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A Royal Welcome at Gstaad Palace

Among Switzerland's abundance of wonderful hotels in beautiful locations, the legendary Gstaad Palace is Swiss hospitality's crowning glory. (below: VIP travel writer, Robert La Bua in Gstaad).

Winter and Switzerland go together like hot and chocolate. Mug of liquid Lindt in hand, imagine a dreamy castle floating above a snowy landscape, a castle filled with fresh flowers and fresh faces eager to put a smile on yours. A place where refinement, courtesy, and humour are the norm and nothing is too much trouble. Now turn that dream into reality and reserve a suite at Gstaad Palace―or take the dream up a notch and buy out the whole hotel. Yes, it is possible.

(at left: Robert La Bua, international travel editor).

Long regarded as one of the most exclusive hotels in the world, the peerless Gstaad Palace is revelling in a new season of winter enjoyment for its esteemed guests, who range from royalty and realty moguls to industrialists and industrious bankers. What they all have in common is an appreciation for excellence and a wish to enjoy it in private. (below: Gstaad Palace Tower Suite bedroom).

One ruler is always in residence; when Gstaad Palace's owner, Andrea Scherz, was asked about his favorite aspect of managing the hotel, he answered with typical finesse, "I feel like a king; wonderful people from around the world come to see me." Scherz also explains how he handles the pressure to exceed his guests' expectations. "To make our guests happy comes from the heart. When you work with this mindset, pressure is nonexistent."

The building itself elevates Gstaad Palace to lofty heights in the hearts and minds of its faithful guests; the fairtytale castle exterior, sitting on a hill above the village of Gstaad, (above & below) certainly adds to the mystique.

Perhaps, though, it is what cannot be bought but rather must be earned over generations that matters most. In a place where fabulous wealth is standard, pedigree is everything. This Gstaad Palace has it in spades, especially during a game of bridge, which is just one of the many activities taking place within its hallowed walls. Even the simplicity of its internet address (palace.ch) indicates the prestige of this storied property hovering above a tiny, postcard-perfect village where some of the world's richest and most powerful families spend their winters by the fire, fondue forks in hand when not out shopping for diamonds or attending concerts during the celebrated Sommets Musicaux de Gstaad, one of several winter events which also include January's hot-air balloon festival and a traditional Christmas market that lasts until around January 7th every year.

As at a private home, guests enter Gstaad Palace not through a cavernous atrium but rather an intimate foyer leading to a living room which doubles as a bar, lounge, reading room and meeting point. (below: Gstaad Palace lobby bar).

Rooms and suites vary greatly in size, shape, and price; from the cozy 408 at the front of the hotel to expansive suites far larger than many city apartments, there is a choice to suit. For the ultimate winter vacation in Switzerland, Gstaad Palace can be rented for private use during specific weeks of the year for 60,000 Swiss francs (USD $66,000) and up per night, with 'up' depending on what else is required―a bargain at twice the price when the math is done for the hotel's 96 bedrooms plus the invaluable bragging rights that come as a bonus. (below: Gstaad Palace Junior Suite bathtub).

Beyond Gstaad Palace's accommodations are its various drinking and dining options, themselves famous for parties and celebrations over the years attracting the world's Beautiful People. The Michelin-starred Guido's Ristorante and Le Grill are both superb choices for lunch or dinner, but no winter visit to Switzerland is complete without fondue, enjoyed at Gstaad Palace in the atmospheric La Fromagerie. After dinner, dance the night away in GreenGo, the hotel's retro-style nightclub meant to recall clubs of the 1970s. The morning after a big night is a good time to visit the Gstaad Palace spa, a separate world of pleasure as much for the eyes as for the muscles. A gently curved stone wall directs clients to the open fireplace that is the centerpiece of the spa lobby. Aware that frequent spa clients may wish to try something unique, Gstaad Palace offers treatments using Jardin des Monts products made from Alpine herbs and flowers harvested not far from the massage tables where they are administered. (below: The spa lounge at Gstaad Palace).

Guests who come to Gstaad Palace in summer will find no less appealing a destination, with the swimming pool and lovely gardens the focus of the grounds. (below: Gstaad Palace outdoor Jacuzzi)

Off site, Gstaad Palace maintains the exclusive Walig Hut, a classic Swiss hut high in the mountains where traditional Swiss country life can be enjoyed in Gstaad Palace luxury either for a private dining experience or for an overnight stay. Gstaad Palace opened for the 2016-17 winter season on December 16th. SWISS International Air Lines provides the only nonstop service from both Beijing to Zurich with its new Boeing 777 aircraft presenting an even more luxurious inflight experience than the airline's previous planes, though the special Taste Of Switzerland menus have been retained to give passengers a sampling of the country's best culinary and wine experiences while en route.

palace.ch

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