GSTAAD GUIDE
Newport Travel Guide
HIGH CLASS SKIING
Glamour in Gstaad
Located in southwestern Switzerland, Gstaad has a reputation for being one of the world’s most exclusive ski resorts. Picturesque surroundings, luxury restaurants and high-end shopping. Nestled among Swiss alpine peaks, this charming village has an atmosphere taken from a winter fairy tale and attracts both the jet set elite and royalty from all over the world.
ATTRACTS MAGNATES
An obvious destination
In the 20th century, the ski resort of Gstaad in the Swiss Alps became an obvious destination for many members of high society, magnates and other prominent personalities. Strolling through the village you will pass many jewellery stores, art galleries and boutiques featuring brands such as Louis Vuitton, Prada, Versace, Gucci and of course Cartier. The area is also home to the expensive Institut Le Rosey boarding school. One of the world’s most legendary and prestigious schools, it has educated members of royalty and other celebrities.
HAPPY GSTAAD CHRISTMAS
A winter oasis for celebrities
Once upon a time, Gstaad was actually best known for being Switzerland’s second-best resort, after luxurious St. Moritz. But gradually Gstaad began to achieve its own status as one of the world’s most exclusive alpine resorts, and many famous people began to spend their holidays here. Along with the Kennedy family, actors such as Richard Burton, Liz Taylor, Roger Moore and Brigitte Bardot all helped to transform Gstaad into something completely unique: A winter oasis where famous personalities can retreat to celebrate their holidays, especially Christmas. And that tradition continues. Every Christmas, Gstaad swells from 7,500 to as many as 30,000 inhabitants and many of the visitors are top-tier celebrities.
WINTER RETREAT
A favourite of Valentino and Madonna
The Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani comes here regularly to ski and spend time with his family at his famous winter retreat, Chalet Gifferhorn. Madonna and the actress Anne Hathaway are also frequent visitors. The truth is that Gstaad may not have the most impressive ski slopes. Yet this shortcoming is effectively offset by the wonderful atmosphere of the car-free village, the luxurious winter life and the opportunities to combine skiing and other alpine activities with spa visits and luxury shopping. If you want to be really fancy, just call the place”Staad” – preferably with an extra long emphasis on the “aaaa”.
LE GRAND BELLEVUE
5 STAR HOTEL
Le Grand Bellevue
Le Grand Bellevue is a luxury hotel located in a park in central Gstaad. Enjoy the 5,000-square metre Le Grand Spa or relax in the hotel’s own cinema. The elegant bar boasts Art Deco décor, a vast selection of cocktails and drinks, and live piano music in the evenings.
5 STAR HOTEL
Gstaad Palace
Gstaad Palace is without a doubt the most famous hotel in the resort. It was built in 1913 and has become Gstaad’s hallmark. The hotel is majestically situated on a hill with a magnificent view. In the 1960s, the hotel hosted gala dinners attended by such celebrities as Marlene Dietrich and Louis Armstrong, causing its popularity to soar to new heights.
5 STAR HOTEL
Gstaad Palace
Gstaad Palace has an outstanding reputation for discreet and sophisticated hospitality. The hotel has always welcomed an extremely discerning international clientele. From the balconies of its rooms, guests enjoy a wonderful panoramic view.
RESTAURANT MEGU
JAPANESE FLAVOURS
Restaurant Megu
Megu takes its guests on a culinary journey through some of Japan’s most elegant and rare ingredients and presentations. The French restaurant guide Gault Millau has named the restaurant Switzerland’s best Asian restaurant. Megu has also received a Michelin star for its elegant interior and well-crafted dishes.
LEONARD'S
FINE DINING
Leonard's
One of the restaurants at Le Grand Bellevue, Leonard’s has been awarded a Michelin star and 14 Gault Millau points. Here you can enjoy the elegant international cuisine of the famous chef Francesco de Bartolomei.
Getting there
We recommend that you fly to Bern, which usually entails a stopover at another airport. From Bern, you can take a rental car or train to Gstaad, which is eighty kilometres away.
