7132: postcode of paradise
Beatrice Lessi
Photos: Funkyforty.
Have you ever watched a movie while soaking in warm thermal waters under the stars? At 7132 Hotel in Vals, Switzerland, you can do just that—until the end of August. This luxury retreat, named after its postal code, is more than just a hotel: it’s a destination where architecture, nature, and indulgence converge.
Before diving into the spa experience, let’s talk architecture. The entrance evokes the iconic canopy at Art Basel’s Messeplatz—designed by Herzog & de Meuron—with its circular opening that frames the sky like a portal to another world. At 7132, this motif is echoed in the round courtyard and the sculptural reception area, where bubble lights and a dramatic rose installation set the tone. The views of Vals village and surrounding greenery are straight out of a storybook.
Our room? A showstopper. A round bathtub sits center stage in a bathroom that evokes a Hollywood dressing room crossed with a private spa. We also peek into the suite—yes, the one that comes with helicopter transport. Open the door and you’re met with a serene water basin, soft lighting, and a bathroom so grand it could double as a pool. Designed by a Japanese architect, it’s a masterpiece of minimalism and luxury.
Other rooms, crafted by different architects, offer stylish comfort at more accessible prices. They’re a hit with young couples seeking a romantic escape into nature and wellness.
Then comes the evening: dinner at 7132 Red, the hotel’s relaxed and modern dining space. The atmosphere is playful and welcoming—we’re even encouraged to wield the giant peppermill like culinary adventurers. The food is delicious and unfussy, and dessert is a highlight: crème brûlée paired with a tangy red fruit sorbet that tastes like summer bottled.
Spa time. We slip into robes and head to the Therme, designed by Peter Zumthor. The showers alone are jaw-dropping—towering at what must be four meters high. Inside, 60,000 slabs of quartzite shimmer around turquoise pools and gentle waterfalls. Panoramic windows frame the forest outside. But tonight, it’s all about the outdoor pool and the movie. Some guests lounge in chairs with blankets; we stay in the water, letting a jet massage us through the entire film. Bliss.
After a night of laughter and deep sleep, we wake to sunshine and a leisurely breakfast at 7132 Silver, the hotel’s two-Michelin-star restaurant⁽. The experience is refined and intimate, with dishes that celebrate both local ingredients and global sophistication. It’s the kind of breakfast that makes you feel like royalty—without the crown, but with impeccable service and a view to match.
On our way out, we spot Giacometti’s forgotten luggage—a quirky reminder of the hotel’s storied past. Near the grand Steinway piano, a towering photo of a woman adds a touch of whimsy. Luxury here isn’t just in the details—it’s in the stories.
We stretch our stay with a late checkout, savoring every last moment. Leaving 7132 feels like stepping out of a dream. But hey, even paradise has a postcode.
