Gstaad - The Art of Summering

Image below | Elena Steness

Glamour & Grace in Gstaad

Stories of Luxury and Tradition

A four-part documentary, Inside Gstaad Palace, by Swiss Television (2025) is set to become another milestone in the dazzling, century-long history of this uniquely glamorous luxury hotel. This time, the spotlight is not on high society. Instead, the true stars are the employees who offer a deeply personal and compelling glimpse into their daily lives behind the scenes and the pride they take in their profession.

‘We’re very happy with it,’ says owner and hotel director Andrea Scherz. ‘The reactions have been consistently positive, even if there are passages that might seem critical to outsiders. It is authentic and transparent, and we’re completely comfortable with that.’ What’s remarkable is that nothing was scripted. For the individual portraits, where staff stood alone in front of the camera, the director gave them carte blanche. There can hardly be a greater sign of trust.

From the very first moment of our arrival, we too feel as though we’ve stepped into a film. Just the sight of the iconic building with its distinctive turrets feels magical. Guest relations manager Barbara Branco welcomes us with a warmth that instantly makes us feel truly special. It’s striking how little it takes to create a genuine connection with guests and how valuable that gift is.

 The Gstaad Palace, with its distinctive turrets, is one of the most iconic luxury hotels in the Swiss Alps. (Image | Elena Steness)

Gstaad Palace

And our stay continues just like that. In less than 24 hours, we feel as connected to everyone as if we were long-time regulars: with Gianfranco in the dining room, chef Giuseppe at Le Grill, or with concierge Etienne, who effortlessly juggles looking after one guest’s dog, greeting another’s young daughter with a heartfelt hug, and even taking an interest in my latest Instagram Story.

We stay in a tower suite, complete with a bathtub set in a bay window offering a spectacular view. Every detail in the room is just right. Even the high-quality slippers feel as though they were tailor-made.

In the evening, you simply marvel at the unmistakable palace atmosphere. Whether it is at the stylish bar with live music or in one of the elegant restaurants with impeccable service à l’ancienne, anything you choose will be delightful. To savour everything fully, you can begin by choosing classic dishes such as a whole turbot or perfectly flambéed crêpes Suzette prepared to perfection tableside.

A timeless dolce vita grandeur lingers everywhere: in the spa area with its legendary bar from the film The Pink Panther, where Inspector Clouseau famously fell into the pool; in the iconic Green Go Club with its original Teo Jakob interior from 1971; or during the day at the large outdoor pool, where one almost feels as though transported to the Côte d’Azur despite being under the sun of the Swiss Alps.

It’s no wonder Michael Jackson once wanted to purchase this fairytale castle. Thankfully, the owning family declined. One might imagine their unspoken motto is: We are the world.

A study in detail – from the hand-carved timbers of the lobby to the convivial interiors of Monti, the hotelʼs Italian-inspired sharing restaurant.

The Alpina Gstaad

Rare Retreat Moments

What a return to this exceptional hideaway. The underground driveway is as striking as a scene from a James Bond film. The grand lobby, with its artfully arranged sea of flowers, contemporary art, and noble materials, sets the tone. Everything at The Alpina Gstaad forms a harmonious blend of refined design, warm comfort, intimacy, and tradition.

We’re already looking forward to the evening at Megu. Our last visit was a few years ago, yet still unforgettable. This Japanese restaurant is considered one of the finest in Switzerland. To our delight, the charming Andrea Piras is still the restaurant manager, and his passion for Japanese culinary culture is inspiring. Be sure to try his sake pairing—ideally alongside the omakase menu, a magnificent selection of perfectly prepared dishes crafted from exquisite ingredients personally chosen by the chef.

The service team is remarkably well dressed in Japanese-inspired yet casual attire. Furthermore, they are exceptionally friendly. As Andrea Piras puts it: ‘Our guests are the most important thing, of course. But we place special focus on ensuring our staff feel comfortable as well. They make the difference. I always say: treat your guests like an uncle visiting from abroad; with respect but familiarity.’

Head chef and sushi master Tsutomu Kugota has been here since the opening. Watching him work with such precision is pure fascination. His wife Yuki also cooks, delighting guests early in the morning with what might be the best dumplings imaginable. And breakfast is second to none: homemade sourdough bread, croissants, pain au chocolat, an abundant buffet, and an atmosphere that feels less like a hotel and more like staying with close friends in a luxurious chalet.

A day at The Alpina Gstaad is meant to be savoured. Take your time in the spacious foyer with a fireplace and balcony, on the terrace by the outdoor pool, in the cigar lounge, the Japanese whisky bar, or the expansive wellness oasis – ideally with a deep tissue massage at the Six Senses Spa.

But today is perfect for a romantic carriage ride. Boarding beneath the impressive Alpina portico feels ceremonious. The dedicated concierge team at The Alpina Gstaad takes pride in curating truly extraordinary experiences for its guests, including tailor-made adventures in and around Gstaad.

With the sun warming our faces, we gently mosey down toward Gstaad. The carriage saunters along the elegant promenade lined with luxury boutiques – something like the Via Monte Napoleone of the Bernese Oberland. Soon, we leave the sophisticated bustle behind and follow the turquoise Saane River. Crisp mountain air refreshes us, the scenery calms the mind. The river is both a source of energy and a place of calm – offering peaceful barbecue spots, natural escapes, or adventures like rafting and canoeing.

In Saanen, we admire the beautifully preserved historic village centre with its stunning chalets. Our coachman, a fourth-generation carpenter, shares fascinating insights into traditional construction methods and the unique character of aged wood façades, still functional examples of regional craftsmanship.

Back at The Alpina Gstaad, it becomes even clearer what defines the hotel’s charm: a deep respect for local tradition, seamlessly woven into grand, understated luxury.

Le Grand Bellevue combines historic charm with contemporary luxury in the heart of Gstaad.

Le Grand Bellevue

Easy Luxury Moments

Right in the heart of the village, just a few steps from the promenade and the Roy Emerson Arena, Le Grand Bellevue feels like stepping into a world of its own. Set within a vast park dotted with centuries-old trees, the hotel resonates with sincerity. This is less about grand staging and more about genuine atmosphere. Less theatre, more living room. From the very first moment, it’s clear to us: true luxury isn’t ostentatious; it’s effortless.

Reception and check-in flow seamlessly, warm, and unpretentious. With a cup of hot, homemade drinking chocolate in hand, the stay begins almost casually, exactly as it should.

We settle into a spacious tower suite, where a sweeping semi-circular sofa instantly becomes our favourite spot. The interiors are tasteful, playful, and rich in detail. Nothing feels overdone; everything falls perfectly into place. There is a quiet sense of understatement that lingers – more refined country house than classic grand hotel.

We swim a few laps in the indoor pool. And yes, this is a pool made for swimming, not just decoration. Then the spa: warmth, stillness, retreat. The wellness area is generously designed, thoughtful, and inviting enough to linger with sauna, steam bath, and quiet corners to completely unwind. In the beautifully cosy lounge, you can sink into armchairs or hanging chairs with a good book, or enjoy a perfectly served afternoon tea.

A mild evening is best spent in the enchanting Garden Lounge before heading to dinner at Leonard’s. From the moment you step inside, there’s an irresistible atmosphere. Dimmed lights, small lamps on the tables, a subtle hum in the air. Almost like being in a Martin Scorsese film, with that feeling of being part of something bigger than yourself. The semi-circular booths are the true highlight, offering a view of everything. I love that – observing, being immersed, yet remaining entirely in your own world. Cosy, vibrant, perfectly composed.

Crystal-clear Alpine lakes and pristine nature are among the region’s most captivating treasures. (Image | Elena Steness)

The Italian waiters add their own charm: charismatic and always ready with a light remark. The menu is international with an Italian-Mediterranean focus: full of flavour and authentic.

We manage to secure the last bottle of Trebbiano d’Abruzzo from Emidio Pepe from the fascinating wine cellar, which holds over 10,000 bottles. The vibrant freshness and structure of this beautifully aged white wine delight us just as much as our sommelier, whose enthusiasm is truly contagious.

For a drink or cocktail, we move to the Art Deco-style bar with live piano music. Enjoy pure living-room vibes as you stay and lose track of time. Downstairs, the stylish club and cigar lounge beckon with an eccentric touch: floral, dark, inviting, and infused with a mysterious vintage glamour. A place that will linger in your memories.

And then, an unexpected detail: Le Grand Bellevue has its own private cinema. Bookable for exclusive screenings, complete with a culinary concept tailored to the film, it can be sushi, burgers, Italian, or whatever you desire. A little playful, perhaps a bit extravagant, and precisely what makes it so special.

Back in the room, everything becomes still. And that’s when you realise what truly defines Le Grand Bellevue. Here you find that rare balance where luxury is simultaneously unpretentious, relaxed, and completely natural. A place that doesn’t try to impress – and that’s exactly why it stays with you.

Reto Moser, general manager of the upcoming Four Seasons Hotel The Park Gstaad.

The Park Gstaad, A Four Seasons Hotel

Pack your bags and contain your anticipation, Gstaad is about to welcome a new icon. This winter, the legendary Park Gstaad re-emerges as a Four Seasons, where tradition and heritage converge with a bold new vision of alpine luxury. Think timeless architecture, reimagined with contemporary elegance, deeply personal service, and a sense of place that feels both lofty and effortlessly authentic. More than a reopening, it’s the return of a grand hotel, ready to set a new benchmark in the Swiss Alps.

We spoke to General - Manager Reto Moser

What will make The Park Gstaad different from every other luxury hotel in the Alps?
We’re excited to have the unique opportunity to enter such an exclusive market with an exceptional and historic landmark. By preserving the property’s heritage and elevating it with the excellent service standards that are uniquely Four Seasons, the hotel will stand apart as a new benchmark for luxury in the Alps. Following renovations, the property will become Gstaad’s first luxury hotel of its kind, offering a reimagined experience with 75 rooms and suites, including a collection of penthouse residences. Guests will also enjoy exceptional culinary offerings across seven restaurants and bars, a luxurious spa, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and Kids For All Seasons facilities. The Park Gstaad will emerge as a Four Seasons Hotel, where heritage, modernity, and service excellence come together to create a truly unique and memorable Alpine experience.

How do you define luxury in 2026, and how will guests experience it here?
At Four Seasons Hotel, luxury is defined by sincerity, empathy, and unscripted acts of care delivered by our staff. It’s about understanding each individual guest’s needs and making every stay feel authentically Four Seasons. From beautifully renovated rooms overlooking the Swiss Alps to superior culinary offerings ranging from a modern live fire grill to Japanese Omakase and Swiss classics. Every detail has been thoughtfully designed to enhance the guest experience. Guests can also enjoy our Alpine Lounge and Alpine Concierge, which offers a wide range of winter and summer activities including hiking, mountain biking, horse carriage rides, paragliding, and river rafting in the summer, as well as dog sledding, horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowshoeing, and winter hiking during the colder months. We look forward to opening our doors and sharing the genuine warmth of Alpine hospitality, making every guest feel completely at home.

Are there any services or experiences at The Park Gstaad that guests won’t find anywhere else?
What will make each visit truly unique and memorable is how the hotel blends a rich legacy with modern elegance, a balance guests will experience throughout the entire property. At our impressive recreational centre, guests can also unwind in a luxurious spa featuring a thermal circuit and six bespoke treatment rooms, including two dedicated exclusively to Clinique La Prairie. We also offer guests access to specialised longevity hubs that combine advanced wellness science with restorative, luxury-focused therapies. Together, these experiences give guests the opportunity to enjoy adventure, relaxation, and complete rejuvenation all within one destination.

How are the needs of luxury travellers changing, and how is The Park Gstaad responding?
Luxury travellers today are looking for experiences that feel personal, meaningful, and connected to a locality. Travellers seek a balance of wellness, adventure, comfort, and authentic moments that make a trip truly memorable. And we’ll meet these expectations by focusing on highly individualised service, ensuring every stay reflects each guest’s preferences and pace. Whether it’s our wellness offerings, tailored activities and experiences, diverse culinary offerings, or the warmth of Alpine hospitality, we create a stay that feels seamless, effortless, and unforgettable.