Krone La Punt

In the centre of La Punt, between stately houses, sits the old Krone, dating from 1565. It has always been a place where people come together. First a farmhouse, then a “Säumerherberge”, a traditional Swiss inn where traders crossing the Alps could find a bed for the night. Today, the guests are different. The spirit remains the same, though.

After a careful renovation that began in 2002, James and Natacha Baron took over the Krone La Punt in 2022. The result: a boutique hotel that combines modern and alpine details. Local wood. Minimalist design. An eclectic art collection.

Stepping into the Stube, the traditional Swiss parlour, we’re greeted by warm wooden panelling and contemporary art. Not Vital, Bryan Cyril Thurston, Matias Spescha: the owners’ private collection lines the walls and creates a surprising contrast in this centuries-old house.

You come here to experience something, be it a classical concert on the terrace, a hike or a fine picnic by the river. James and Natacha Baron, hoteliers to the bone, make sure of that.

The whole village of La Punt, which is just 13 kilometres from St. Moritz, has a strong history in hospitality – and it shows: the manors, with their ornate fronts and sgraffito decor tell stories of times long past.

But La Punt isn’t standing still: it is evolving. Swiss running-shoe brand On is building a lab here, as a part of the InnHub La Punt. Norman Foster + Partners designed the project, which is currently under construction. The 6,000-square-metre innovation campus will be a space for businesses, start-ups, athletes and the local community.

No doubt about it: the future holds plenty of possibilities for this part of the Engadine – and the Krone is right in the middle of it.

Still, it is the cuisine that truly attracts a cosmopolitan crowd – and us. At La Chavallera, which means “Die Säumerin”, a female packhorse driver, British chef James Baron is the master of his domain.

Since 2022, he and his wife Natacha have been bringing international spice to the Krone without losing its original charm. He holds a Michelin star and 16 GaultMillau points and knows exactly how to make his guests happy– with modern classics and a twist on traditional Swiss and European cuisine. A table worth a stop? Absolutely – right here at La Chavallera.

Despite the culinary excellence and high quality, the atmosphere at La Chavallera and Krone La Punt remains uncomplicated. What matters most to the hosts is that the Krone stays an inn, one that stands for gourmet experiences and warm hospitality.

The common thread at the Krone La Punt? The mix of Swiss produce and Asian flavours. Galangal and Japanese ginger are grown in the hotel’s garden and used to refine the taste of traditional dishes. Meat, fruit and vegetables come from local farmers.

And the bread? It’s freshly baked across the street, at Fö e Flamma dal Barun, the Krone’s very own bakery and café.