Ultima Hotel Gstaad: Discretion at the very highest level

There are few alpine destinations as instantly recognisable, or as quietly exclusive, as Gstaad. Arguably the most glamorous ski resort in the world (a claim best not made in the presence of a St Moritz devotee), Gstaad has long attracted those who value privacy, beauty and understatement over spectacle.

Gunter Sachs and Brigitte Bardot, Gstaad, 1960s

Its history reads like a roll call of cultural and cinematic royalty. Julie Andrews, Roger Moore, Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco all owned chalets here, as did Yehudi Menuhin and Peter Sellers. David Niven lived nearby in Château-d’Oex, while Günter Sachs, Brigitte Bardot, Gianni Agnelli and Porfirio Rubirosa were frequent visitors. Today, the Hollywood elite have largely given way to global billionaires, among them the Sackler family, Lawrence Stroll and Bernie Ecclestone, whose subterranean “mega chalets” extend discreetly beneath seemingly modest façades. Ecclestone himself also owns Gstaad’s most iconic address, hotel and restaurant The Olden.

Slim Aarons loved to document the comings and going at the Eagle Club

Name-dropping aside, Gstaad’s enduring appeal lies in its extraordinary beauty. Strict Swiss planning regulations ensure architectural harmony throughout the village, with even balcony flower boxes subject to aesthetic guidelines. The result is a picture-perfect alpine townscape, where luxury boutiques are housed within preserved 17th-century chalets. The Ralph Lauren store is particularly striking, while the presence of Graff at the end of the promenade signals the calibre of clientele Gstaad continues to attract.

On the slopes, Gstaad offers a quietly compelling alternative to Europe’s more frenetic ski resorts. With over 200 kilometres of pistes, the area delivers variety without crowds. Even during peak season, the runs remain remarkably tranquil, whether carving elegant turns from the top of Eggli or channelling a touch of James Bond on Wasserngrat’s Tiger Run.

Hotel-wise, Gstaad’s triumvirate is well established. The Gstaad Palace dominates the hillside, both physically and symbolically. The Alpina offers a more contemporary interpretation of alpine luxury. And then there is Ultima Hotel Gstaad, a relatively recent arrival that has redefined discretion since opening in 2016. Neither traditional hotel nor private chalet, Ultima Hotel occupies a compelling middle ground, and does so with remarkable finesse.

Designed for those who prefer their luxury quietly delivered, Ultima Hotel Gstaad comprises just 11 suites and six private residences. Interiors are richly layered yet never ostentatious: oversized beds, velvet sofas, ivory upholstery and bronze fireplaces create an atmosphere of refined comfort. Bathrooms are spa-like in scale and finish, while private balconies frame panoramic mountain views.

What truly distinguishes Ultima Hotel, however, is its service. A dedicated butler is available around the clock, alongside a private chauffeur service. Staff are impeccably presented in understated designer uniforms, delivering service that is warm, intuitive, and never intrusive, an increasingly rare balance.The location is equally compelling. Ultima Hotel is just a short stroll from the village centre and a two-minute drive from the lifts, providing seamless access to Gstaad’s best skiing. Dining within the hotel is excellent, though the surrounding area offers an exceptional culinary scene. The Olden and the historic Rössli are essential, while nearby Rougemont is home to Le Cerf. Ultima Hotel itself is known for its rotating pop-up restaurants, most recently hosting the globally acclaimed Zuma. At the heart of the property lies the bar: intimate, atmospheric and distinctly chalet-like, where skilled bartenders craft bespoke cocktails.

Wellness is another cornerstone of the Ultima Hotel experience. The spa features multiple pools, saunas and steam rooms, alongside an oversized timber hot tub set outdoors, where guests can soak beneath snow-dusted peaks and moonlit skies. The gym is unusually expansive for a property of this size and fitted with the latest Technogym equipment. Treatments are extensive and expertly delivered; the massage alone ranks among the finest I’ve experienced. For those seeking a more holistic approach, Ultima Hotel partners with local specialists to offer private sessions in yoga, Pilates, kinesiology and sound-bath healing.

At its core, the Ultima Collection brand is built around bespoke hospitality and absolute privacy. With this ethos in mind, Ultima Hotel Gstaad is an exceptional choice for celebrating significant occasions with family and friends, offering the rare combination of five-star luxury, complete discretion, and the feeling of a private alpine retreat.