Rewards1: No. 6 – Gstaad Palace – What WWII Secrets Lie Within?

Thursday, January 2, 2025

No. 6 – Gstaad Palace – What WWII Secrets Lie Within?

Alpine luxury, a Michelin-starred feast, and après-ski at a historic Swiss retreat. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Two elegant, beige chairs on a sunlit terrace overlooking snow-capped mountains and a clear blue sky.

Welcome to The Gstaad Palace.

Perched above the charming village of Gstaad, The Gstaad Palace is not just a hotel—it’s an Alpine fortress fit for royalty. With over 100 years of history, this legendary escape has hosted kings, queens, and international jetsetters. Since opening its doors in 1913, it has been a cherished winter retreat for the elite, blending timeless elegance with cozy Alpine charm.

At The Gstaad Palace, you’re more than a guest—you’re part of a regal legacy. From Madonna to Elizabeth Taylor, the guest list is a who’s who of fame and fortune. Whether dining in a World War II bunker, dancing in a vintage nightclub, or relaxing in a suite with panoramic Alpine views, every moment here is another chapter in the palace’s story.

The only question is: are you ready to take your place on the guest list?

A vintage, sepia-toned photograph in a decorative frame, showing an outdoor ice skating scene from a past era.

This edition was photographed by Nicolas Quiniou

At a Glance

Location: Gstaad, Switzerland
Rooms: 90 luxurious rooms and suites
Dining: Five restaurants, including the legendary Le Grill
Wellness: A spa with an outdoor Olympic-sized pool, gym, and ski lessons
Unique Feature: A former World War II gold bunker turned fromagerie

Website | Book Your Stay | Instagram

A cozy hotel bedroom featuring warm lighting, a plush bed with a burnt orange blanket, framed artwork on the wall, and a wooden desk with a chair.

Room is a fairytale

Your noble chamber awaits! The hotel's 90 rooms and suites combine contemporary elegance with mountain charm. Think rich wood details, luxurious fabrics, and grand views that stretch out over the Swiss Alps like a tapestry. Whether in a Deluxe Suite or the Penthouse, each room invites you to sink into your own private kingdom.

The crown jewel, the Penthouse Suite, offers three bedrooms, a private sauna, and a rooftop jacuzzi overlooking the snow-draped peaks—perfect for a post-ski soak worthy of royalty. If you're feeling more like a snow monarch, the panoramic vistas will remind you why this palace has been a favorite for over a century.

A close-up of a cup of hot chocolate and a drink with a slice of orange on an outdoor wooden table, with crystal glassware and a branded coaster labeled

A stylish, warmly lit bar with three velvet stools, a backdrop of liquor bottles, and soft, golden lighting accentuating the intimate atmosphere.

A dining area with soft, natural light pouring in through a large window, offering a picturesque view of snow-covered mountains outside, with elegant furnishings and table settings inside.

Dining is a grand banquet

Dining at The Gstaad Palace is an experience you'll want to savor. Le Grill stands at the pinnacle, serving culinary masterpieces that are a feast for the eyes and taste buds. Each dish is crafted with the finest ingredients, some sourced from the Alps, making every bite an homage to the restaurant's surroundings.

For a Swiss twist on comfort food, look no further than La Fromagerie, where the fondue is served in a former World War II bunker. The space was originally designed to store Swiss gold during the war. Now, you can dip into molten cheese while imagining the royals who’ve dined here, from Princess Beatrix of Holland to global nobility.

Then, there’s GreenGo—the ultimate après-ski nightclub that's been catering to the stars since 1971. With its retro design untouched since the day it opened, it’s where the elite let loose, dancing the night away.

Art is musical legacy

The Gstaad Palace is not just a hotel; it’s a cultural icon. It has been a beacon of arts and culture, from the Menuhin Festival, which began here in 1957, to its cinematic stints in films like 1975's The Return of the Pink Panther. The Palace’s 1952 Rolls Royce Phantom chauffeured Peter Sellers and co-stars during filming, adding vintage glamor to the affair.

Inside the hotel, every corner tells a story. Whether it’s the tales of famous guests like Louis Armstrong and Elizabeth Taylor or the rich history in the hotel’s design, from its century-old architecture to the art on its walls.

A luxurious lounge area featuring a central fireplace, surrounded by plush armchairs, wooden beams, and dim, cozy lighting.

An inviting indoor pool illuminated by soft greenish-blue lighting, framed by lush greenery and rustic, wooden ceiling beams.

Wellness is alpine fresh

The Gstaad Palace’s spa combines relaxation and aristocratic indulgence. The palace’s wellness offerings, spanning almost the size of four basketball courts, are unmatched. Enjoy the Olympic-sized outdoor pool, framed by the snow-capped Alps, or relax with one of the spa’s signature treatments.

If you prefer to stay active, the palace offers a fully equipped fitness center, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, and a Pilates studio. For skiing enthusiasts, private lessons are just a request away. After all, royalty can’t afford to be anything less than graceful on the slopes.

A serene view of snow-covered mountains and evergreen trees through a window, reflecting the cozy interior, with a lamp and a small table nearby.

Sustainability is reigns supreme

Despite its grandeur, The Gstaad Palace is committed to sustainability. The palace is part of the Saanen-Gstaad district heating network, utilizing renewable energy from local wood to heat its rooms. This approach saves close to 53,000 gallons of oil annually.

They also recycle hundreds of pounds of candle wax every season, and the hotel was one of the first to install electric car charging stations in the area. Whether you’re driving a Tesla or a vintage Rolls Royce, your stay here is as sustainable as it is regal.

Secrets & Surprises

During a visit with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Michael Jackson spotted the Palace and, true to form, asked: ‘I like it—can I buy it?’

Your Next Destination

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Vote below and let us know what destination you’d love to explore next.

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