The 21st of June this year is a momentous date for Gstaad, as it sees the reopening of the city’s iconic Gstaad Palace Hotel, complete with refurbished Tower Suites. Located at 5,000 feet atop a mountain in the Swiss Alps, Gstaad itself is synonymous with luxury accommodation, fabulous shopping and a five-star lifestyle. The hotel’s exclusive facilities are spread over 1800 square meters and include eight treatment rooms, a unique hammam experience, a private spa suite, saunas and steam baths, relaxation areas with incredible views, both an indoor pool and outdoor pool with a Jacuzzi, a state-of-the-art gym and a pilates studio.
Winter and summer fun
By winter you’ll find fine skiing; by summer the whole family can delight in endless outdoor activities, a world class spa within the hotel and delectable, local and, always seasonal, gastronomy. You may not think of the Swiss Alps as a year-round, family-friendly destination, but there is enough here to keep everyone happy, each and every month of the year. Cold months present an unparalleled number of amenities including skiing, heli-skiing, hiking, snow-shoeing, indoor and outdoor pools, dog sledge and horse and carriage rides, and even a glacier experience with an Alpine coaster. By summer, you can enjoy river rafting, hiking, climbing, mountain biking, horse carriage rides, tennis, swimming, and the immaculate 18-hole golf course nearby. Or, you can chill in the spa but, of course, that depends on how active (or inactive) you feel like being.
The Maison Cailler chocolate factory trip
With a four night experience at the Palace, families will be invited to spend a day at Maison Cailler, the nearby legendary Swiss chocolate factory. Children will be mesmerised by the mysterious Aztec cocoa ceremonies, the scent of fresh chocolate that fills the factory through the different production stages, and the much-loved final tasting. You’ll even be given the chance to learn to make chocolates at the Atelier du Chocolat, under the guidance of an experienced Cailler chocolatier who will teach you and the children how to temper, conch and even ganache your very own edible souvenirs.
Montreaux Jazz Festival
Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, this summer sees the 48th annual Montreaux Jazz Festival, which those of all ages will enjoy. A short drive from the hotel, you’ll find lake-side jazz cafes and live music in one of the most picture-perfect spots imaginable. Not a wet tent in sight! (So this is totally our kind of festival).
The new Tower Suites
The mountain views from these spacious and sensational new suites are second to none. Designer Marina Nickels has created an understated, yet utterly elegant environ that feels more like a private residence than a hotel room. The Gstaad Palace Hotel is well regarded for its cosy extravagance and unparalleled service, so you can truly unwind and relax without lifting a finger.
Family-Friendly Gstaad Palace
Every year sees a new children’s program designed for younger guests between the ages of 5 and 12. (Children between 3 and 5 years may participate, but they must be accompanied by a family member or a guardian). Babysitters are available and The Gstaad Palace also has a playroom and a fantastic outdoor playground.
Gstaad itself is very welcoming of children and those under 9 years of age do not pay for any of the cable cars belonging to the Gstaad Mountain Rides. Aside from the children’s program offered by the hotel, children can go summer tobogganing either on the Glacier 3000 or on the Rellerli, high above Gstaad. Children will love petting and feeding animals at the “Stiftung Alpenruhe” or at the Berghaus Wispile, every village in the area has a playground and, in winter months, you’ll find ice rinks in Gstaad, Saanenmöser and Schönried. No less than eight different sled runs are available and there are mountain railways (also free for those under 9 years of age). These are extremely safe ski slopes and learning parks for children and beginners.
- Four nights at the Palace (any double room category, junior suite or suite)
- Day trip to the world-renowned chocolate factory Maison Cailler in Broc
- Return train journey and factory tour
- From 3,445 CHF / £2,335 for two adults and one child, including half-board and use of the Palace Spa (available from 21 June – 11 September 2014, subject to availability. Price for additional child 499 CHF / £338)
- Two nights at the Palace (including complimentary room upgrade)
- First class train travel to Montreux and limousine return transfer
- VIP day trip to the Montreux Jazz Festival, with VIP concert tickets included
- Complimentary dinner at the VIP lounge (excluding drinks)
- From 2,153 CHF / £1,459 for two people, including half-board and use of the Palace Spa (available from 4-19 July 2014, subject to availability)
For more information visit the Gstaad Palace Hotel website or to book click here.