The history of the Bella Vista
At the beginning of the sixties, Theodor Perren grabbed a shovel and, with his own excavation, created the foundation for the Hotel Bella Vista in the “ze Obrehiischre” area. The name of the hotel, which at that time had 24 rooms, was set when an Italian from the construction site marvelled at the Matterhorn in all its splendour and said: Bella Vista!”
Since 1962
In 1962 the Perren family received their first guests. All beginnings are difficult, however, as one year after opening, typhoid fever broke out, and they had to close their business for four months. So instead they used the “forced break” to make the Bella Vista what it is today: an oasis of relaxation and a second home.
Opapa Thedy was a passionate mountain guide and farmer. He accompanied nature lovers into the local mountains and caused a sensation when haymaking with the first and somewhat loud mower in Zermatt. Together with his son Hermann they proudly looked after their black-nosed sheep.
The good soul
Meanwhile, the good soul of the house, Omama Margrit, spoiled the guests with her fine apple pie and was the loving mother of her three children Othmar, Hermann and Bernadette. For 16 years, the Perrens managed the Hotel Bella Vista in harmonious cooperation and laid the solid foundation for their successors. With Bernadette, the youngest daughter, the second generation entered the family business.
The second generation
Together with her husband Franz, she took over the Bella Vista in 1978 and they continued the cordial care of the guests day after day. Franz came to Zermatt through his profession as a baker and enriched the Bella Vista with his lovingly prepared specialities in the bakery. Even back then, they offered an extraordinary breakfast buffet with homemade delicacies, freshly squeezed orange juice, loose teas and much more.
…the third...
Christine, Fabienne and Stefanie – the third generation at Bella Vista was born. The daughters were already enthusiastic about the business and played an active role from a young age. In 2010, Christine and Fabienne followed in their parents’ footsteps, and in 2017 Fabienne took over the business. With their respectful manner, their consistently sustainable mindset and a host of charming details introduced throughout the hotel, they help their guests to get in touch with nature and bring their body and mind into harmony. In 2018, the youngest daughter Stefanie also “came back to her roots”. Since then, the passionate yoga teacher has been offering yoga sessions and retreats at Bella Vista.
... and the fourth generation
Thanks to the redesigned rooms and the continuously expanded Alpine SPA Bella Vita wellness and spa area, Bella Vista now shines with a completely new radiance. The Anthamatten family has also been "expanded": since December 2020, Fabienne and Simon have been enjoying their family bliss with little Elio, who received a little sister, Pia, in autumn 2022. And what is the next exciting development to look forward to at Bella Vista? Watch this space!
