World-renowned designer Patricia Urquiola and Michelin-starred chef Andreas Caminada bring their shared creative vision to Maya, an exclusive collection of residences in the heart of Andermatt’s prestigious retail and gastronomy boulevard.
Maya introduces the ultimate Swiss Alpine lifestyle, from Urquiola’s beautifully crafted residences to Caminada’s unique fine dining concept IGNIV.
“Our philosophy is about creating a unique atmosphere, with spaces that inspire an emotional connection; a vision we’re delighted to share with Andermatt.”
– Patricia Urquiola & Andreas Caminada
The art of elevated living
Maya is a new landmark of creative excellence in Andermatt. Legendary designer Patricia Urquiola and three-Michelin-starred chef Andreas Caminada bring culture, creativity – and charisma – to every moment, thanks to her refined residences and his fine dining restaurant, IGNIV.
A uniquely human approach to design
Patricia Urquiola’s vision for the Maya residences and penthouses creates elegant living spaces that inspire emotion, conversation and genuine relaxation. The thoughtful design, colour palette, textures and lighting echo the Alpine landscape, in her signature characterful style.
Where gastronomy meets bonhomie
At IGNIV, fine dining rediscovers joy, pleasure and playfulness. Andreas Caminada’s restaurant exudes personality, with imaginative dishes created for sharing. With design from Patricia Urquiola, plus curated art and music, the ambience is relaxed yet effervescent.
Swiss heritage, international perspective
As a historic crossroads near the Gotthard Pass, Andermatt has long welcomed poets, free thinkers and adventurers, who meet and exchange ideas and cultural inspiration. Today, Maya welcomes residents to embrace the elevated Alpine lifestyle of Andermat, both outside and indoors.
Maya celebrates global design and culinary genius. Patricia Urquiola brings influences from Milan and her native Spain, while Andreas Caminada serves flavours from around the world in his Michelin-starred restaurants from Zürich to Bangkok.
Patricia Urquiola: A visionary designer
Celebrated designer Patricia Urquiola wins praise and accolades around the globe, including ‘Designer of the Decade’ by Home and Häuser magazines and ‘Designer of the Year’ by Wallpaper, Ad Spain, Elle Decor International and Architektur und Wohnen Magazine. Urquiola brings a life-enhancing passion to contemporary design, uniting fine materials and elegant lines with surprising and mesmerising touches. The resulting aesthetic is completely of today, embracing warmth and individuality in a contemporary context.
Urquiola’s philosophy: Finding unique connections
Patricia Urquiola has a very human approach to style, enhancing contemporary minimalism with vitality and character. She layers textures, colours and patterns to build a cohesive and calm background, then adds distinctive lighting and ingenious touches in a harmonic eclecticism, infused with emotion. Urquiola’s expertise extends across architecture and design for interiors, furniture, products and jewellery, featured in hotels, residences and museums around the world.
Bespoke Urquiola furniture at Maya
The ultimate creative, Patricia Urquiola has crafted bespoke furniture and lighting specifically for the 17 Maya residences. As a leading furniture and product designer (as well as being an architect and art director), Urquiola brings her idiosyncratic style to every aspect of the living experience, with distinctive tables, benches, cabinets, bookshelves and lamps. Works of art in their own right, these captivating pieces are destined to become collectors’ items.
“I like to keep really attentive and curious… not only to solve a problem, but to give something more. The real design begins when the rational side ends and you start to create magic.”
– Patricia Urquiola
Throughout the residences, Urquiola weaves together sophisticated tones and subtle textures that echo the Alpine land and skyscape. To this peaceful ‘nest’, she adds intriguing encounters with colour and form. In the kitchen, the bespoke dining table by Studio Urquiola is a contemporary round design in white, with a whimsically curved shape set into the surface, inlaid with warm oak. This unexpected shape, colour and unique texture add a richness to the experience of morning coffee or relaxed dinners.
The table is beautifully complemented by Mathilda chairs, a classic Patricia Urquiola design for Moroso. These unusual chairs also contrast contemporary trestle shapes with eye-catching modern details. Pale wood is accented with gentle blue seat cushions and a curved backrest covered in sand-toned fabric, with a delightful pop of colour in the scarlet bands uniting the piece.
In the living room, soft neutral shades and textures create a calm backdrop for interesting splashes of blue, local green salvan stone around the fireplace, plus warm ‘Zanzibar’ cinnamon tones that echo the glowing fire. The bespoke coffee table by Studio Urquiola has a simple shape enlivened with texture and details, from the inlaid surface in rich turquoise glass to the fluted wood pattern of its base, created with corrugated wood from Enrico Colombo. The sculptural ‘Ruff’ armchair by Patricia Urquiola for Moroso fuses geometry and personality, practically leaning in to join the conversation. A ‘Sengu’ side table by Patricia Urquiola for Cassina contrasts white Carrara marble and a top lacquered in ‘Opaque Night Blu’. Bespoke oak bookshelves complete the room in distinguished style.
The idea of the cosy nest extends to the bedroom. The bespoke bedside table by Studio Urquiola is handsomely curved, highlighting the wood’s pleasing natural grain. Here, light oak meets a rich aubergine colour on the surface and base. To enhance the peaceful bedroom spaces, Urquiola has crafted attractive beds and bespoke headboards that integrate harmoniously with the textures and tones of the walls, flooring and furnishings.
Subtle textures, natural wood grain and sensitive curves create an aura of calm in the serene bathrooms. Shades of sky grey and pale moss echo the mountains and forests outside. The bespoke Alpi grey sink and bespoke oak cabinets repeat the curve motif that runs throughout Maya, as does the custom vanity shelf.Her Siitzbank console table for the entrance is a delightful contemporary shape, with sliding doors to hide away small items and a light oak veneer top for displaying meaningful personal objets and collectibles.
A conversation with… Patricia Urquiola
Interior architect for Maya
How did Andermatt inspire your design of the Maya residences?
My work is really to translate the genius loci of a place into the language of design. It’s connected with your emotional memory, with your fantasy and with the beauty of this fantastic place.
Andermatt is really growing and having a very important moment. I feel the energy of Switzerland very strongly – it’s very clean and sustainable, inspiring a natural approach to materials. For example, here I love the green salvan stone, which I’ve wanted to use for a long time. We’re also bringing in the natural oak and blending these elements with other natural textures. The colour palette comes from nature: green to grey to brown – just looking out the window and translating what you see in the landscape into the space.
How does the IGNIV restaurant, which you designed, relate to the residences above?
The underlying concept is to create a nest, which you can do in many ways. The nest of the IGNIV restaurant is communal and convivial, creating energy by bringing people together to share a meal, talk, connect.
In the residences, we create a completely different type of nest. Here, we’re thinking about privacy and personal spaces. One way we translated the nest idea was with a curved double wall at the entrance, introducing you to the two hearts of the home.
On one side is the fireplace and sitting room, always with a big window that allows the landscape into the room. On the other side, the curve leads you into the kitchen and another fantastic big window. And then there’s the curved glass wall of the loggia. In every space, we are creating a relationship with the landscape, but in a private way.
What’s the story of your relationship with Andreas?
We’ve been working together for several years – this is the fifth project we’ve done together. We have so much trust and know each other so well. I knew if Andreas was so interested in Andermatt, there was a good reason, so I had to learn more.
Andreas felt this destination was growing, and the community needed coolness and energy. And so, we have created Maya. Now we know we are in the right place, in a village I really believe in.
Andreas Caminada
Founding Chef, IGNIV Andermatt
A pioneer of taste
Andreas Caminada is a highly accomplished, three Michelin-star chef with 19 Gault Millau Points to his name. Based in his native Switzerland, he uses seasonal produce to create hearty cuisine with a delicate and refined technique. Caminada now has Michelin-starred IGNIV restaurants in Bad Ragaz, Zürich and Bangkok, and soon, a new IGNIV at Maya in Andermatt.
Caminada’s philosophy: A symphony for the senses
Andreas Caminada believes food should be shared – even the most elevated fine dining. His IGNIV restaurants are known for a relaxed and cosy atmosphere, with imaginative sharing plates that showcase fresh flavours in eye-catching, inventive and playful ways. This immersive culinary experience will stimulate each of your senses – the ultimate accompaniment to Maya’s stunning residences.
The IGNIV concept
Andreas Caminada’s IGNIV concept brings a ‘fine dining plus sharing’ experience to a relaxing and comfortable ‘nest’ – the meaning of ‘IGNIV’ in the Romansh language. Just as each child in a family has their own distinct personality, each IGNIV restaurant is a distinctive ‘nest’, with original design from Patricia Urquiola, and experiences tailored by each Head Chef and Host/Restaurant Manager.
The first IGNIV opened in 2015, in a historic vaulted space in the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz. The inventive cuisine and focus on guests’ pleasure earned rave reviews, along with the playful ‘Candy Store’ confections. IGNIV Bad Ragaz currently enjoys two Michelin stars and 17 Gault-Millau points, synonymous with “the ultimate in creativity”, with Joël Ellenberger as Head Chef and Susanne Schneider as Host.
In February 2020, the second IGNIV opened, in Zürich’s Marktgasse Hotel in Niederdorf, the historic old town. This area has always hosted celebrations, and dancers and variety artists even performed at Marktgasse 17. Today, IGNIV Zürich has earned two Michelin stars and 17 Gault-Millau points, thanks to Head Chef Daniel Zeindlhofer, Restaurant Manager and Sommelière Ines Triebenbacher, and Chef de Bar Sarah Madritsch.
In April 2020, IGNIV came to the vibrant culinary metropolis of Bangkok, opening in the St. Regis Hotel. Here, widely travelled chef David Hartwig and extraordinary sous chef and pastry chef Arne Riehn have earned a Michelin Star, thanks to eye-catching dishes incorporating local produce, exotic flavours, authentic Thai techniques, and global influences.
IGNIV Andermatt
In late 2024, Andreas Caminada brings IGNIV to Andermatt, in the heart of Switzerland. IGNIV’s relaxed ambience and cosmopolitan approach to cuisine fit perfectly in this romantic Alpine landscape. After skiing the powdery slopes or hiking along mountain trails, guests will be in the perfect mindset for the IGNIV experience.
IGNIV is a place of joy, where refreshing creativity meets a confidently laid-back ambience. Dishes are always delightful to look at, taste and share, whether they reflect prestigious Swiss heritage or take guests on a global culinary adventure. Here, everything comes together: dazzling food, design, art, hospitality, wine, music and friendship.
A conversation with… Andreas Caminada
Founding chef, IGNIV Andermatt
What’s the inspiration behind IGNIV?
IGNIV means ‘nest’ in my native Romansh language, so the concept is a cosy bird’s nest. Here, guests are invited to share food and memorable moments with friends or different generations of family. I really believe in sharing, even when it’s the highest quality food.
There’s also a sense of playfulness – IGNIV is like a wonderland for me. The fine dining experience is about pleasure and comfort and discovery. Every dish looks like a work of art and delights the palate with flavour. Afterwards, guests are invited to take home little confections from the ‘Candy Store’.
How does Patricia Urquiola’s interior design add to the concept?
IGNIV should be a place of joy and creativity, and the interiors reflect that. Each IGNIV is designed by Patricia Urquiola, but with its own enchanting twist, just as every dish has different seasoning.
Each IGNIV has its own art collection, and we find interesting plates, such as heritage porcelain with flowers and birds – matching the concept. It’s one more way to express creativity, like we do with the music, the food and the surroundings.
Why Andermatt?
Andermatt is a place to relax, breathe in the fresh air, enjoy a well-deserved vacation and experience the real art of hospitality. You can enjoy the beautiful ski slopes during the day and come back to Maya with friends or family in the evening, to relax and enjoy spectacular food.
What will IGNIV Andermatt be like?
At every IGNIV the dishes are unique, designed by the Chef. There will be fresh local produce, but an attitude that’s open to the whole world. The only thing you can expect for sure is plenty of surprises! This IGNIV will reflect the people in Andermatt, with a global perspective, cosmopolitan and inventive. Like IGNIV Zürich, we will have a cocktail bar, which will be a popular place to gather for après-ski relaxation.
A conversation with… Šik Miroslav
Exterior architect for Maya
What is Maya’s architectural style?
I would describe Maya as having roots in traditional architecture, but with modern, cool elements. Maya is something special, with a very prominent position in the village and a main focus from the village square, the Piazza Gottardo.
Maya is more than a typical Swiss box, and it’s not even a chalet. We chose a ‘tower house’ design, based on the fortified tower houses of the canton of Uri. This is a unique shape, a bit higher than broad, with gables and a strong façade. Typical Alpine houses are shingle houses, but that would have been too simple for Maya. We developed the idea of abstracted shingles shaped in the concrete surface, a relief creating an interesting play of light in the sunshine.
So you have two balancing aspects, the strong façade and the softness of the shingled silhouette. Traditional shingle houses are burned by the sun into dark brown or black, but this modern building will have a very fine palette inspired by nature. The warm colours of the loggias and the windows will stand out from the cool body of the building.
Many old Alpine houses were built over three or four generations: the ground floor built by the grandfather and father, then next by grandsons, and so on. So, irregularity is typical for this type of residence. This is why we added visual interest to the façade by varying window placement and size.