Set between the dramatic peaks of the Bernese Oberland, Gstaad is no ordinary Alpine town—it’s a serene yet stylish haven where storybook chalets and pristine pastures meet Bond-worthy hotels and glamorous happenings. While its snowy season sealed its legendary status, summer in Gstaad remains an insider’s secret—less photographed, more quietly cherished. Think alfresco dinners in blooming gardens, spa rituals surrounded by Alpine vistas, and rowing across emerald-colored lakes. As cities swelter and the Riviera overflows, this high-altitude hideaway quietly emerges as the ultimate summer sanctuary: calm, rejuvenating, and impossibly captivating.
Entrance © The Mansard
Where to stay in Gstaad
The Mansard – A Stylish Newcomer for Modern Tastemakers
Fresh on the scene and already defining the spirit of summer in Gstaad, The Mansard is the alpine jewel in the crown of Miiro—a new lifestyle hotel group curating the most characterful stays in Europe’s most inspiring neighbourhoods. Tucked right on Gstaad’s chic promenade, this 29-room retreat channels an effortlessly cool and modern Alpine aesthetic—think timbered chalet bones reimagined with soft textiles, natural materials, and vintage photographs from the archives of local legend Jacques Naegeli. Many rooms feature private balconies with dramatic views of the Bernese Alps. At the heart of it all is The Mansard Restaurant & Bar, a brasserie-style favourite among guests and stylish locals alike. The menu blends traditional Swiss flavours with bold global influences and a commitment to regional sourcing. Upstairs, Gstaad’s only rooftop bar brings the energy sky-high with cool electronic playlists, panoramic mountain views, and cocktails that hit just right during sunset. After a day of hiking or browsing boutiques, retreat to the hotel’s bijou spa—a wellness cocoon featuring a sauna, hydrotherapy wading pool, and treatment room perfect for some well deserved self-pampering.
The Alpina – A Refined Haven for Wellness Connoisseurs
For those seeking soul-deep rejuvenation, The Alpina is pure slow-luxury perfection. Set above the village in its own secluded sanctuary, this five-star hideaway is surrounded by nature yet deeply in tune with design, art, wellness, and discretion. Its rooms and suites—many with private terraces and sweeping mountain views—are studies in refined Alpine style. Dining is a revelation: the renowned Sommet restaurant, under the direction of award-winning Executive Chef Martin Göschel, offers a bold yet elegant culinary journey that honours local produce. Pair that with fine Japanese fare at Megu and Mediterranean sharing plates at Monti, and you have a gastronomic trilogy worth the trip alone. Wellness seekers will find their sanctuary at the Six Senses Spa, where holistic treatments meet cutting-edge therapies—from biohacking to sound healing, yoga and more.
Le Grand Bellevue – A Playful Hideaway for Bon Vivants
For generations, Le Grand Bellevue has been woven into the story of Gstaad—an icon of Alpine elegance and one of the region’s most vibrant addresses. Today, under the creative direction of owner Daniel Koetser, the hotel balances old-world grandeur with Wes Anderson whimsy. Housed in a striking yellow Belle Époque building right on the promenade, the hotel has been lovingly reimagined as a country house with character—where vibrant colours and quirky patterns vibe lend charm to every corner.Its 57 rooms and suites are individually designed, some with classic chalet cosiness, others with a more contemporary flourish—but all offering sweeping views of the gardens or surrounding mountains. At the heart of the hotel lies the award-winning Le Grand Spa, a 3,000-square-metre wellness sanctuary complete with a 17-zone thermal room, salt grotto, indoor hydrotherapy pool, and outdoor relaxation pool with mountain views.
Leonard’s © Le Grand Bellevue
Best Places to Dine & Sip
Hotel Olden Restaurant
Step into Gstaad’s legendary dining room, where the walls whisper stories of Hollywood royalty and European high society. Since the 1960s, Hotel Olden has been a glamorous meeting place for gourmands. The menu? A celebration of international classics with indulgent Swiss flair—don’t miss the pasta alla vodka or the sweet Toblerone chocolate mousse . It’s old-world charm with a decadent twist.
Monti at The Alpina
Monti is this summer’s ultimate ‘dolce vita’ destination. Expect vibrant dishes like heirloom tomato and stracciatella salad, handmade ravioli stuffed with ricotta and lemon zest, grilled langoustines, and wood-oven pizzas topped with truffle and burrata. Tableside meat and fish carving, a roaming cheese trolley, and live pizza-making nights add a theatrical touch.
Leonard’s
Dining at Leonard’s is like stepping into a Swiss postcard brought to life. Tucked within the manicured gardens of Le Grand Bellevue, its sun-dappled terrace is where lunch lingers into golden hour and every dish feels like a love letter to the season. Under the vision of Chef Francesco de Bartolomeis, the menu dances between Alpine finesse and Mediterranean flair: think red prawn carpaccio from Mazara del Vallo, delicate bottoni alla Milanese filled with braised ossobuco and saffron coulis, or a show-stopping sea bass baked in a salt crust with beurre blanc and garden vegetables.
The Rooftop at The Mansard
Chic, understated, and effortlessly cool, The Mansard’s rooftop is your go-to for sunset drinks and laid-back vibes. Think electro beats, sweeping views of the Palace and alpine peaks, and a menu that dances between Swiss tradition and elevated street food—crispy bao buns, burrata salads, and generous charcuterie boards. It’s the cocktail crowd’s best-kept secret.
Palace Spa © Gstaad Palace
Best Spa Breaks & Outdoor Experiences
Gstaad Palace Spa
A true icon of Swiss grandeur, the Palace Spa fuses the golden age of glamour with today’s high-touch wellness. Inside, rich Art Deco accents—from mirrored walls to sculptural lighting—create a warm, cocooning atmosphere that feels at once timeless and transportive. The 19,000-square-foot spa houses nine treatment rooms, a serene indoor-outdoor pool with jacuzzi jets, steam baths, saunas, and a garden patio with plush seating perfect for post-treatment bites. Outside, the Piscine—an Olympic-sized Riviera-style pool from 1928—is the sun-splashed stage where Gstaad’s local crowd gathers. Add a bespoke massage or a Cellgym oxygen session, and you’ll see why the Palace isn’t just a stay—it’s a whole state of being.
Six Senses Spa at The Alpina
This isn’t just a spa—it’s a sanctuary inspired by the soul of the Alps. Tucked within The Alpina Gstaad, the Six Senses Spa spans over 2,000 square metres of curated calm, complete with 12 treatment rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, multiple saunas and 2 jacuzzis set under a dramatic stone atrium. Wellness here goes far beyond the ordinary. You’ll find Tibetan rituals, oriental mineral therapies, and Ayurvedic retreats, all blended with cutting-edge tech like photobiomodulation, cryotherapy, and HyperMax oxygen. Indulge in a Dr. Burgener anti-aging facial, or dive into the biohacking circuit for a full-body reset. Add in meditation, and nutritional coaching, and you’ve got a spa that’s not only luxurious—it’s life-enhancing.
A Day Trip to Lake Arnensee
Hidden at 1,542 metres above sea level, Lake Arnensee is Gstaad’s postcard-perfect escape. Rent a rowing boat, paddleboard across glassy waters, or take a dip in the crystalline water. For lunch, head to the charming Huus am Arnensee for locally-sourced dishes on the scenic terrace. Nature lovers, this one’s for you: no fuss, no filters, just pure Alpine magic
