A majestic architectural feat standing proudly over the Gstaad’s glowing town centre, Gstaad Palace is the castle in the clouds that every traveller has dreamed of. Adored by the rich and famous for over 100 years, it is nothing less than a historic haven of sophistication inviting guests to unwind and connect with Swiss culture.

Gorgeous Gstaad

Gstaad has long been the winter break of choice for royals, celebrities and the well to do. Renowned for its prestigious 5-star hotels, opulent fine dining experiences and sumptuous spas, visitors love adopting the town’s motto; ‘come up, slow down’. Outside of its calm ambience, Gstaad is also an energy-filled Eden for adventurous ski and snowboard-lovers. Sitting at 1700m in the Swiss Alps, the unique glacier skiing area in the Bernese Oberland, allows visitors to enjoy 220 kilometres of continuous slopes from the end of October until the beginning of May, with versatile terrain tailored to suit all abilities.

Standing proudly since 1913 with its towering turrets and castellations, Gstaad Palace has always been teeming with elegance. In its first winter season, the hotel offered the next level of opulence through having its own telegrapher and installing central heating, a very rare luxury in the early 20^th Century and as a result, the Gstaad Palace was an instant success.

A vital ingredient to Gstaad’s greatness, Gstaad Palace Hotel put the town on the map in the 1960’s with its sensational gala dinners. After installing the ballroom extension in the spring of 1914, well-heeled travellers began to flock there in search of exquisite gourmet meals. International stars Louis Armstrong and Marlene Dietrich were famously regular guests of the establishment, and word spread like wildfire that Gstaad was the winter wonderland for the wealthy. Up to 350 people still carry on this tradition annually in the “Salle Baccarat” today.

With a rich history of grandeur and opulence, Gstaad Hotels have been striving to keep up with the palace’s prestige for decades.

Entering the impressive hallway, guests are greeted by stylish country décor, traditional wooden beams and soft fur throws. Gstaad Palace proudly retains its refined history while introducing contemporary twists to ensure guests have all the luxuries and modern comforts needed for a relaxed and enjoyable stay.

Rooms With a View

Whether travellers select the spectacular Penthouse Suite, the majestic Tower Suite or one of the individually designed Junior Suites; every bedroom is blessed with an unbeatable panorama of the Swiss Alps.

Guests can savour a relaxed breakfast or golden-hour glass of wine on the sun-kissed terrace with breath-taking mountain views in all three directions. With soft lighting throughout as well as touches of cosy plaid and quilted headboards, the bedrooms at Gstaad Palace create a tranquil ambience enhanced by dashes of the town’s alpine heritage.

Decadent Dining

Whatever a guest’s palette may require; Gstaad Palace’s gourmet restaurants have a dish to satisfy their tastes.

Le Grand Restaurant and La Grande Terrasse is certainly the fanciest of the four; the setting exudes glamour and sophistication and is ideal for a memorable fine dining experience. Specialising in haute cuisine, diners can indulge in contemporary twists on traditional flavours, taking their taste buds on a delectable journey. Guest will enjoy internationally inspired specialities such as Australian lamb chops, locally reared veal, and Scottish salmon. All savoured with a view of the breath-taking Swiss Alps, travellers can appreciate the region’s culture while inhaling the fresh mountain air.

The petite Le Grill features on the veranda of Le Grand Restaurant in a more romantic setting, intensified by flickering candlelight and warm wooden interiors. Featuring an open kitchen, guests watch their meal being prepared before their eyes, making for fascinating evening entertainment. Popular dishes include succulent, locally farmed steak, slow-cooked lamb shank and tuna sashimi.

Gstaad Palace is also home to Gildo’s ristorante; a Michelin-starred establishment offering authentic Italian cuisine prepared with only the finest ingredients. Delicate herbs dangling from the ceiling combined with vintage furniture and candlelight come together to create a nostalgic evening peppered with Italian chic.  In true alpine tradition, it wouldn’t be Swiss without a nod to Italian culture; Gildo’s ristorante transports travellers from the frosty Alps to a charming evening in the heart of Italy.

La Fromagerie is an ode to Swiss culture and celebrates all things cheese. The wooden beams and chequered tablecloths transport you to another era; a simpler and more rustic time. From the legendary champagne and truffle cheese to fondue and raclette, guests can taste a variety of traditional delicacies in the form of fulfilling comfort food. The soft lighting and traditional fireplace create a tranquil ambience ideal for a relaxed evening; La Fromagerie is the perfect place to re-fuel after an energetic day on the slopes.

Pampered at the Palace: The Serene Spa

Those seeking solace outside of the serenity of their suites may settle into and unwind in style at Gstaad Palace’s Spa and Wellness Centre.

Surrounded by the warm glow of the cosy lamps in the cacophony of the crackling open fire, an ambience of tranquillity coats the air and guests feel instantly at ease. With an abundance of treatment rooms as well as saunas and steam baths, visitors can enjoy a variety of treatments and spend endless hours indulging in self-care. The Hammam area is darkened and candlelit, creating a cocoon of comfort as guests slowly soak away their worries.

The pièce de résistance however is certainly the steam baths. Sitting adjacent to the mountainside, guests can feel their muscles soften in the bubbling waters as they gaze at the evergreen trees and watch skiers in the distance. Travellers wishing to get in touch with their inner selves can even take part in guided meditation with Master Kambli. Based at the peaceful Walig Hut visitors can enter a journey of self-discovery while admiring the alpine panorama and views of Gstaad from above.

Patrons of Gstaad Palace also have the unique opportunity to enjoy an authentic experience of Swiss culture. The Gstaad Palace Walig Hut Sits over 1500m above Gstaad and treats guests to a sweeping view of the Saanenland region.  This historic alpine hut was built in 1783 and is bursting with original features, inviting travellers to truly appreciate the region’s humble beginnings. As well as offering the peace and serenity of the Swiss lifestyle, the hut holds a bespoke dinner service featuring a 3-course gourmet menu with local Swiss wine. Catering for two adults and two children, this location makes for a once-in-a-lifetime family holiday away from the bustling town centre.

With luxurious rooms, gourmet restaurants and a serene spa, guests have an array of extravagant areas to suit their every mood, Gstaad Palace has earned its place at the highest echelon of luxury ski hotels in the Alps. Picturesque alpine panoramas accompany visitors as they travel from room to room, adding to the atmosphere of peace and tranquillity. With an exterior that exudes opulence and an interior that welcomes visitors like an old friend, it’s easy to see why Gstaad hotels endeavour to overtake the palace.