Sonnenberg Health Hotel: Alpine Vegan Retreat in Appenzell
Perched at 972 m above Schwellbrunn—Switzerland’s “most beautiful village” of 2017—Sonnenberg Health Hotel is the country’s only 4-star, completely vegan and gluten-free wellness hotel. Its serene yellow façade, romantic balconies, and panoramic mountain views create a calming escape for body and soul.
Cozy Alpine Rooms & Natural Design
Each of the 16 rooms blends natural wood, organic materials, and floor‑to‑ceiling windows to offer warmth and light. Most include private balconies overlooking the Appenzell Alps. Options include Deluxe Double (~24 m²) and Superior Corner rooms (~30 m²), both with hypo‑allergenic bedding, desks, TV, bathrobes, and some with shower/tub.
Pure Plant-Based Cuisine
Here, indulgence is healthy: all meals are vegan, gluten‑free (and sugar‑free), organic and locally sourced. Guests enjoy a varied breakfast buffet with fresh juices and fruit, a rich lunch buffet, and a refined 4‑course dinner crafted daily with seasonal produce. Once-a-month “Vegan Sunday Brunch” adds a special community touch.
Wellness in the Mountains
While there’s no traditional spa, mindfulness and rejuvenation are central: guests can enjoy e-bike rentals to explore trails directly, unwind in sunny garden terraces and herb-scented lounge areas, and partake in massages and yoga on request. The hotel’s holistic health focus extends to seminars and personalized consultations available onsite.
Eco-Conscious & Community-Minded
Sonnenberg leads by example: over 80 % of its ingredients are organic and regional, with a strict no‑plastic policy, water‑refill stations, towel reuse options, low-flow toilets and showers, composting, and a bee‑friendly meadow. It supports local artists and offers regional guided tours. Guests praise the calm location, flawless service, and wellness focus.
Why It’s Exceptional
What sets this hotel apart is its holistic blend of wellness and eco-luxury: a peaceful retreat rooted in whole-food nutrition, wellness rituals, mindful design, and mountainside calm. It feels like a detox destination with heart, where nutrition meets relaxation and sustainable living.
Perfect For…
Ideal for wellness seekers, solo travelers, couples, and families looking for a clean, mindful getaway, Sonnenberg Health Hotel is perfect for those ready to reboot with plant-based nutrition and alpine tranquility. It’s also suitable for corporate retreats seeking clarity and calm in a mountain setting.
