For Eva Leitner, SHL was “the best thing I ever did.” She still fondly remembers the fun moments of student life — like the time a classmate lost his slice of cake, only to find it stuck to a column. There was always laughter at SHL, and she still misses the wine tastings to this day.
After graduating, Eva took on the role of Front Office Manager at Hotel Castell in Zuoz. Later, she completed her training as a communication coach at NeumannZanetti & Partner before returning to the Castell — this time as Assistant Director. Her biggest milestone came when she became Co-Director and helped lead the opening of the new Sunstar Hotel in Pontresina. Today, as Host, she shapes the hotel with her optimistic, energetic and cheerful nature. Her days are full of variety — from breakfast service and team leadership to marketing and admin work — and never boring.
Privately, Eva lives with her two children in Zuoz, her “paradise on earth.” She loves the nature, the high quality of life, and the perfect mix of summer breeze and winter snow. Her favourite way to unwind? A hot bath — every night around 11 p.m. Her fridge is never without milk and Rivella, and when she has time, she enjoys biking through the Grisons.
And SHL? It gave Eva not only knowledge, but also a deep sense of joy for her profession. Today, she brings both to life in Pontresina — with the goal of establishing Sunstar as a thriving, year-round destination in the heart of the Alps.
First SHL day Mid-August 2009
The SHL is The best thing I've ever done :-)
Most beautiful moment The last day of the second semester
I will never forget it! The many funny moments at SHL, e.g. when one of my schoolmates came into the hall with an empty plate and asked me if I had seen his cream slice. He had lost it on the way. It was actually stuck to the pillarJ . Or when Mr Imhof walked into the window front at the "Clöb". Yes... we laughed a lot.
What I miss The wine tastings
As a resident of Pontresina, I Paradise on earth. I love the nature and diversity, the great quality of life, the cool breeze in summer and the snow in winter.
Always in the fridge Milk and Rivella
Relaxing after a busy day Bath (every day at around 11 p.m.)
When I'm not working I'm out and about with my two children or on my bike
Me in three adjectives Optimistic, cheerful and restless
Milestone(s) After training as a reception manager at the Hotel Castell Zuoz, I did further training as a communication trainer at NeumannZanetti & Partner in Meggen, then returned to the Castell as an executive assistant before becoming co-director of the new Sunstar Hotel in Pontresina.
My job in three words Extremely varied, full of surprises, challenging (in a positive sense)
Daily routine Reading handover notes, helping with breakfast and chatting with guests, taking breaks, helping out in the kitchen or with service as needed, looking after employees (listening, supporting, helping), administrative work in the office (including marketing), tour of the hotel, end of the working day, spending the evening with the children, bath :-)
Current projects New collaboration with external marketing company, adapting the menu for winter, recruiting the winter team, ongoing adaptation of internal processes
Still want to achieve A well-occupied hotel throughout the year... in an otherwise seasonal area. I would like us to establish ourselves as a year-round business. Personally, I have achieved everything I want for the moment. As far as I'm concerned, things can continue like this for a few more years.
Favourite Restaurant Bourbaki Lucerne
Favourite Hotel I don't have one. I'm always discovering new ones.
Me as a guest I love good service. And then I'm happy to spend money.
I appreciate Friendly staff, humour, good coffee, a great glass of wine, time with friends, time with family, time for myself
No-go to When I have to say hello first as a guest
This should change That employees are exploited and have to work for minimum wages.
Makes me laugh My children, who always have something funny to say.
This person I admire My mum. She's always positive.
Last holiday destination Tuscany, Castiglione della Pescaia
Dream Holiday Destination Tasmania
Catchy Tune Sloe Gin by Joe Bonamassa
Discovery Crime writer Lucy Foley
I wish I could Beam myself from one place to another