least once in their lives. Spending an entire day and night out in nature is simply a wonderful experience. Of course, not everyone is comfortable with crashing out in a hand pitched tent out in the wild, so we’ve got a solution to that— Glamping! This glamorous form of camping offers you the option to enjoy the luxuries of a hotel while camping out in the countryside.
Imagine sleeping in a cosy warm pod facing a breathtaking alpine range under a clear starry night sky. And then waking up to the harmony of chirping birds, the cool mountain breeze, the scent of the gorgeous pine trees and sunlight streaming into your room. Immerse yourself in the astonishing wonders of the snowcapped Swizz Alps, while staying at the finest eco-luxury hotel and the perfect glamping solution in all of Switzerland— Whitepod.
Situated near the magnificent Dents du Midi mountain range, near the village of Les Cerniers, Whitepod is a sanctuary for anyone looking to lose themselves in serenity. Since its inception by Sophia de Meyer in 2004, this eco-luxury hotel has aimed to provide a space where hospitality and environmental conservation could coexist and create a unique and positive experience for one and all.
In 2008, the current owner, Patrick Delarive took over the vision of Whitepod and created the beautiful space that we see today that offers travellers and adventurers a sustainable, eco-friendly and luxurious lodging alternative to a regular boutique hotel. Upon first glance, one can mistake the pods as geometric igloos that are bordered by a wooden terrace. But each structure is designed to mimic a potential astronauts’ living quarters in space and can withstand the strong windy atmosphere that frequents the area. The network of triangles that make up the pod’s framework provides structural strength while using minimal material.
Keeping to its promise of sustainability, each pod is heated with a pellet stove and the use of energy and water is carefully monitored. The design of the pod itself makes it energy efficient as there is continuous ambient airflow inside and it takes 30% less energy to cool or heat the room. This guarantees that every Whitepod structure has a low impact on the environment. The staff that live in the nearby town also ensures that the waste is recycled and that all the ingredients used for the meals served at sourced locally.
Once you check in, you shall receive your very own backpack that consists of a map, headlamp, and walking sticks. A very fitting gift from the staff as the pods are located a good 15-minute walk away from the reception area. Pick from one of their 18 geodesic dome-shaped tents, that come in 4 avatars; the Cosy Pod, the Family Pod, the Deluxe Pod, and The Suites. Each pod serves as an individual guest room that consists of organic luxury bedding, a private bathroom, and a large terrace. The best part of staying at Whitepod, which is located at an altitude of 4,593 feet, is that each individual pod and suite offers you a marvellous view of Switzerland’s mighty sentinels of time, the Swiss Alps.
Besides the regular geodesic pods, the property is also home to Swiss Cabins known as Pod Houses. These beautiful, modern and yet rustic mountain chalets are designed for groups and families or anyone looking for an eco-conscious getaway with all the comforts and amenities of a guest house. Enjoy breakfast that is served every morning by the in-house electric food truck in the dining or living area and outside on the private equipped terrace. Out of the 9 chalet suites that are made up of 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, two of them are two-storeys.
The eco-luxury hotel’s wellness area includes a sauna and their newly installed Scandinavian bath. The gorgeous outdoor bath is heated in an ecological way and designed with local materials and offers you a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and the Rhône plain. Stimulate your mind and body with the heat and aroma of local essential oils in their relaxing Sauna. You can even book a massage in a single or duo cabin whenever you wish.
All in all, Whitepod is the perfect choice for any eco-conscious traveller looking for a peaceful and yet luxurious holiday amongst nature!
Written by Mohit Gupta
Week 37 September 2021
