A lovely addition to the Park Gstaad’s gardens is the Chalet Waldhuus offering guests authentic rustic Swiss dishes such as fondues and raclettes, as well as air-dried meat and cheese rolls – a local specialty.
I lingered long over breakfast at the Gallery, enjoying the beautiful views from the terrace across the hotel’s lawns to the mountains beyond. The Gallery also provides all-day dining, serving fresh seasonal dishes.
Bars are open winter and summer at the Park Gstaad with oysters, caviar, champagne and cocktails served in The Club Bar, as well as fresh sushi prepared by one of the hotel’s three Sushi Masters. Caveau – a cave-like room with sensual deep red walls – located on the ground floor of the hotel offers guests wines and aperitifs paired with cured meats and aged cheeses. Perfect for wine tasting as a prelude to kicking back in the bar with cocktails, sushi and a late-night DJ.
Smokers aren’t relegated to the bike sheds, either. Puffers of any persuasion will enjoy the extraordinary Cigar Lounge (and its luxury Cubans), shisha pipes and clever ventilation from tiny holes in the floor and ceilings. A complete fug-free smoking experience. Next to the Cigar Lounge is the Library, a cosy spot for light afternoon tea or cocktails.
To walk off the Park Gstaad’s incredible food I recommend a workout in the well stocked (Technogym) fitness centre or a few laps in the gorgeous salt-water pool, heated to a balmy 32°C. Alternatively, surrender to the warm and capable hands of a massage therapist in the state-of-the-art 1000m² spa. I very much enjoyed my JK7 Signature Body massage. Other spa amenities at the Park Gstaad include a Jacuzzi, saunas, Turkish, hydrotherapy and balneotherapy baths, relaxation areas, and a hairdresser. You really don’t need to leave.
If exercise is more your thing, then Gstaad has numerous summer hiking trails, mountain trains and lofty gondola and cable car rides to enjoy. As well as the famous Glacier 3000 near Diablerets, with the world’s only suspension bridge connecting two mountains (the Glacier 3000 station with Scex Rouge).
The Park Gstaad is conveniently close to the Eggli Gondolo (open in winter only) and a short drive or walk to the Wispile Gondola. Buy a Gstaad card at the tourist office for free travel on all local trains and cable cars. As well as discounts on entry to attractions. Or drive down to Rougemont and take the gondola up to La Videmanette at 2151m. The hotel even has its own golf pro, Frédéric Dauchez, who helps beginners and experts perfect their game on the exciting golf simulator.
Gstaad tourism’s strapline: Come Up – Slow Down, is a perfect description of the relaxing 48 hours I spent at the Park Gstaad. Sound of Music actress Julie Andrews once referred to Gstaad as: ‘the last paradise in a crazy world”, and I’m inclined to agree. Especially if you choose to stay at the sublime Park Gstaad.
Park Gstaad – Where and How
Park Gstaad is open mid-June to mid-September. And mid-December to mid-March.
Wispilenstrasse 29, 3780 Gstaad, Switzerland
+41 33 748 98 00
www.parkgstaad.ch
Gina flew to Geneva with Swiss (www.swiss.com)