Luxe options for Middle East travellers seeking winter getaway on the slopes
Hollywood actress Julie Andrews once labelled it as the “last paradise in a crazy world” and the Swiss chalet village of Gstaad is certainly one of the best destinations for any VIP winter wonderland bucket list.
Located in one of the largest ski areas in the highest mountain range of Europe, Gstaad is an award-winning destination known for its majestic ski slopes, renowned skiing schools, celebrity residents and ultra-deluxe chalets.
If you are looking for a luxurious and serene stay during your ski holidays, Ultima Gstaad is your best option. The hotel offers the best of Gstaad’s luxury chalet experience through its 11 sumptuous suites and six residences that combine absolute privacy with luxury hospitality.
The resort offers a unique journey for its visitors, as they stay in chalets with total discretion while enjoying comfort, generous spaces, the latest technology and personalised menus prepared by a private chef.
Combining traditional Swiss architecture with modern, contemporary interior design, the exclusive Alpine resort allows you to enjoy exceptional winters.
Gstaad has one of world’s best snowfields, featuring 80 zones and 220 kms of slopes that are perfect for beginners, intermediate levels, and advanced skiers. As winter sports are given top priority in the village, many businesses propose diverse activities and tours for all age ranges to help visitors enjoy the mountains to the fullest.
The most popular snow activities are certainly skiing and snowboarding, however, beginners from all ages can also enjoy tobogganing, ice-skating, and snow hillwalking.
Families make up 30% of visitors to this paradise resort so there are plenty of activities dedicated to all age ranges and interests. The traffic-free village has a famous mile long promenade filled with many luxurious designer brand stores and boutiques.
Visitors can also tie up their skates and enjoy the ice rink right in the centre of the village, located right next to the promenade. Numerous coffee shops and award-winning epicurean restaurants offer authentic gastronomy specialities such as the famous Swiss fondue and raclette, to be sampled and enjoyed in cosy atmospheres.
Exceptionally decorated with a romantic immense fire and exquisite chandeliers, the Duchessa Gstaad is for sure one of the Italian specialised restaurants that would make you feel the warm glamour of the snow-white Gstaad.
The 10 winter sports schools of Gstaad are enjoyable hubs where families can learn the basics of skiing and snowboarding in record time. The Snowsports Saanen, John F Kennedy, Lauenen Snowsports, and Private Snowsports Team are exclusive schools to practice on private slopes while assisted by personal coaches.
Air-boarding and tobogganing enthusiasts can enjoy family tracks and feel the powdery snow flying into their faces while whizzing down runs categorised by eight degrees of difficulty. Away from the traditional snow sports activities, other entertainment such as hot air balloon rides, horse-drawn carriage rides, and excursions on sleds pulled by Siberian dogs add a whole new dimension to the winter holiday.
After a day full of excursions, snow activities, and shopping, the Ultima SPA offers a relaxing exclusive wellness experience that will exceed expectations. Working with La Prairie®, a Swiss brand that offers timeless beauty and infinite luxury, the spa has a range of ideal face and body treatments for relaxing and recharging as well as hammam and steam baths for guests.
Ultima Gstaad also has one of the made-to-measure cures of aesthetic medicine thanks to its collaboration with the Aesthetics Clinic®, offering a new lease of energy and life via diverse practices such as detox, revitalisation and botox, laser, and several other treatments available 24/7.
The highly skilled medical team of the clinic would use the most up-to-date technologies and treatments to identify your strengths and weaknesses, help you prevent serious sicknesses, and reduce cellulite and fat.