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The world's finest hospitality is not defined by luxury alone. It is created through unforgettable guest experiences, genuine service and meticulous attention to detail.

For South Africa's restaurant, hotel and tourism industry, the announcement that Switzerland's legendary Badrutt's Palace has received the prestigious SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award as part of The World's 50 Best Hotels 2026 serves as a timely reminder that exceptional hospitality remains the industry's greatest competitive advantage.

The award celebrates hotels that deliver truly remarkable service, recognising every department, from reception and housekeeping to food and beverage teams for creating memorable experiences that leave a lasting impression on guests.

Perched above Lake St. Moritz in Switzerland's breathtaking Engadin Valley, Badrutt's Palace has been named the winner of the SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award as part of The World's 50 Best Hotels 2026. The first of two special accolades announced ahead of the official awards ceremony on 15 September, the award is determined by votes from the 800-plus members of The World's 50 Best Hotels Academy, each asked to identify the single greatest hospitality experience they enjoyed during the extended three-year voting period.

The SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award recognises the intangible yet invaluable qualities that make guests feel genuinely cared for. It honours not only a hotel, but its entire team, celebrating outstanding service and meticulous attention to detail across every touchpoint, from reception and housekeeping to amenities and food and beverage. Academy members were invited to consider factors including ambience, the delivery of unique guest experiences, warmth of service and the overall sense of hospitality.

Founded by Caspar Badrutt in 1896, Badrutt's Palace has long been regarded as the "living room of St. Moritz", thanks to its welcoming atmosphere and spectacular panoramic views. The iconic hotel played a pivotal role in transforming St. Moritz from a mountain village into one of the world's most celebrated luxury destinations.

The neo-Gothic palace, perched 1,830 metres above Lake St. Moritz, has welcomed royalty, artists, athletes and international tastemakers for more than a century, including Alfred Hitchcock, whose Suite 501 remains one of the property's most storied residences. Today, the independently owned grand hotel continues to honour its remarkable heritage while embracing the future, most recently with the addition of the Serlas Wing, designed by acclaimed Italian architect Antonio Citterio.

The hotel now offers 163 beautifully appointed rooms, including 47 suites, alongside an exceptional collection of restaurants and bars that span refined dining, international cuisine, iconic local venues and innovative contemporary concepts.

Legendary service defines every aspect of life at Badrutt's Palace. During the winter season, a team of approximately 700 staff ensures every guest experience unfolds seamlessly. Whether skiing the surrounding slopes, hiking through the Engadin Valley or enjoying afternoon tea in the elegant wood-panelled Le Grand Hall, guests are welcomed with the warmth, attentiveness and intuitive service that have become synonymous with the Palace. Suite guests enjoy the services of dedicated butlers, while the concierge team is renowned for anticipating every request before it is even made.

Emma Sleight, Director of Content & Creative for The World's 50 Best Hotels, says: "This award recognises the very core of what exceptional hospitality looks like when it stands the test of time. For decades, Badrutt's Palace has upheld a standard of service rooted in legacy, emotional connection and genuine charm, all values that so many in the industry strive to emulate. An incredibly worthy winner of the SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award, Badrutt's Palace is a benchmark for outstanding service and attention to detail, and proof that true excellence only deepens with age."

As evening falls, the Palace comes alive across its eleven restaurants and bars, from the Japanese-Peruvian creations of Nobuyuki Matsuhisa to Paradiso, the celebrated mountain venue on Corviglia, where the same warm hospitality extends to guests high above the valley. This commitment to exceptional care continues throughout the property, whether at Palace Wellness or during life's most memorable celebrations. It is this rare combination of warmth, attentiveness and authentic hospitality, refined over more than a century, that makes Badrutt's Palace not merely a hotel, but the beating heart of St. Moritz.

Richard Leuenberger, Managing Director of Badrutt's Palace, says: "To receive the SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award is a profound honour because it recognises what has always been at the heart of Badrutt's Palace in St. Moritz: the hospitality of our people and the values lived here every day. For generations, this spirit has been carried by our team and shaped by our guests. I am incredibly proud of this team, whose warmth, pride and genuine care create memories that last."

Giancarlo Mancino, CEO of SeiBellissimi, comments: "More than places, we remember moments. At SeiBellissimi, we believe true hospitality is measured by the moments people carry with them long after they've left. Those rare occasions when great company, genuine care and perfect timing come together naturally. Few places embody that spirit as completely as Badrutt's Palace."

The World's 50 Best Hotels awards ceremony will take place in Paris, France, on 15 September 2026 at Les Salles du Carrousel, where Badrutt's Palace will officially receive the SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award 2026.

For South Africa's hospitality industry, this recognition offers a valuable reminder that while world-class cuisine, exceptional wines and spectacular destinations may attract visitors, it is authentic hospitality, thoughtful service and meaningful human connection that inspire guests to return. As restaurants, hotels and tourism businesses continue to compete on a global stage, the world's leading establishments demonstrate that genuine hospitality remains the most enduring luxury of all.

To discover more about The World's 50 Best Hotels and explore the global rankings visit https://www.theworlds50best.com/hotels