WORDS BY MILO RADONJIĆ
In conversation with Nati Felli, the visionary owner and driving force behind the five-star Guarda Golf Hotel & Residences in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.
Since founding Guarda Golf Hotel & Residences in 2009 with her husband Giancarlo, Nati Felli has shaped it into one of the region’s most refined boutique escapes – a place where alpine calm meets discreet luxury, where her personal touch can be felt in every detail. For Villa 88 Travel, she opens up about the art of hospitality, the soul of Crans-Montana, and what it means to build a home for travellers who return year after year.
What does summer in Crans-Montana mean to you personally, and how does that feeling shape the experience you’ve created at the resort?
Summer in Crans-Montana is pure light and tranquillity. The air feels so fresh, the mountains glow on long golden evenings, and life seems to slow down just enough for people to truly connect – with nature, with one another, with themselves. That peaceful energy is what I wanted to capture at Guarda Golf – simple elegance, comfort without pretension, and a kind of luxury that feels alive and effortless. Every space is designed to feel open, sunlit, and joyful. A place that feels like home, even when you’re away.
Is there a moment or memory from past summers that perfectly captures why this place is so special to you?
I always think of those evenings on the terrace when the sky turns purple and pink, and guests linger over dinner, laughing softly while the last sunlight touches the golf course. The air gets a little cool, people wrap themselves in our soft Guarda Golf blankets, enjoying the warmth of our authentic Levantine cuisine at Restaurant FIVE. There’s something deeply peaceful about that moment – everyone feels safe, happy, and truly present.
When guests arrive in summer, what’s the first thing you hope they feel?
I want them to take a breath and relax right away. To feel welcomed, cared for, and surrounded by calm beauty. I hope they enjoy both sides of Crans-Montana, the elegant boutiques just a two-minute walk from the hotel, and the pure mountain air that makes you feel free. I want guests to recharge completely, to hike a little, play their first round of golf, unwind in the spa, savour good food, and leave feeling like they’ve found their mountain home.
What is your own favourite way to start a summer morning at the resort?
Always with the sunrise. I love stepping outside with a coffee and watching the first light touch the Valais peaks. I live in the residences of Guarda Golf, and I’ve built the hotel to truly be my home. I’m not a big breakfast person, so I start with coffee in the sun and catch up with my family before heading to the hotel. That quiet moment reminds me how lucky I am to live surrounded by such beauty.
If you could take a guest by the hand and show them one hidden corner or experience most visitors miss, what would it be?
I’d take them up to the mountains to see the cows. It’s such a simple but special sight. A short walk shows how they graze on rich alpine grass, which gives us the famous Raclette cheese. They’re big, strong, beautiful animals, and the sound of their bells echoing through the fields is so peaceful. For me, it’s the essence of summer – natural, real, and full of charm.
How do you infuse your personal taste or lifestyle into the summer programming at the resort?
I believe in experiences that feel genuine and restorative. Our menus focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients from nearby valleys. I love wellness, so we add things I personally enjoy – like mountain hikes with picnics, spa rituals, and quiet time in nature. Art is also an important part of our summer. Each August, we host an exhibition by Tylek and Tylecek, artists whose paintings bring warmth and character to our interiors. Their work reflects the same beauty, colour, and emotion that inspire the spirit of Guarda Golf. The idea is simple – to help guests feel good in their body, mind, and soul.
“I love stepping outside with a coffee and watching the first light touch the Valais peaks. I live in the residences of Guarda Golf, and I’ve built the hotel to truly be my home.”
What do you love most about the atmosphere around the golf course during summer?
Golf is a big part of summer here. I always encourage guests to give it a try, even beginners, because it’s such a special experience to play on a high-altitude course surrounded by mountains. There’s something graceful about watching players move across the greens as wildflowers bloom around them. Even if you don’t play, sitting on the terrace with a drink and watching the scene feels peaceful and refined.
In your eyes, what would be the most beautiful time of day during summer at the property?
I honestly love every moment, but early evening is magical. The air is never too hot, the light turns golden, and everything feels calm. The mountains glow, the sky fills with beautiful colours, and it’s the perfect time for an aperitif on the terrace or a walk before dinner. In the morning, there’s this smell of fresh grass and flowers, and throughout the day, the contrast of blue skies, green mountains, and our red flowers is just breathtaking.
Today’s travellers seek meaning, not just luxury. How do you ensure guests leave with emotions, not just photos? I think meaning comes from listening and connecting. We take time to really know our guests, their preferences, little details about how they travel, what they love. It’s about small gestures and sincere care. When people feel seen and understood, every moment becomes part of a story they’ll remember. That’s the kind of luxury that stays with you.
If you could describe a perfect summer day at the Guarda Golf resort, how would it unfold?
My perfect day starts with breakfast outdoors on the terrace, then maybe a round of golf or a walk through the mountains. Lunch would be light and fresh, perhaps with local apricot juice. The afternoon is all about slowing down, time at the spa or reading quietly with the view. And in the evening, dinner under the stars with good food, laughter, and that easy feeling of belonging. I know everything always comes back to food…but to me, food is life, and when it’s shared in a beautiful setting, it becomes such a meaningful part of any stay.
Photos courtesy of Guarda Golf Hotel & Residences
