Upscale resort town in the Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps, Gstaad has long been a favourite holiday destination for royalty and celebrities.

We list your some of the best places in Gstaad, über-chic ski-resort in Switzerland.

WHERE TO STAY

Gstaad Palace***** Over the years, the Gstaad Palace has established an excellent reputation for discretion and hospitality, and has always welcomed the most discerning international guests.

Situated on a hill above Gstaad, it offers breathtaking views of the majestic Swiss Alps. www.palace.ch

The Alpina Gstaad***** Since opening in winter 2012 the Alpina Gstaad, stylish icon in the Swiss Luxury Hotels segment, radiates alpine-chic and elegant lifestyle in privileged location above Gstaad. The 56 rooms and suites all offer magnificent mountain views from their respective balconies. Refined culinary treats served in 3 restaurants with steak specialities, Swiss classics and Japanese cuisine.  www.thealpinagstaad.ch

Park Gstaad***** Completely renovated in 2010, this legendary luxury hotel is over a century old. Alpine chic, contemporary interiors and quality service are hallmarks of this exclusive 5-star establishment. The rooms, suites and stunning “My Gstaad Chalet” provide customised comfort for each stay. 4 restaurants, bars, a cigar lounge, a wellness complex with spa, sports facilities and close proximity to nature make this the perfect base for a relaxing stay. www.parkgstaad.ch

Hotel Arc-en-ciel**** Cosy Chalet-Hotel. Elegant rooms, some with wooden floor, all with balcony/terrace and nice mountain-view. Résidence with apartments and double rooms. Located next to the skislopes.  www.arc-en-ciel.ch 

Hotel Alphorn***  At the Hotel Alphorn, it’s not only the hotel guests who enjoy the chef’s regional specialities: the Gstaad locals themselves come here for a chat. That is quite in keeping with the hotel’s friendly, straightforward approach which wins over its guests with its rural cosiness. Relaxation can be found in the small wellness area with sauna, steam room, whirlpool, solarium and hairdresser/beauty therapist.  www.alphorn-gstaad.ch

RESTAURANTS AND CAFES

Sonnenhof This absolutely beautiful restaurant boasts a refined cuisine, is located on the hills and has stunning views, especially from the terrace in summer.

Unterbort, 3792 Saanen-Gstaad. www.restaurantsonnenhof.ch

Early Beck  To savour your breakfast without having to step out into the cold, this lovely bakery can early morning deliver fresh bread and croissants. Here you find also a delicious selection of pies and cakes such as chocolate cake covered with green marzipan. Promenade 70. www.earlybeck.ch

Olden Perfect for lunch or after ski at the bar, with a cozy atmosphere and lovely staff. We recommend  ordering a huge veal milanaise.. Promenade 35. www.hotelolden.com

L’Arc-en-ciel A very nice establishment located at the bottom of the slopes, where especially the pizzas are fantastic. This is a perfect hotel for a family vacation. Egglistrasse 24. www.arc-en-ciel.ch

L’Eagle Ski Club Founded in Gstaad in 1957, this is a private club on the mountain Wasserngrat serving delightful veal and exceptional sausages.. Dorfstrasse 64. www.eagleskiclub.ch

Post Hotel The coffee room at the Post Hotel is the place where everyone meets with a large table where the locals get together. The fondue is wonderful. Promenade 10. www.posthotelroessli.ch

La Fromagerie du Palace The Palace of Gstaad is a true institution. It perches as a castle on a mountain overlooking the resort and is a place where everyone is dressed to the nines. The Palace’s chalet style restaurant La Fromagerie is especially ideal for a delightful fondue with friends. Palacestrasse 28. www.palace.ch

NIGHTLIFE

Greengo This is the nightclub of the Palace Hotel, and an excellent venue to danse off the after-effects of cheese fondue! THE place to be – a special spot with an exciting environment.

The unique design and decor take you back to the seventies and guarantee a tasteful atmosphere for a great evening of partying.  Palacestrasse 28. www.palace.ch

WELLNESS

Palace Hotel Spa The Palace Hotel Spa has a beautiful pool, and uses top care products by Sisley. Its exclusive facilities are spread over 1800 m² and include eight treatment rooms, a Private Spa Suite, saunas and steam baths, relaxation areas with incredible views, an indoor pool and an outdoor pool with Jacuzzi, a state-of-the-art gym, a Pilates Studio and a unique hammam experience with seven rooms.

Palacestrasse 28. www.palace.ch

Sportzentrum Gstaad The public swimming pool of Gstaad is great to visit, especially in winter. www.sportzentrum-gstaad.ch

SHOPPING

Gstaad promenade is the main walking street in the heart of the village where the best hotels in town are situated, as well as the best luxury shops and fine dining establishments in the village.

Maison Lorenz Bach Swiss luxury fashion boutique which sells a beautiful selection of clothing from the finest designers, from Luxury labels to more unique and coveted brands. www.maisonlorenzbach.com

La Vérand’Anne A dream decoration shop. The place was established – under the name Veranda – by Doris Brynner (Yul Brynner’s wife). www.instagram.com/verandanne

NEAR GSTAAD

Le Café du Cerf This renowned restaurant is situated in the heart of the village of Rougemont. It is not only THE place to be but is also famous for its cheese specialties. Enjoy a delicious fondue or raclette while enjoying traditional live music on Friday and Saturday evenings. lecerfrougemont.ch

Eggli Gstaad’s local mountain, the Eggli, is absolutely beautiful and a pure heaven for nature lovers.

With its wide, easy slopes, a delightfully cosy mountain restaurant with beautiful sun terrace, and a 4 km sled run, it offers everything you need for a perfect day.

Le Grand Chalet (Balthus) de Rossinière A must see: the impressive house of painter Balthus, the largest wooden chalet in Switzerland and one of the largest in Europe, built in 1750. Offers inspiring exhibitions.  www.rossiniere.ch