Why Stay at The Alpina Gstaad
The Alpina Gstaad offers a contemporary alternative to the historic grand hotels of Gstaad.
Set on a sunny hillside above the village, the hotel looks across the chalet landscape of Gstaad towards the Bernese Alps while remaining within easy reach of the centre.
The property opened in 2012 and contains just 56 rooms and suites, giving it a considerably more intimate scale than its architecture might initially suggest.
Regional craftsmanship, natural materials, contemporary art, destination dining and Switzerland’s first Six Senses Spa form the core of the experience.
For travellers who want a quieter setting, substantial wellness and modern Alpine design without becoming isolated from Gstaad, The Alpina provides a particularly balanced base.
Contemporary Alpine Luxury Above the Village
The Alpina Gstaad opened on 1 December 2012.
Although the hotel is comparatively young, its architecture was conceived around the traditions of the Saanenland rather than as an overtly modern mountain building.
Timber, local stone and traditional craftsmanship are combined with contemporary interiors and an extensive art collection.
The interiors of the guestrooms and restaurants were developed under the direction of Hirsch Bedner Associates, working with craftspeople from the Saanen region.
Outside, landscape designer Jean Mus used Alpine plants including juniper, boxwood and heather to integrate the gardens with the surrounding mountain environment.
The result is deliberately different from the ceremonial atmosphere of a century-old palace.
The Alpina draws on regional traditions, but interprets them through contemporary architecture, art and wellness.
The hotel’s three MICHELIN Keys further reflect its current position within Switzerland’s high-end hotel landscape.
Rooms and Suites
The Alpina Gstaad currently offers 56 rooms and suites.
Every accommodation includes private outdoor space and views across the surrounding Alpine landscape.
The collection begins with Deluxe Rooms and progresses through Junior Suites, Deluxe Suites and Grand Luxe Suites before reaching several substantial multi-bedroom accommodations.
Natural materials, carved timber, handcrafted details and local stone maintain a connection with the Saanenland, while the layouts and furnishings remain contemporary.
For families and longer stays, the three-bedroom Chalet Suite provides substantially more residential space.
At the top of the collection, the Panorama Residence extends across approximately 400 square metres over two levels.
It accommodates up to six guests in three en-suite bedrooms and includes a large living area, wood-burning fireplace, full kitchen and dining space.
The upper level contains its own private wellness area with sauna, steam room, gym and outdoor Jacuzzi.
This makes the Panorama Residence particularly relevant for families or groups seeking the privacy of a residence while retaining full access to the services of the hotel.
Dining at The Alpina Gstaad
Dining is a significant part of The Alpina experience, but the programme is more contemporary and fluid than a conventional grand-hotel restaurant collection.
Megu focuses on refined Japanese cuisine under chef and sushi master Tsutomu Kugota.
Its interiors combine Japanese references with Alpine materials, while the restaurant also houses an extensive sake selection.
The adjoining Japanese Whisky Bar takes the concept further with more than 40 Japanese whisky references.
Monti brings a more relaxed Italian influence to the hotel, with dishes designed around sharing and convivial dining.
For traditional Swiss cuisine, Swiss Stübli serves interpretations of Alpine classics including fondue and raclette within a more traditional carved-wood interior.
The Alpina Lounge & Terrace provides a less formal setting for light meals, cocktails and mountain views throughout the day.
Seasonal dining concepts and culinary residencies can also change between summer and winter, giving the food programme a more dynamic character than a fixed collection of restaurants.
Six Senses Spa
Wellness is one of the defining reasons to choose The Alpina Gstaad.
The hotel is home to the first Six Senses Spa in Switzerland.
Extending across approximately 2,000 square metres, the spa combines Asian-inspired wellness philosophy with the Alpine environment surrounding the hotel.
A 25-metre indoor swimming pool forms the centre of the interior wellness space.
Outside, a heated pool sits within the landscaped gardens with views towards the surrounding mountains.
The facilities also include treatment rooms, a salt room, steam facilities, saunas, hot and cold plunge pools, experience showers, fitness and dedicated areas for yoga, meditation and other wellness programmes.
Treatments range from massage and skincare to longer programmes centred around sleep, detox, yoga, fitness and recovery.
The scale of the spa is significant relative to a hotel containing only 56 rooms.
Wellness therefore feels like a core part of The Alpina rather than an additional hotel facility.
Winter at The Alpina Gstaad
The Alpina has a strong winter identity, but it should not be described as ski-in/ski-out.
Instead, the hotel uses its chauffeur and shuttle service to connect guests with Gstaad’s different ski areas.
Complimentary hotel transfers serve the principal lifts within Gstaad, including Eggli, Wispile and Wasserngrat.
Other parts of the wider ski region, including Saanenmöser, Schönried, Zweisimmen, La Videmanette and Glacier 3000, can be reached through additional transfers.
A Silver Sport shop beside the hotel entrance provides ski and snowboard rental and equipment services.
The concierge can also arrange ski passes and private instruction.
This model offers flexibility.
Guests are not tied to one piste or mountain sector and can choose where to ski according to snow conditions, ability and the plan for the day.
After returning to the hotel, the Six Senses Spa, restaurants and lounge create a quieter contrast to time spent on the mountain.
For a privately tailored introduction to the region beyond the hotel, explore our Private Alpine Experience in Gstaad.
Summer at The Alpina Gstaad
The Alpina also operates as a dedicated summer resort.
The atmosphere changes considerably once skiing gives way to hiking, cycling and longer days outdoors.
Its landscaped gardens and heated outdoor pool become much more central to the experience, while the surrounding Saanenland provides extensive opportunities for walking and mountain activities.
The hillside setting works particularly well during this period.
Guests can spend the day exploring the wider region before returning to a property that still feels closely connected to the Alpine landscape.
The Six Senses Spa can also form a larger part of the stay during summer, combining outdoor activity with treatments, yoga, fitness and recovery programmes.
The hotel operates seasonally rather than throughout the year, with dedicated summer and winter opening periods.
For broader ideas around the destination and its seasonal character, explore The Essential Luxury Guide to Gstaad.
Staying at The Alpina Gstaad with Children
The Alpina combines a sophisticated design identity with substantial family facilities.
The Tree House Club provides a dedicated programme of supervised activities for younger guests.
Children under four can also use the club when accompanied by an adult.
The hotel has additionally developed an outdoor playground within its gardens, close to the pool and restaurants.
Larger suites provide useful flexibility for families, while the Chalet Suite and Panorama Residence allow several family members to remain together within a single accommodation.
The spa also admits children at designated times when accompanied by their parents.
For multi-generational stays, this combination of residential-style accommodation, childcare, pools and access to outdoor activities makes the property more family-friendly than its quiet design-led atmosphere might initially suggest.
Who The Alpina Gstaad Suits
The Alpina is particularly well suited to travellers who prefer contemporary luxury to traditional grand-hotel formality.
Its hillside position provides privacy and views while remaining close enough to the village for restaurants, shopping and events to remain part of the stay.
Wellness-focused travellers have one of the strongest spa offerings in Gstaad.
Couples may appreciate the intimate scale and quieter atmosphere, while families can use larger suites and the dedicated children’s facilities.
The property also works particularly well for guests who want skiing or hiking to form part of the itinerary without choosing a hotel whose entire identity revolves around the slopes.
Travellers seeking historic Palace atmosphere or a hotel directly on Gstaad’s promenade may naturally prefer a different style of property.
For a broader comparison of location, character, wellness and ski access, explore our Luxury Hotels in Gstaad guide.
Experiencing Gstaad from The Alpina
The Alpina’s hillside location creates a useful separation from the busiest areas of the village.
Gstaad remains readily accessible through the hotel’s complimentary local chauffeur service.
Transfers are available between the property and Gstaad railway station, while the hotel also operates local transportation to ski lifts and selected destinations around the resort.
This gives guests the freedom to move between two different versions of Gstaad.
Time at the hotel can revolve around spa, gardens, dining and mountain views, while the village below provides boutiques, restaurants and the broader social life of the destination.
The surrounding Saanenland then expands the experience further through Alpine villages, hiking routes and seasonal mountain activities.
Private Travel to The Alpina Gstaad
Gstaad is accessible by conventional road vehicles, and private cars can reach The Alpina directly.
The hotel itself estimates approximately two hours by road from Geneva Airport.
Luxury Switzerland can arrange a private transfer from Geneva to Gstaad directly to the hotel, with vehicle selection adapted to passenger numbers, luggage and ski equipment.
Guests arriving by train can also use the hotel’s complimentary electric transfer service between Gstaad railway station and The Alpina.
For longer itineraries, private chauffeur services can connect Gstaad with Geneva, Montreux, Lausanne, Zermatt and other destinations across Switzerland.
Planning Your Stay
Where is The Alpina Gstaad located?
The Alpina Gstaad is located at Alpinastrasse 23 on a hillside above the village.
Its position provides panoramic views across Gstaad and the surrounding Bernese Alps while keeping the centre readily accessible by hotel transfer.
When did The Alpina Gstaad open?
The Alpina Gstaad opened on 1 December 2012.
Its architecture combines contemporary hospitality with materials and craftsmanship associated with the Saanenland.
How many rooms and suites does The Alpina Gstaad have?
The hotel officially lists 56 rooms and suites.
Accommodation ranges from Deluxe Rooms to large multi-bedroom suites and the 400-square-metre Panorama Residence.
Does The Alpina Gstaad have a Six Senses Spa?
Yes.
The hotel is home to the first Six Senses Spa in Switzerland.
The spa extends across approximately 2,000 square metres.
Does The Alpina Gstaad have a swimming pool?
Yes.
The Six Senses Spa includes a 25-metre indoor swimming pool and a heated outdoor pool within the hotel gardens.
Is The Alpina Gstaad ski-in/ski-out?
No.
The Alpina is not a ski-in/ski-out hotel.
The hotel instead provides shuttle transport to Gstaad lifts including Eggli, Wispile and Wasserngrat, with additional transfers available to other ski areas in the region.
What restaurants are at The Alpina Gstaad?
Current dining venues include Megu, Monti, Swiss Stübli and the Alpina Lounge & Terrace.
The hotel also has a Japanese Whisky Bar and Fumoir, while seasonal culinary residencies can supplement the programme.
Is The Alpina Gstaad suitable for families?
Yes.
The hotel offers larger suites and multi-bedroom accommodation together with the Tree House Club and outdoor children’s facilities.
Is The Alpina Gstaad open all year?
No.
The Alpina Gstaad is a seasonal hotel operating during dedicated summer and winter periods.
Current opening dates should be checked when travelling during spring or autumn.
How far is The Alpina Gstaad from Geneva Airport?
The hotel estimates approximately two hours by road from Geneva Airport.
Actual travel time varies with traffic, weather and seasonal road conditions.
Can Luxury Switzerland arrange a private transfer to The Alpina Gstaad?
Yes.
Luxury Switzerland can arrange direct private transfers to the hotel from Geneva Airport and other Swiss destinations, including transportation for luggage and ski equipment.
