Nestled in the heart of Switzerland, HUUS QUELL is a five-star eco-luxury hotel that epitomizes timeless elegance, holistic rejuvenation, and first-class service. Since its debut, this highly anticipated retreat has drawn travelers seeking an experience that harmonizes refined comfort with the natural splendor of the Alpstein region.
As a distinguished member of The Leading Hotels of the World, HUUS QUELL sets a new benchmark in hospitality, offering guests a tranquil haven dedicated to wellness and understated luxury.
A Destination of Distinction
Part of the APPENZELLER HUUS family — alongside the three-star Huus Bären and four-star Huus Löwen — HUUS QUELL forms a triad of charm, each property connected by discreet underground passageways.
While the new flagship, built in 2025, mirrors its historic siblings in spirit, it embraces modernity with interiors that nod to Alpine tradition, reimagined through a sleek, contemporary lens.
Perched 900 meters above sea level, the hotel’s 2,200-square-meter wellness sanctuary, world-class cuisine, and scenic surroundings come together to offer a retreat where body, mind, and soul align in perfect harmony.
Refined Accommodation
With just 30 meticulously curated designer rooms and suites, HUUS QUELL ensures an intimate and exclusive guest experience. Each space blends Alpine warmth with the sophistication of a boutique luxury hotel, showcasing thoughtful details and timeless design. The atmosphere is one of refined coziness, creating memories destined to linger long after departure.
Our stay in the crowning jewel — the Appenzell Suite — was nothing short of extraordinary. Spanning 43 square meters, the suite exudes understated opulence, complete with Swiss moonwood finishes and iconic Jakob Schläpfer textiles. The marriage of natural materials and expertly crafted furnishings fosters both serenity and indulgence.
Every amenity has been considered: a plush box-spring bed, radio/TV, free Wi-Fi, minibar stocked with Appenzell mineral and Grander water, coffee and tea station, room safe, hairdryer, bathrobe, fragrant bath essentials — and the promise of absolute privacy.
Culinary Excellence
Dining at HUUS QUELL is an experience in itself, extending across the culinary offerings of all three Appenzeller Huus properties. From the rustic elegance of Löwenstobe to the refined charm of Bärenstobe and the inventive flair of Quell restaurant, guests are spoiled for choice.
Quell restaurant, the hotel’s signature dining venue, seamlessly unites modern brasserie culture with Swiss hospitality. Helmed by acclaimed chef Michael Golenz, the culinary concept is vibrant and contemporary, defined by precise composition and bold flavor profiles. Alpine moonwood interiors and rich textiles create a warm yet sophisticated ambiance, the perfect backdrop for indulgence.
Breakfasts unfold as a lavish affair, offering hot and cold dishes, artisan pastries, and an array of beverages.
Classic selections include Swiss bean hummus with ancient spelt bread, Appenzell waffles, Huus porridge, French toast, ribel corn croquettes, and a decadent signature spread featuring smoked sturgeon and Kaviari Kristal caviar (€35) or Swiss shrimp, “raw marinated” (€30).
Lunch at Löwenstobe surrounds diners with floral accents and authentic Appenzell charm. Here, traditional dishes meet sustainable vegetarian and vegan options, all built upon the integrity of local, high-quality ingredients — cheeses, dairy, meats, and eggs sourced from the region.
As evening descends, Bärenstobe takes center stage. Nestled within a guesthouse dating to 1751, its historic walls embrace an atmosphere where tradition meets modern gastronomy.
From Thursday to Saturday, Chef Michael Golenz presents five- and seven-course tasting menus inspired by French culinary heritage, seasonal produce, and innovative technique.
Our five-course journey, accompanied by champagne, included:
– Appenzell Pasture-Raised Beef — ribelmais, pumpkin seed mole, coriander
– Skate Wing Ballotine — Lake Zurich mussel, kohlrabi, black garlic, ajo blanco
– Blue Lobster — pineapple, kaffir lime, seaweed
– Trilogy of Appenzell Hay-Milk Cheese — sweet cherry, caramelized buckwheat
– Bircher Muesli — oat, lemon balm, apple
Five-course menu (without lobster and cheese) — €165
Seven-course menu (complete) — €195
Evenings continue at the BOTANICUM BAR, where classic cocktails are reinterpreted with local herbs and fruits. Bar manager Elmir Medunjanin and his team craft signature libations that reflect the hotel’s ethos of wellness and mindfulness, perfectly complemented by refined bar snacks.
BOTANICUM BAR captures the essence of the natural world, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a space where the sky seems to drift across the ceiling and the ambient sounds shift with the rhythm of the day. This is not just a bar — it is a living, breathing environment created from the beauty that already surrounds it.
Driven by a philosophy that celebrates the local over the exotic, BOTANICUM BAR forgoes far-flung ingredients in favor of freshly picked regional herbs, some gathered in the early morning light. These botanical treasures are distilled, fermented, infused, and bottled entirely by hand, resulting in cocktails that are both pure and deeply connected to their origins.
Signature cocktails include Morning Dew (€25), a refreshing blend of mint, chamomile, quince, and bubbles; Farmer’s Table (€25), an inventive mix of tomato water, sherry, sofritto, and umami; Sunset (€25), featuring rhubarb, verjus, lemon verbena, shiso, and a delicate beetroot air; and Night Cap (€25), a rich combination of strawberry, vermouth, chocolate mint, and bitter.
The cocktails could be paired with elevated Swiss snacks such as Appenzeller Fondue Schaum (€18), served with roasted sourdough, pickles, and herb pesto, and Bergkäse Churros (€24), accompanied by a rich crispy onion mayo, offering a perfect harmony of bold flavors and refined indulgence.
Wine Cellar Elegance
Tucked away within the prestigious APPENZELLER HUUS lies one of Switzerland’s most captivating wine cellars. Spanning an impressive 350 square meters, this hidden gem showcases an exquisite collection of vintage wines, rare bottles, and the finest champagnes.
At the helm is cellar master Hans Rhyner, a connoisseur who has journeyed through the world’s renowned vineyards, immersing himself in the art and tradition of winemaking. He is especially drawn to intimate, family-run estates where every vineyard task is carried out by hand and attention to detail is paramount.
For those seeking an unforgettable experience, Hans offers exclusive, tailor-made tours of the cellar. A true highlight awaits at the heart of the collection: the ‘Wine Barrel,’ an intimate space designed to resemble the interior of a massive cask, offering seating for up to nine guests. Here, surrounded by a treasure trove of exceptional vintages, visitors are transported into the very essence of the wine world — a perfect blend of tradition, elegance, and discovery.
Quell Spa
The jewel of HUUS QUELL, Quell Spa spans over 2,200 square meters of serene luxury. Its design radiates peaceful energy, with sweeping views of the Alpstein Mountains and verdant outdoor spaces that invite stillness.
Guests can immerse themselves in nine pools and eight saunas, including a Finnish sauna, salt sauna, cold-water pool, and calming steam bath. Outdoor pools range from invigorating to soothing, while herbal saunas, meditation rooms, and multisensory spaces with aromatic infusions and art installations nurture inner balance.
Innovative wellness offerings include yoga and sound meditation, a multi-cryo hacking system that combines heat, light, and ionized oxygen for deep regeneration, a -110°C cryochamber, and therapies designed to accelerate recovery and enhance overall vitality.
Awards & Accolades
– Andrin Willi Hotelrating 2026 — Top 3 Wellbeing Hotels
– TIME Magazine — The World’s Greatest Places 2026
– Travel + Leisure It List 2026 — 100 Best New Hotels
– 101 Besten Hotels 2026 — Seal of Excellence
HUUS QUELL is a transformative journey. Whether savoring the region’s flavors, floating in thermal pools under alpine skies, or retreating into the serenity of your suite, every moment here is curated for harmony and renewal. In the world of luxury hospitality, HUUS QUELL doesn’t just meet expectations — it elevates them to an art form.
HUUS QUELL
Address: Dorfstrasse 40, 9108 Gonten, Switzerland
Instagram: @huusquell
Text: Marina Timo
Photo courtesy: EATWEEKGUIDE
