The Alpina Gstaad To Open On December 1

With less than a month until the December 1 opening of The Alpina Gstaad, finishing details and final deliveries are in progress to complete the first luxury hotel to open in the picture-perfect Swiss village in 100 years. Noted architectural firm, Jaggi & Partner AG, known for its design of hotels, spas and private homes in the mountains, began the project with the principles of traditional Swiss chalet architecture and, in conjunction with the interior design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates, fashioned a contemporary interpretation using local materials from the Bernese Oberland, stone from the surrounding Alps and weathered timber from centuries-old farmhouses in Saanenland. These natural materials appeal to the senses, especially when paired with traditional craftsmanship, antique furniture and a judicious use of modern design elements, all adding up to a "cozy alpine hotel," according to Jaggi & Partner.

One of the most successful architecture and interior design firms in the alpine region of western Switzerland, Jaggi & Partner AG has been closely linked for more than 30 years with almost all the luxury hotel projects and many of the private chalets in the traditional and flourishing villages of Gstaad-Saanenland. Project after project has been realized with a sure instinct for the hotel's history, location, the expectation of its guests and original ideas under the direction of principal Stephan Jaggi. With his team, Elisabeth Wampfler in charge of planning for The Alpina Gstaad, Urs Kunz overseeing implementation and Klaus Breninger orchestrating the main features of the interior design, Stephan Jaggi has defined the 21st century hotel for Gstaad.

 The overall Alpina Gstaad project includes the 56-room hotel, private apartments within the hotel and three chalets. Located on five acres in Oberbort, the exclusive hilltop area of the Gstaad village, the main building is reminiscent of the style that was favored for grand hotels in the early 20th century, such as the original Grand Hotel Alpina at the same location some 15 years ago. Alpine sports were still in their infancy in the Bernese Oberland and villages such as Gstaad were just discovering the potential of tourism 100 years ago.

According to Stephan Jaggi and Elisabeth Wampfler, there was a desire to retain the architectural language of the early hotel. The Alpina Gstaad builds on this tradition and, in the pioneering spirit of the past, has dared to be bold and ahead of its time adding cutting edge technology and new features such as carbon-neutral heating.

The Alpina Gstaad stands on a hill above Gstaad surrounded by spacious grounds that afford an uninterrupted view of the breathtaking mountain scenery of the Saanenland and include an outdoor pool, sunbathing areas and delightful paths for leisurely strolls. To arrive at the entrance, the guest drives through a covered passage way lined with hand-chiseled Ringgenberg stone, past panoramic windows and an impressive waterfall, to reach the hotel forecourt on the lower ground level where a subterranean porte cochère with a large oculus brings in natural light and enhances privacy.

Windowed towers crown four sides of the roof and, on the hotel's main floor, huge windows allow for sweeping views and plenty of light. There are 56 luxurious rooms and suites with no two alike. Klaus Breuninger worked on the individual design of each room with the local carpentry and joinery firm, Chaletbau Matti. Some suites have traditional reclaimed wood paneling and antique ceilings. Others feature hand-hewn reclaimed beams with a sleeker, more modern look.

In addition, the hotel offers three restaurants, including the first European outpost of MEGU; a traditional Swiss stübli and Restaurant Sommet with award-winning chef Marcus Lindner. A 21,500-square-foot Six Senses Spa with fitness center and pool, a Havana-inspired cigar lounge, a wine room and a private cinema are among the special features of this five-star property. For more information on The Alpina Gstaad, please visit www.thealpinagstaad.com.

About The Alpina Gstaad

The Alpina Gstaad is set on five acres in Oberbort, the exclusive hilltop area of the village, which is in Saanenland in the heart of the Bernese Alps. Part of a CHF300 million-luxury development which includes private chalets and apartments, The Alpina Gstaad is a contemporary interpretation of traditional Swiss architecture incorporating local materials and authentic Alpine style. The luxury hotel has three restaurants: Restaurant Sommet, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving contemporary cuisine; MEGU, a Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant and a traditional Swiss stübli. There is a 21,000 square foot Six Senses Spa, and indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a bar and lounge, wine-tasting room, private cinema, cigar lounge, a ballroom and several boardrooms. The 56 spacious rooms and suites – all with balconies – range from 333 square feet to 4,305 square feet.

Meredith Pillon
Meredith Pillon Marketing Communications
212-289-1627
The Alpina Gstaad