Escape to the mountains and head to the stylish streets of Gstaad in Switzerland for a break filled with fresh air for the wellness lovers and fresh powder for the ski fans.
From helicopter lunches to rejuvenating spa offers, discover four new experiences designed to leave you feeling fully recharged after 2020
1 Energy-boosting spa retreats at The Alpina Gstaad
As we emerge from lockdown and head into the depths of winter, a wellbeing escape in the sunshine, light and air of the fresh Swiss Alps is the epitome of rejuvenation.
Reopening on 11 December, the vast Six Senses Spa (and only one in Switzerland) at The Alpina Gstaad, has always offered exceptional healing programmes. Now, when we need it most, the spa has created two new programmes to help lend support and comfort both emotionally and physically.
Designed to put a positive spring in your step for 2021 and set you on a mindful path, the energy-boosting retreats are perfect for a blissful escape.
1 Power Vibration Retreat: 5 or 10 days
Turn negative energy into positive through a blend of vibratory sound and energy healing treatments, sophisticated daily mindfulness sessions and breathing techniques. The body’s subtle energy vibration is explored with different methods in order to rebalance, revitalise and reconnect with the inner self. A deep immersion into mindfulness, meditation and spiritual practices.
Ideal for anyone who needs to de-stress, this programme is about deep rest. It helps to build inner resilience and inspires more ease, peace and happiness.
From CHF 7416, including 6 nights’ accommodation.
2 Purifying/Cleansing Immunity Boost: 1- 5 days
A focused cleanse which combines customised treatments and nutritional supplements with personalised face and body treatments and the latest anti-ageing technologies, including a skin analysis.
Cleansing helps to boost and support your natural immunity, raises energy levels and can prompt a shift in excess weight for any unwanted lockdown pounds.
From CHF 5857, including 4 nights’ accommodation and 3 lunches. A one-day taster is also available from CHF 802.
Travel restrictions permitting, luxury travellers can look to the Swiss Alps this ski season for a much-needed dose of the purest elements, offering remote mountain adventures, mindful pursuits and restorative wellness experiences in snowy seclusion.
2 Twin-centred skiing and science-focussed wellness at Le Grand Bellevue
Snow bunnies, skis this way please. Chic, boutique hotel Le Grand Bellevue is launching an intrepid new offering for experienced skiers to enjoy the ‘Best of both Worlds’: pampering and banqueting in Gstaad combined with skiing in Zermatt, known for its phenomenal snow record and piste terrain.
The grand experience kicks off with guests boarding a helicopter early in the morning, following which they’ll be dropped off at a mountain landing site amidst Zermatt’s lofty Alpine peaks at sunrise.
At above 3,400m – the highest winter sports area in the Alps – guests will ski the pristine slopes before the lifts have opened. Back at the hotel, elegant cuisine will be served at signature restaurant LEONARDs, which this season will play host to a portrait exhibition in partnership with Hauser & Wirth, featuring works from leading contemporary artists such as Rita Ackermann and Martin Creed.
2 Mountain Mindfulness experience
Ideal for the health-conscious guest, book the Mountain Mindfulness experience which will see days begin with a guided meditation session at the nearby frozen lake, or a Qi Gong session (an ancient healing technique involving controlled breathing and slow movements).
In the evenings, wind down with a yoga class and a therapeutic 60 minute B Silent treatment by Bamford at the 3,000m² wellness centre, Le Grand Spa, before settling into bed with a complimentary sleep kit including oils and balms to improve rest quality, and a merino wool onesie by Perfect Moment.
Le Grand Spa will also partner with a leading Swiss clinic to offer a selection of IV and skin enhancing therapies. Clinique Rive Gauche will be in residence throughout the season to offer a selection of IV Therapies to increase the vitamins, nutrients, fluids, electrolytes and antioxidants in the body, to optimise guests metabolism and immunity, led by a team of expert Swiss doctors.
Plus: following the success of last year’s residency, Dr. Barbara Sturm, one of the most sought-after aesthetic doctors in the world, will return to Le Grand Spa. She will host two pop ups in December and January and offer a selection of ingredient science-focused skin care treatments, including the signature Instant Glow Facial and new Lifting Facial.
The Best of Both Worlds experience starts from CHF 4,000 including helicopter hire. The Mountain Mindfulness starts from CHF 1,475 per person including three nights’ accommodation, daily breakfast, two three course dinners at LEONARDs, a Qi Gong session, a guided meditation, a yoga class, a B silent treatment and complimentary sleep kit.
3 Mouth-watering partnerships with COYA x Ultima Gstaad
The ultimate combination of fire and ice awaits with this sleek foodie partnership between globally-renowned Peruvian restaurant group COYA and Ultima Gstaad.
Designed to bring the flavours, colours and energy of Latin America to the Swiss Alps, the temporary takeover will pack some serious heat.
With COYA’s reputation for creating outstanding guest experiences and Ultima Gstaad’s commitment to providing unmatched standards of services for guests, this partnership is a blend of exemplary gastronomic splendour capturing the spirit of Latin America, for guests seeking authentic, trendy and immersive experiences.
Available to devour from Saturday 12th December 2020 until Monday 1st March 2021, COYA will be taking over Ultima Gstaad’s Restaurant, Lobby Bar and Shisha Lounge each evening, transforming the space into a Latin American adventure.
On offer, think signature sharing plates inspired by traditional Peruvian cuisine and influenced by Japanese, Spanish and Chinese cooking techniques, expertly made cocktails. The sense of true Latin American fiesta wouldn’t be complete without extravagant performances, live music, and a resident DJ playing a mixture of afro house, downtempo and tribal beats.
A fiery menu will feature a number of the group’s favourite dishes such as: Ceviche de Atun Chifa, made with albacore tuna, sesame, soy and served with a rice cracker; Arroz Nikkei made with charcoal-grilled Chilean sea bass over rice, lime and chilli; Lomo de Res with spicy marinated beef fillet with Peruvian chilli and crispy shallots; and COYA’s much-loved Churros de Naranja, orange and lime churros served with warm dulce de leche and chocolate sauce.
How: To make a reservation for dinner at the Ultima Gstaad x COYA pop-up call the reservations team on +41 33 748 05 50. For more information about Ultimata Gstaad, visit the hotel’s website.
When: Saturday 12th December 2020 – Monday 1st March 2021
4 Helicopter feasts with Gstaad Palace
One for the luxe lovers. At the prestigious Gstaad Palace, a pretty ‘fly’ fine dining experience awaits. For this unique mountain experience you will need neither skis nor hiking boots: simply climb into the helicopter and fly to the Matterhorn – one of the highest mountains in the Alps, and a Swiss landmark thanks to its striking shape.
Guests will enjoy a champagne aperitif on the move and lunch at almost 3,000 metres above sea level at the impressive Glacier 3000. On the menu? A Swiss feast at Refuge l’espace, where cheese heaven paired with jaw-dropping views await you. Following the adventure, head back to the historic hotel for a night lounging in luxury.
Two nights at the Gstaad Palace, plus a one hour flight around the Matterhorn including champagne aperitif followed by a flight to Glacier 3000 and lunch at Refuge l’espace on Glacier 3000 (credit of 100.– per person, exclusive drinks). From CHF 4’532. Valid from 21 December 2020 to 7 March 2021, depending on availability and in fine weather.
