From the outside, you might assume The Alpina Gstaad has been there since before Heidi first roamed the Alps. But the traditional façade hides a very contemporary interior.
Built on the site of a previous property, the hotel only opened in 2012, furnished with recycled wood and local stone from the river – its arctic paint exterior changes according to heat levels, demonstrating the effects of rising temperatures worldwide.
Inside there’s a custom-made electric Fiat 500 in the lobby, while works of contemporary art adorn the walls.
The hotel has only 56 rooms; I get a Deluxe Suite, complete with spacious bedroom with a large ensuite dressing room and gas-fired stone fireplace in the separate lounge, where freshly baked cakes await me.
The technology is state of the art with a huge flat screen TV, USB charging ports and curtains that operate at a flick of a switch. For lower-tech entertainment, the hand-crafted bookcases are stocked with coffee table books.
And from my balcony, along with glorious views of Gstaad and the mountains, I see the large heated outdoor pool below.
The hotel has a range of eating options, all worth checking out. I enjoy a healthy salad lunch sitting outside on the terrace and later meet Chef Martin Göschel who gives me a tour of his kitchen. His Restaurant Sommet already has one Michelin star and he tells me that he’s keen to make the best of local produce.
If you prefer more traditional local fare then there’s the Swiss Stübli restaurant, whose fondue is made from a world-beating recipe. Or in next door's Michelin-starred Japanese gourmet restaurant Megu, head chef Takumi Murase trained at their branch in New York.
Although it’s hard to imagine tiring of the mountain views, the private cinema might tempt you away: with unlimited popcorn and the movies of your choice, it’s an indulgent touch and perfect for the surroundings.
Frequented by the rich and famous, Gstaad is unquestionably a high-end destination. For a taste of the lifestyle, dig into your pocket and stay at the Alpina.
