Hotel Snapshot

What looks like a traditional Alpine chalet from the outside gives no indication of the sleek and modern interiors hidden within its wooden walls. If James Bond has a hideaway in Gstaad, I’d imagine it looks something like the Ultima Hotel Gstaad. 

Design & Character

When people think of the ultra-luxe, jetsetting crowd that spends the winter in Gstaad and the summer in St. Tropez, they’re likely imagining the type of guests that choose the Ultima Collection.

The hotel, with 11 suites and 6 residences, is intimate and private and the staff operates with an incredibly high level of discretion and five-star service. 

The Rooms

Wood paneling and faux furs mix with modern leather and chrome detailing, creating dynamic, sleek spaces that still feel location-appropriate. Modern art from the hotel’s partnership with Artion Galleries hangs on the walls of the residences. Guests can request a bespoke curation of artwork in their room, installed before their arrival to be enjoyed throughout their stay. 

The suites and residences are incredibly spacious. Our cashmere-clad space boasted a dual-aspect fireplace, executive desk, sprawling sofa, walk-in closet, and roomy bathroom complete with floor-to-ceiling marble walls and a sumptuous, sinking tub. 

Food & Drink

I’ve heard from friends (and Gstaad meme accounts) that Instagramming your meal at the buzzy Zuma pop-up in Gstaad is a rite of passage. One that I, of course, had to participate in. Six courses of their unparalleled omakase menu was a spiritual experience that left me full for two days, no joke. Most of the staff at the seasonal Zuma pop-up will travel to the St. Tropez pop-up in the summer, remembering the orders and preferences of the clients they met in Gstaad.  

The hotel is changing concepts for the restaurant next season which is still all under wraps, but I can only imagine how fab it will be to top this season’s pop-up.

Amenities

Four floors down gives way to a wellness floor complete with a cavernous spa, grotto-like set of pools and multiple saunas. Further afield, a sprawling, wood-paneled fully equipped gym is a fitness lover’s dream. 

Spa & Wellness Scoop 

In the spa, I chose a hydrating jet-lag banishing facial that used Augustinus Bader product as part of the hotel’s partnership with the brand that dates to 2024. After my treatment, I grabbed a lounger next to the 15-meter indoor pool and explored the Finnish sauna, steam room and indoor and outdoor hot tubs. 

Location & Neighborhood Recs

There’s no better mid-afternoon activity than strolling down the Promenade and popping into the numerous designer outposts and art galleries. Make sure to pop into The Flower Shop Gstaad for the chicest assortment of brands and homewares. 

Fast Facts

Location: Gstaad, Switzerland 

Vibe: Extremely cool, contemporary suites in the heart of Gstaad

Rating: 5-star

Room Count: 11 suites and 6 residences

Pricing: Start from CHF 1,200 (approx. $1,388)

Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: Fireplaces in every room and furry slippers 

Dining: 

Zuma is a must-visit, either in the restaurant, terrace, or bar. Shout-out to the chef whopacked us a bag filled with boxes of sandwiches, pancakes, and fruits for breakfast for our early train

Amenities: Spa, gym, in-suite baths

Nearby Attractions:Shopping on the Promenade, skiing or hiking at the nearby mountains

Airport: Geneva or Zurich (and then a train or car transfer from either).