Suite Talk - The Park Gstaad

Claiming the title of oldest luxury lodging in the Saanenland, The Park Gstaad is anything but dusty. While the 110-year old Jugendstil lift continues to run as reliably as ever, the rooms and facilities reveal a more contemporary rendition of toned-down luxury. While in its heyday, The Park has played host to less low-key guests such as the Aga Khan, Princess Grace of Monaco and Audrey Hepburn, today’s habitués indulge in a more sporty and casual type of sojourn, without having to compromise an inch of efficiency or any type of creature comforts.

Any of the 84 double rooms and 10 suites will keep guests in high spirits, very much in line with Gstaad’s distinguished hospitality standards. The décor honours traditional Alpine interiors, revisited with contemporary accents in light fir wood, sober furnishings and warm fabrics. There is, however, one suite that beats the rest of the lot when it comes to superlatives. Aptly named «My Gstaad Chalet», it is one of the largest suites in the Swiss Alps, spanning across 400 square metres over two floors. A regal penthouse in its own right, it features four bedrooms, each with bold black granite bathrooms, a dining room, a lofty sitting room and a staff kitchen. On the second level, a fully-equipped private spa awaits for the all-important post-slope relaxation time: a private sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, full gym, private hair salon and massage room, all there to ensure guests can enjoy the utmost discretion during their holiday. The star of the show downstairs is a steam fireplace that can be seen from the master bedroom and the living room, creating a truly snug ambience in an almost hypnotic way. While the overall quality of materials and comfort is a given, the devil – as always - is in the detail.

Dimmable lights throughout, generous amenities, thoughtful niceties, and the touch-of-a-button service The Park’s guests love and forever come back to. And if you somehow encounter the impossibility of feeling like leaving this modern Alpine chateau, many surprises await downstairs, not to mention, of course, the picturesque and awe-inspiring beauty of the natural surroundings of the Bernese Oberland panorama.

Words Stefan Hottinger-Behmer