Consider Staying at: The Alpina Gstaad in Switzerland

Dinogo's Perspective

Perched on a hillside just a short stroll from the breathtakingly beautiful town of Gstaad, the Alpina made its debut in 2012 as the first luxury hotel to open in the area in a century. The French and Swiss owners, who are based in Gstaad, spent 15 years crafting this six-story hotel on a five-acre site, strictly adhering to the town's building regulations.

The underground tunnel entrance evokes the atmosphere of a James Bond movie, while the lobby—with its modern artwork, soaring ceilings, and elegant central staircase—is adorned with reclaimed wood sourced from Switzerland, France, and Austria. The hotel operates from mid-December to mid-March and reopens in the summer starting in June. In 2023, for the first time, it will extend its summer season by an additional month until mid-October. The hotel has received recognition from the science-based sustainable travel certifier EarthCheck for its commitment to sustainability.

Who is it ideal for?

The Alpina’s contemporary design, infused with traditional elements, creates a captivating harmony between the past and present, although it might not appeal to those seeking a more classic ambiance. It's the perfect retreat for travelers who appreciate a stylish après-ski scene alongside their outdoor adventures. A sprawling spa managed by the wellness-centric Six Senses group and a private cinema, featuring a film series focused on climate change, provide entertainment on-site. Meanwhile, culinary enthusiasts can indulge in diverse dining options, ranging from modern Japanese to classic Swiss cuisine. Families with young children will value the kids' club offering babysitting services and weekly activities, which may include snow globe crafting and painting.

The Location

Nestled in the municipality of Saanenland in Switzerland's Bern canton, Gstaad is surrounded by stunning rolling hills and mountains. For centuries, it has been a hub of agriculture, gaining prominence on the tourism scene in the early 1900s with the construction of a railroad and ski slopes. Thanks to strict building regulations, the town maintains its charming wooden chalet style. While it may not boast Switzerland's highest or most challenging slopes (hardcore skiers prefer Zermatt), it attracts visitors for its lifestyle as much as for winter sports. Summer and early autumn offer a paradise for outdoor activities like hiking and swimming in pristine blue lakes. Just a three-minute drive or a 10-minute walk from the town center, the Alpina is conveniently located and can transport guests to nearby slopes such as Eggli, Wasserngrat, or Wispile in one of the hotel's two white Teslas. (The hotel also provides minivans for families.)

Gstaad is a discreet celebrity retreat: The town takes pride in minimizing attention and paparazzi presence, making it common to encounter musicians and film stars in relaxed environments. Even when the resort becomes bustling with high-profile seasonal guests like Madonna, Elton John, and Anne Hathaway, local artisans, from cheese makers to paper-cutting craftspeople, maintain age-old traditions.

The Accommodations

The 56 rooms and suites, crafted by Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) alongside local artisans, blend modern and traditional aesthetics. The spaces feature abstract artwork and marble or timber-clad bathrooms with spacious soaking tubs, harmonizing with intricately carved wooden ceilings, hanging lamps made from embroidered leather cowbell straps, and hand-painted wooden cabinets reminiscent of those found in historic Swiss alpine homes. Gas fireplaces provide additional warmth on chilly nights. As a digital nomad, I cherished my Grand Luxe Suite, which offered a residential vibe with views of both the town and slopes, complete with a banquette and a large wooden table perfect for work and dining. Eco-conscious guests will appreciate the absence of single-use plastics. A delightful touch: the cozy wool slippers that the hotel encourages guests to take home as souvenirs.

Culinary Experience

Among the hotel’s six or so dining venues, Megu stands out as a premier destination: Here, chef Tsutomu Kugota serves exquisite sushi, sashimi, and cooked dishes featuring exceptional ingredients like Kagero wagyu beef steak, all within a dining area adorned with slatted wooden screens draped in vibrant red kimono fabric. Be sure to check out the new Japanese Whisky Bar nearby, where rare bottles are offered in an elegantly dimly lit atmosphere.

Led by executive chef Martin Göschel, the Michelin-starred Sommet presents a globally inspired tasting menu that could include dishes like saddle of lamb or poached oysters. (A vegetarian menu is also available.) For those seeking a meal that celebrates the region’s cheesy delights, Swiss Stübli offers raclette and fondue made with ingredients sourced from local artisanal farms, served in a warm, wood-paneled setting. Even non-smokers will appreciate the Cigar Lounge, designed with inspiration from Havana, featuring polished dark wood, plush leather seating, and a walk-in humidor that exudes a nostalgic charm.

Service and Staff

The staff is relaxed yet attentive and highly efficient—able to adapt quickly. When I arrived hoping to snowboard on an unusually snow-free day in January, the hotel had me equipped in no time at the on-site rental shop as soon as the snow began to fall.

Access and Mobility

Three guest rooms (212, 312, and 412) feature bars in the showers, wheelchair-accessible toilets, and no stairs to navigate.

A Haven for Wellness

The Six Senses spa spans over 20,000 square feet, creating a self-contained retreat. It offers a wide range of experiences, including a Tibetan healing retreat, a three-day yoga sleep retreat, and various massage options from shiatsu to Thai. For those recovering from a day on the slopes, the outdoor heated pool is the perfect escape, where steam rises elegantly into the winter air.