Gstaad Palace in the media

Never stop moving forward – that is the Gstaad Palace’s motto, and it has been for 112 years. Summer 2025 will herald the ‘Palace (r)evolution’, with a significant influx of investment being used to thoughtfully build upon the hotel’s rich heritage. Guests can look forward to a variety of enhancements, including updates to certain rooms, brand-new furniture and two fully refurbished saunas. The most eye-catching modernisation can likely be seen at the hotel’s entrance. The cobblestones have been replaced for the first time in 35 years, giving the entrance an elegant and stylish aesthetic. Some of the staff accommodation has also undergone refurbishment, enhancing comfort and well-being in the workplace.

A new look for the Grand Restaurant 
The Gstaad Palace is opening its fully renovated Grand Restaurant just in time for the summer season. Here, timeless elegance blends seamlessly with a modern ambience and an international flair. Le Grand Restaurant is also poised to unveil a fresh F&B concept for the 2025/2026 winter season. ‘As a hotel steeped in tradition, we strive to uphold our time-honoured values while moving with the times. In order to successfully manage this balancing act, we’re putting approximately CHF 6.5 million towards enhancing our offerings this year,’ explains Andrea Scherz, General Manager and owner of Gstaad Palace. ‘This will enable us to keep offering our guests exceptional experiences and contemporary comfort for years to come,’ Scherz adds.

Memories that linger well beyond the summer
Summer at the Gstaad Palace is all about indulgence, relaxed luxury and authentic interactions – be it in the great outdoors or during engaging discussions with friendly members of the Palace family. An overnight stay in the Walig alpine hut promises a truly unforgettable experience. Perched above Feutersoey and overlooking the Saanenland, this unique retreat was built in 1783. It has been carefully renovated and rented by the Palace for the past 13 years. A night in this alpine hut promises unparalleled tranquillity amid unspoilt nature, with the added charm of fondue over an open fire and a proper alpine breakfast. 
The Open Air Palace Brunch is just as indulgent, with every Sunday bringing a delightful toast and an array of dishes – among them local specialities – on La Grande Terrasse. What’s more, guests can enjoy sweeping views of the Wispile, Oldenhorn and surrounding peaks. The culinary delights keep coming in the Palace Garden as the sun sets, as ‘La Tavola Italiana’ is back for another round this summer with Italian specialities designed for sharing.

Anniversary edition: 10 years of the Gstaad Palace Challenge
Typically held at the end of August, the Gstaad Palace Challenge is celebrating its 10th edition this year. From 28 to 31 August 2025, fans of classic sports cars will have the opportunity to race head-to-head once again. Launched by none other than hotelier Andrea Scherz, the rally has firmly cemented its status as an iconic event in Gstaad and much further afield. To mark the anniversary, the Challenge will break with tradition by starting in Beaune, France, rather than Switzerland, and it will last one day longer than usual. Rally and classic car expert Kim Bannister has been designing the route alongside his team at the English company Regularity since 2018. Racers make their way along picturesque country roads, stopping off at the Chopard jewellery manufactory in Fleurier, before traversing awe-inspiring Alpine landscapes and finally crossing the finish line in the Oberbort area of Gstaad. The culinary offerings do not disappoint, either – be it exquisite coffee breaks, delicious lunches or fine digestifs paired with quality cigars after dinner. ‘It’s no coincidence that this event is dubbed the rally for ambitious “bon vivants”, a label that also applies to myself,’ Andrea Scherz adds with a wink.
 

The title ‘Chef of the Year’, which is being bestowed on Franz W. Faeh by the Karl Wild Hotelrating in the NZZ am Sonntag, celebrates both his culinary brilliance and his impressive character, marked by integrity, depth and discretion. Franz W. Faeh is synonymous with a tradition of hospitality that has been embraced at the Gstaad Palace for over 110 years, coupled with a culinary craft that quietly inspires and leaves a lasting impression. His long-time friend, General Manager Andrea Scherz, describes him as follows: ‘Franz is an understated leader, but one who is aware of what's happening throughout the hotel. He is an invaluable sparring partner for me. It is rare for a chef to excel equally in both fine dining and banqueting.’ 
Faeh can now add the title of ‘Chef of the Year’ to his long list of impressive accolades. The Swiss business magazine BILANZ named the Culinary Director Hotel Chef of the Year in 2021. In September 2022, he became the new Conseiller Culinaire of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Switzerland, succeeding Irma Dütsch, the ‘Grande Dame of Haute Cuisine’. Faeh then went on to receive the highest honour in March 2025 when he was welcomed into the illustrious group of ‘Mérite Culinaire Suisse’ winners. 

Uncompromisingly fresh – around the clock
In his role as the Palace’s Culinary Director, the Saanenland native has been heading up a team of around 55 people since 2016. He sees himself as a coach, not a chef de cuisine. ‘Ordering people around has never been my style. If you want to get the best out of people, you have to appreciate, empower and inspire them,’ Faeh says. Offering a menu consisting of over 140 dishes, he is dedicated to delivering uncompromising freshness, a wide array of options and exceptional flavour. Food is freshly cooked around the clock in his kitchen, with his repertoire encompassing everything from club sandwiches to sushi. His cuisine is straightforward, creative and honest. In his view, fine dining at the Palace is all about enjoyment, wellbeing and the delight in preserving tradition. 

The accolades keep coming: in 2021, he was named Hotel Chef of the Year, in 2022, he became the Conseiller Culinaire of the National Bailliage of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, and two years ago he was awarded his 16th Gault Millau point by Gault Millau Switzerland. This list of honours is a testament to Franz W. Faeh’s phenomenal accomplishments and singular talent. The 64-year-old is now receiving the ‘Swiss Culinary Merit’ award in recognition of his exceptional expertise and skills, as well as his dedication to both his craft and the preservation of Switzerland’s culinary heritage. Each year, this esteemed prize is bestowed on four head chefs and two confectioners following a nationwide competition. 
The candidates are scrutinised by a 15-member national jury that includes iconic figures such as Irma Dütsch and Edgard Bovier, with whom Franz W. Faeh has been closely associated for many years. Two years ago, Faeh had the privilege of following in the footsteps of Irma Dütsch, who is renowned in Switzerland as the ‘Grande Dame de la Haute Cuisine’, by stepping into the role of Conseiller Culinaire. ‘I am particularly honoured to be joining the list of winners of the ‘Mérite Culinaire Suisse’ award, a unique accolade that is the icing on the cake of my career, so to speak. I would like to thank my fantastic kitchen team, especially my right-hand man, Chef Luca Gatti,’ Culinary Director Franz W. Faeh says. The prestigious award was conferred on Faeh by Minister of Economic Affairs Guy Parmelin at a ceremony at the Bellevue Palace hotel in Bern. To date, nearly 50 head chefs and confectioners have received the honorary title of ‘Swiss Culinary Merit’.

A creative, sincere style 
Prior to taking the reins in the Gstaad Palace kitchen, Faeh held roles at numerous distinguished Regent Hotel Group locations across Asia, from Hong Kong to Jakarta and Bangkok. The Saanenland native also worked as a private chef for none other than the Thai royal family for several years. Nevertheless, Franz W. Faeh has remained unfazed by the opulence and high expectations of his worldly clientèle. ‘At Gstaad Palace, we value tradition and an authentic flavour, enhanced by a dash of creative flair that never fails to surprise our guests. Ultimately, our task is as simple as it is challenging: to provide an exceptional experience for our guests, which is achieved in the kitchen through teamwork and enthusiastic collaboration,’ Franz W. Faeh explains. Chef Franz aims to foster this unique spirit with his intentionally unconventional leadership style. Flat hierarchies and a passion for experimentation enable the Palace’s professional chefs to continually outdo themselves.

A major step has been taken on the path towards a more sustainable future for people and the planet, and the journey is far from over. A months-long external audit conducted by Travelife has demonstrated the comprehensive efforts made by Gstaad’s long-established five-star luxury hotel with regard to sustainability. This international travel standard is highly regarded and recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). ‘By earning Travelife’s Gold Certification, a global benchmark, we are intentionally raising the sustainability bar both within our hotel and beyond. And we won’t stop there, as we know that promoting and implementing sustainable practices poses unique challenges in the luxury hospitality sector. Travelife is specialised in the hotel industry, so it can offer valuable insights that will help us to continuously enhance our strategies. It fills me with pride and joy that the unwavering dedication of the entire Palace family is gaining recognition,’ says Andrea Scherz, general manager and owner of the Gstaad Palace. The Gstaad Palace is the first and only Swiss hotel to join The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW). This certification must be renewed every two years. A holistic commitment to local nature, the environment, people and biodiversity is woven into the very fabric of the hotel. For example, the Palace was one of the driving forces behind the introduction of district heating in the hotel industry and the municipality of Saanen, having been the first buyer of energy generated from local wood back in 2008.

A hat-trick for the Palace
Acquiring the Travelife certification has also enabled the iconic hotel to step up its commitment to sustainability with two other key industry standards. The Palace has risen directly from level one to level three of the sustainability programme from Swisstainable – a benchmark in the Swiss tourism industry. Among other things, reaching ‘Level III – leading’ of the Swisstainable programme requires companies to demonstrate that they possess sustainability credentials covering all three dimensions of sustainability –
the environment, society and the economy – via external audits such as those carried out by Travelife.
In addition, obtaining the Travelife Gold Certification has allowed Gstaad Palace to secure the status of Sustainability Leader, awarded by The Leading Hotels of the World. Currently, 25 percent of the 400-plus LHW members belong to this exclusive collection of hotels that uphold the highest standards of cultural, social and environmental sustainability. ‘As chair of Leading Hotels of the World, I felt it was vital to elevate our hotel to this level to ensure it serves as a strong role model. I am confident that this will also enable us
to take significant strides on the international stage when it comes to sustainability,’ adds Andrea Scherz, chair of LHW since 2022.

Gstaad’s hippest club for the young and the young at heart is putting on a top-class show to kick off 2025. Nick van de Wall, also know as Afrojack, will fire up GreenGo for the second time in January 2025. World-famous for songs such as ‘Give Me Everything’ with Pitbull, Ne-Yo and Nayer and his single ‘Take Over Control’, Afrojack has been an integral part of the international DJ scene for many years. 

An extravagant show and a legendary club 
Gstaad Palace’s disco nightclub has been hosting parties for over 50 years. Designed by Teo Jakob, the interior of the only hotel disco to have been preserved in its original form is just as impressive now as it was then. The club has undergone a major refurbishment in recent years, and the acoustics have been completely overhauled. ‘We look forward to ringing in the New Year at GreenGo with fireworks. Afrojack’s performance will be a show in a class of its own. We already experienced this two years ago when we celebrated our legendary nightclub’s 50th anniversary with him,’ says Andrea Scherz, general manager and owner of Gstaad Palace. ‘Afrojack is part of an exciting series of experiences and events. We are looking forward to a great kick-off to a promising winter season.’ Gstaad Palace officially opens for the winter season on 13 December.

Digital GreenGo membership
Gstaad Palace is taking another step into the future by taking its GreenGo membership card online. In the interest of sustainability, the new digital membership in Gstaad’s legendary club replaces the well-known and celebrated member card. GreenGo members will enjoy exclusive benefits such as early access to events, exciting news and background information on upcoming parties. Membership in Gstaad Palace’s iconic club is guaranteed to pay off. Members also benefit from the advance sale of limited Afrojack tickets.
 

‘It’s been a special year – in the best sense of the word. We are at a veritable high, both in terms
of demand and acknowledgement of our efforts. Our unerring sense for quality, team spirit and
hospitality has earned us recognition across the board, and we can look back on the best
summer season in our history,’ notes Andrea Scherz, owner and General Manager of the Gstaad
Palace. The prospects for the upcoming winter are also excellent. Our regular guests from
Switzerland will be joined by an international clientèle from the US and other long-distance
markets, either as returning guests or those just discovering Gstaad for themselves.

A series of first-class successes
The Gstaad Palace experienced success after success in 2024, winning some outstanding
awards along the way. This year, the hotel has once again been named the best Swiss holiday
hotel, topping the ranking of the Swiss business magazine BILANZ. The Gstaad Palace also
secured the second spot among the 150 best leisure hotels in the European ranking. In his rating,
BILANZ reviewer Karl Wild awarded the Gstaad luxury hotel a solid ninth place among the 35
best holiday hotels in Switzerland. The hotel received another award in September: two out of
three Guide Michelin Keys. This latest award from Michelin means that the Gstaad Palace can
count itself among the best hotels in Switzerland. Last but not least, Condé Nast Traveller has
published another list of the top hotels in Switzerland with its Reader’s Choice Award. We
came in a good seventh place.

Launch of the digital entry ticket to ‘GreenGo’
GreenGo goes digital: The new, digital membership in Gstaad’s cult club surpasses the familiar
member’s card. It includes the usual exclusive benefits, such as early access to events or
background knowledge about upcoming parties. The Palace spa also has a range of new
signature treatments to choose from. This includes Dr Djoon, who with her clinic in Geneva
has revolutionised the Cristal Skin method with radio frequency. This advanced procedure
stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in the body and face. The Masterclass by
Christian Stannek is also new to the Palace: on 7 February 2025, Sisley’s Ambassadors for 
Switzerland will demonstrate the benefits of phytotherapy and the extraordinary effects of
Maison Sisley products.

From Christmas magic to Venetian Dreams
Exploring the corridors, rooms and halls of the Gstaad Palace at Christmas time gives you the
impression of being caught in a fairy tale. The magical atmosphere, masterfully decorated
rooms and view of the snow-covered mountains infuse this top hotel with a uniqueness that
can only be found in a palace. The lights on the large Christmas tree in the Lobby Bar are a
delight to behold. There is also a packed programme to keep the children occupied, featuring
cookie baking, watching Christmas movies and even a visit from Santa’s reindeer. Adults can
also indulge themselves at a unique and extravagant Christmas dinner. The Gstaad Palace is
celebrating the New Year in the style of Venetian dreams: gondolas glide past, filled with music,
art and festivity, and the rooms echo with the sounds of Vivaldi.

Our capable team creates a family atmosphere
Paulo Marques has been part of the Palace family for more than 18 years. He started at Gildo’s
Ristorante in 2006 and has been the new Maître du Bar since 2024. Together with his team,
Portuguese-born Paulo looks after the well-being of the Palace guests in the Lobby Bar. Many
loyal souls like Paulo have been making the Gstaad Palace what it is for 20 years or more.
Maurizio Paglino has been with us for 40 years. The Maître d’Hôtel recalls countless unique
moments, the many parties and performances by world stars such as Gloria Gaynor, when the
guests were beside themselves and dancing on tables. The Gstaad Palace has also played host to
the emergence of true love time and again. For example, between Luis Anjos Branco, who has
been in the hotel for 25 years, and his wife Barbara. The two met at the Country Night in Gstaad
without speaking a word of German. Barbara Branco-Schiess, Guest Relations Manager, and
Luis Anjos Branco, an employee of the staff restaurant, have been married for 20 years and are
two permanent fixtures in the Palace family.

A guaranteed winter spectacle
Sporting activities in the snow, cosy winter moments or traditional specialities: the starting
point is always the Gstaad Palace. Gstaad’s ultimate culinary tip is the Eggli. The mountain
restaurant with its unique sun terrace offers mountain views and the finest regional delicacies
in one. We recommend bringing your skis along: a descent with Mike von Grünigen, two-time
giant slalom world champion and former ski racer from Schönried, is an experience you will
never forget. Glacier 3000 is around 20 minutes from Gstaad and is a must-see. A cable car
takes you to the summit at 3,000 metres above sea level in just 15 minutes. Here, you can enjoy
a view of the Matterhorn, the Jungfrau and Mont Blanc. And the brave can venture onto the
107-metre-long Peak Walk by Tissot, the only suspension bridge in the world that connects two
mountain peaks. Skiing is also possible on the glacier. The glacier’s nine slopes guarantee ideal
conditions for beginners and advanced skiers alike.

To coincide with the coming winter season kicking off on 13 December 2024, Gstaad Palace
welcomes top Thai chef Yothin Chookanhom, who joins the team of culinary artists.
Chookanhom, born and raised in Chonburi, started his career in the food service industry at
the Akamon Japanese Restaurant Pattaya Chonburi, shortly afterwards switching to the hotel
industry at the Grand Hotel Park Gstaad. The move to the Gstaad Palace is a dream come true
for the 54-year-old. It’s not entirely coincidental that Thai cuisine has found a permanent home
at the Palace, as Franz W. Fäh, the hotel’s experienced and well-travelled culinary director,
worked in Bangkok and Asia for many years. Chef Franz has also worked for the Thai royal
family and is a master of spices, curries and coconut milk.

Always on the lookout

The chef, who specialises in Thai food and sushi, draws on his many years of experience when
cooking up his creations. ‘In my dishes, I combine indulgence with techniques that I have
discovered for myself. I’m always on the lookout, whether at a street market or top restaurant.
Wherever I go, I try to incorporate what I’ve seen into my menus. I often develop an idea from
this and work on a way to implement it on the plate,’ explains Yothin Chookanhom. His
interpretations – whether of classic or new Thai dishes – all revolve around finding the right
taste and balance. The magic of the ingredients unfolds only when combined perfectly to make
a complete dish tailored to the guest’s wishes and taste.

A sought-after sushi artist

In his home country, Yothin Chookanhom is also a respected teacher. He taught at a cooking
school in Bangkok, where he mainly specialised in sushi making. One of his most important
lessons: chefs should love what they create so that they make guests happy and return regularly.
In addition to his passion for composing dishes and flavours, Chef Yothin is above all a team
player. ‘Cooking is a team effort. The real currency in the kitchen is the art of developing a spirit
of teamwork that allows everyone to perform at their best,’ adds Chookanhom.
The Thai expert’s culinary skills can be enjoyed in Le Grand Restaurant and on La Grande
Terrace from the 2024/25 winter season. Yothin Chookanhom replaces Ravi Bajaj, who cooked
his exquisite Indian dishes for guests at Gstaad Palace for 11 years until the end of the 2024
summer season.

Fresh mountain air instead of sweltering summer heat, unimpeded travel on alpine roads instead of the traffic jams found further south – that’s the alternative Gstaad offers. Whether holidaymakers travel on foot, by bike or by canoe, a summer spent among the mountains of the Saanenland promises a healthy dose of vitamin D and a wealth of outdoor adventures. ‘Variety is the spice of life. It’s all about striking a good balance between exercising outdoors in pristine natural surroundings and letting off steam in the «PISCINE», outdoor pool or the spa – or by enjoying a siesta in our idyllic, vibrant garden. The Palace is a resort in its own right – a small world of its own, nestled amid the magical Saanenland,’ says Andrea Scherz, General Manager & Owner of Gstaad Palace. Alpinzentrum Gstaad, the Palace’s partner, provides an array of action-packed leisure activities. This place offers everything thrill-seekers could possibly want, be it river rafting, climbing or wakeboarding on Lake Hornberg, the highest wakeboarding spot in Europe at 1,800 metres above sea level. The 1,800-square-metre Palace Spa is the place to be for those who prefer calmer waters. Popular highlights include innovative treatments from Dr. Augustinus Bader Shiva Ananda and Jardin des Monts, a green sanctuary located above Rossinière in the neighbouring region of Pays-d’Enhaut.

Wili Wili Tree adds a dash of youthful vitality

Starting this summer season, Gstaad Palace has a new equipment supplier in the form of up-and-coming Bernese brand Wili Wili Tree. The brand is synonymous with freedom, an active, creative lifestyle and Swiss design. The Bern-based start-up manufactures dry bags, backpacks and outdoor equipment and lives by the philosophy of a sustainable lifestyle. It almost exclusively uses recycled materials in its products. Gstaad Palace guests can now use the ‘Roll Top’ model backpacks in two attractive colours – ‘Ocean Turquoise’ and ‘Lava Black’ – free of charge during their excursions in the Saanenland. With their distinctive, unique Gstaad Palace designs, the backpacks are ideal for hikes to mountain lakes or cycling trips through the side valleys of Gstaad. Waterproof materials made from collected PET bottles ensure that all belongings stay dry, even when paddling in the Saane or Simme rivers. ‘In Wili Wili Tree, we have found an innovative team who share our standards with regard to quality and design and will help us take another step towards a more sustainable future,’ says a delighted Andrea Scherz.

‘Team Sustainability’ means business

In order to set a good example and take its sustainable projects to the next level, the Gstaad Palace has put together a team of dedicated ‘Palace Family Members’ from all its departments. These include housekeeping, IT, building services, food and beverages, purchasing, HR and even the owner and general manager. They are driving the Palace forward on its journey towards becoming a ‘Sustainability Leader’ in the Leading Hotels of the World programme, which Palace owner Andrea Scherz chairs. Sustainability has always been in the DNA of the Gstaad Palace, long before it became a cosmopolitan trend. Current initiatives include paperless check-in, which allows guests to provide their details before arrival. GreenGo, Gstaad Palace’s nightclub, is also set to take its membership services online at the end of this year.

Soaking up vitamin D among awe-inspiring mountain landscapes

Opened last winter, the Palace’s completely revamped ‘La Grande Terrasse’ beckons sun-loving guests to bask in the open air. The terrace’s new timeless aesthetic is a testament to the creativity and innovativeness of Swiss interior architects and designers Fischbach & Aberegg. Thanks to this fully renovated terrace featuring a new awning, tiled floor and furniture, the sun-drenched Saanenland is set for another fantastic summer in the mountains. The grand hotel’s charming style has been elegantly reimagined with a fresh, youthful aesthetic. Elegant cocktails, delicious coffee and cake, and Gstaad cheese and meat specialities are served against the backdrop of a unique panorama. But there’s no need to miss out on fresh air and panoramic views when dining on warm summer evenings, either.

Proposing high up above Gstaad

A world of its own: the Walig Hut from the 18th century, the rustic dependence of the Gstaad Palace. Perched high above Feutersoey, this romantic retreat is available for exclusive hire, complete with fondue over an open fire, a selection of sliced cheeses and cured meats, and a proper alpine breakfast. And the Walig Hut has also upped the ante when it comes to romance: devoted partners can ask their loved one for their hand in marriage right here. Be it romantic floral decorations, optional live musical entertainment, fine wines or culinary delights, the Gstaad Palace team goes above and beyond for lovebirds on the most magical day of their lives.

Once upon a time – or rather 110 years ago, in 1913 – there was a visionary secondary school teacher. Robert Steffen’s vision was the catalyst for the Gstaad Palace’s success. Land purchases and the strong support of his father-in-law enabled Steffen to significantly expand his land holdings in the Oberbort area of Gstaad, where he intended to build a grand hotel. The Royal-Hôtel & Winter Palace Gstaad opened on 8 December 1913, in time for the start of the winter season. At the same time, he set up the first ice rink, organised the first tennis tournament on the palace grounds, staged the first ski race in Gstaad and was heavily involved in the development of the tourist association. These days, 110 years later, the Palace is run by the third generation of the Scherz family. The leading hotel continues to shape the world-renowned holiday destination and the tourist industry to this day.

A fresh new look for the sun terrace

The Saanenland region is known for being blessed by the sun. The Palace’s Grande Terrasse is a magnet for sun-seekers in winter and summer alike. The hotel’s terrace refurbishment represents the logical next step of what began in 1973 with its huge fully automatically controlled awning, which was the first of its kind in Switzerland. Guests can look forward to a fully renovated terrace in a timeless design indebted to the creativity and innovativeness of Swiss interior design company Fischbach & Aberegg. The architects have given the terrace a young, fresh feel, which forms an elegant extension of the idea underpinning the grand hotel style. Culinary delights served here range from the Palace’s sought-after fondue to an exquisite cup of tea and a slice of cake. The incredible panoramic views and natural vitamin D boost are an extra bonus.

Looking to the future – a cutting-edge training environment

Moving with the times keeps us fit: the Gstaad Palace and market leader Technogym have embarked on a common path centred on the training trends of the future. The Italian company has equipped the hotel’s gym with state-of-the-art equipment. The new flagship hotel gym in Gstaad boasts Excite cardio machines, free weights and a practical cable station featuring a veritable game-changer with regard to digitalisation: Biostrength technology. This technology leverages the Technogym ecosystem to allow you to access your workout data from anywhere, track workouts, keep tabs on your progress live and train anywhere you want, as though from the comfort of your own home.

Glitz and glamour: SIXTIES – a tribute to Vegas

New Year’s Eve is celebrated in style at the Gstaad Palace every year, and this year, a healthy dose of glitz and glamour has been added. ‘SIXTIES – a tribute to Vegas’ is the theme of this year’s legendary New Year’s party. For 24 hours, the era of Frank Sinatra & co. will be back with a bang. Sin City is coming to the Saanenland. The hotel and its illustrious guests will be elegantly dressed for the occasion, which is set to feature an electric atmosphere and lots of opportunities to do the twist.

The first Swiss hotel to join forces with Worldwide Kids

The celebrations are not just reserved for the adults: this winter, Sammy’s Kids’ Club will once again offer a carefully put-together programme of physical, creative and engaging activities. This winter, Gstaad Palace partnered with Worldwide Kids, making it the only hotel to do so in Switzerland. The world’s leading provider of family and childcare services to the luxury hospitality sector awards the Young Guest Excellence seal to luxury hotels that meet strict health and safety standards for childcare services and are able to demonstrate their commitment to providing a family-friendly, creative environment. At the Gstaad Palace, that commitment is on show day in, day out – here, kids are VIK (Very Important Kids). Youngsters who would like to help decorate Sammy’s Christmas tree will have the chance to create their own unique Christmas decorations from 15 to 24 December. Movie nights are held in cold weather. The Palace also organises a children’s New Year’s party and a petting zoo with llamas, alpacas, sheep and goats. The Palace Spa team have come up with a new innovation: the hotel now also offers sessions for little ones. These include kids ’yoga with Estelle Gomez, Spa Manager of the Year 2023, and gentle facials and massages using suitable products from the French cosmetics brand Nougatine.

Delicacies on offer in the 2023/24 winter season

• Arrive in the two-horsepower style of 100 years ago
  This winter season, Gstaad Palace guests can go on a unique journey back in time to the pre-car era. Guests travelling to Gstaad by train have the option to take a nostalgic horse-drawn carriage ride to the Palace. Guests can book by phone or email up to 24 hours prior to arrival.
• Now available at Globus: Palace Fondue by Franz W. Faeh
  In addition to the Gstaad Palace, the one-of-a-kind Palace Fondue is now exclusively available in all Globus department stores and selected restaurants in Zurich, including Hafenkneipe, Fischer’s Fritz, Milchbar, and Münsterhöfli. Gstaad Palace Fondue is made by Molkerei Gstaad and consists of a ‘secret’ blend created by Franz W. Faeh, the Culinary Director of the Gstaad Palace, who grew up in the Saanenland. His fondue contains the world-famous hard cheese ‘Le Gruyère AOP’ and two semi-hard cheese varieties: Vacherin Fribourgeois AOP and, of course, Gstaader Bergkäse (Gstaad mountain cheese).
• Gstaad’s magic formula: Augustinus Bader at the Palace Spa
  Professor Augustinus Bader, multi-award-winning professor of biomedicine at the University of Leipzig, is causing a stir in the spa scene with his acclaimed TFC8® formula, which he developed based on more than 30 years of cell research. The treatments and products of the same name boost skin health using a natural approach combining LED therapy with oxygenation where appropriate.
• ‘GreenGo’: world-class special acts
  Gstaad’s legendary nightclub is ready to bring the party to the Saanenland once again this winter season. Alongside top-notch resident DJ Jim Leblanc, the ‘GreenGo’ stage will play host to a range of top acts between 15 December and 8 March. Which DJ will play on which party weekend remains a big surprise. Those in the know will keep an eye on GreenGo’s social media accounts.
  Instagram: @greengoclubofficial
  Facebook: @greengoclub
• The epitome of elegance: Valentine’s Day by Chopard
  The most elegant couple will be selected on the day of love in the Gstaad Palace. Following on from a romantic gala dinner, one lucky couple will receive two pieces of jewellery from Chopard: one for him and one for her. The pieces in question are a bracelet from the ‘My Happy Hearts’ collection, adorned with a carnelian heart set in gold, and a pair of cufflinks shaped like steering wheels. Inspired by speed, freedom and precision, these creations are the ultimate in contemporary jewellery. Dinner is included for hotel guests.

Taking responsibility for nature, people and the environment has been part of the Palace DNA since the beginning, and the hotel continually evaluates and optimises the environmental impact of its processes. Through a new cooperation with Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS), the five-star establishment will also be reducing the carbon footprint of its business trips in the future. For all flights with SWISS, the prestigious house will purchase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The fuel is non-fossil in origin and its use creates a CO2 cycle. Currently used by Switzerland’s largest airline, SAF is produced from biogenic waste and reduces carbon emissions by 80% in comparison with fossil fuel.

Sustainability in the DNA
‘The Gstaad Palace is embedded in a beautiful, intact natural setting which we nurture and maintain. It’s what makes Gstaad the internationally renowned holiday destination it is today. We want future generations to enjoy this authentic Alpine experience as well, so the issue of sustainability has always been close to our heart. As a conscientious family company, it is more or less part of our DNA,’ says Andrea Scherz, third in a successful line of hoteliers to have run the Gstaad Palace. ‘We feel strongly that we will see major technological progress that will help counter climate change. And that’s why we value SWISS’s engagement in driving these developments. To be the first luxury hotel to enter into this kind of commitment and contribute
to the development of sustainable air fuel (SAF) – for us it’s a point of honour.’

SAF for all business trips
The Gstaad Palace will now purchase SAF for all its business flights on SWISS. This makes it the first hotel in the premium category to commit to using SAF exclusively. Dieter Vranckx, CEO of SWISS: ‘The Gstaad Palace and SWISS are both premium brands, both dedicated to the highest level of customer service and sustainability. I am delighted that this cooperation brings the aspiration of making future travel more sustainable a step closer to fulfilment. With its commitment, the Gstaad Palace is taking an absolute leading role. It is our hope that other companies will follow their example.’

Investing in reduction
By committing to using SAF, the Gstaad Palace – a member of ‘The Leading Hotels of the World’ (of which Andrea Scherz is currently Chairman) and Swiss Deluxe Hotels – is not just reducing its own carbon footprint, it is also directly contributing to the promotion of sustainable air travel. Presently, SAF is only available in modest quantities. SWISS has pledged to use SAF and scale up its deployment. The airline has joined with the Lufthansa Group to promote this technological development by taking part in research and pilot projects. SWISS and the Lufthansa Group are also targeting private and business customers with SAF offers and entering into strategic partnerships to drive market development. Through voluntary use of SAF, customers are sending an important market signal to drive production and usage of sustainable fuels. At present, SAF reduces carbon emissions by 80% compared to fossil fuels. SWISS offers its customers various SAF products for reducing the carbon emissions from their flights.

Impetus for the industry and for guests
The idea for this initiative in the uppermost hotel segment of the local tourism industry was inspired by the Swisstainable movement for sustainable travel in Switzerland, which was launched by Switzerland Tourism with the support of the entire Swiss tourism sector. The Gstaad Palace comes to the programme as a dedicated five-star operation categorised as Swisstainable Level I - committed. ‘I am pleased to see the commitment of the Gstaad Palace across the whole sustainable travel space. These achievements and cooperations motivate the sector throughout the country and act as positive examples,’ says Martin Nydegger, Managing Director of Switzerland Tourism.

Snow-covered mountains, homely chalets, wintry forests, and towering in the midst of it all, the Gstaad Palace in matching white – it's a sight that has lost none of its charm throughout the past 110 years. Inside, the scent of Christmas biscuits and seasonal music float in the air, as children's eyes light up at the sight of the elaborately decorated Christmas tree and generations gather around the open fireplace. It may sound like a fairy tale, but it is as real as ever. The Gstaad Palace has been opening its doors to guests since 1913 and, once again, is rolling out a wintry wonderland for young and old alike.

Continuous investment

The Gstaad Palace is in family hands. The region’s leading establishment engages in a continuous process of innovation, most recently with a substantial investment in the wellness area. Newly opened for this winter season, the outdoor jacuzzi of the Palace Spa has now doubled in size, measuring 13 x 5 metres. Extensive changes have also been made to the 'Salle Bridge'. Formerly the setting for card games, horse race betting and similar pastimes, the room has now been adapted to host small conferences and celebrations.

At accommodation level, one Deluxe and two Superior rooms have been fully renovated. "The Gstaad Palace isn't idle during the low season," explains Andrea Scherz, General Manager and third generation owner of the Gstaad Palace. "On the contrary, we are continuously redesigning our facilities in accordance with the requirements of our international guests. Following the coronavirus pandemic, which can hopefully be consigned to history, visitors are now returning from all corners of the world. Booking levels are high for this winter and we're looking forward to a joyous and peaceful festive period and a winter season that looks to be as lively as ever," Andrea Scherz enthuses.

High staff welfare

In the Gstaad Palace staff building, the new 'Marmite Lounge' is now open. It is a welcoming and homely place where employees can meet and engage with each other during break time and after work. "It's important to us that our crew is happy and feels appreciated in their role within this establishment," adds Andrea Scherz. For this reason, investments in guest accommodation have gone hand in hand with refurbishing staff bedrooms, which now offer substantially higher comfort levels. New hardware and IT systems have also been put in place, to streamline and facilitate routine tasks.

La Dolce Vita in all its variations

The culinary programme for the winter season is dedicated to delicate flavours and delightful indulgence. To set the tone, Culinary Director Franz W. Faeh and his 55-strong crew will be going all out with a five-course festive menu at Christmas. In line with the motto 'La Dolce Vita', the seasonal celebrations will culminate in the grand New Year's Eve party held in the 'Salle Baccarat' and throughout the hotel. A floor below, hearty classic Swiss dishes in the form of fondue and raclette are served in the intentionally low-key 'La Fromagerie', housed in rooms that once served as a Second World War gold bunker for a Swiss bank. Guest chef Ravi Bajaj will also be present this season. A star chef in England and an esteemed friend of the house, he will be delighting guests with his Indian cuisine.

GreenGo celebrates the big 50 (+2)

Last but not least, 'GreenGo', the original Gstaad nightclub opened in 1971, will finally be celebrating its 50th anniversary – and it will be doing it in style. An entire series of parties are planned, and on 7 January 2023 the club will play host to a big international act, to be announced on Instagram over the coming weeks. All we will say for now is: Don't forget your dancing shoes. And there's more news from the club. Jasmine Wheatcroft, artist and Gstaad resident, is revamping the graffiti wall with a hyper-realistic collage. Street art is giving way to portraits of the stars and starlets that party at the GreenGo.

Modern art amid breathtaking scenery

In collaboration with long-standing partner Hauser & Wirth, the Gstaad Palace is pleased to present an installation in the Palace garden. Two large bronze sculptures by William Kentridge, 'Her' (2021) and 'Cape Silver' (2018) will be set against the imposing mountain backdrop. Further works by the leading contemporary artist from South Africa will also be on show at 'Tarmak22' at Gstaad-Saanen Airport from 17 December 2022.

Next generation gathers at Sammy’s Winter Kids Club

Sammy, once the Palace family's much-loved pet, lives on as the mascot of the children's entertainment programme at the Gstaad Palace. From film nights and story time through to Christmas baking sessions, there's plenty in store for the kids. Further opportunities to be among themselves and enjoy a magical time include the kids-only Christmas, pyjama and New Year parties. Outside, the Palace garden awaits with animal encounter events such as pony riding and a meeting with the St. Bernard dogs, as they visit from their high-altitude home on the eponymous mountain pass. "The Palace is all about family traditions. 'We are family' isn't just an advertising slogan for us, but a way of life. So it's a joy and a pleasure to open our doors to the next generation of Palace guests," says Andrea Scherz.