Guest Stories: First-time Collett’s Guests in the Swiss Alps
Author : Lara Ehmler
20th August 2025
“One of the best holidays we ever had.” – Discover what made Sarah fall in love with the Swiss Alps… and the Collett’s approach to a centre-based walking holiday.
Unforgettable walks, charming accommodation and friendly local support. These were only a few of the highlights of Sarah’s walking holiday in Switzerland’s majestic Engadin Valley with her husband, Tom. As a Collett’s first-timer, we could not wait to hear what she enjoyed about this signature centre-based walking holiday.
Read on to learn more about Sarah’s experience walking with Collett’s in the Swiss Alps…
Meet Sarah & Tom: Life-long walkers and first-time Collett’s guests
Collett’s: “Hello Sarah! Thank you for taking to time to speak with us today. Could you share a little bit about your husband, Tom, and yourself?”
Sarah: “Of course! Tom and I have been together for 30+ years. We have four grown up children and both work full time as teachers. We are both 60 this year with no plans to retire yet.”
Collett’s: “That’s amazing! Are you keen walkers in the UK, and if so, what are your favourite places to go?”
Sarah: “We love going for walks in our local Surrey Hills and North Downs. Further afield, we have visited Cornwall, Dorset, Peak District and Lake District for walking holidays.”
Collett’s: “How did you find the whole experience of your holiday in the Swiss Alps?”
Sarah: “This was our first holiday with Collett’s and it is probably one of the best holidays we’ve had. We normally only have one short holiday a year and mainly in the UK. This was our first holiday abroad for a few years.
Sils in the Engadin was the most beautiful place with stunning views. We were there for 5 days of walking and each day, with the help of the Collett’s Walks Team, Taea and Victoria, we went on fabulous walks. The scenery was breathtaking whether we were high up a mountain, or low down in the valley. The lakes were absolutely beautiful, against the backdrop of the alpine forests and mountains. The Mountain Travel Pass, which was included as part of the package, made all the difference, as we were able to use all forms of transport throughout our time there for free.
The main highlights were the area, the varied stunning scenery, the fantastically planned Collett’s Walk Pack (including brilliant app) and the food and wine!”
The Engadin Valley: Where the Swiss go walking
The Engadin Valley is a sun-drenched alpine paradise yet to be widely discovered by British walkers. With its crisp mountain air, teal-blue glacial lakes and rugged peaks, it’s no wonder the Swiss themselves escape here for summer adventures. From gentle lakeside paths to panoramic ridge trails and high alpine routes, the walking opportunities are as varied as the landscapes. Long-distance trails like the Via Engiadina and the Via Alpina add extra allure for seasoned hikers, while leisurely walkers can soak up the scenery on well-marked paths or scenic rail journeys – including the renowend UNESCO-listed Bernina Express.
During our Swiss Alps centre-based walking holiday, you’ll enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace. Each day, choose from a selection of walks for all abilities, or swap your boots for a day discovering nearby sights like the glamorous resort of St Moritz. With your complimentary Mountain Travel Pass giving you unlimited access to buses, trains, and cable cars, the entire Engadin becomes effortlessly accessible – and utterly unforgettable.
Read our Swiss Alps Destination Guide
Collett’s: “The Engadin Valley is a truly special place! What did you enjoy about the walks on your holiday?”
Sarah: “We loved every walk we did for different reasons. Each walk showed us a different area and/or landscape. If we had to choose our favourite it would be Val Fedoz because of the amazing views, varying landscape, the cows and the goats.”
Collett’s: “How did you find the accommodation on your holiday?”
Sarah: “We loved our stay at Hotel Maria, which was very cosy, welcoming, clean and comfortable. The food was outstanding and staff were so friendly.”
Collett’s: “Could you tell us a little more about the food?”
Sarah: “Of course, breakfasts were great and dinners were exceptional. Every dinner was our favourite! Eating out for lunch was very expensive and so we tended to buy sandwiches from the local bakery.”
Hotel Maria: Your hand-picked hotel with exceptional cuisine
Run by a husband and wife team, Andreas & Regula, the authentic Hotel Maria in Sils is a fantastic springboard to an abundance of walking trails in the Swiss Alps. The charming village of Sils is nestled between two glistering mountain lakes and surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the Eastern Alps. Bustling with local shops and cafés and well-connected to local transport, Sils is the perfect base for your Swiss walking holiday. After a day in the mountains, relax on the sundeck of your hotel with an apéritif before your exceptional 4-course dinner prepared by elite Italian chefs. Could it get any better?
Discover The Holiday
Collett’s: “How did you find the Collett’s staff?”
Sarah: “Everyone has been friendly and helpful throughout. Taea and Victoria were the Collett’s reps at Hotel Maria and they were brilliant. They helped us so much. They were able to tell us about the walks and the area, transport and weather. They were very knowledgeable, helpful, friendly and professional. A real asset to Collett’s!”
Collett’s: “Did you attend the Collett’s Office Hour? How did you find the experience?”
Sarah: “Yes, we attended this everyday and found it extremely helpful. We enjoyed hearing more about the areas and walks and having the expertise of Taea and Victoria to wisely advise us!”
Collett’s local support & detailed walk notes
There are two fundamental – and immensely appreciated – aspects of our centre-based walking holidays in the Swiss Alps, Italian Dolomites and Austrian Alps.
Firstly, all our guests love their Collett’s Walk Pack with its comprehensive walk notes (including free access to our smartphone app for easy navigation), handbook and local 1:25,000 topographical map. Secondly, everyone enjoys the daily presence and knowledge of our Walks Teams, which are here to help you select your walks and ensure you put together a series of memorable adventures that suit your fitness level and ensure your getting the exact type of walk you’re looking for.
Our Walks Team in Switzerland is made up of Taea and Victoria. They are around at breakfast time should you have any last-minute questions before venturing into the great outdoors. But, more significantly, they are available every evening at a popular Collett’s centre-based institution called ‘Office Hour,’ which is entirely optional and pleasantly informal. Guests can join the team over a sociable pre-dinner drink, whilst asking questions and gleaning info that will help them choose (and enjoy) their walk for the following day.
Discover The HolidayOther walking holidays are calling!
Collett’s: “Have you got any plans to take more walking holidays in the future?”
Sarah: “Definitely, yes, and we would be very interested in using Collett’s again – either returning to Switzerland (as there is so much more to see) or perhaps the Dolomites or Austrian Alps.”
Collett’s: “We’re delighted to hear that! Hopefully we’ll welcome you in the mountains again next year.”
