Behind the scenes of the Seiler Constantin Collection: when hospitality meets exceptional places

The sun slowly sets over the vineyards of Lavaux. The rows of vines carve the landscape like a natural amphitheater, descending towards Lake Geneva. In the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage site, the distant sound of tools echoes across the hills. Here, above Puidoux, a new project is taking shape: Le Clay, the first hotel of the Seiler Constantin Collection.

“We wanted to create something unique – a collection of intimate hotels rooted in exceptional places, offering a new interpretation of luxury: more personal, more grounded, more timeless,” explains André Seiler, Partner & CEO, descendant of the pioneering family of Alpine hospitality. At his side, entrepreneur Christian Constantin, Partner of the collection, known for his boundless energy, shares the same conviction: “We have known each other for more than 35 years. The idea of creating a hotel collection together grew from this friendship. He brings his family’s heritage in Swiss hospitality, I bring my experience as a builder and a desire to bring major projects to life. The timing was right for us."

As I walk through the still-raw spaces, I stop before a vast bay window framing the lake and the mountains. The future rooftop will rise here, bathed in ever-changing light. Everything, down to the plans pinned to the walls, exudes understated elegance. “Quiet luxury”, explains Seiler, “is beauty you feel — in the materials, the craftsmanship, in the precision of the invisible service. Nothing is ostentatious; everything is subtle.”

This philosophy will shape each of the four hotels planned by 2032: Le Clay in Lavaux, followed by Crans-Montana, Saas-Fee, and Lugano. Each will have its own distinct personality, intimately connected to its surroundings: alpine sports and fondue evenings in Crans-Montana, glacier-side rejuvenation in Saas-Fee, and Mediterranean flair paired with the art of living in Lugano. “What unites us is the idea of a view,” adds Seiler. “Not just the breathtaking panorama of a landscape, but a sense of openness, a breath of fresh air — a new way of experiencing wellbeing.”

The first of the collection, Le Clay embodies this philosophy, defined by three pillars: place, personality, and hospitality.

The place: a cultural landscape shaped over centuries, nestled between lake and mountain. The personality: aesthetics drawn from the mineral textures of Lavaux, the shifting colours of the vineyards, and the golden light of Lake Geneva. The hospitality: precise and warm — “the subtle art of anticipating without imposing,” says Seiler.

At the heart of the experience, the wellness centre "Sync Core" will offer yoga, Pilates, fitness, Hyrox, and swimming, alongside cryotherapy, cold baths, and infrared saunas — a holistic approach combining movement, recovery, and nutrition, always connected to the local terroir. “We want every guest to recharge, physically and mentally,” emphasises Constantin.

But Seiler Constantin goes beyond traditional hospitality. The founders envision living spaces open to all. At Le Clay, there will be a pottery workshop for both adults and children, a rooftop bar blending gastronomy and mixology, and even a slide connecting the library to an intergenerational play area. “We want hotels that surprise and bring people together but also serve as exclusive venues for conferences and professional retreats,” says Seiler.

Swiss art and culture will also have a place here: collaborations with swiss brands, exhibitions showcasing emerging artists, and wine tastings with local vintners. “These are the elements that create lasting memories and make guests want to return,” he adds.

Behind the boutique-hotel concept lies the unmistakably Swiss know-how of hospitality. The Seiler family helped shape Alpine tourism as early as the 19th century.

“With Christian, we continue this heritage while opening new perspectives,” says Seiler. “We uphold the same standards of excellence and service, while introducing a contemporary vision, creativity, and bold architecture — a new chapter in this tradition.”

Constantin, who built his first apartment building in Martigny at the age of 27, shares the same spirit of daring. “Starting from scratch is what excites me most. In projects of this scale, there is no room for mistakes — everything must be built to last.”

Sustainability is at the heart of Le Clay. The hotel will be heated through Puidoux’s district heating system, while electric shuttles and a bike park provide eco-friendly mobility solutions. The restaurant will celebrate local produce, offering healthy gastronomy sourced from Lavaux farms.

A staff residence in Vevey, partnerships with EHL for student internships, and workshops highlighting local craftsmanship are also part of the vision. “Quiet luxury is also responsible luxury,” concludes Seiler. “Hospitality that cares for both places and communities.”

In time, Seiler Constantin will comprise four Swiss addresses. Four singular hotels united by the same DNA: authenticity, bespoke design, heartfelt hospitality, and breathtaking views as their signature. “We want to build a collection on a human scale, not an empire,” emphasises Constantin. “Our ambition is first to become a reference in Switzerland. Later, perhaps, to bring this expertise elsewhere — but one step at a time.”

As I leave the Le Clay construction site, the echoes of hammers fade into the quiet of the vineyards. Before me, the lake glitters. I understand what “Hotels with a View” truly means. It is not merely a panorama but an invitation to disconnect — so that one can reconnect.

Le Clay, the first property of Seiler Constantin, opens in Summer 2026.

The Seiler Constantin Collection will open its first place Le Clay in Summer 2026. Based in Switzerland’s Lavaux vineyards - a UNESCO World Heritage site - Le Clay presents a world of nature-fuelled euphoria where guests benefit from an all-encompassing approach to wellbeing.