we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links the upscale resort town in the Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps becomes increasingly dominated by designer boutiques critics contend that its elemental spirit has been buried beneath the alchemy of modern development over the years Travelers seeking a more down-to-earth experience—that still captures the sensibility of this singular region in the Alps—will find the nearby village of Saanen a delightful alternative Just a five-minute drive from its glitzy neighbor this historic chalet village offers a more intimate refuge allowing visitors to savor the region’s timeless charms without any pretentious frills the fairytale village of Saanen appears frozen in time yet its dynamic appeal lies in its subtlety Beneath Saanen’s old-fashioned exterior lies a crop of memorable meals as well as direct access to the slopes—all centered around the protected heritage site of its historic cobblestone village making it exactly the kind of place locals like to keep to themselves Mauritius Church Saanen in the heart of the village in June 2023 in the nearby town of Rougemont as a gateway for travelers to discover the magic of these lesser-known villages in the Gstaad valley—each located a short drive from each other and connected via the scenic golden pass train (the lucky ones can even book the vintage Belle Epoque train for enhanced cinematic effect) “What makes these villages so unique is their authentic chalet architecture which you can only find here,” Schoellgen says of the traditional wood houses with gable roofs a hallmark of the region which is considered the most genuinely rural and arguably the most beautiful in all of Switzerland While Rougemont is the only officially French-speaking village (the others are German-speaking) giving the region international appeal that has long drawn discerning visitors from around the world Schoellgen purchased the historic Chalet Saanen “Saanen is the heart of it all,” he explains but also because you will find everything you need here and fantastic restaurants.” The 250-year-old chalet once home to the renowned British-American violinist Yehudi Menuhin is a place with deep ties to the region’s history inspired the creation of the celebrated Gstaad Menuhin Festival After a nine-month renovation, Schoellgen opened Chalet Saanen for both short and long-term stays in December 2024 While both of his properties are inspired by local mountain architecture and the Alpine culture of the 1960s and 1970s—and are decorated with a collection of Swiss and French antique finds from his personal collection—they’re also intended to be reflective of their specific location which is a larger mountain lodge located on a big secluded piece of land Chalet Saanen is more aligned with the authentic and traditional “Saanenland” chalet style with the typical low ceilings and old wood “What I loved during my first visit were the many original features such as the original hand-painted doors and wardrobes which we preserved during renovations,” he notes which has already become a landmark stay in Rougemont since its opening last spring Chalet Saanen has similarly begun attracting a new wave of design enthusiasts to Saanan Perched atop a hill with views overlooking the iconic St the location offers an idyllic setting where guests are just a five-minute stroll down a scenic path to the vibrant village A hand-painted door in a bedroom at Chalet Saanen Open fireplaces and cozy seating areas at Chalet Saanen While the most popular accommodations in Saanen are private chalets have a handful of low-key but reliable options for travelers who prefer to stay at a hotel travelers should look to Gstaad for its iconic stays like Gstaad Palace and Le Grand Bellevue.) Perched above the village of Saanen the four-star HUUS Gstaad Hotel’s living room-style lobby and cozy chalet-style rooms and suites maintain a relaxed ambiance though the hotel itself is the most resort-like in town with first-rate hospitality the abundant charms and warm staff at Hotel Spitzhorn surely surpass its three-star rating Rooms combine rustic charms with modern comforts in a way that elevates the guest experience—a seamless integration that’s carried through to its small spa and restaurant Although there are currently no five-star hotels in the village of Saanen the five-star Alpina Gstaad has confirmed that its second location is slated to open in Saanen—a move likely to inspire further hospitality development in the area credited by Michelin as Bib Gourmand for an experience and culinary offering that is both high quality and good value guests can enjoy its barbeque specialities in a casual rustic room wian th artful sensibility as contemporary works by Hebert Buchs hang on the walls diners can choose from a fresh selection of baked goods Pizza and wine at Cherry’s Bistro in Saanen village an impressive exhibition space founded in 2019 by Tatiana de Pahlen and Antonia Crespí Tarmak22 hosts exhibitions in partnership with international galleries while curating its own shows in the summer Saanen is optimally located at the center of the Gstaad/Saanen/Rougemont ski resort which connects various mountains in the area from its own at Eggli/La Videmanette and has thus made winter sports the area’s top attraction—from downhill skiing The neighboring village of Château-d’Œx has also become famous for its Festival International de Ballons an event that has taken place at the end of January for the past 40 years The vibrant festival occurs over the span of nine days Hot air balloons rising above Château-d’Œx during the annual festival While Glacier 3000 located 20 minutes from Saanen offers spring skiing until May, the village of Saanen stays open year-round and has become an especially buzzy summer destination—which is especially apropos as the rising temps of climate change are pushing travelers towards cooler summer destinations “Most people consider this region only in winter but it has far more to offer during the summer and the fall,” explains Schoellgen “From annual events such as music festivals and world-class tennis tournaments and outdoor activities like hiking and swimming in the turquoise lakes [like the famous Arnensee Lake] the region’s hotels and restaurants have been extending their season to almost year-round.” What are you waiting for The Danish Home Lighting Trend That Can Improve Your Mental Health In America’s Cities, Saunas Are Becoming the Hottest Social Spot Millie Bobby Brown Shares Her Favorite Paella Recipe—and Details About Her Wedding to Jake Bongiovi A Day-by-Day Guide to Hiking the Legendary Nakasendo Trail in Japan Never miss a Vogue moment and get unlimited digital access for just $2 $1 per month with newly announced talent joining the lineup UK singer-songwriter and producer Griff will headline the evening with a live performance Presenters include actors Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen who will celebrate Lauren Halsey.Savannah James and Kathleen and Chip Rosenbloom will serve as the evening’s co-chairs.The Gala in the Garden honors artists and innovators who have made significant contributions to society through their work It is the Hammer’s largest annual fundraising event and supports the museum’s exhibitions and public programming.Current exhibitions on view include Head for the Hills Selections from the Hammer Contemporary Collection and Grunwald Center for the Graphic Arts<\/em>; Performance on Paper<\/em>; and three Hammer Projects featuring Colectivo Cherani and Renata Petersen.This year marks a new chapter for the newly-expanded Hammer with the recent appointment of Zoë Ryan as director<\/a> following the retirement of longtime leader Ann Philbin earlier this year.The Hammer Museum at UCLA is a free public arts institution in Los Angeles known for its contemporary art exhibitions and and focus on cultural dialogue It houses more than 50,000 works in its collections and hosts nearly 300 public programs each year and performances. More information about the gala is available at hammer.ucla.edu<\/a>.<\/p><\/iframe>\" tml-embed-width=\"100%\" tml-embed-height=\"320\" tml-render-layout=\"inline\"><\/div>","metaDescription":"At the Hammer Museum's 20th Gala in the Garden Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen will honor Jane Fonda Thelma Golden will celebrate Lauren Halsey and U.K.-based singer Griff will take the stage","monetizationState":{"value":"monetizable"},"primarySiteId":"cs02bdd970600026c0","siteName":"L.A the trio of half-built towers next to Crypto.com Arena appears to be making a digital cameo in the upcoming Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4<\/em> According to Time Out<\/a> in a newly released video promoting the game’s Los Angeles level a graffiti-covered high-rise looms in the background.The real Oceanwide Plaza was supposed to be<\/a> a $1 billion luxury complex with condos Construction started in 2015 but stalled in 2019 after the Chinese developer ran out of funding the towers have sat unfinished<\/p>The towers gained national attention<\/a> in 2023 when about 27 floors were tagged with graffiti While city officials initially promised to remove the tags the graffiti remains more than a year later turning Oceanwide into an accidental monument.In the game the towers appear as part of a larger digital homage to L.A. which also includes a recreation Miracle Mile's El Rey Theatre<\/a>.Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4<\/em> will be previewed during a livestream<\/a> event hosted at the El Rey on May 8 The invite-only THPS Fest will feature performances by Danny Brown and Urethane. Whether Oceanwide Plaza will be cleaned up demolished or left untouched by the time the 2028 Olympics arrive in Los Angeles remains to be seen part of the Tony Hawk universe. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4<\/em> releases July 11 across a variety of video game platforms Nintendo Switch and Steam.<\/p><\/iframe>\" tml-embed-width=\"100%\" tml-embed-height=\"320\" tml-render-layout=\"inline\" tml-embed-viewport-heights=\"{"A":320,"B":320}\"><\/div>","metaDescription":"Downtown L.A.’s stalled Oceanwide Plaza towers Angeleno restaurateur and fashion icon Patti Rockenwager,<\/a> who is part of the prestigious Otis Atelier Host Committee that organizes the annual fashion show and dinner party The event raises money for first-generation college students at Otis where a staggering 30% of students are the first in their families to attend a four-year college or university.This year Florida native Madison Bigger was the recipient of the Mandy Einstein Fashion Scholarship which recognized \"her boundary-pushing designs and passion for sustainability,\" according to the Host Committee who added that Bigger embodied the creativity that the award honored. <\/p>\"Mandy Einstein believed in the power of creativity and resilience to shape the future of fashion Madison embodies that spirit,” says Jill Zeleznik Chair of the Fashion Design program at Otis “We look forward to witnessing her positive impact on the fashion industry and the world.”There's year's extravaganza saw nearly 200 guests like Sharon Stone and others who mingled among the well-heeled throngs to take in the work of Fashion Design students. <\/a>The students work alongside industry giants who participated in the 2025 Fashion Design Mentors<\/a> program at Otis, which included AGOLDE and others.<\/p><\/iframe>\" tml-embed-width=\"100%\" tml-embed-height=\"320\" tml-render-layout=\"inline\" tml-embed-viewport-heights=\"{"A":320,"B":320}\"><\/div>","metaDescription":"Otis College of Art & Design honored student innovators at its fourth annual Atelier benefit in Beverly Hills awarding scholarships and showcasing future fashion stars alongside A-list designers and celebrities featured A-list designers and Otis College standouts who earned scholarships for innovation in Fashion Design","monetizationState":{"value":"monetizable"},"primarySiteId":"cs02bdd970600026c0","siteName":"L.A whose body was found in a snowbank on a fellow cop's front lawn has made national headlines ","isReadonlyContent":false,"title":"Karen Read and her lead attorney Alan Jackson arrive at court","defaultCaption":"The retrial of Karen Read on murder charges connected to the death of her boyfriend Will Chloe the German Shepherd take center stage?","primarySectionIds":["ci02bddb88f00c26c0"],"editedByPrincipalId":"up02f5defc8000241e","isSyndicatedToGoogleAmp":true,"madeWith":["ci02bddb88f00c26c0","ci02f9c16260002724","ci02f0afbdb00027e8","ci02f9c1ce40002724","ci02bddbee400026c0","ci02f9c17e10002724","ci02bddb89a01c26c2"],"ownerId":"up02c5196b3000277b","bodyTml":"<\/div>The hotly contested Massachusetts trial of Karen Read who is charged with killing her Boston cop boyfriend John O'Keefe during a drunken night in 2022 will resume Monday morning with decidedly less emotion than the first two weeks of the trial. After a battering three days on the stand during which Jen McCabe who under cross-examination by Los Angeles defense attorney Alan Jackson admitted that she misled FBI agents<\/a> who showed up at her Canton home on Boston's South Shore by lying about who she was and withholding details about who she called after they had identified themselves the trial is slated to resume with expert witnesses connected to the evidence.  McCabe's testimony led Read a former adjunct professor at Bentley College to leave the courtroom on Friday and tell reporters that her former friend who she had called on the morning of O'Keefe's death when he didn't come home was the \"quarterback\" in the cover-up that she maintains led to her arrest owned the house where O'Keefe's body was found and McCabe said she didn't wake the couple for help.She also initially failed to tell the FBI that she called Albert who was also with McCabe and Read when O'Keefe was found a witness advocate in the Norfolk County District Attorney's office - who is trying the case - and her husband in the span of ten minutes after the agents showed up at her home Lying to the FBI carries a five-year prison sentence.  McCabe's insistence that Read had repeatedly said \"I hit him I hit him,\" after the body of O'Keefe was found covered in snow during on Jan was inconsistent with previous statements the self-described \"normal mom\" had made in the aftermath of the Boston Police Officer's death. Read herself remarked in an interview with Dateline NBC<\/em> \"Could I have hit him?,\" a clip of which was played for the jurors by special prosecutor Hank Brennan a Boston defense attorney hired by the Norfolk County D.A Brennan's client list included notorious Boston mobster and longtime FBI informant James \"Whitey\" Bulger,<\/a> who was captured at a Santa Monica hideout<\/a> after more than a decade on the lam. <\/p><\/div>Read O'Keefe and others had gone to the Albert's home after a night of drinking at two bars in Canton and her lawyers insist that O'Keefe died somewhere \"warm\" and was brought outside to die in the cold Among the controversial evidence is a Google search made by McCabe \"hos long to die in the cold,\" which a defense expert said was made at 2:27 am and prosecutors maintain was made at Read's insistence in the chaotic aftermath of O'Keefe's body being found. McCabe also testified about the Albert family's German Shepherd who was rehomed after O'Keefe was found dead Read's lawyers plan to present evidence that O'Keefe suffered injuries consistent with a dog attack which prosecutors have countered in what became a duel between experts in Read's first trial which ended in a hung jury last year. When O'Keefe's body was found she didn't wake her first responder brother-in-law she later went into the unlocked home and into her sister's bedroom was not good with strangers. Chloe’s former owner testified at Karen Read’s trial in 2024 that the German Shepherd now lives on a farm in Vermont.   <\/p><\/iframe>\" tml-embed-width=\"100%\" tml-embed-height=\"320\" tml-render-layout=\"inline\" tml-embed-viewport-heights=\"{"A":320,"B":320}\"><\/div>","metaDescription":"As the Karen Read trial resumes Monday her defense team plans to present evidence that Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe may have been attacked by a German Shepherd named Chloe before his death lawyers say Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe showed injuries consistent with a dog attack and plan to present a case against Chloe Will Chloe the German Shepherd take center stage?","amazonNcaDisabled":false,"commentsEnabled":true,"objectType":"ContentArticle","__externalEmbedProviders":["iframe"],"tmlEmbeds":[{"altText":"The retrial of Karen Read on murder charges connected to the death of her boyfriend His girlfriend Karen Read's retrial is underway in connection with his death in Massachusetts ","isReadonlyContent":false,"title":"BPD OKeefe ","defaultCaption":"Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe was found dead in a snowbank on Jan.29 a German Shepherd who was re-homed by the owner's of the house where the cop's body was found in a snowbank","monetizationState":{"value":"monetizable"},"primarySiteId":"cs02bdd970600026c0","siteName":"L.A and environmental policies that have sparked national debate.","isReadonlyContent":false,"title":"Donald Trump","defaultCaption":"Donald Trump showcases newly signed executive orders in the Oval Office April 30 marked President Donald Trump’s 100th day in office of his second term.While it is a “made-up occasion,”<\/a> the first 100 days of a presidency are generally considered the first impression of any administration This benchmark has taken on significance as a marker to measure a new president’s achievements.While the first 100 days don’t determine the entirety of a president’s term achievements and potential problems to come Magazine’s look at Trump’s first 100 days.<\/p>Executive orders<\/h4><\/h4>Sparing no time Trump hit the ground running with executive orders This surpassed former President Franklin D Roosevelt’s record of 99 orders signed in 100 days.According to the American Presidency Project religion and “American values.”Several orders such as those that affect foreign aid and banning transgender troops<\/a> from the military are temporarily blocked by courts.<\/p>Legislation<\/h4>Trump signed five bills into law a major contrast from his executive action His first was the Laken Riley Act,<\/a> which Congress passed just before he took office.Of the five the Laken Riley Act is only one of two bills enacted which are often used in the same manner as a bill and enacted as law if signed by the president.This is a stark contrast<\/a> to his 29 signed laws within his first 100 days of his first term in 2016.According to political scientists one should focus on legislation not in the numbers but in the significance of the bills signed The first 100 days for legislation have become far more unproductive<\/a> for modern presidents since Roosevelt’s 76 laws in 100 days.<\/p>Approval rating<\/h4>With 100 days in office down Trump has an approval rating of 41%.<\/a> This is the lowest for any newly elected president at the 100-day benchmark and lower than his rating in 2016 which was 42% according<\/a> to a Gallup poll.Only 22% say they “strongly approve” of Trump’s presidency so far and 45% say they “strongly disapprove.” Notable drops in approval come from women and Hispanic Americans with 36% among women and 28% among Hispanics.In contrast Biden’s approval rating within his first 100 days was 53% 93% of Democrats approved of his performance while only 12% of Republicans approved.<\/p>Immigration<\/h4>Immigration efforts were also a key factor in Trump’s first 100 days His “crackdown” on immigration led to a ramp-up in border enforcement as well as mass deportations Customs and Border Protection recorded only 7,180 southwest border crossings This is the lowest number in history and far lower than the monthly average of 155,000 across the previous four years.During the campaign Trump vowed to carry out the “largest deportation program in U.S his administration has deported and detained immigrants with and without legal status.So far coming from as high up as the Supreme Court.<\/a><\/p>Tariffs<\/h4>The Trump administration has enacted a baseline of 10% tariffs on all imported goods and 25% tariffs on steel both jolted the global markets and sparked fears of recession.He has also put tariffs on China with percentages ranging based on the country The administration has until early July to negotiate “reciprocal” tariffs with a handful of other countries.According to the Yale Budget Lab<\/a> consumers face an average effective tariff rate of 28% which is the highest since 1901.<\/p><\/iframe>\" tml-embed-width=\"100%\" tml-embed-height=\"320\" tml-render-layout=\"inline\" tml-embed-viewport-heights=\"{"A":320,"B":320}\"><\/div>","metaDescription":"President Donald Trump’s first 100 days of his second term have been marked by a flurry of executive orders Magazine’s takeaways on five notable topics from President Donald Trump’s first 100 days of his second term.","monetizationState":{"value":"monetizable"},"primarySiteId":"cs02bdd970600026c0","siteName":"L.A where tradition and exclusivity create an unforgettable retreat.","disqusId":"f4f7c1a5-afb6-11ef-bc2e-06ba88a5d37d","isCanvas":true,"metaDescription":"","primaryImage":{"altText":"Two skiers carve through fresh snow on a sunlit slope in Gstaad surrounded by pine trees and panoramic views of the Swiss Alps where Switzerland's most exclusive Alpine retreat manages to feel both impossibly luxurious and refreshingly down-to-earth This hidden gem in the Bernese Oberland has mastered the art of understated elegance — picture snow-draped chalets celebrity guests who come for the privacy and a village center that hasn't changed its tune in centuries.Forget the flash of St Moritz or the scene in Verbier; Gstaad plays by its own rules The car-free village center sets the tone immediately: wooden buildings line a promenade where the fastest thing moving is likely to be a horse-drawn sleigh creating five valleys that spread like fingers from the village center it's the perfect sanctuary for those looking to escape the spotlight.What makes Gstaad truly special is its commitment to tradition While other Alpine resorts race to modernize their cowbells echoing across valleys where some of the world's most exclusive hotels now stand You might find a Michelin-starred chef crafting dishes with cheese aged in the town's underground grottoes or a local farmer serving up recipes passed down through generations Ride the GoldenPass Panoramic train through snow-blanketed valleys and majestic Alpine peaks—a window into Gstaad’s breathtaking beauty The timing for a visit couldn't be better. While other Swiss resorts scramble for snow, Gstaad's high-altitude terrain (particularly Glacier 3000) guarantees pristine powder from December through March star architect Mario Botta just unveiled a striking mountaintop restaurant that's already the talk of the Alps.The winter social calendar here reads like a European fairy tale and you might catch the Hot Air Balloon Festival in January where dozens of colorful balloons drift above snow-covered peaks where pros tackle a course unlike any other the Menuhin Festival brings world-class classical performances to intimate venues throughout the season Step into any of the village's renowned spas and you'll find something unique: traditional Alpine wellness blending seamlessly with modern treatments Picture yourself soaking in thermal waters infused with mountain herbs while gazing out at peaks that have drawn health-seekers for generations.Here's what truly convinced me to make it back to Gstaad: as the evening light paints the peaks in shades of rose and gold you realize luxury here isn't about showing off It's about having the space and silence to appreciate life's real pleasures In a world of Instagram filters and manufactured experiences Gstaad remains genuine — and that's the greatest luxury of all Savor a cozy outdoor fondue with stunning views of Gstaad’s snow-covered peaks—an unforgettable culinary adventure Gstaad's food scene is unlike anywhere else in the Alps Start underground at the remarkable cheese grotto where thousands of wheels age to perfection in what feels like a cathedral devoted to fromage grab a fondue backpack and head to one of the oversized mountain caquelon pots Nothing beats dipping bread into bubbling cheese while surrounded by snow-capped peaks.Don't miss Martin Göschel's innovative take on Swiss cuisine at Sommet or the surprisingly authentic Japanese dishes at MEGU (both in The Alpina) the Posthotel Rössli's dining room serves the kind of hearty mountain fare that warms you from the inside out Stroll through Gstaad’s car-free village illuminated by festive lights with snow-covered chalets and the iconic Gstaad Palace glowing against the Alpine twilight The Alpina Gstaad is a masterclass in modern luxury with a Swiss twist – think traditional valley architecture filled with contemporary art and a spa that will ruin you for all others where the 25,800-square-foot wellness sanctuary includes a hammam and both indoor and outdoor pools with mountain views.The Gstaad Palace Its fairytale turrets have welcomed everyone from Elizabeth Taylor to Madonna though they'll never tell – discretion is part of the charm Book a tower suite for the full royal treatment and don't miss the legendary La Fromagerie restaurant in the converted former bunker.For a cozier vibe it's been run by the same family for four generations The intimate "Stübli" restaurant here serves as the village's de facto living room – the perfect spot for a nightcap after dinner.Le Grand Bellevue strikes the perfect balance between a grand hotel and an intimate retreat Recently renovated rooms feature warm wood paneling and mountain views while the 30,000-square-foot spa boasts one of the largest hammams in the Alps Their art deco bar serves the best martinis in town Lace up your skates for a spirited game of hockey on Gstaad’s shimmering frozen lakes surrounded by towering peaks and golden sunsets where the world's first summit-to-summit suspension footbridge delivers heart-stopping views of the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc Book a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the village or join a ranger-led snowshoe tour to spot local wildlife especially if you know where to look – hire a guide to find those secret powder stashes away from the crowds the village's spas await with uniquely Alpine treatments Pro tip: Book the Gstaad Super Ski Region pass online for access to over 125 miles of slopes across several valleys including the guaranteed snow at Glacier 3000 Schedule any glacier activities early in your stay – if weather forces a postponement For LA snow seekers tired of the Mammoth run Gstaad offers the perfect mix of world-class slopes and old-world charm You won't run into half of Beverly Hills at après-ski <script src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/jCG38tZr-5uqAidld.js"></script>Discover the style and class of flying Swiss Air where the journey over the Alps is as stunning as the destination itself The real show-stopper is the GoldenPass panoramic train from Montreux to Gstaad – think glass-domed carriages winding through snow-covered peaks and past frozen waterfalls.Winter travelers take note: The sweet spot for visiting is mid-January through early March when you'll find reliable snow without the holiday crowds Avoid the December rush unless you're keen on spending New Year's Eve with Europe's jet set (and paying peak-season prices to do it) Pack for serious winter – we're talking temperatures that make Big Bear feel tropical – but don't stress about luggage Most high-end hotels offer ski rentals that rival anything you'd lug from home Explore our winter travel guide for the best seasonal escapes, from cozy getaways to adventurous destinations. Find more details below or click here to plan your perfect winter trip Thelma Golden will celebrate Lauren Halsey and U.K.-based singer Griff will take the stage featured A-list designers and Otis College standouts who earned scholarships for innovation in Fashion Design a German Shepherd who was re-homed by the owner's of the house where the cop's body was found in a snowbank Magazine’s takeaways on five notable topics from President Donald Trump’s first 100 days of his second term consumers are stocking up on household items and bites from THEBlvd and Hinoki & the Bird one of the most significant polo contest of the European season is getting ready to run through  Thursday August 21 to Sunday August 24 the competition will be played at the Polo Club Gstaad sorrounded by the stunning beauty of the Swiss Alps on the impeccable grounds set in the Gstaad/Saanen airfields that provides a magnificient scenartio for a unique competition The contest will see four teams up to 14 goals who will compete for the coveted trophy up to the members of the winning team will be presented with the fabulous Hublot watches but also they to enjoy the facilities in an enchanting entourage Polo Club Gstaad will welcome families and friends on free admission exquisite catering and gastronomy provided by Gstaad Palace Gstaad have everything set and ready to offer a unique event and an unforgettable experience Friday August 22 will see the colorful teams parade through the lovely streets of the beautiful Swiss village Among the players who will participate of the tournament who will be playing in Gstaad for the first time since 2016; Juan claimed a remarkable achievement in 2017 when he won the Coupe d’Argent and the Coupe d’Or and the final of the final of the 2024 Queen’s Cup a name with a vast history in polo – Cibao La Pampla was the big name of the season in Deauville The four teams due to take part of the tournaments are Hublot Albinati Aeronautics and Kielder Agro Group glamour and sport will be the next combination next August Monti nods to regional craftsmanship with furniture carved from locally-sourced elm and a seasonal menu from chef Martin Göschel in the town’s Oberbort neighbourhood has been attracting the well-heeled and design-conscious since it launched in 2012 The property’s latest evolution comes in the form of Monti brings a fresh take on Swiss alpine dining under the direction of executive chef Martin Göschel It’s open from mid-December to mid-March and from mid-June to mid-September – a considerably more relaxed schedule that allows the kitchen to recharge its creative juices during the off-peak seasons the designer behind the visual identities for Cipriani and Chateau Marmont brings his distinctive touch to the menus and branding ‘Our goal was to create an atmosphere that reflects the environment,’ say Sprenger and Crespi This approach is evident in details such as bespoke chairs with playful elements inspired by ski swings and hand-carved wooden details that nod to regional craftsmanship This commitment to authenticity extends to the materials. The walls and ceiling feature 200-year-old wood reclaimed from regional farmhouses, while all the furniture is bespoke, crafted from locally sourced elm that’s grown, manufactured and finished entirely within Switzerland Three design elements particularly distinguish Monti’s space sculpted from layered fibreglass and bronze its organic form inspired by the surrounding landscape Bespoke lighting fixtures combine bronze with Murano crystal or fabric shades One of the restaurant’s most striking features is the bespoke carpet designed by Sprenger with an intricate motif. Depicting local flora and fauna, its abstract stamp-like patterns draw inspiration from découpage. Produced in Denmark from pure wool Sprenger says the piece connects regional heritage with a contemporary design sensibility This hyper-local design approach is echoed in Göschel’s cooking the Swiss chef artfully balancing classic French techniques with local ingredients and a farm-to-table approach Summer guests might find alpine strawberries char and regional veal on the menu – a roster that will change with the seasons and local availability ‘We use exclusively Swiss meat and fish,’ notes Göschel who also stewards the hotel’s other intimate fine-dining venue the eponymous Michelin-starred Martin Göschel The chef’s cooking style favours both family-style sharing plates and classic preparations – quick searing in summer rich braises in winter – that highlight the natural quality of ingredients ‘I love things like ceviche and beef tartare vibrant dishes that showcase exceptional products,’ he says a generous terrace offers views down across the Gstaad valley with snow-capped glaciers and the 3,123 m Oldenhorn peak providinga panoramic backdrop The vista sweeps from the village below to the Wasserngrat mountain on one side and Eggli on the other – a particularly striking montage during summer’s long evenings escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox After a day slicing through powder or hiking along alpine trails Monti is the perfect place to fill up on Swiss treats In a region that still clings to fondue pots and raclette wheels like cherished heirlooms Göschel’s kitchen deftly navigates between reverence and reinvention – proving that even in the most traditional corners of the Alps there’s still room for a new kind of mountain cuisine Monti is located at Alpinastrasse 23, 3780 Gstaad, Switzerland; thealpinagstaad.ch Daven Wu is the Singapore Editor at Wallpaper* he has been covering Singapore and the neighbouring South-East Asian region since 1999 and travel for both the magazine and website He is also the City Editor for the Phaidon Wallpaper* City Guide to Singapore Home » Four Seasons to manage iconic Gstaad hotel The alpine resort is currently undergoing extensive renovations and is anticipated to reopen as The Park Gstaad, A Four Seasons Hotel in time for the 2026-2027 winter season The Park Gstaad is an iconic property in one of Europe’s best-known mountain destinations and became the first five-star hotel in Gstaad when its doors opened in 1910 the property is undergoing a full-scale refurbishment led by Squircle Capital Following renovations, The Park Gstaad, A Four Seasons Hotel, will reopen with 75 rooms and suites. This includes a collection of luxury Penthouse Residences managed by Four Seasons that will be available for purchase The Hotel will also offer an array of unique restaurant and bar concepts Additional amenities are expected to include indoor and outdoor meetings and event space and an ice rink in the winter season.  As part of the commitment to create a positive impact for all stakeholders an upgrade will also be made to the hotel employees’ accommodation The property offers scenic views of the Swiss Alps and is also a convenient walking distance from the town centre’s gourmet restaurants and designer boutiques.  Gstaad is globally recognised as a top ski destination and an exclusive mountain resort region preferred by the world’s most discerning travellers Gstaad is also highly regarded for its wide range of wellness and cultural activities throughout the year Gstaad offers access to 220 kilometres (136 miles) of ski slopes at altitudes of up to 3,000 meters (9,842 feet) with equally beautiful settings in the summer that are perfect for hiking Gstaad is a two-hour drive from Geneva and accessible via train and plane and Gstaad’s train station is a five-minute drive from the hotel A Four Seasons Hotel will join the Four Seasons collection of heritage properties in Europe as well as the brand’s collection of alpine properties Whistler and an upcoming resort in Deer Valley “Gstaad has long been a favourite destination in Europe for luxury travellers, and we are excited to have the unique opportunity to enter this exclusive market with such an exceptional property,” says Bart Carnahan “We look forward to working with our partners to bring together the very best of this legendary property with the service excellence of Four Seasons to create a world-class luxury experience.”  “We have found the ideal partners for a property that has been part of my personal journey in the region,” says Dona Bertarelli The Park Gstaad holds a special place in the region’s heritage and I am excited to unveil its transformation into a Four Seasons experience where its legacy meets modern elegance for residents and visitors to enjoy.” Start a free trial of THP’s database with over 8,500 hotel projects and key contact details You are currently viewing a placeholder content from HubSpot Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers THP is a subsidiary of Sleeper Media © 2025 copyright TOPHOTELPROJECTS GmbH – all rights reserved and it has nothing to do with the glitterati Gstaad remains a traditional Alpine farming village fantastic skiing and delicious local specialities including steaming pots of that quintessential Swiss mountain meal — fondue fondue remains firmly rooted among Switzerland’s snow-capped peaks its gooey goodness often tricky to perfect for those outside the Alps shares the Swiss secrets to this perennially popular dish We offer candlelit tours and tastings in the grotto René Ryser it the Managing Director of popular cheesemaker Molkerei Gstaad.Photograph by Molkerei GstaadDating back nearly 1,000 years cheesemaking has long been part of Gstaad's culinary identity.Photograph by Gstaad Saanenland TourismusWhat makes Swiss cheese — and local Gstaad cheese — so tasty Cheesemaking in the region dates back nearly 1,000 years and Gstaad Hobelkäse cheese has been around since 1548 What makes Swiss cheese so special are the ingredients we use They’re those ingredients that you can’t necessarily buy or even put a price on — such as the Swiss mountain air and the cows’ diet That’s because the mountains around Gstaad are home to a diverse range of wild summer herbs and grasses that our cows feed on during the summer months Switzerland produces around 200,000 tons of cheese every year but it’s not even 1% of the world’s production Switzerland is less significant — but in terms of quality When did fondue become popular in Gstaad and why Most people think that it’s best enjoyed during the winter months when you can warm up after a day on the slopes with a steaming fondue We have backpacks at Molkerei Gstaad that you can rent which contain everything you need for a fondue picnic There are lots of local hikes you can then take you can simply set up your fondue and enjoy it with beautiful mountain views It’s worth buying a bottle of local wine to go with it Some of these hikes you can take in winter as well which is a really romantic way to spend a day Visitors looking to work up an appetite can grab a fondue backpack from Molkerei Gstaad and hike up to enjoy the meal at one of the giant fondue pots on the mountain.Photograph by Yannick Romagnoli Destination GstaadWhere are the best places to enjoy fondue in Gstaad One of the best places to enjoy fondue in the summer is at Fondueland Gstaad you’ll find cosy huts and giant wooden caquelon (fondue pots) large enough for groups to sit in and comfortably enjoy a fondue backpack picnic in the most spectacular of settings During the winter months, head to Michel's Stallbeizli a traditional mountain restaurant positioned inside a barn where you can enjoy fondue while observing the dairy cows through the vast window For a higher altitude option, Iglu-Dorf sits at nearly 9,000ft and offers fromage fans the chance to enjoy a piping hot pot of fondue inside an igloo decorated with carved snow art. Afterwards, you can enjoy a torchlit snowshoe descent down the mountain. In addition to fondue, what local dishes do you recommend that visitors try? My favourites are bratwurst sausage with onion sauce, rösti ­­(potatoes, sautéed or shallow-fried in a pan) and, for dessert, it can only be a Swiss meringue! 2. Don’t overcook your fondue. Lots of tourists make this mistake, but if you heat the cheese for too long then the fat separates from the protein and the cheese can coagulate into a hard mass. 3. Be sure to keep stirring your fondue: don’t stir and then take a break for five minutes, as the cheese needs to be constantly moving. And remember, if you drop your bread or potato in the pot, you must carry out a forfeit! ­­ Patrick and Becky Holden mature their Hafod cheddar behind the farmhouse, lovingly known as the 'cheese cathedral'. Positioned upon the shores of Lake Maggiore, much of the architecture within the town of Ascona is of a Mediterranean-style. A basic concoction of meat, onions, cheese and a bread roll, the Philadelphia cheesesteak dates back to 1930. Beluga Vodka aimed to elevate its luxury appeal and position itself as the drink of choice for the elite, but with a fresh, digital-first approach. Enter Gstaad Guy, the internet’s favorite satirical aristocrat, whose sharp wit and high-net-worth-heavy following made him the ideal partner. The mission? Blend timeless elegance with a modern, relatable twist to engage both luxury aficionados and aspirational consumers. Stand out in the luxury space by using humor-driven influencer content that felt fresh and engaging. Increase brand awareness among a digitally savvy, affluent audience. Leverage influencer-led storytelling to redefine modern luxury in an accessible way. Drive engagement and organic reach, reinforcing that high-end doesn’t have to be out of reach. Of course, luxury marketing presents unique challenges. Luxury brands rely on exclusivity, while influencer content thrives on relatability. Striking this balance was key. We worked closely with Gstaad Guy to ensure that Beluga Gold was woven into his content in a way that felt effortless—never forced or overly promotional. Another challenge was maintaining Beluga’s premium positioning while maximizing organic engagement. Gstaad Guy’s audience expects content that feels spontaneous and natural, so we prioritized an approach that felt authentic yet aspirational. By allowing room for creative flexibility while staying true to Beluga’s brand identity, we found the perfect balance—resulting in high engagement and strong brand alignment. The key to success? Authenticity. Beluga Gold wasn’t a forced addition to Gstaad Guy’s world—it fit naturally within his lifestyle. His audience saw a brand that belonged, making every moment of the campaign feel aspirational yet approachable. The campaign successfully redefined luxury marketing, proving that premium branding can be both sophisticated and engaging. By moving away from the overly serious tone often seen in high-end campaigns, we created a fresh approach that made Beluga Gold feel aspirational yet accessible. We didn’t just meet our objectives—we exceeded them: Gstaad Guy’s content drove exceptional engagement, generating millions of organic impressions and strong interaction rates. Beluga Gold strengthened its positioning as a modern luxury brand, seamlessly fitting into the digital space. The campaign demonstrated that luxury brands can embrace influencer-driven storytelling without sacrificing their high-end appeal. Top-Performing Post (Best-Performing Reel) Aggregated Campaign Impact (All Posts Combined) This campaign wasn’t just about influencer marketing—it was a modern take on luxury storytelling, proving that prestige and personality can go hand in hand. We've been lucky enough to continue working on creative ways to bring Beluga and Gstaad Guy together in 2025—stay tuned for what’s next. SwitzerlandChevron GstaadChevron and this castle of a hotel is at the centre of it Children can groom and walk St Bernard dogs, make their own mocktails and meet llamas and alpacas as part of the fun and varied activities at the complimentary kids club (10am-9pm). In summer, families gravitate to the Olympic-sized pool with traditional changing rooms and everything from diving boards to DJs, not to mention a café serving burgers and chips. Almost 60 per cent of rooms can be interconnected; some have sofa beds. There’s also a kids menu. Lifts and wide corridors are wheelchair friendly but there are no adapted accessible rooms. The hotel has its own mountain chalet, the Walig Hut. Guests can drive or hike there for private lunches and dinners; a family of four can also stay the night. All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse We understand that time is the greatest luxury which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world and interior architect Francis Kéré stand in the indoor-outdoor pool that links two private chalets in Gstaad Switzerland; Kéré designed the ceiling canopy out of 9,964 laser-cut bamboo poles.Save this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors “Let’s let loose.” It was just that mindset that appealed to a philanthropist-­entrepreneur looking to build a private residence in Gstaad a Swiss ski town synonymous with alpine glamour the project was meant to be a catalyst for cultural exchange foregrounding the work of designers and makers from around the world with a particular emphasis on Africa and the African diaspora Entrusted by the client with that open-ended mandate Mimran acted as the project’s creative director orchestrating both individual commissions and the larger ethos of collaboration “What ideas emerge when you bring together a lot of strong voices?” Muza Lab collaborated on the interior design; wall carvings and staircase by Kéré AD’s January 2025 issue Chief among those was AD100 Hall of Famer Francis Kéré several years before the architect won the Pritzker Prize The two immediately bonded over their past work in refugee camps—Mimran who grew up between West Africa and Switzerland having dedicated himself to creating spaces for culture and connection within displaced communities Kéré having designed schools in rural Burkina Faso the men have joined forces to disrupt the local vernacular reimagining two classic chalets as vessels for contemporary innovation Stairway to Heaven, a Murano glass light fixture by Ini Archibong, hangs in the stairwell. “It’s meant to be the universe,” he explains albeit “a different configuration of what the universe could be.” It’s also a place to relax whether in solitude or surrounded by friends and family “The pool should touch all the senses—the visual The walls of the arrival area are covered with murals by Esther Mahlangu. Designed by specialized builders Chaletbau Matti, the traditional chalets feature carved façade panels conceived with Kéré. A panoply of perspectives, of course, was always the intention—to bring people together, excite their minds, and see what breakthroughs come. Reflecting on the team effort, Mimran says, “everyone was out of their comfort zone. We gave everyone permission to fail but also to dream big.” Check your egos, in other words, at the chalets’ doors. Says Kéré: “In debate we create harmony.” A nest sculpture by Porky Hefer, in collaboration with Ousmane Mbaye, Doulsy, and Ali Mbaye, stands in a play area. Mimran (left) and Kéré stand by a living room’s staircase whose organic form was modeled after a Baobab tree This house in the Swiss Alps covers AD’s January issue. Never miss a story when you subscribe to AD artworks by Pierre Huyghe and Abdoulaye Konaté Kéré based the carved and pierced woodwork—both inside and outside the chalets—on traditional Swiss-alpine façades a hallmark of luxury and alpine heritage since 1910 is poised for a transformative chapter under the management of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts the property is set to reopen as “The Park Gstaad solidifying Gstaad’s status as a premier destination for discerning global travelers This ambitious overhaul is spearheaded by Squircle Capital in collaboration with acclaimed interior designer Joseph Dirand known for his modern aesthetic that harmonizes with historical contexts The project is expected to cost approximately CHF 100 million ($110 million) and will blend contemporary sophistication with the hotel’s storied legacy expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration “The Park Gstaad has been a part of my personal journey and holds a special place in the region’s heritage Its transformation into a Four Seasons experience will unite its legacy with modern elegance creating a destination for both residents and visitors to cherish,” she stated Bertarelli is a billionaire philanthropist and sister of Alinghi sailor and billionaire Ernesto Bertarelli The Swiss-Italian siblings inherited the pharmaceutical company Serono from their father which they pivoted towards biotechnology and later sold for $ 13.3 billion to Germany’s Merck to form Merck-Serono These Penthouse residences will be available for purchase but will be managed by Four Seasons and will offer potential buyers unparalleled access to the brand’s renowned property management services Enhanced amenities include state-of-the-art dining options and extensive wellness facilities featuring indoor and outdoor pools A strong focus on sustainability and employee well-being is reflected in upgraded accommodations for staff ensuring the hotel’s legacy is as much about people as it is about place six newly designed meeting rooms will provide an optimal blend of functionality and style the property’s attention to detail promises an extraordinary experience Gstaad has long been synonymous with luxury and exclusivity from 220 kilometers (136 miles) of ski slopes in winter to hiking At an altitude of up to 3,000 meters (9,842 feet) the destination caters to outdoor enthusiasts while also serving as a cultural hub with gourmet dining and boutique shopping Gstaad is a two-hour drive from Geneva and a short distance from Bern Airport offering proximity to the village promenade while maintaining a tranquil alpine setting The Park Gstaad has long been a coveted venue for weddings and private events and its transformation under Four Seasons will elevate these offerings From outdoor ceremonies against the majestic backdrop of the Alps to intimate indoor celebrations the hotel will provide personalized planning to ensure every detail is perfect Guests can even reserve the entire property for the ultimate in privacy and exclusivity As Four Seasons expands its portfolio of alpine properties the addition of The Park Gstaad signifies a milestone in its European presence will undoubtedly set a new benchmark for luxury in the Swiss Alps by Kathakali Nandi January 15, 2025 - Categories: Hospitality News, Hotels: News, Four Seasons will take over management of The Park Gstaad Hotel in Switzerland once it reopens after a major renovation project The luxury hotel is currently undergoing a full-scale refurbishment and will reopen as The Park Gstaad A Four Seasons Hotel in time for the 2026-2027 winter season The renovation is being led by Squircle Capital with interior design by Joseph Dirand “We are excited to enter the exclusive Gstaad market with such an exceptional property,” said Bart Carnahan portfolio management and residential at Four Seasons “We look forward to working with our partners to combine the heritage of this iconic property with Four Seasons’ service excellence to create a world-class luxury experience.” The property was Gstaad’s first five-star hotel when it first opened doors in 1910 and is owned by philanthropist and investor Dona Bertarelli I’m excited to unveil its transformation into a Four Seasons experience where its legacy meets modern elegance,” said Bertarelli A Four Seasons Hotel will offer 75 rooms and suites including a collection of luxury penthouse residences managed by Four Seasons available for purchase The hotel will also feature various restaurants and bars as well as indoor and outdoor swimming pools Other amenities will include meeting and event spaces a kids’ program and an ice rink in the winter months As part of Four Seasons’ commitment to create a positive impact for all stakeholders the renovation will include improvements to staff accommodation to ensure employee comfort and well-being The property offers views of the Swiss Alps and is within walking distance from the town center’s gourmet restaurants and designer boutiques offering 220 kilometers of slopes in winter and is also popular for hiking mountain biking and golf in the summer months A Four Seasons Hotel will join the brand’s collection of heritage properties in Europe as well as Four Seasons’ alpine properties Four Seasons has expanded its portfolio to include 133 hotels and resorts along with 55 residential properties across 47 countries The brand is further expanding its network and has a global pipeline of over 60 projects in various stages of development Four Seasons’ experiential offerings’ include more than 600 restaurants and bars worldwide Four Seasons Drive Experience and the upcoming Four Seasons Yachts You must be logged in to post a comment Get the scoop on the latest news in the hospitality industry Username can contain any letters or numbers Four Seasons is on quite the expansion kick, and has just announced plans to open a new European ski resort This is coming in the form of the conversion of an existing property The Park Gstaad Hotel is undergoing an extensive renovation (it’s already underway) The hotel will continue to maintain its initial branding meaning the property will be known as The Park Gstaad The current expectation is that the property will open in time for the 2026-2027 ski season The Park Gstaad was the town’s first five-star hotel But the property needed some updates to keep up which is why it’s undergoing a full-scale refurbishment French interior designer Joseph Dirand is overseeing the refurbishment of the interiors of the property — he also did the Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club so the design should be pretty awesome.Once it reopens The Park Gstaad will boast 75 rooms and suites including a collection of luxury penthouse residences the property is expected to get modern touches while paying homage to the historic alpine setting.The hotel will also feature an array of unique restaurant and bar concepts as well as a destination spa and fitness center Other amenities will include a tennis court and an ice rink in winter.Below you can find some renderings of the property — it looks gorgeous!The Park Gstaad Four Seasons exteriorThe Park Gstaad Four Seasons public spacesThe Park Gstaad Four Seasons public spacesThe Park Gstaad Four Seasons guest roomThe Park Gstaad Four Seasons guest roomI’m always happy to see more luxury ski resortsFour Seasons has been growing at an incredibly fast pace lately Currently Four Seasons’ North American ski resorts are in Jackson Hole with another property coming to Deer Valley Four Seasons’ only existing European ski resort is in Megeve so this will be the brand’s second ski resort on the continent I think this new Gstaad property will rank pretty high up there The Park Gstaad will become a Four Seasons The 75-key property is expected to open ahead of the 2026-2027 ski season I look forward to learning more as the opening date approaches as it’s always nice to see more luxury alpine properties Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Glacier 3000 is part of the Gstaad ski area and is over 3000m I had some excellent skiing there last year Is it true it will be open all year round Any mention of Alpina should note (boookable with 150k preferred points which is a 4:1 transfer partner of citi) skipasses are about half the price of similar US skiing resorts in Austria and Italy they are about one third of the US Gstaad is more a mountain town with a few slopes than a ski destination The style of the rooms in the renderings look dated already At first I thought these are the pictures before the renovation I can’t wait to see your reviews of the Park Hyatt and Ritz Carlton Reserve Niseko properties for your upcoming trip and I know you’ve reviewed W Verbier and St Regis Aspen before Please keep up the news and reviews on the best ski properties globally using points it’s really hard to get excited about your posts for obscenely-expensive non-points hotels @Ben - I haven’t been to a Four Seasons property lately that “consistently offers a high level of service.” Whistler staff all seemed like they were on their first day with 20 min or so of training unannounced construction in the hotel forcing several folks to come back to the long check-in line to request a move Don’t even start with the horrendous and rotting Hampshire hotel on the other hand have been flawless at every location I have visited over the past couple of years (Munich Zurich for MO and Vancouver and Paris for Shangri La) The big knock on Four Seasons tends to be that their properties are generic and don't have a sense of place Taking over an old (and restored) hotel should alleviate that Many of their best (or at least most notable) hotels fall into that category but I meant in terms of moving into an established building vs The hotel consists of a few buildings and one of them was a bank The rooms seem very cosy and Switzerland is always worth a visit anyway Your feedback is important in helping us keep our community safe The comments on this page have not been provided approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered You have successfully joined our subscriber list Editorial Disclosure: The editorial content on this page is not provided by any entity mentioned herein. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. See more about our ethics policies here The family-owned Gstaad Palace has incredible restaurants and luxurious suites with views of the Swiss Alps Sandro Burkhalter/Courtesy of Gstaad Palace A summary of European hotel transactions provided by HVS American investor acquires The Alpina Gstaad from Bach and Mimran An American investor who is a regular client of The Alpina Gstaad has reportedly acquired the 56-room luxury hotel from local real estate investor Marcel Bach and French billionaire Jean-Claude Mimran for an amount reported to be some CHF 200 million (CHF 3.6 million per room) which is equivalent to approximately €210 million (€3.75 million per room) The hotel is just above the village centre of Gstaad one of Switzerland’s famous alpine resorts a Six Senses spa and six meeting facilities The Alpina Gstaad opened in 2012 as part of a €315 million luxury development that included three chalets and 11 apartments Swedish hotel investor Pandox AB has entered an agreement to acquire the newly built for SEK340 million (SEK 2.2 million per room) which is equivalent to approximately €31.4 million (€203,900 per room) The hotel is expected to open in June 2025 and is situated in eastern Kiruna It is leased to Swedish operator Elite Hotels under a 15-year revenue-based lease agreement with a minimum guaranteed rent Iroko Iberia acquires Spanish hotel htop Calella Palace from Htop Hotels a subsidiary of French institutional investor Iroko Zen SCPI 339-room Hotel htop Calella Palace Family & SPA in Calella from Spanish owner-operator Htop Hotels for €22 million (€64,900 per room) in a sale and leaseback transaction a 50-minute drive northeast of Barcelona and includes a restaurant Htop Hotels will retain operation of the hotel under a 20-year fixed lease and plans to invest €4 million (€11,800 per room) in renovations Iroko Zen SCPI acquires three B&B Hotels in Italy from Bayview Italia French institutional investor Iroko Zen SCPI has acquired a portfolio of three B&B hotels (277 rooms) in Italy from Italian real estate asset manager Bayview Italia for an amount reported to be some €13.8 million (€49,800 per room) with a non-guaranteed net initial yield of 7.58% The mid-market portfolio includes the 110-room B&B Hotel Bologna the 91-room B&B Hotel Sassuolo and the 76-room B&B Hotel Ferrara All three hotels include a breakfast restaurant from Kazakh private equity firm Verny Capital The property is situated on Vienna’s central Ringstrasse 46-room Grand Hotel Imperiale in Forte dei Marmi for €40 million (€869,570 per room) Al-Bahar acquires a further 30% stake in Yotel from Starwood Capital Kuwait-based conglomerate Al-Bahar Group has acquired an additional 30% stake in British owner-operator Yotel from American private investment firm Starwood Capital This acquisition increases Al-Bahar Group's ownership in Yotel to 95% Starwood originally acquired the 30% stake in 2017 and which helped expand Yotel’s portfolio from six to 34 properties globally Invesco acquires IntercityHotel Berlin Central Station from CA Immo Global investment manager Invesco has acquired the four-star 412-room IntercityHotel Berlin Central Station from Austrian real estate developer CA Immo The property is situated next to the central train station in Berlin’s Moabit district CA Immo developed the hotel and opened it in 2013 making it Germany’s first hotel to receive a platinum certificate from the German Sustainable Building Council.   Extendam and Alboran acquire eight hotels in Bourges from the Falleur family French hotel investor Extendam and French owner-operator Alboran Group have jointly acquired eight hotels in Bourges The portfolio comprises a total of 507 rooms and includes the three-star 31-room Best Western Plus Hôtel d'Angleterre 58-room Hôtel de Bourbon - Mercure Bourges Bourges is situated in central France on the river Yèvre Extendam and Alboran plan to optimise revenue management SomnOO acquires 123 IM’s shares in six French hotels French owner-operator SomnOO has acquired the shares held by its partner-investor French real estate management company 123 Investment Managers 64-room Ibis Budget Boulogne-sur-Mer Centre Les Ports All hotels include coworking space and/or meeting rooms LBO acquires three hotels in France from Eternam French private equity firm LBO France has acquired a portfolio of three hotels (150 rooms) in France from French investment firm Eternam All four-star hotels under the HappyCulture brand the portfolio includes the 61-room Hotel de l'Europe by HappyCulture in Strasbourg the 46-room Villa Bougainville by HappyCulture in Nice and the 43-room Hotel Innes by HappyCulture in Toulouse All three hotels were recently renovated and are situated in city centre locations owned by LBO France’s real estate fund Myst Hotels acquires Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa in England from Greenclose a subsidiary of Indian conglomerate SanRaj Group 77-room Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa from British owner-operator Greenclose Hotels The property is situated in Brockenhurst in the New Forest National Park a thirty-minute drive southwest of Southampton The new owners plan to further invest into the spa facilities the European division of Israeli owner-operator Fattal Hotel Group The property is situated by the River Mersey next to the Wheel of Liverpool and the M&S Bank Arena Fattal already operated the hotel and this acquisition marks the group’s third lease buyback since Q4 2024 SAS Ciné acquires Kyriad Prestige Perpignan from Extendam and Centaurus French hotel investor SAS Ciné has acquired the four-star 100-room Kyriad Prestige Perpignan Centre del Mon in Perpignan from French investor Extendam and French hotel group Centaurus The property is situated by the city center and includes a lounge bar and five meeting rooms The hotel is part of a mixed-use complex consisting of six buildings that include offices SAS Ciné’s portfolio consists of eight properties in the Mediterranean region German family office acquires Holiday Inn - the niu in Bremen from Peper & Söhne A German family office has acquired the three-star from German property developer Peper & Söhne Peper & Söhne developed the hotel and opened it in 2020 The property is situated next to Bremen Airport and includes a breakfast restaurant German operator Novum Hospitality operates the hotel Idiliq Group acquires Pierre et Vacances Mallorca Cecilia Apartments from Elaia Investment Spain Spanish owner-operator Idiliq Group has acquired the 129-apartment Pierre et Vacances Mallorca Cecilia Apartments in Mallorca from Spanish real estate investment trust Elaia Investment Spain The property includes a restaurant and a pool and is situated in the island’s southeastern city of Portocolom The resort is set to undergo a comprehensive refurbishment in the winter of 2025 and reopen in spring 2026 with a modernised design and enhanced service offerings Click here to join your colleagues and stay up to date on the latest hotel news and trends Copyright © Hotel News Resource & Nevistas | All rights reserved 2025Save this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors Inside, however, things aren’t so old-school. To begin with, there’s an elevator that connects the property’s four stories, with a garage on the ground level and common areas at the very top. There’s also a spa and gym, a spacious laundry room, and even air conditioning. “I think she’s the only person [in Gstaad] who has air conditioning,” says the AD100 designer The 7,200-square-foot four-story chalet was built using traditional materials and shapes Creating a design for a location so steeped in tradition didn’t come easily to Arnold who left all of that behind when he moved from London to Los Angeles in 2012 “The idea of conformity is so difficult for me,” says Arnold “I still wanted to bring in a certain level of tradition He found the desired balance between originality and propriety by pairing antique pieces with custom furniture in flowing silhouettes and tied it all together with a collection of richly textured fabrics ”Texture is such a key component to my design sense,“ says Arnold and maker of every fabric used in the 7,200-square-foot five-bedroom home “I think it’s actually one of the things you notice when you’re in one of the spaces that I’ve designed—they’re very tactile.” Los Angeles–based AD100 designer Jake Arnold’s first major project in Europe took him to Gstaad to design a spruce-walled chalet for a British entrepreneur and her family he created a cozy dining nook using a custom velvet banquette “I’m a fan of having these types of flexible spaces where it could be both a place to eat which includes a living section and dining section (there is also a more formal dining room next door) where he looked for both antique and new pieces many of which were made to order in a French atelier One of his favorite finds is a René Gabriel oak daybed from the 1940s paired with a set of sculptural Art Deco armchairs and a contemporary sofa by Rose Uniacke showing updated classic lines “The client has this softness and warmth that we wanted to reflect,” says Arnold “So we brought some of these elements against the more masculine architecture and the roughness of the wood.” The home’s interior surfaces are covered in elm and reclaimed oak “I love the kind of contrast of this refined silk paper with the rough wood beams,” says Arnold The biomorphic coffee table is a rare French piece from the 1950s As a nod to the vernacular of the surroundings mostly elm and reclaimed oak planks covering floors and walls Yet there’s one corner that feels more like Santa Barbara than the Swiss Alps: the family room or “snug room,” with an umber silk wallpaper and an oversized built-in sectional hugging an amoeba-shaped coffee table “It took a little bit of convincing,” says Arnold whose client wanted this to be a “forever vacation home” for her young family and I thought it best to lean into it and make it as cozy and inviting as possible.” the designer says he faced little to no resistance making his European debut as smooth as skiing down Gstaad’s powdery slopes Views of the Swiss Alps from a balcony furnished with rattan armchairs the primary bedroom features an antique Swedish pine bureau and Art Deco–style Murano glass sconces from the ’90s A vintage bamboo vanity and an antique Aesthetic Movement octagonal mirror add old-school charm to this powder room Custom twin beds upholstered in burnt sienna velvet. Between them is a vintage wicker nightstand and a set of sconces from Rose Uniacke One of the bedrooms on the third floor, with a custom bed upholstered in a silky jacquard from Pierre Frey, flanked by swam-arm sconces from Howe Intricate carvings on the timber exterior of the home, which features traditional gabled roofs with wide eaves. Not a subscriber? Join AD for print and digital access now Affordable Housing in America Through Three People’s Eyes Inside a Party With The White Lotus Cast at a Storied Beverly Hills Home Mark D. 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New lifestyle hotel group Miiro has announced the opening of The Mansard Gstaad – its third launch in less than six months The new opening joins Le Grand Hôtel Cayré in St-Germain-des-Pres and Borneta in El Born while the collection is also set to welcome new additions in London and Vienna in 2025 The Mansard is situated in the heart of Gstaad an alpine resort nestled into the Bernese mountains Interiors take inspiration from the surrounding environment embodying a blend of traditional Alpine architecture with contemporary chalet design elements each designed in a cosy yet modern Alpine style incorporating natural materials and a collection of historic photographs from Gstaad photographer Almost all rooms also have private balconies with views of the mountains The Mansard Restaurant celebrates the rich local produce of the Bernese Oberland in a lively brasserie space which is accompanied by an elegant wood-panelled bar and lounge with a fireplace offering panoramic views of the mountains and surrounding countryside The Mansard features a stylish Refresh Room complete with changing rooms so that hotel guests can freshen up at any time – including before check-in and after check-out hydrotherapy wading pool and a dedicated treatment room Registered in England and Wales with Company Number 06637145 We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings we will not be able to save your preferences This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again More information about our Cookie Policy Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts has been chosen to manage The Park Gstaad Hotel when it reopens after extensive renovations.  The hotel is currently closed as construction is underway A Four Seasons Hotel is anticipated to debut in time for the 2026-2027 winter season in the Swiss Alps.  “Gstaad has long been a favorite destination in Europe for luxury travelers and we are excited to have the unique opportunity to enter this exclusive market with such an exceptional property,” says Bart Carnahan “We look forward to working with our partners to bring together the very best of this legendary property with the service excellence of Four Seasons to create a world-class luxury experience.”   The Park Gstaad opened in 1910 as the mountain destination’s first-ever 5-star hotel the property will feature 75 rooms and suites A Four Seasons Hotel will also offer an array of restaurants and bars Subscribe to TMR and more – here’s what’s new in the hotel scene this month The Hilton luxury brand has signed on Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country NoMad’s new director of sales and marketing JW Marriott Resort Costa Rica will launch as the brand’s first all-inclusive in the country knowing what to order at a high-end bar can be an unexpected but valuable skill Ombi has introduced floating bungalows for two in Key Largo The content creator behind “Gstaad Guy,” known for his parodies of the ultra-wealthy has become a powerful influencer for labels targeting the 1 percent MediaGstaad Guy is a satirical influencer and the creative mind behind a popular social media persona that parodies the global elite. His ability to poke fun at the absurdities of wealth and privilege while maintaining a luxury aesthetic has made him a unique voice in digital culture with almost 1 million followers on Instagram. Beyond his comedic content, Gstaad Guy’s influence extends into the realms of fashion and culture. He has collaborated with luxury brands and has become a sought-after figure at major events like Art Basel Week, where his irreverent humour continues to win fans. By blending satire with a luxury lifestyle, Gstaad Guy has carved out a niche that is equal parts entertainment and social commentary, offering a fresh perspective on modern wealth. The people shaping the global fashion industry, curated by the editors of The Business of Fashion, based on nominations and on-the-ground intelligence from around the world. Find out moreLatest News & AnalysisMore MediaJo EllisonEditor The people shaping the global fashion industry curated by the editors of The Business of Fashion based on nominations and on-the-ground intelligence from around the world Home » News » Hotel » Park Gstaad hotel set to reopen under Four Seasons  Switzerland: The five-star Park Gstaad is currently undergoing a refurbishment and will reopen under management of Four Seasons in 2026 the property is undergoing a full-scale refurbishment led by Squircle Capital in partnership with interior designer Joseph Dirand.  it will offer 75 rooms and suites including a collection of luxury penthouse residences that will be available for purchase Amenities include various restaurant and bar concepts a  spa and fitness centre with  indoor and outdoor swimming pools The property is anticipated to reopen in time for the 2026-2027 winter season Bart Carnahan, president, global business development, portfolio management and residential, Four Seasons said: “Gstaad has long been a favourite destination in Europe for luxury travellers and we are excited to have the unique opportunity to enter this exclusive market with such an exceptional property We look forward to working with our partners to bring together the very best of this legendary property with the service excellence of Four Seasons to create a world-class luxury experience.”  Bertarelli added: “We have found the ideal partners for a property that has been part of my personal journey in the region The Park Gstaad holds a special place in the region’s heritage where its legacy meets modern elegance for residents and visitors to enjoy.” Serviced Apartment Awards Urban Living Festival Reading Time: 2 minutes UK: The Beaumont Mayfair has appointed Lisa Goodwin-Allen as culinary director as the hotel prepares to launch its new restaurant Rosi Join the news democracyWhere your votes decide the Top 100 Reasons for you to sign up to our newsletter here old money billionaire with an RP accent on your Instagram feed you've already come face-to-face with the Gstaad Guy The Gstaad Guy is a parody account that has captivated the hearts of the high net worth community thanks to his mockery of their obscure lifestyles He's often heard telling his community their favourite things need to get "à la poubelle" (that's 'to the trash' in French relaxing with friends in the back of a Rolls-Royce Constance de von Gstaad and his cousin, Colton (known for being the typical 'new money' Los Angeles crypto bro stereotype), are merely characters of the content creator, who apparently started out by making a video mocking his rich friends, and accidentally ended up getting it forwarded among their community on WhatsApp While the Gstaad Guy can usually be found hitting the slopes or decked out in Loro Piana on a yacht Colton is likely chasing the latest 'it' DJ around Mykonos But, despite his penchant for mocking the elite - you'll find many of them in his 'followers' list - from Princess Olympia of Greece, to Elon’s Musk’s mother Maye Musk, and even Central Cee. After appearing as himself on Logan Paul's Impaulsive podcast (it turns out they're pretty good friends) many followers are keen to get to know the real face behind the much-loved parody account The Gstaad Guy chooses to do all of his interviews as...well so for now his real identity is firmly under wraps Google estimates the Gstaad Guy has a net worth of around $1 million Poubel (inspired by his signature catchphrase The brand makes charm jewellery with hand-painted designs inspired by the obscure things obscenely rich people love The Gstaad Guy also has links to a number of luxury brands including Loro Piana "It's made for the people who wear it not the people who see it - which is a rare thing in luxury these days," Gstaad Guy says on the types of brands he works with Before becoming a full-time content creator he worked at Apple in their Apple Pay growth department but says his bosses were "supportive" of his side hustle Constance the Gstaad Guy is from London - but mostly resides in Gtsaad The creator behind the Gstaad Guy also grew up in London but noticeably has a typical international school accent "The international school accent's basically kids who go to international schools and are taught in a British-based system but they're exposed to American pop culture" It's thought he went to the American School in London as a teen before heading to Babson College in Massachusetts During an appearance on Logan Paul's Impaulsive podcast Gstaad Guy confirmed that he is 6 ft 7 ins tall "The first thing people say [to me] is 'woah I didn't know you were so tall'," he joked during his appearance on Impaulsive Gstaad Guy has more than one million followers on Instagram Some of his biggest followers include the late Virgil Abloh Others friends of Constance include J Balvin the Gstaad Guy confirmed that he is currently single How to join the indy100's free WhatsApp channel Sign up to our free indy100 weekly newsletter Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings Ming Liu selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter Saying “expresso” instead of “espresso”. Posting photos of DJs. Mykonos. In the world of @GstaadGuy, all are tells consigning their offender “à la poubelle”. The social-media influencer has amassed an Instagram following of almost one million by poking fun at the ultra rich via his parody personas. Now, he’s parlaying his signature snobby catchphrase into a line of irreverent jewellery he’s betting on Poubel as a form of “speed dating for friendships” He continues: “I saw a void there – to have this members’ club energy on the wrist.”  I saw a void there – to have this members’ club energy on the wrist Rather than traditional charms, Poubel charms are embedded in the expandable modular links. “There are no [clinking] sounds – it’s more elegant,” he explains. The jewellery doesn’t have to be worn on the body, either: Gstaad Guy anticipates the charms being clipped to a handbag, perhaps an Hermès Kelly or a Louis Vuitton Keepall Or you can create a dog leash or a cord for water skiing he’s kept prices relatively affordable: Bracelets start at £220 Immanuel wears Poubel necklaces and bracelets customised with charms (£60) and pendants (£65) © Deepak DevikanandSarah carries a Hermès Birkin 25 accessorised with The Colton bracelet and charms and pendants She also wears a Poubel necklace styled with a Vicuña pendant (£65) © Deepak DevikanandPoubel also taps into the buzzwords currently dictating influencer marketing: connection and authenticity It’s a game that Gstaad Guy knows well and lives first-hand thanks to his close relationship with his audience who are known to call out the excesses of their dads and uncles by pronouncing them “so Gstaad Guy” even iced matcha and backgammon… these things are so absurd but people really do bond over them,” he says “The second that two people who’ve never met realise they both like backgammon – that spearheads a friendship and makes it move a lot faster.” Ditto poubelThe internet's favorite old money whisperer just dropped a jewelry line to celebrate the absurd Dubbed "Poubel," the newly launched brand is an interchangeable modular jewelry line made from recyclable sterling silver and comes complete with a wide selection of emoji-like hand-painted enamel charms you've immersed yourself in the expensive and satirical world of Constance de von Gstaad "Á la poubelle" has emerged as the unofficial catchphrase for the lame and trite for those following Gstaad's tutelage poubel1 / 2Gstaad has flipped the term to create this new jewelry venture especially when you consider that á la poubelle loosely means "to the trash." But that is the point I would like to see the bracelets and necklaces in white or rose gold down the line The brand's colorful pendants would not feel out of place stacked on the wrist with a stainless steel Girard Perrgaux sports watch or strategically dangled from a The Row Margaux tote. Because of the modular nature of the links, you're free to create a custom piece for any situation, easily linking together a Cousin Colton-approved pocket chain, a Y2K-inspired keychain or even a leash that your furry friend can flex with the next time they are at the dog groomer poubel1 / 3The pendants and charms themselves are just as much part of the Gstaad Guy lore as they are little nods to those of you who were unironically buying Loro Piana loafers during the peak of the "old-money style" boom last year Need something to reflect your obsession with Vicuña-made ready-to-wear The playful array of colorful pendants gives Y2k "members club" vibes In the often murky and cheap world of influencer jewelry releases You can cop and customize your Poubel set on its official website In the meantime, here's everything you need to know about the current Van Cleef Alhambra craze Want to keep browsing? Download the Highsnobiety App for early access to limited-edition product drops on the Highsnobiety Shop. Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase. 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wide and varied you have specific questions or concerns about the accessibility of any particular webpage on this Website please contact us at accessibility@highsnobiety.com If you do encounter an accessibility issue please be sure to specify the web page and nature of the issue in your email and/or phone call and we will make all reasonable efforts to make that page or the information contained therein accessible for you known as the playground of the rich and famous is to be found in the mainly German speaking Made famous by the likes of Princess Grace of Monaco Gstaad is an exceedingly pretty alpine village with its main street a veritable paradise for culture-lovers and designer-shoppers alike with long and easy descents in some of the most beautiful alpine settings skating and tobogganing add variety to the resort experience The ski season runs between December and late March with its significant number of privately-owned chalets through sensitive architectural restrictions resisted the temptation to over-develop and so has retained a gorgeous old-world charm Read on to discover some of our favourite luxury chalets in Gstaad Ultima Promenade Chalet  offers exceptional privacy and a full range of exclusive amenities in the glamorous Swiss resort of Gstaad More about Ultima Promenade Chalet This luxurious residence within the Ultima Gstaad complex offers a blend of privacy and high-end hotel services ideal for those seeking a refined yet intimate alpine experience More about Ultima Gstaad – Four Bedroom Residence Chalet Colombe is an exclusive and beautifully designed chalet offering breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere perfect for families or groups looking for a luxurious retreat More about Chalet Colombe * All the properties and products we feature are independently selected by our editors and contributors If you buy something we may earn a commission ShareSaveCommentBETAThis is a BETA experience. opt-out hereLifestyleTravelSlow Gstaad: Summer In The Swiss Alps Is A Snow-Free DreamByDuncan Madden Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights Duncan Madden is a travel writer living in Köln 10:09am EDTShareSaveCommentThe mere name of this small resort town in the Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps brings with it certain preconceptions in much the same way as Aspen or Vail in the US Gstaad is a place synonymous with eye-watering wealth world-spanning celebrity and generations-long royalty The Alpina Gstaad towers over Gstaad village amid summer Alpine peaks It’s where the world’s elite take their kids to get an international education make sure they’re seen in the extraordinary hotels restaurants and ski runs that pepper the surrounding Kanton Bern But while the region is synonymous with snow and skiing it’s a place to take advantage of Switzerland’s incomparably beautiful surroundings year round and to get a glimpse of how the earth-shatteringly rich vacay invest in a pair of enormous wraparound sunglasses and get ready to gorge yourself on the best of everything the place to be seen was the historic Gstaad Palace a true grand dame of the Swiss hotel scene since 1913 But when the first new luxury hotel to be built in Gstaad in 100 years opened The Alpina Gstaad is an exercise in how to do decadent right Built in the local three-storey Simmentaler architectural style on a hillside overlooking the town it has sweeping views over the Saanenland from the balconies of its 58 rooms and suites amiably set among towering cypress trees and pristine hedgerows Determined not to spoil the serenity of these carefully cultivated surroundings and wary of their guests’ preference for overly noisy sports cars entry is underground via a specially built soundproofed tunnel but serves its purpose by maintaining the calm above render the electric silence of the hotel’s Tesla fleet readily available to ferry guests to local hotspots The elegant and welcoming foyer of The Alpina Gstaad Step from the tunnel into the sweeping two-story foyer and you’re engulfed in a symphony of Swissness colorful ceiling rescued and restored from an old cowshed found on site during construction the buzz from the open plan Alpina Lounge and Bar constant Rooms continue the theme of luxury intertwined with Alpine tradition Wood beam walls glow with flickering light emanating from the hand built fireplaces their stone sourced from the mountains just outside Lovingly restored period furniture roots the room in its surroundings Beds engulf you in a tapestry of quality textiles Windows and doors frame the unadulterated splendor of the mountains beyond the latest mod cons keep comfort levels firmly in the 21st century Beyond the standard and more than lovely enough deluxe rooms a raft of suites serve those with ever deeper pockets From three-bedroom penthouses with private kitchens hamams and Jacuzzis to the mind-boggling Alpina residence that sleeps 12 plus staff and comes complete with sprawling gardens cinema and the kind of security measures demanded by royals politicians and the most paranoid of celebrities the eating and drinking is every bit as important as the sleeping all overseen by exec chef guru Martin Göschel its Michelin Star a testimony to the quality of its produce and production The output is as theatrical and intriguing as it is mouthwatering Michelin starred Somet by Martin Göschel focusses on local ingredients and crazy artworks Tucked away behind it is tiny Swiss Stübli the as-good-as mandatory Alpine eatery that serves up mountains of melted cheese that puts a modern spin on classic Japanese eating Overseen since day one by sushi master Tsutomu Kugota it blends raw and unusual ingredients to perfection nowhere better than with its traditional seven-course Omakase menu Underground chic at the Six Senses Spa and pool monolithic pool room with multiple hot tubs serves those disinterested in an outdoor dip Massage rooms are tucked away in hidden corners a series of therapy rooms offer a range of biohacking treatments—the en vogue remedies du jour designed to optimize the body’s ability to recover Rates at The Alpina Gstaad for the summer season start at CHF 1100 (around $1,235) for a Deluxe Room Schonried Prepare to dig deep for the Panorama Suite which costs CHF 18,000 (around $20,200) for six guests the mountains transform into a riot of colors and textures Precipitous slopes of flower laden pastures stretch up towards craggy black brown and gray peaks that claw at mostly cloudless skies above Enormous hidden lakes scatter among the peaks glowing from their clear water and proximity to the sky Waterfalls erupt from hidden flows on high melting snow and ice fueling their endless cascades often fringed by rainbows emerging from the spray pastures and lakes – a classic Swiss summer landscape ripe for exploring And if you do still feel the urge to see some snow, head for the nearby Glacier 3000 In the winter this towering peak offers Europe’s steepest black ski run accessed by a narrow steep and somewhat terrifying ski-through tunnel In summer it’s among the best viewpoints in the entire Alps high enough that the snow settles year round and with cable cars that make it accessible to all The view from the Peak Bridge of Glacier 3000 is spectacular at any time of year If you can tear yourself away from The Alpina Gstaad’s culinary delights there’s a lot of Swiss cheese and mountain food vying for the chance to clog your arteries The new Mario Botta designed Glacier 3000 restaurant promises food as good as its views Perhaps most exciting is the new offering opening this summer at the top of Glacier 3000 Following a devastating fire in 2022 that saw its flagship restaurant burnt to the ground 400 seat restaurant has risen from its ashes under the watchful eye of famed Swiss architect Mario Botta Its crowning glory will be the 2,700-square-foot panoramic terrace built on the restaurant roof offering an uninterrupted view of the suspension bridge as well as the Matterhorn and no fewer than 24 13,000-foot-plus high peaks Three USC Beach Volleyball Trojans Ascend Podium at Gstaad Elite 16 July 08, 2024 | Women's Beach Volleyball A trio of USC All-Americans claimed medals at the FIVB’s Switzerland Elite 16 stop It is difficult to immediately locate the sense of crisis in Gstaad Wander around the exclusive Alpine town in south-western Switzerland and you will see glitzy private planes soar overhead and pristine chalets nestled in light blankets of snow Even some of the dogs wear shiny pink coats Still from Himali Singh Soin, Static Range (2020-ongoing)Courtesy of Elevation 1049 Jean Katambayi Mukendi, Covid Afrolampe 23 10h30 (2022)Photo: Dario Lasagni These imposing, morphing shapes with their schematic backgrounds seem to map out the systems that govern us. In a second space Mukendi presents Voyant, a robot made from cardboard, paper and handmade electrical wiring—suggestive, perhaps, of the ways one can break free. Instar (6.9kwh), meanwhile, by the Swedish artist Vibeke Mascini, is an installation centred around a radiator plugged into a large battery pack. That battery pack uses energy generated by the burning of cocaine confiscated in the Netherlands—a process the artist gained special access to and that feeds into the electricity sources of the country’s general population. Installation view of Vibeke Mascini, INSTAR, 6.9kWh (2024/25)Photo: Mario Biermann The artist, speaking during the show’s preview, points to the positive results of this exchange: butterfly pupae hang from a second radiator, their inhabitants having made a nest in the warmth during a previous iteration of the project. In Gstaad, she adds, the electricity is “bringing us some heat and we’re taking that energy with us as we go.” It is, naturally, more complex and engaging than that too. Given this is a power source inextricably tied to the global drug trade, there are darker layers within it, such as histories of exploitation and violence. “I’m inevitably thinking of what lingers in this energy,” Mascini tells The Art Newspaper separately. It is hard to shake the strangeness of seeing some of these issues addressed in Gstaad, known as a getaway for some of the most privileged individuals: royals, Hollywood actors, business magnates. This is a contradiction that has clearly not escaped the exhibiting artists, and of those present on the day, Chicago-based Theaster Gates, known for his socially engaged practice, is perhaps most candid in his reference to it. “To be honest, Gstaad and [fellow Swiss luxury resort] St Moritz, they're places that are a little bit far in my imagination,” he says. “These places are kind of signifiers of a certain kind of lifestyle, or a certain kind of wealth, or a certain kind of opportunity. I was afraid that when I got here, I would feel horribly out of place.” He explains, however, that what he found was the opposite. “Because I have my friends and because I have my friendship with Maja Hoffmann, I feel like I'm actually enveloped in this community,” he says. “I feel like when I'm moving through the mountains, I'm surrounded by love. When I sit down at the dinner table, I'm surrounded by love. And so it’s been hard not to like relax my shoulders a bit. It's like—oh, this is actually okay.” Theaster Gates and the Black Monks perform at Gstaad airport The concert was mesmerising, one of the most compelling examples of art as energy you could hope to witness. It took place, however, in front of an intimate crowd filled with VIPs—the celebrity chef Massimo Bottura and the Monégasque royal Andreas Casiraghi among them—and with landing helicopters and jets visible through the monumental glass shutters behind the musicians. And so a question inevitably arises that could be applied to the show as a whole: who is this for? Given Gstaad is only home to around 9,000 people (or 20,000 in high season) and a three-hour train ride from Geneva, what can be done to give more people access? Hoffmann certainly has ambitions in this regard. Giving a speech outside the Station, one of the exhibition’s two main venues, she says she wishes to expand Elevation 1049 to St Moritz and turn it into the “biennial of the Alps”. A—quite literally—lofty premise, though one that does tap into Luma’s drive to create new platforms for boundary pushing, socially engaged art. If this region is to become home to a successful event long term, though, further thinking is needed. Another highlight of Energies is Maria Loizidou’s four hanging tapestries, each featuring depictions of different birds from France—swallows, robins, flamingos and hoopoes—whose migratory patterns are threatened by climate change. Each have been made using a Mediterranean technique involving steel wire—and intricately woven by eight people over a two-year period. These works are magnificent. This show, in its concise and excellent mix of perspectives, is too. All efforts must now be on ensuring that future editions, and their warnings, reach a wider audience, before their potency is lost under delicate carpets of snow. shows images captured by the war photographer David Douglas Duncan news27 October 2016Avalanche of artists in Gstaad for Elevation 1049 news5 August 2015Paranoid visions: Simon Hewitt on the Nordic Biennial of Contemporary ArtThis year’s edition of Momentum explores the anxiety of contemporary life Switzerland has some of the most stunning ski resorts in the world From quaint mountain villages amid rolling hills to modern marvels amid Europe's most dramatic peaks here are our picks for the best ski resorts in Switzerland Independently researched and written by the Snow Team, sponsored by the experts at Inghams We love ski holidays in Switzerland. We love the food, the endless slopes, the ridiculously beautiful resorts and the seamless way skiers can glide from its many airports straight to the slopes—in many cases via spectacular mountain railways Skiing in Switzerland might be more expensive than visiting French, Austrian or Italian ski resorts, but the country has considerable upsides too. There's its rich winter sports history and just the fact that everything in Switzerland runs like clockwork This winter several Swiss ski resorts will host FIS World Cup events (the action kicks off at Zermatt in early November) so there’s never been a better time to head to its powder-blanketed slopes So whether you're considering a Swiss ski holiday for the first time or you've been heading to famous Swiss ski resorts such as Zermatt or Verbier for years we've got the lowdown on the best ski resorts in Switzerland to put at the top of your hit list this winter A snow-sure resort just two hours from Zurich Andermatt is a modern resort which has recently benefited from a £1.4 billion investment much of which has been spent on slope expansions and improvement These enhancements don’t just mean it’s easier to get to the nearby beginner-friendly ski resorts of nearby Sedrun and Disentis but mean there’s more to roam in Andermatt itself which has 180 kilometres of pistes reaching up to 3,000 metres above sea level The ski area is divided into halves: Gemsstock north-facing ski runs get some of the best snow cover in the Swiss Alps and are popular with advanced skiers which is more suited to learners and has some of the best beginner slopes in Europe If you’re planning on spending the majority of your time in Nätschen consider staying at the five-star Chedi Andermatt The hotel has nine restaurants and après ski bars where you can chow down on delicious Asian cuisine while taking in the spectacular views of the surrounding peaks along with the Oberalp pass and the Ursern Valley Read our Andermatt ski resort guide or more details This French-speaking ski resort has terrain for every type of skier and snowboarder with 140 kilometre network of ski runs at a height of between 1,500 and 3,000 metres It’s particularly well suited to intermediate and advanced alpine skiers though—it has an FIS Ski World Cup downhill course and is great for ski touring the resort rolled out a network of 15 ski trails set aside exclusively for touring and to access them you’ll simply need a £4 ski touring pass which covers the cost of rescue (should you need it One of the resort’s newest additions is the Alaïa Chalet Head to this enormous indoor/outdoor sports complex to sign up for lessons in everything from skateboarding to parkour accommodation (most of which has between three and five stars) and restaurants (all 90 of them) are incredibly varied – you’ll never go hungry in Crans-Montana where you’ll find restaurants specialising in Thai and where two restaurants have already bagged Michelin stars it was announced that the American conglomerate Vail Resorts had bought a controlling stake in Crans Montana They've promised to invest millions in further upgrades to infrastructure guest services and food and drink offerings They also promised not to mess with the atmosphere that made this resort special in the first place Give our full Crans-Montana ski resort guide a read more more info Sandwiched between two vastly more famous neighbours (Verbier and the 4 Valleys to the west, and Zermatt to the east) Grimentz flies under the radar in terms of reputation This probably suits most of its visitors down to the ground because Grimentz' clientele tends to fall into two who prefer uncrowded slopes for the safety of their kids who want as few people as possible to track out the best spots The slopes are a nice mix of blues and reds and greens With 115km of piste the resort isn’t massive but there's more than enough to keep intermediates occupied for the week the off-piste skiing here is something else The mountain's mostly north-facing aspect means the slopes preserve their snow well prices down in the village compare pretty favourably to elsewhere and the lift pass prices are fairly wallet-friendly by Swiss standards too This is a resort which has it all: easy access to the enormous Jungfrau region where the fantastic lift network means you can tackle the FIS-certified Lauberhorn pistes and still make it home in time for tea; a beautiful resort centre filled with some of the region’s quaintest cafés and boutiques The area's 160 kilometres of pistes top out at 2,971 metres and there are 80 kilometres of immaculately groomed winter walking trails You'll be able to fly down 60 kilometres of toboggan trails our favourite of which is the 15-kilometre course (Europe’s longest) which streaks down the side of the Bernese Alps’ Faulhorn mountain The Eiger looms somewhat menacingly over this pretty ski resort but don’t be put off – the terrain is incredibly diverse although the majority of runs are blue and red Keep an eye out for chamois dashing between the wildlife reserves (out of bounds to skiers) dotted throughout the ski area The 26-seat gondola will whisk you from Grindelwald to the Eiger Glacier station in just 15 minutes (previously this journey took 47 minutes) Take a look at our Grindelwald ski resort guide for more info If you need additional reasons to head to this resort for your next ski holiday look no further than the palatial Gstaad Palace with its famous spa (named the world’s best hotel spa at the World Spa Awards 2020) and five restaurants served in the hotel’s underground La Fromagerie Comprising a cluster of villages (many of which date back to the 1500s) between 1,000 and 1,400 metres above sea level Gstaad is a brilliant resort for skiers who are either just starting out or keen to improve - 80 per cent of the slopes are suitable for either beginners or intermediates Although advanced skiers aren’t quite as well catered for there’s still a decent number of seriously steep runs which has an average gradient of 45 degrees It’s one of the best resorts for cross country skiing in Europe – Gstaad has the country’s first permanent cross country skiing trail which is part of a network of 180 kilometres of trails covering six areas Don’t forget to take a ride on a mountain railway either – the wider Bernese Oberland area has 41 of them they provide easy access to the resort’s six toboggan runs Make sure you check out the new Eggli gondola This is one of Switzerland's most modern lifts - a 10-person Porsche-designed ski lift which opened in December 2019 and speeds skiers to the top of Mount Eggli in record time Our full Gstaad ski resort guide has more details on this great resort Framed by spectacular mountains and home to four snow parks 28 ski lifts and 224 kilometres of ski slopes (70 per cent of which are wedged between a sky-scraping 2,000 and 3,000 metres above sea level) which has endless appeal for all levels of skier It's also one of the cleanest ski resorts in the world in terms of carbon emissions—all its lifts and snowmaking equipment are powered by renewable energy sources and it has ambitious plans to become a zero carbon operation (not just carbon neutral the highlight of which is the six-kilometre slope which stretches from Curnius to Laax Murschetg which includes not only 30 restaurants (including some of the best mountain restaurants you'll find in Swiss resorts) but dedicated culinary trails Everything about Laax – both on the slopes and off – is top notch largely because the resort regularly hosts some of the world’s biggest ski and snowboard competitions and its slopes attract some of the world’s most famous skiers and snowboarders (its Freestyle Academy is Switzerland's only Olympic freestyle training base) We’re also huge fans of the resort’s dedicated app (Inside Laax), which does a great job of taking the hassle out of ski holidays. Download it and you can research the apres ski use the map to navigate the various ski areas check out which lifts are open and monitor your kids’ progress at ski school Check out our full Laax ski resort guide for all the details A small resort, with an illustrious history, Mürren has attracted a growing number of visitors in recent years a mountain made famous by James Bond in On Her Majesty's Secret Service Head here to explore 53km of pistes and a surprisingly large network of winter walking trails and cross country trails It’s a brilliant destination if you’re craving some peace and quiet – it’s a car-free resort, and the views of the Eiger, Mönch and Breithorn are breathtaking. The town itself is small and quaint, and has a rich history - this is where Sir Arnold Lunn launched the world’s first package ski holiday back in 1922 As one of the highest resorts in the Jungfau region, it’s also one of Switzerland’s most snow-sure – you’re unlikely to find any shortage of the white stuff between December and March, and it’s a brilliant spot for spring skiing It doesn’t have the largest ski area but the ease with which it can be combined with nearby Wengen and Grindelwald more than makes up for this and there are still plenty of thrills to be had here 9 (otherwise known as Direttissima) which streaks down the side of the Schilthorn But hold on tight – this slope’s average incline is 88 per cent Read our full guide to Mürren ski resort for more info Dubbed "the pearl of the Alps" Saas-Fee is a ski resort which combines serious high alpine terrain with a family-friendly village making it one of the best Swiss ski resorts not just in the Valais Surrounded by no fewer than 13 4,000m peaks the village was one of the first in the Alps to go car-free and takes its commitment to sustainability very seriously it's one of the most eco-friendly ski resorts in Europe This response to the climate crisis is perhaps not surprising The ski area is split between three main zones—Saas-Fee Saas-Grund and Saas-Almagell—two of which boast high slopes scattered with spectacular seracs and crevasses where the ravages of global heating are all-too visible the altitude (lifts top out at 3,500m in Saas Fee and 3,200m in Saas-Grund) mean that the ski area is the very definition of snow sure in winter The halfpipe is famously one of the few which can stay open during the northern hemisphere summer making Saas-Fee one of the top ski resorts in the world for pro spotting the sheer amount of off piste terrain on offer is impressive offering plenty for backcountry enthusiasts to get stuck into with no direct train line from any of the major air transport hubs in Switzerland the car free village is well worth the extra time it takes to get there while a multitude of après ski and dining options means you'll never get bored—as long as your wallet can take the hit Check out our full Saas-Fee resort guide for all the details Winter sports destinations don't come more storied than St it played an important role in the development of winter tourism as a whole local hotelier Caspar Badrutt made a wager with four of his summer guests he said he'd pay for their return journey back to the UK and their 'discovery' sparked demand for a new kind of active winter holiday among the British upper classes and bobsledding (invented here in 1890) fast becoming popular Ski lifts were installed soon after the invention of alpine skiing in the 1920s the resort hosted the second ever Winter Olympics crowned by a top cable car that takes you up to 3,057m above sea level The skiing alone would be enough to make this one of the best ski resorts in Switzerland with the large ski area offering varied terrain including plenty to keep off piste skiers engaged Moritz apart is the off-hill activities—from the annual ice polo tournament to the skating on the frozen lake (which is kept in better condition than many indoor ice skating rinks) to the chance to try your hand at bob sledding watch the daredevils throwing themselves down the infamous Cresta Run (think skeleton bob or try out the network of cross country ski trails and is well worth a visit—although unless you're feeling flush we'd recommend just popping in for high tea Otherwise the rooms start from over 1,200 Swiss Francs (£1,000) per night Our full St. Moritz ski resort review has more details Historically seen as a playground for the rich and famous (and let’s face it there’s still a certain amount of truth in this proof of which is the fact the resort named a ski lift named after regular visitor James Blunt) Verbier is a popular ski holiday destination which has always attracted skiers of all skill levels who can explore the enormous 4 Valleys ski area while also enjoying easy lift access to other ski resorts such as Thyon The majority of Verbier’s runs are blue and red with just a handful black runs (including the famous mogul-dotted Mont Fort slope for those keen to put their skis to the ultimate test) It's also one of the most modern Swiss ski resorts and has hosted some of the world's most important skiing and snowboarding competitions including the finale of the Freeride World Tour every year Non skiers are especially well catered for because the range of activities available away from the slopes is staggering – skydiving horse riding and dog sledding are all on offer here the huge range of accommodation means finding a bed doesn’t mean breaking the bank Luxury crash pads include the five-star La Cordée des Alpes (a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group) and the ridiculously swanky Chalet Truffe Blanche there are plenty of options for travellers on a budget We recommend the MAP Verbier-Village hostel for larger groups while couples should consider one of the resort’s bed-and-breakfasts (Les Sapins Bleus Read our full Verbier ski resort guide for everything else you need to know Another ski resort in a spectacular setting (in this case, thanks to the looming backdrop of the Matterhorn), Zermatt, in the heart of the Valais region, is a high-altitude playground with a world class reputation. While the resort has long been linked to Cervinia by the slopes this year marks the opening of the new Matterhorn Alpine Crossing lift—a cable car which will whisk you across the glacier more speedily The combined Zermatt-Cervinia ski area boasts an incredible 360 kilometres of pistes making it a great place for intermediate skiers Zermatt's après ski is incredibly diverse – visit in winter and you’ll find everything from slope-side champagne bars such as the Champagner Bar Teehäuschen Flora to cosy retreats like the Papperla Pub where you can wash down pizza-like Flammküchen with local Swiss beers The range of accommodation is equally varied Zermatt has plenty of catered chalets and self-catering apartments perfect for those on  family ski holidays and the resort has one of the most diverse selections of hotels in the Swiss Alps with everything from boutique hotels such as the Hotel Walliserhof to the five-star Mont Cervin Palace Regarded by many as not just the best hotel in Zermatt but the Swiss Alps it's got three restaurants and an enormous spa Take a look at our Zermatt ski resort guide for more details Four Seasons has been appointed to manage the iconic Park Gstaad Hotel in Switzerland The hotel is undergoing extensive renovations led by Squircle Capital under the design vision of Joseph Dirand It is expected to reopen as The Park Gstaad It is owned by philanthropist Dona Bertarelli and is a major landmark within one of Europe's most popular mountain destinations Four Seasons President Bart Carnahan expressed excitement about entering this exclusive market with such a notable property He also acknowledged the potential to combine the property's legacy with Four Seasons' service excellence to provide a unique luxury experience stating that she's eager to reveal the property's transformation into a Four Seasons experience The Park Gstaad holds a special place in the region's heritage and she believes this collaboration will bring modern elegance to the hotel while still respecting its legacy The renovated Park Gstaad will continue its tradition of excellence while incorporating Four Seasons' globally recognized services and experiences The hotel will feature 75 rooms and suites The property will also offer unique restaurant and bar concepts Gstaad is a top ski destination and exclusive mountain resort region will join the Four Seasons collection of heritage properties in Europe and its collection of alpine properties around the world The ‘Super Anti-Aging Dual Serum’ is the latest launch from Dr Barbara Sturm A corner of Dr Barbara Sturm’s 17th century chalet in Gstaad Dr Barbara Sturm ‘Super Anti-Aging Dual Serum’ The Dr Barbara Sturm spa on Madison Avenue in New York An original door inside Dr Barbara Sturm’s 17th century Gstaad home After Dr Barbara Sturm’s latest product launch the ‘Super Anti-Aging Dual Serum’ she catches up with Wallpaper* from inside her home in Gstaad I remember the first summer here and going mushroom hunting,’ she continues I also note the luminosity of her complexion, unmistakable despite Zoom’s jolty picture quality. What I’m seeing here is the coveted ‘Sturm Glow’ a patented effect of the German aesthetics doctor’s ‘anti-inflammatory’ approach to skin health Dr Sturm’s medical career began in orthopaedics She later joined a team of Düsseldorf-based sports scientists working to develop a cutting-edge therapy called Orthokine and reintroducing the patient’s blood into the body to reduce joint inflammation and promote healing Dr Sturm had shifted her clinical research to aesthetics putting the principles of Orthokine into regenerative skincare Two of her world-renowned signatures include a ‘PRP’ (platelet-rich plasma therapy) facial perhaps better known as the ‘Vampire Facial’ a topical delivery of proteins extracted from one’s bloodstream which launched earlier this month (September 2024) It combines the technology of ‘The Hyaluronic Serum’ with ‘skin-mimicking’ ceramides and lipids alongside sharing a few more anecdotes about her life in Gstaad Wallpaper*: Can you tell me about why you’ve launched the ‘Super Anti-Aging Dual Serum’ and what it does Dr Barbara Sturm: The idea started when I was thinking about how lipids get better infused if you have hydrated skin I designed a buttery skin essence a couple of years ago for a friend who started a skincare company So I had the idea to combine a hydrating phase and a lipid phase using some of the ingredients from this essence I was worried a dual-phase serum was too gimmicky for us But after the samples arrived and everyone on the team began to try it We all tested it out for a month and each of us saw the difference it made to the skin by the end of that period This is because of the bio-mimetic peptides we used combined with all the other incredible ingredients W*: How does your approach to skin health and wellness tie into your living space and environment DBS: I have a lot of family time here in Gstaad breathing pure oxygen high in the mountains.. The environment here fits perfectly into my anti-inflammatory lifestyle she has sourced all kinds of things for the house too W*: Do you approach the design of a Dr Barbara Sturm spa with the same spontaneity DBS: I work on the design for the spas with my brother They are always based on simplicity and good quality which speaks to the ethos of the Sturm brand they have a personal touch that relates to their location With the Madison Avenue spa in New York I went crazy with wallpapers to tie in with the fact it is an older townhouse I sourced a lot of vintage pieces here too I think that sometimes works out for the best W*: What are your bathroom and ‘wellness’ spaces like in the chalet I have an LED bed for infrared light therapy and a pure oxygen machine and also hydrogen water to drink throughout the home I recently installed a machine that pumps hydrogen into your bathtub and I am in love with it W*: What are your plans for the immediate future DBS: I don’t see tons of patients anymore so work is focused on managing product development and marketing But it’s easy to do a lot of this from here in Gstaad I have discovered this other side of me and found more of a balance while living in Gstaad I think this is so important when you reach a certain age you’ll lose the rest of your youth quicker than anticipated One day you’d wake up and just not be able to get out of your chair going out to the bakery on skis or something Hannah Tindle is Beauty & Grooming Editor at Wallpaper* She brings ideas to the magazine’s beauty vertical the ATP Gstaad announced that the current world number 2 will be part of their roster in 2025 Alexander Zverev is set to land on Swiss soil for the first time in his career at the tournament scheduled between July 12 and 20 the German will join Casper Ruud in one of the few 250 events Zverev plans to participate in Let's remember that this ATP Gstaad will take place a week after stepping on the grass at Wimbledon and a few days before the two North American Masters 1000s on hard court This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Zverev se apunta al ATP de Gstaad 2025 por primera vez Please whitelist confidentials.com to continue to our site and enjoy an Ad-Light experience ice patterns in puddles. There's a lot to love about winter rainy January mornings on the flu-infested train to work Thankfully this year I had something to look forward to in the last week of the longest month; a trip to Gstaad in Switzerland.  Snaking through this narrow canyon into the valley beyond you feel like you’re entering into a different world At Spiez, I boarded the Golden Pass Express one of Switzerland’s picturesque Alpine railways that make this once inaccessible landscape open to all Northern Rail could learn a lot from The Golden Pass Express Andy Burnham should send them on a fact-finding mission The four-star superior Golf Hotel Les Hauts de Gstaad the highest of ten villages in the Saanenland Valley and one of the main ski resorts in the Gstaad area The hotel is a two-minute walk from the station and like all the buildings in this protected region it’s built in the traditional Swiss chalet style; wood exterior Inside it’s as cosy as Heidi’s hayloft though somewhat more luxurious I judge hotel rooms on how long it takes me to go from discombobulated on arrival to happy and calm Here it was as fast as the transfer time at Zurich Airport I arrived mid-evening so rather than heading out for dinner I nestled in with room service followed by spa time There are four saunas in the hotel spa; your first decision is ‘textile’ or 'no-textile' (clothed or unclothed) But as this limits you to only one of the four I later compromised by taking a towel in to the non-textiles (it’s allowed) and doing the awkward Brit thing of being somewhere in between.  The mountains were calling though so the next day after a wholesome breakfast of Bircher muesli (when in Rome) I walked to the cable car with ski boots already on; it’s just a three-minute hobble from the hotel.  Jaw-dropping Alpine views have that effect on me Rather than questioning my life choices on the 7.52am train to Piccadilly I was congratulating myself on having made a good decision somewhere along the way Björn had to skip the après-ski drinks (his cows needed milking) but the rest of us went to the Iglu-Dorf hotel We sipped steaming glasses of white gluhwein (ice furniture and red wine spills don’t mix well) then took a tour of the rooms which were all adorned with artist-carved ice sculptures The theme for the artworks changes each year and wondered what dreams you’d have with those watching over your frozen bed.  The next day we visited the town of Gstaad which is famous for its international schools Bernie Ecclestone holidays there and patron saint of the Alps Julie Andrews bought the town its municipal Christmas lights. Roger Federer played a tennis tournament here and won a cow.  It’s got a chi-chi reputation but as our guide Claudia explained while we toured its surroundings in a horse and carriage its real riches are found in the stunning scenery not the string of designer shops on the promenade.  In fact, most of the accommodation in Gstaad is aimed at average spenders, the kind who arrive by train rather than helicopter. We took a tour of the new Hotel Mansard which prices itself as a three-star mid-range option but could easily pass as a four-star aimed at couples and families rather than big coach tours It means that Gstaad feels like an affluent village rather than a maxed-out resort town.  That evening we ate fondu at the hotel in its chalet restaurant while snow fell outside We were moving on the next day but I was already planning a return visit to Gstaad in my head when the grey sets in after Christmas and it’s still months until spring Follow Sarah on Instagram @sarah.tierney5 Read next: To ski or not to ski: a winter activity break in the Swiss Alps Read again: 10 things to do in summer in Dalarna, Sweden Neil Sowerby explores the cultural riches of Brits' favourite island Hotel has become a standout in the city since opening just over a year ago Harley Young shares her highlights after spending a long weekend in the coastal city Lily Wallen sees things fall apart in suburbia in Switzerland to its Growing Portfolio of European Hotels NEW DELHI, Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- InterGlobe's new lifestyle hotel brand in Europe, Miiro, continues its expansion with the addition of The Mansard This marks the brand's entry into Switzerland and positions it as a key player in the European hospitality landscape The Mansard will join existing Miiro hotels in Paris and Barcelona along with new properties opening soon in London and Vienna in 2025 Miiro is a characterful collection of individually designed hotels in the heart of Europe's most vibrant cities The 29-room hotel is ideally positioned in the centre of Gstaad an idyllic ski destination nestled in the Swiss Alps The Mansard offers a vibrant atmosphere where charming boutiques The Hotel's rooftop bar offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains while the restaurant showcases the finest local ingredients from the Bernese Oberland Travellers from India are always on the lookout for unique experiences and The Mansard provides the perfect charming and romantic escape offering a blend of alpine luxury along with modern comforts With its stunning views and exceptional hospitality The Mansard promises to be an ideal destination for discerning Indian travellers seeking an unforgettable experience in one of Switzerland's most picturesque settings CEO at Miiro and Executive Director-Group Strategy and International Hospitality for InterGlobe Enterprises comments: "We are thrilled to be welcoming The Mansard into the Miiro collection this winter as we continue to explore new opportunities to grow the brand in interesting neighbourhoods across Europe The Mansard will offer Brilliantly Considered stays that champion local partners and the opportunity for our guests to recharge while also becoming a welcoming spot for locals and visitors to enjoy whether it's for a morning coffee or evening drinks at the rooftop bar." has been operating as an independent hotel since May 2024 It will reopen as a Miiro hotel later this month following the rollout of a comprehensive brand training programme and a series of thoughtful enhancements to elevate the hotel and guest experience Opening in time for the start of the winter season The Mansard will welcome skiers from all across the world The Hotel will offer 'Brilliantly Considered Stays' that deeply connect travellers with local culture and redefine the hospitality experience Miiro is a new lifestyle hotel brand launching a characterful collection of individually designed hotels Located in the heart of Europe's most vibrant cities meaning "I wonder" and whose double vowel symbolises reflection Each hotel is inspired by the surrounding neighbourhood with its own personality and connection to the local community Miiro is an InterGlobe Enterprises company India's largest aviation and hospitality conglomerate hospitality and travel-related services and employs more than 65,000 professionals worldwide For more information, please visit www.miirohotels.com InterGlobe Enterprises is an Indian travel conglomerate involved in Aviation (IndiGo) employs more than 65,000 professionals across 135+ cities globally the group has been building businesses and working with global brands to deliver Quality and Value It has been bridging the gap between people and markets through Innovation and Service Leadership InterGlobe has continued to expand its vision becoming one of India's foremost conglomerates For more information, visit www.interglobe.com. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2557985/The_Mansard_Gstaad.jpg CEO of Miiro Hotels and Executive Director of Group Strategy and International Hospitality at InterGlobe a leading Indian [Travel] conglomerate with business ventures in Aviation Travel Hotels and Resorts Retail New Products & Services Do not sell or share my personal information: