Nestled in the heart of Le Brassus, Switzerland, Hôtel des Horlogers is not just a luxury destination; it is a testament to how design, sustainability, and hospitality can harmoniously coexist. At the helm of this innovative property is André Cheminade, whose journey from the rugged landscapes of Patagonia to managing this eco-conscious hotel is as inspiring as it is fascinating. In this exclusive interview, André shares his background, insights into the challenges of running a sustainable luxury hotel, and how Hôtel des Horlogers continues to set itself apart by prioritizing both guest experience and environmental stewardship.

CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND WHAT LED YOU TO BECOME THE GENERAL MANAGER OF HÔTEL DES HORLOGERS?

Growing up in Patagonia, Argentina, the wilderness and nature of the Andes mountains were my privileged surroundings. After completing my studies in Hotel Management abroad, I returned to Bariloche, my hometown, to open a luxury 5-star hotel. As a child, I observed how my parents always sought a "zero impact" approach when hiking in the mountains. These were my first lessons in the importance of responsible tourism.

Over time, I traveled and worked in various hotel openings in Spain and Russia. Eleven years ago, when my son was born, my wife and I decided to move to Switzerland in search of values of sustainability for him to grow up with. By chance, I had the opportunity to work in Le Brassus, and the honesty of the interviews with the AP team was the key factor that led to me becoming the General Manager of Hôtel des Horlogers.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY?

Hospitality runs in the family. My father was the French Honorary Consul, and we often welcomed visitors from around the world. It felt only natural to get to know people and listen to how they found their way to Patagonia. Both my parents encouraged me to pursue hospitality studies, and I was fortunate to receive one of only two scholarships to study abroad.

On my career path, I was lucky enough to learn from inspiring leaders who taught me the art of welcoming. Creating unique and unforgettable moments for our guests to cherish fuels my passion for the hospitality industry.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES WITH YOUR PERSONAL LIFE?

The challenge for every hotel team member is achieving this balance. We operate 24/7, and the human factor makes each day a new experience. As hoteliers, we all strive to balance work and personal life, and it’s something we struggle with. There are no shortcuts to getting the results we aim for, and we haven't yet found any other method than being fully present for our guests and team. I am no exception. Regardless of when calls come in, I am there for both my family and my guests and team. It may not be the best formula, but it’s the only one I’ve found so far that works for me.

WHAT SETS HÔTEL DES HORLOGERS APART FROM OTHER LUXURY HOTELS IN THE REGION?

Our design is our primary unique selling point. The building was envisioned by BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) and AUM Pierre Minasian designed the interiors. They’ve provided us with an extraordinary tool to work with—fluid for guests and naturally embedded in its surrounding nature. Hôtel des Horlogers attracts design lovers from all over the world. Architecture students from universities in Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Hong Kong, and the USA have traveled here solely to visit the hotel because of its design.

HÔTEL DES HORLOGERS IS KNOWN FOR ITS COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY. CAN YOU ELABORATE ON SOME OF THE ECO-FRIENDLY PRACTICES YOU’VE IMPLEMENTED?

Recently described in the press as a "regenerative hotel," we’ve been recognized several times as the "Most Sustainable Hotel." From the beginning, Hôtel des Horlogers was conceived to achieve the highest sustainable certifications. To meet Minergie Eco, Swisstainable, or Fait Maison standards, we had to consider not just how we heat the building and process waste but also how we make daily operational decisions. Zero paper, zero plastic, zero ink, and Kilometer Zero supplies are just some of the guidelines that help us achieve our goals. Here are a few tips:

Have your own vegetable garden.

Do it yourself (our croissants, bread, and chocolates).

HOW DO YOU BALANCE LUXURY AND SUSTAINABILITY IN YOUR HOTEL OPERATIONS?

Whenever we decide where to invest or who to work with, we prioritize local choices.

The quality of local products is higher and often more expensive, but our guests appreciate the effort and understand our commitment to a Kilometer Zero approach. We don’t feel that we need to compromise on expectations to be sustainable. In fact, it’s often an effort that not everyone is ready to take on.

HOW DO YOU ENSURE THAT YOUR TEAM MAINTAINS THE HIGH STANDARDS OF SERVICE THAT GUESTS EXPECT AT HÔTEL DES HORLOGERS?

We train, train, and train again. There’s no better way to maintain high service standards than focusing on our guests as our guiding light and training around their expectations—and how to exceed them. It’s an ongoing process.

CAN YOU DISCUSS ANY CHALLENGES YOU’VE FACED IN MAKING THE HOTEL MORE ECO-FRIENDLY AND HOW YOU’VE OVERCOME THEM?

Initially, we encountered reactions based on political perspectives, as if being eco-friendly was a political stance. It took time to demonstrate that this is about our beliefs in doing better. Whether it’s guest satisfaction, performance metrics, or revenue management, we aim to excel in every aspect. Being eco-friendly is just as challenging as any other aspect of hospitality. Now, I often start conversations by clarifying that this has nothing to do with politics. It’s about sharing tips and tricks that have worked for us and might work for others.

HOW DO YOU STAY AHEAD OF THE LATEST TRENDS IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY?

Interestingly, we often find ourselves in a synergy where people approach us with the latest trends and invite us to be part of them. For example, a company in Spain repurposed bed sheets that were slightly damaged, transforming them into eco-friendly shirts. These uniforms save 300 liters of water per piece, and we’ve started working with them. We also participate in hospitality events and conferences in Switzerland, Germany, France, and Italy, where we get to explore new ideas in the industry.

CAN YOU SHARE ANY UPCOMING PROJECTS OR INITIATIVES THAT HÔTEL DES HORLOGERS IS PLANNING?

We are refining some initiatives we launched before the hotel’s opening. While we have our own vegetable garden, it’s covered by snow in winter. We’re now collaborating with Sven, a local postman who manages several neighbors’ gardens, to grow plants in vertical interior permaculture structures. This will allow us to serve fresh produce year-round in our restaurant.

We’re also working on a project that repurposes used coffee capsules to create bicycles for our guests, enabling them to explore the surrounding trails and natural beauty.

As the conversation with André Cheminade reveals, the success of Hôtel des Horlogers lies in its unwavering commitment to sustainability without compromising on luxury. By combining innovative practices with a deep respect for the environment, the hotel is setting new standards in the industry. Under André’s leadership, Hôtel des Horlogers is not only a haven for travelers but also a model of how luxury hospitality can be a driving force for positive change. We look forward to seeing how this visionary hotel continues to evolve and inspire others in the years to come.