Switzerland’s Gstaad is one of the world’s most famous — and upscale — ski resorts, but until now you had to own or rent a pricey chalet there to enjoy it in style. That’s changed with The Alpina Gstaad. Open since early December, it is the first new luxury hotel to debut here in a century. Here’s why it is the highest-profile new ski hotel:
1. It has a sense of place. The Alpina is built mostly of locally quarried rock and reclaimed timber for old barns, and every room features Swiss antiques. It fits the idyllic chalet landscape perfectly, but with no sacrifices, featuring high-end Bang & Olufsen flat-screens, complimentary high-speed WiFi, free on-demand movies, giant rain showers and Aqua di Parma amenities in every room.
2. Reserve the Panorama Suite. The two-level Panorama Suite includes its own full spa, with treatment room, sauna, steam room, outdoor Jacuzzi and his-and-her rain showers — plus three full en suite bedrooms, a kitchen and a complete gym.
3. It has a Megu restaurant. The Alpina is home to Europe’s first outpost of Megu, the famed Japanese eatery from New York City. Or you can go the local route and enjoy fondue or raclette in the Swiss Stübli.
4. There’s a Six Senses Spa. It is home to a huge Six Senses Spa, which is arguably one of the world’s top spa brand. Indoor and outdoor pools, a hot tub grotto and mineral salt room are just some of the standout spa facilities.
5. You don’t need to bring your skis. A full-service ski shop in the hotel can equip you with state-of-the-art alpine or Nordic gear, while the hotel routinely arranges for instructors, lift tickets and transportation to downhill resorts or several cross-country centers surrounding Gstaad.
