Come up, slow down. Nestled in Switzerland’s idyllic Bernese Oberland, Gstaad beckons with a promise—a philosophy encapsulated in four simple words that resonate more today than ever before. Here, time seems to move at its own unharried pace, with a postcard setting that encourages you to unwind, savor, and let the mountain scenery work its magic. And when it comes to slowing down, no other destination is quite like The Alpina Gstaad—a beacon of slow luxury in the Swiss Alps, offering a transformative escape where supercharged wellness and culinary indulgence take center stage.
What’s the story?
Set between the dramatic peaks of the Swiss Alps, Gstaad is no ordinary alpine town; it’s a haven of sophistication with world-class events, design hotels, and alpine pursuits that draw in a well-heeled crowd. Governed by strict building codes, the mountain resort has retained its storybook charm with gingerbread-style chalets overlooking flower-filled balconies that frame the iconic promenade. In this idyllic setting, The Alpina Gstaad emerges as a sustainable luxury icon, beckoning discerning travelers prioritizing high-end design and meaningful experiences. Originally opened in 2012 after 15 years of meticulous development, this six-story marvel marked a proud moment in Gstaad’s illustrious history, being the first Swiss establishment to receive the Gold Certificate from EarthCheck for its sustainability initiatives. Today, it remains a beacon of reinvention, offering purposeful experiences that allure visitors year-round.
What’s it like inside?
The journey commences through a winding subterranean tunnel, seeming straight out of a scene from a James Bond film, leading to a presidential entrance that opens into the showpiece lobby. Crafted by the renowned architectural firm Jaggi & Partner AG, the lobby is a visual feast that marries contemporary aesthetics with authentic Swiss charm. The grandeur extends across two levels, featuring a harmonious blend of reclaimed rustic timber, hand-painted ballroom doors, and an eye-catching ceiling adorned with a 350-year-old painting sourced from an Italian farm. The hotel’s 57 rooms, each individually styled, offer a diverse range of options, from deluxe suites to expansive penthouse residences. Conceived by London-based Hirsch Bedner Associates, the interiors epitomize alpine sophistication, seamlessly merging locally-sourced wood and stone accents, antique objects, and modern furnishings for an overall refined ambiance. Opting for a south-facing room, guests can revel in breathtaking vistas across Gstaad, and for those seeking the ultimate in relaxation, the hotel boasts the Sleep Suite—a wellness-focused room where a temperature-regulated bed, air-filtering plants, and purified airflow guarantee an enhanced sleep experience.
Wellness?
Home to a Six Senses Spa, The Alpina Gstaad aligns with the globally recognized Six Senses holistic wellness philosophy, deeply rooted in Asian traditions and dedicated to harmonizing the physical, mental, and emotional dimensions of well-being. The spa serves as a sanctuary from the outside world, complete with indoor and outdoor pools, a variety of saunas and steam rooms, a yoga studio, a gym, and two Jacuzzis situated beneath a gigantic stone-clad atrium, perched 30 floors above the street, providing ample natural light and views onto the skyline. Twelve treatment rooms, each a haven of tranquility, offer a comprehensive range of experiences blending ancient wisdom with modern therapeutic techniques. From anti-aging facials using Dr. Burgener luxury skincare products to Ayurvedic science, oriental rituals with mineral salt therapies, and Tibetan healing retreats, all experiences promise a holistic journey of renewal. And for those seeking the ultimate in tech wellness, the hotel offers Biohacking—an avant-garde offering that leverages 21st-century technologies such as cryotherapy, HyperMax oxygen, and photobiomodulation for a total reset of body and mind.
What’s on the menu?
As enticing as it is to lounge at the spa all day, the hotel’s culinary offerings could be the highlight of your stay in Gstaad. Across three restaurants—Michelin-starred Sommet, as well as Megu and Swiss Stübli—Executive Chef Martin Göschel leads a team committed to reducing food waste, celebrating seasonal ingredients, and supporting local producers. Göschel’s zero-waste food policy is one of the most innovative in the country, featuring cling film-free kitchens and upcycled Pasta and Pizza made from leftover rye bread, served in the hotel’s Offcut Food Truck during the winter. The Michelin-starred Sommet restaurant offers a theatrical homage to Saanenland and the nearby regions, using local produce and ingredients to create explosive dishes full of flavor. Megu promises an authentic culinary journey through Japanese cuisine, with bold flavors and exquisite presentations by Head Chef and Sushi Master Tsutomu Kugota. Designed by Noe Duchaufour Lawrance, the restaurant seamlessly integrates Swiss and Japanese design details, featuring slatted wall panels adorned in kimono fabrics and a sculpted teppanyaki bar with wooden shingles. For those seeking a traditional Swiss experience, Swiss Stübli serves classic dishes such as raclette or fondue against a cozy backdrop of rustic wood paneling and alpine ornaments.