People and family
Fairy tale diary
Dear Diary,
When I was planning my summer vacation in spring, I had two main criteria: Relaxation and I wanted to spend my summer vacation in Switzerland, preferably in the mountains. I have wonderful childhood memories of Switzerland; we used to spend our family vacations in the Bernese Oberland. So, when I was looking for the perfect "place to be" for me, I set my sights on the Bern region and the surrounding area.
The hotel needed to be a good starting point for hikes and outdoor adventures. I was also looking for a certain level of sophistication: a large wellness area, soothing spa treatments and a cozy room where I would feel completely at ease. And last but not least, a varied and high-quality culinary offering - all in all, a place where I can recharge my batteries, recover from my stressful everyday life and immerse myself in a completely different world. While searching for the perfect place for my summer vacation in Switzerland, I quickly came across the distinguished hiking hotel Gstaad Palace and decided to travel to Saanenland for my summer vacation this year.
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Day 1: Arrival at the 5-star Hotel Gstaad Palace
And now the time has finally come: four days in the Bernese Oberland, four days in the traditional Swiss hotel, the Gstaad Palace, awaits me.
I can see the imposing property from afar and am as excited as a little child. On arrival, I am greeted like an old acquaintance, almost like a member of the family, a friendliness that is not purely coincidental, it runs through my entire stay. I instantly remember the family holiday atmosphere of the past. My relaxing and hiking vacation at the Gstaad Palace can begin!
A room for dreaming
I booked a Deluxe Room Mountain View and don't regret my decision for a second. From my bed, I have a view of the breathtaking mountain landscape and I enjoy my first coffee in the morning on my own balcony. The room is a dream: A good 50m2 in size and tastefully furnished, with warm materials that exude a cozy chalet atmosphere, but skillfully staged so that it still comes across as modern and chic. The walk-in closet is an absolute highlight. I've wanted one of these in my own four walls for a long time. I sink happily onto the comfortable bed and watch the buzzards circling in the sky. I can already feel all the stress of the last few weeks and months slipping away. Just like that.
Sport & culinary delights in the evening
Before dinner, however, I want to get some exercise. So, I go on a small adventure and end up at the «PISCINE», an outdoor pool with Olympic dimensions, embedded in an environment that seems to have sprung from an Art Nouveau photography, class through and through! After a few lengths in the fresh, clear water, I go back to my room and get dressed up for my first dinner at "Le Grand Restaurant". That's the name of the restaurant here. There I make the acquaintance of chef Franz W. Faeh, a man of the world, as I immediately notice - with a good, dry sense of humor. He later tells me that he has even cooked for the Thai royal family. He and his team whisk me away into a world of taste and prove that they more than live up to their 16 Gault Millau points.
Day 2: Summer vacation in the Swiss mountains
For me, a luxury vacation in Switzerland doesn't just mean spending it in a luxury Swiss hotel, but also enjoying the luxury of Swiss nature - finally having the time to discover the beautiful Bernese Oberland. So, the next day I pack my rucksack, strap on my hiking boots and am given a sumptuous picnic by Barbara Branco-Schiess - the hotel's guest relations manager and fairy godmother - to take with me on my way. The Saanenland has countless different hiking trails to suit all tastes, ranging from gentle strolls to more challenging routes. I choose something that isn't too strenuous and has beautiful scenery: a tour around Lake Lauenen. I am overwhelmed by the picture-postcard views that open up to me from all sides: a beautiful nature reserve with a wealth of flora and fauna, surrounded by rolling hills and imposing mountains. Of course, I don't miss the opportunity to swim in the lake after the hike and treat myself to a refreshment in the lakeside restaurant. This is exactly how I imagined my summer vacation in Switzerland!
Day 3: Relay in the Spa with a mountain panorama
The third day is all about relaxation. I start the day with yoga, then grab a book and head to the tranquil Palace Spa. The hammam caught my eye on the way past and I am not disappointed:
First my feet are pampered, in a gentle soak. After the steam bath and relaxing in the endless room, a soap and foam massage is on the agenda, followed by a second steam bath and the floating pool which relieved all the tension. An oil massage rounds off the ritual. Relaxed and cozy, I make myself comfortable in the relaxation garden and enjoy a rendez-vous with my book. I lose myself in the novel, surrounded by the sweet chirping of birds and fresh mountain air.
Culinary delights in a dreamlike ambience
Later, I stroll to the pool bar at «PISCINE», which actually dates back to the Art Deco period and was built by a well-known Swiss architect in the late 1920s. I enjoy a light miso ramen soup, swim a few lengths and return to the green oasis.
To round off my spa day, I treat myself to a facial massage with products from I.D. Swiss Botanicals. They contain high-quality CBD from medicinal cultivation in Switzerland, from Lake Geneva, explained spa and wellness manager Estelle. After this wellness day, I feel like I've been reborn. But there's another highlight waiting for me: the "Fondue Oldenhorn". In the secluded garden of the Swiss luxury hotel, a fondue made by the in-house recipe is served with a clear view of the imposing Oldenhorn, of course. I have to pinch myself, because I feel like I'm in a dream, a fairy tale.
Day 4: Summer feelings, winter vacation and wedding plans
I start the fourth and final day of my summer vacation in Switzerland with a hearty breakfast on my balcony. The sun shines on my face and I beam back. I am refreshed, fulfilled and happy. And I know I will be back. I want to experience the Gstaad Palace feeling in winter, I want to hike through the snow-covered landscapes, cross-country ski through snow-covered forests and enjoy a glass of wine by the open fire in the lobby bar. And who knows, if I do decide to get married one day, the Gstaad Palace might even be the place where I say "I do". I can't imagine a more beautiful wedding location. Surrounded by mountains, untouched nature and surrounded by the lovely people who make the Palace what it is, because here you are not a guest, here you are a friend of the house. I will be back. Ciao Barbara, ciao Maurizio, ciao Stefano - and all the good spirits of the Gstaad Palace.
Daniela, 38, Arlesheim
Would you like to experience the same as Daniela and immerse yourself in the fairytale world of the Gstaad Palace? We would be happy to work with you to create your own perfect summer vacation in the Swiss mountains.
Or even better !
Would you like to experience the same as Daniela and immerse yourself in the fairytale world of the Gstaad Palace with your loved ones? As a large family, we make family vacations a unique experience. There's even a fun program for the little ones in our Sammy's Summer Kids Club.
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