HOTELS, SWISS ESCAPES, TRAVEL, WHAT'S ON

Le Grand Bellevue: A luxury alpine oasis with a design twist

March 5, 2021

Set between the lush rolling hills and alpine peaks of the Bernese Oberland, and just steps away from the chalet-lined streets of Gstaad, Le Grand Bellevue is something out of a modern fairytale; featuring a delightful mix of Belle époque grandeur and stylish, eclectic design that sets it apart from the rest. Whether you’re there for some well-deserved relaxation in their sprawling subterranean spa, or want to hideaway and indulge in irresistible cuisine — whatever you’re looking for, Le Grand Bellevue has you covered.

What’s the story?

Originally built in 1912, Le Grand Bellevue is Gstaad’s oldest palace hotel with a prime location in the historic town centre. But it’s far from your traditional alpine resort. Following a year-long revamp by visionary owners Davia and David Koetser, the alpine gem reopened with a striking new style. The designers cleverly reinvented the hotel, modernising its interior with youthful colors and eclectic, art-deco finishings, while conserving its old-world charm. Nestled in its own pristine parkland with well-kept trees and hedges, Le Grand Bellevue offers a wonderful sense of privacy — yet being only a minutes’ walk from Gstaad’s buzzing promenade, with ski stations just 5 minutes away by car, the hotel is a luxury traveller’s dream.

What’s it like inside?

Together with Atelier Zürich, the Koetsers stripped the hotel of its formal style, blending bold colours and quirky prints with elegant furniture, to create a playful yet sophisticated space. The lounge is one of the highlights of the building, with House of Hackney wallpaper, rich velvet sofas, swinging birdcage seats and boudoir fringed chairs that validate the hotel’s design status. Opposite the lounge, one finds the art-deco inspired restaurant and bar Leonard’s, where pineapple light fixtures and retro banquettes are mixed with refined corner booths and pretty flower displays. Everywhere you turn there’s another room adorned with art pieces and high-quality furniture, and its easy to see why design lovers stay here.

Lobby lounge © ElevatedLiving

Lounge © Le Grand Bellevue

What can we expect from the rooms?

The hotel’s 57 rooms range from a 32 square metre hideaway to a grand 180 square metre suite, each individually styled in a neutral colour palette with soft tones of brown and beige. Surprisingly different to the hotel’s public spaces, all rooms are elegantly furnished with pine-wood floors, classic leather chairs and lush upholsters headboards with stylish prints. The best among the suites bring the outside in, with spacious living rooms and wide windows that provide magical views of Gstaad and the snow-dusted mountains beyond.

How about the restaurants?

Leonard’s restaurant will take you back to 1920s high society, with its panelled columns and velvet booths, complemented by brass wall lights and fringed lamps. With talented chef Francesco de Bartolomeis at the helm, diners can expect elegant international dishes like our favourite salmon, yellowfin tuna and avocado tartar or the irresistible black truffle risotto. The Bar serves a wide variety of expertly crafted cocktails and delicious gourmet snacks, whilst further indulgence awaits in the hotel’s charming log chalet, where guests can indulge in Swiss specialities such as fondue and raclette — and the meringue with Gruyère double cream, of course.

Leonard’s Restaurant (1), The Bar (2), Le Grand Spa (3) © Le Grand Bellevue

What’s the spa like?

It is hard to match Le Grand Spa experience. The 3,000 square metre subterranean spa— which reopened in 2013 after an extensive year-long renovation—is a sanctuary of wellness offering five-star luxury at every turn. The spa area is one of the largest in central Switzerland, offering 17 heat therapy experiences, including an authentic Turkish Hammam, Infra-Red sauna, an outdoor Finnish sauna and our personal favourite: the Himalayan salt inhalation grotto. And it doesn’t stop there. With a fully equipped gym and yoga studio, a large indoor pool, 2 jacuzzis and a relaxation area designed in the most contemporary way— there are all the tools you need to rejuvenate body, mind and spirit. Couples alert: the resort also offers a sleek Alpine Spa Suite, featuring a Rasul steam room, hydro-massage bath and two side-by-side treatment beds, perfect for a relaxing massage.

Any activities?

Over the winter months, there is, of course, the stunning nearby slopes for endless skiing and during the summer season, the famed hiking paths offering unparalleled alpine views. Whatever the time of year, there are plenty of fulfilling experiences to enjoy, but besides the latter, Le Grand Bellevue offers a handful of off-piste activities — and we are not just talking about the après-ski. The hotel boasts a luxurious 20-seat private cinema with a tailored food menu, a chic cocktail and cigar lounge-turned-nightclub Bouquet and a traditional afternoon tea featuring delectable finger sandwiches, delicate scones and miniature pastries — all of which are accompanied with a grand selection of Newby teas and champagne too.

Exclusive Offer

Click below to use our promo code and access the special Winter Escape offer at Le Grand Bellevue; including a wonderful complimentary night at the hotel.