Gala of Vanities

If the exclusiveness of a hotel is generally proportionate to the exclusiveness of the place where it is located, then much can be expected of Gstaad, which has always been the most elite ski resort on the planet. In this case, not only is the above formula correct, it is in fact exceeded by reality. The Alpina Gstaad is probably one of the most beautiful mountain hotels in the world.

Overlooking the magical village high up in the Bernese Oberland, the hotel, which was opened in 2012 and designed by the well-known architects HBA from London, is a celebration of class, tradition and modernity. Various features make it unique, from the vast collection of artworks which it houses to the wonderful late-Baroque ceiling above the main staircase; and from the three restaurants, of which two possess star rating, to the beautiful Six Senses Spa health farm.

The interior furnishing manages to convey that touch of freshness often missing from more classic mountain hotels, and to maintain the atmosphere which only they possess, and the result is truly surprising.

According to local legend, God, wanting to rest during the final days of creation, laid his hand down on the last piece of untouched land and created Saanenland, of which Gstaad is a part. The Alpina Gstaad is definitely worldly, but as such it cannot be improved upon.

Gstaad, November 2016