Mohamed lighting the candles on one of the terraces of the Miramonti hotel
"The first time I saw snow was in the winter three years ago," recalls Mohamed. He was then 25 years old and had just arrived in Austria from his home in Gambia.
"At first, it seemed strange to me. it's so cold! –laughs–, but now I love the snow”. Since then, Mohammed works for Carmen and Klaus Alber, owners of the **Miramonti Boutique Hotel. **
With bird's-eye views of the medano valley from its privileged hilltop location, its undeniable alpine pedigree, and a dramatic, state-of-the-art spa – arguably the most amazing in the Alps – designed by architects Heike Pohl and Andreas Zaniel, the Miramonti is the hotel to which James Bond would go looking for the warmth of home.
Every day, whether it's snowy or sunny, Mohamed begins his working day preparing the terrace, his favorite area. "These mountains are something from another world," he confesses.
Then he fills the minibars, takes the sheets to the laundry, helps with the luggage, tends to the garden, lights the candles... "And I fix whatever it takes," he sums up with the confidence of someone who knows everything.
But what Mohamed enjoys the most is dealing with guests: “I like helping people and knowing that my work makes their stay even more pleasant”, he assures and he smiles, illuminating with African warmth this valley of the Italian Tyrol.
***** _This report was published in **number 125 of Condé Nast Traveler Magazine (January)**. Subscribe to the printed edition (11 printed issues and a digital version for €24.75, by calling 902 53 55 57 or from our website). The Condé Nast Traveler January issue is available in its digital version to enjoy on your preferred device. _