If there is a hotel that knows how to keep its guests coming back time and again, that is the Gstaad Palace. Since it first opened its doors in 1913, this is a place that has overcome economic crises, wars and anything else thrown at it, including Covid, thanks to the determination and savoir fair of the Scherz family, who has run it for nearly 90 years. This magical place has been the favourite of the rich and famous from day one. Julie Andrews, Liz Taylor, John F Kennedy, Roger Moore, Madonna and even David Bowie are just a few of the celebrities that have enjoyed the Palace’s hospitality over the decades.
Le Grand Restaurant at the Palace exudes glamour and elegance while spoiling guests with the most delicious haute cuisine in the area.
Christmas Eve is magical at the Palace and this year even more so, as from 11th December 2022, the GoldenPass Express will connect Montreux, Gstaad and Interlaken without change. I strongly recommend you take this train at least once in your life. The panoramic windows offer unparalleled views of the Swiss scenery, taking passengers on an exceptional journey from the Vaud Riviera to the majestic peaks of the Bernese Alps via the Pays-d’Enhaut. Once at the Palace, guests are invited to a champagne toast, followed by a delicious five-course meal at Le Grand Restaurant or Le Grill. After dinner, children can enjoy a movie while the musical entertainment planned by Mr Scherz and his team will keep the adults up till the early hours while waiting for Santa to arrive.
The best ingredients are prepared with the outmost care at the Gstaad Palace restaurants. Prepare your taste buds for an incomparable culinary journey.
New Year’s Eve is another special night here. Under the motto “It’s time for a blast… viva la dolce vita” guests are invited to start the evening with a cocktail reception at The Lobby Bar and GreenGo, followed by a sumptuous dinner in one of the hotel’s restaurants or at the Salle Baccarat, which is always exquisitely decorated for this occasion. And to say good-bye to 2022 and welcome start the New Year, Dora Live Band, JP Verdolini and other artists will make sure you put your dancing shoes to good use. But the eve of Christmas and New Year are not the only nights that will see guests at the Palace partying well into the night. In the 1970s, the GreenGo club became THE place to see stars and royalty from all over the world dancing the night away. This season, the club has a full schedule of glamorous parties planned to help us beat the winter blues.
We could not mention St Valentine’s as it is a date beautifully celebrated by the Gstaad Palace – they are all a bunch of romantics after all – in partnership with Chopard, who rewards the most elegant couple of the evening with an amazing present. There is a gala dinner that starts with an aperitif at 7.30pm. After dessert and coffee is served, Chopard will announce the winning couple. For her, the charismatic jewellery house has chosen a delicate necklace from its new My Happy Hearts Collection, made of Ethical Rose Gold with precious carnelian in its centre. For him, there is a pair of stainless-steel cufflinks decorated with red lacquer and black rubber, inspired by the 1960s Dunlop tyres, evoking Chopard’s passion for motor sports.
Ski lovers will be able to test their ability descending The Black Wall, the new black run at Glacier 3000.
The Palace is the ideal base from which explore everything Gstaad has to offer to visitors. Ski fanatics will be delighted to read that there is a brand new run (The Black Wall) at Glacier 3000, already categorised as one of the steepest slopes in the world. If I am honest, one of the reasons why I enjoy so much skiing is because afterwards, I feel totally entitled to spend hours in the spa … same if I have been dancing until the early hours. Spanning 1,800m2, the spa has different spaces in which to unwind and relax. There is a wide range of treatments that can be tailored to individual needs. The same with fitness programmes. From gentle aquafit workouts in their fully renovated indoor pool to personal training, the team at the Palace Spa, led by Manager Estelle Gomes is there to help you achieve your well-being goals during your stay. Oh! A little bird has told me that their outdoors jacuzzi has doubled in size. Can’t wait.
Spanning over 1,800m2, the Spa at the Palace offers a multitude of spaces – both outdoors and indoors – where to relax and unwind.
Music lovers have plenty to enjoy here. From the 26th of December to the 9th of January, the 17th Gstaad New Year Music Festival will take place under the patronage of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco; and from the 27th of January to the 4th of February the Alpine resort will host the 23rd edition of the Sommets Musicaux de Gstaad, which celebrates classical music. The art scene is also at its best this season in the Saanenland region. The international gallery Hauser & Wirth is bringing an exciting programme of exhibitions and outdoor presentations. In partnership with the Palace, the gallery is presenting two major sculptures by the renowned Johannesburg-based artist William Kentridge in its gardens. The sculptures are complemented by a solo exhibition of the artist at space Tarmak22 in Gstaad, presenting works by Kentridge from the past four years, including the six-metre-wide triptych Weigh All Tears (2021).
All 90 suites and rooms at the Palace are individually furnished in a chic, alpine style. They offer highest standards in comfort and fantastic views of the mountain panorama overlooking the Saanenland.
This is just a glimpse of what is happening at the Gstaad Palace hotel and around it this winter but there is so much more! Gastronomy events, art exhibitions, classic car auctions… Why not contact the team at the Palace and find out more? You can phone them on +41 33 748 50 00, email guestrelations@palace.ch or visit their website www.palace.ch
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