Gstaad - 'A Billionaire's Favorite Swiss Playground'
GSTAAD is a village in the German-speaking section of the Canton of Bern in southwestern Switzerland. It is part of the municipality of Saanen and is known as a major ski resort and a popular destination amongst high-class society and the international jet set. The winter campus of the Institute Le Rosey is located in Gstaad. Gstaad has a population of about 3,200 and is located 1,050 metres (3,445 feet) above sea level.
Situated in the Berner Oberland, Gstaad is home to one of the largest ski areas in the Alps (220 km (137 mi) of slopes). The middle of the village features a picturesque PROMENADE bounded by numerous shops, restaurants, art galleries, and hotels. Designer labels including Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Chopard, Brunello Cucinelli, Prada, Moncler, Ralph Lauren, and Cartier all have stores in Gstaad, while many smaller boutiques stock labels such as Chloe, Dolce & Gabbana, Tod's, Burberry, Dior, Oscar de la Renta, and Marc Jacobs.
Long known for its walking and hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty, the mountain air and ambiance attracts guests year round from around the world. Gstaad is also known for its ski and cross-country slopes and winter hiking trails.
Gstaad, named "The Place" by Time magazine in the 1960s, is widely known for its famous part-time residents and vacationers. Current longtime residents of Gstaad include: Alinghi yachting syndicate boss Ernesto Bertarelli and actress Julie Andrews, Formula One Holdings owner Bernie Ecclestone, French actress Jeanne Moreau, French singer Johnny Hallyday, and columnist Taki Theodoracopulos. Famous residents have included actor Roger Moore, George Soros, Steve Wynn, actress/humanitarian Elizabeth Taylor, director Roman Polanski, violinist Yehudi Menuhin, Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly, modern artist Balthus, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Swiss philanthropist Philipp Braunwalder and Filip Peters. Famous regular visitors to Gstaad have included Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince Charles and Princess Diana, former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, haute couture designer Valentino Garavani, writer William F. Buckley, Jr., and various members of the House of Cavendish. Other occasional visitors in the past include Margaret Thatcher, actors David Niven and Peter Sellers, as well as King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain, and Abdel Salam Jalloud. In January 1983, King Juan Carlos fell while skiing in Gstaad and cracked his pelvis, immobilising him for a month. Richard Scarry had a studio in Gstaad where he drew many of his books. Many British bands and musicians would play at L'Atelier, a club in Gstaad, in the 1960s and 1970s.
The PALACE HOTEL opened in 1913 as Gstaad's first luxury hotel. During the World Wars and the Great Depression, the tourism industry suffered and many hotels closed. After World War II, many of the large hotels remained closed, but they were replaced with a number of smaller non-hotel accommodation (chalets, apartment houses, residences). Most of the modern resorts and small hotels are built out of wood and retain traditional design elements.
Bars, Cafés & Lounges
 - Alpina Lounge & Bar - "An entire exterior wall of floor-to-ceiling windows connects the space to the terrace outside. It’s as if you’re sitting in the mountain bowl itself, with a fireplace and bar to one side. An eclectic collection of selected spirits is used to concoct an extensive range of cocktails, ranging from the classic to the latest in avant-garde mixology." At hotel The Alpina, Alpinastrasse 23.
 - Cigar Lounge at The Alpina - "The walk-in humidor features a selection of over 50 cigars. Classic, deep-buttoned armchairs are attached to small, custom-designed tables, each supporting a bespoke ashtray. From the leather and dark wood interior, you look out through windows to rolling Alpine countryside north of the hotel." At hotel The Alpina, Alpinastrasse 23.
 - Grand Hotel Park Bar & Lounge - cocktails, some sushi prepared on the spot, a club sandwich or a tartare prepared at your table. Wispilestrasse 29.
 - Grand Hotel Park Cigar Lounge - "In an English club atmosphere, seated in plush Chesterfield armchairs, this is an ideal place to enjoy a cigar, and based on suggestions, sip on a drink or a cocktail for a moment of pure pleasure." Wispilestrasse 29.
 - GSTAAD PALACE BAR & LOUNGE - Palacestrasse 28.
 - Le Bar du Grill - "For a coffee in the morning, a small snack at lunchtime, a tea in the afternoon, a glass of champagne in the evening or a cigar in our Smoking Lounge – you will always be welcome in the Lobby Bar. When all other restaurants are closed, this is where you can still find a bite to eat." At the Gstaad Palace hotel, Palacestrasse 28.
 - Loco's Bar - at Hotel Arc En Ciel, Egglistrasse 24.
 - Piano Bar "One Million Stars" - at Ermitage Wellness & Spa Hotel, Dorfstrasse 46.
 - Richi’s Pub - Promenade 57.
 - The Smoking Lounge at Hotel Bernerhof - Bahnhofstrasse 2.
Nightlife
- Chesery Club - Lauenenstrasse 6A.
 - GREENGO - since 1971 at the Gstaad Palace hotel, Palacestrasse 28.
Restaurants
 - Alpenbistro at CHLÖSTERLI - Gsteigstrasse, CH-3783 Grund by Gstaad.
 - Alte Post - at Posthotel Rössli, Promenade 10.
 - By Dalsass at CHLÖSTERLI - Gsteigstrasse, CH-3783 Grund by Gstaad.
 - Chalet Waldhuus - at Grand Hotel Park, Wispilestrasse 29.
 - Chesery * - chef: Robert Speth. In 1962, Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan built in its place the "Hostellerie Chesery". Robert and Susanne Speth have been the hosts of the well cared-for chalet since 1984.
 - Eagle Ski Club - founded in 1957 by Charles Greville, 7th Earl of Warwick becoming its first honorary President. Private members' restaurant located in a sprawling chalet balanced on the top of a private mountain, Wasserngrat in Gstaad.
 - Gildo's Ristorante - at the Gstaad Palace hotel. "No one should ever leave the Gstaad Palace without having visited Gildo's Ristorante. Authentic Italian cuisine prepared by world class Chefs from Venice is awaiting you in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Named after our Head Maître D' who has been an indispensable part of the Palace since the sixties, Gildo Bocchini and his Italian team will accompany you through an evening of fine casual dining."
 - Grand Restaurant - chef: Giuseppe Colella. At Grand Hotel Park, Wispilestrasse 29.
 - Greenhouse Restaurant - at Grand Hotel Park, Wispilestrasse 29.
 - La Bagatelle - head chef: Steve Willié. 16/20 points in the Gault Millau Swiss guide.
 - La Fromagerie - "What about a delicious truffles champagne cheese fondue or typically Swiss raclette? A cosy and relaxed atmosphere, combined with typical Swiss menus, awaits you." At the Gstaad Palace hotel.
 - La Grande Terrasse - international cuisine in an elegant setting. At the Gstaad Palace hotel.
 - La Sarine - chef: Kirsten Niemann. At Hotel Arc En Ciel, Egglistrasse 24.
 - Le Grand Restaurant - offers international cuisine in an elegant setting. In this gastronomic restaurant you will be invited to enjoy the perfect blend of creativity and haute cuisine accomplished by our chefs, while overlooking our charming garden. At the Gstaad Palace hotel.
 - Le Grill RÔtisserie - international cuisine combined with on-the-spot preparation. Rated with 16 Gault Millau points. At the Gstaad Palace hotel.
 - Leonard's - chef de cuisine: Urs Gschwend. At hotel Le Grand Bellevue, Hauptstrasse.
 - Marco Polo Restaurant - at Grand Hotel Park, Wispilestrasse 29.
 - Megu - Japanese cuisine. At hotel The Alpina, Alpinastrasse 23.
 - Restaurant Sommet - at hotel The Alpina, Alpinastrasse 23.
 - Restaurant Table d'HÔtes - at Ermitage Wellness & Spa Hotel, Dorfstrasse 46.
 - Sammy’s Grill Restaurant - chef: Michael von Siebenthal. 15 Gault Millau points. At Hostellerie Alpenrose, Dorfstrasse 14, 3778 Schönried / Gstaad.
 - StÜbli - at Posthotel Rössli, Promenade 10.
 - Swiss StÜbli - classic dishes from all over Switzerland are re-interpreted and presented with a contemporary twist. At hotel The Alpina, Alpinastrasse 23.
 - The Restaurant at Hotel Christiania - Egyptian Lebanese cuisine.
 - The Restaurant at Hotel Olden - Promenade 35.
Shopping
 - THE PROMENADE - in the center of the village of Gstaad, the Promenade is a group of shops that fits its name perfectly. People come here for a stroll and to enjoy the elegant fashion boutiques, jewelers, art galleries, and busy restaurants, not to forget the shops offering regional products. The Promenade, transformed into a pedestrian area in 1996, gives everyone a moment of peace and pleasure.
|
|
