Ultima Gstaad, the superb ultra-luxury hotel in Gstaad (REVIEW)

With locations in some of the world’s most coveted destinations such as Courchevel, Megeve, Crans-Montana, Geneva, Cannes, Corfu and Cannes, Ultima Collection is an established owner and operator of outstanding luxury properties within villas, residences, chalets and hotels – boasting some of the largest accommodations in each destination and providing exceptionally personalised and individualised service. Ultima Collection has achieved and maintained consistent a solid culture of service, which has become part of its DNA, prompting a high number of return guests.

Mention must be made there is a strategic high ratio of staff per guest throughout all the Ultima Collection properties. Staff extend genuinely warm and courteous service – attentive and intuitive, striving to fulfil personalised demands. Service is effortless, warm and always adapted to the guest preference, whether it is more formal or more friendly. Most staff are trained to take initiative and extend confident and firm service, anticipating needs and desires. The team is well bonded, motivated and energised with pro-active seamless communications for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

Opened in 2016, the all-suite Ultima Hotel Gstaad, was the first property of the group, establishing new luxury hospitality standards in the Swiss luxury resort town of Gstaad. Spread over three connected wooden chalets, with 11 expansive suites and six private residences, Ultima Hotel Gstaad features the largest luxury hotel suites in Gstaad, from 46 sqm to 260 sqm, accommodating from 2 to 8 guests. Suites can be booked for a minimum 3 nights in low season and 7 nights in high-season. The sheer size of all facilities and public spaces would never appear busy or crowded, regardless of occupancy.

All suites are heated and cooled through sustainable water based systems, most of them featuring large terraces. The Residence units have working fireplaces, staff taking care of servicing them several times daily. All-marble bathrooms include separate bathtubs and glass-enclosed walk-in showers. You will rejoice over high water pressure, luxury amenities and plush Egyptian towels and bathrobes. In the Residences, the bathroom of Master Bedroom has a full glass divider, adding to a dramatic twist. Bedding is an ultimate focus, with heavenly comfortable mattresses and high thread satin cotton linen.

Ultima Hotel Gstaad is within walking distance to some of Gstaad’s skiing slopes and hotel cars are on-call for a short drive to the promenade and all other attractions. Gstaad can be reached by car from Geneva within a 2 hour drive, the hotel proposing several luxury cars, with multilingual chauffeurs and fast WiFi internet. Highly experienced Les Clefs D’Dor accredited Concierge Simone and his team are ready to propose and arrange the most diverse activities including arrange for dining and day-trips. Do not miss snow activities, as well as balloon rides, horse riding, including horse-led sledge carriages.

Besides several ski slopes, all with state-of-the-art facilities, Gstaad is a destination to enjoy diverse culinary options but also cozy cafes, terraces and lounges. Luxury shopping is part of Gstaad’s DNA as a destination – all major international luxury brands being present with mono-brand retail outlets. Some brands feature bespoke retail concepts exclusive for Gstaad which is an indicator of the importance of retail and the Gstaad clientele. Hermes, Louis Vuitton and Prada store in Gstaad are among the largest and best stocked among all luxury Alpine resorts. Valentino and Zegna are among the latest additions.

Similarly to all the other properties, Ultima Hotel Gstaad proposes a state-of-the-art Spa which has been renovated recently. It includes an indoor heated 15m swimming pool, indoor & outdoor jacuzzis, Finnish sauna, fragrant steam room, 4 single treatment rooms and 1 double spa treatment room, as well as an exceptional brand new Workshop Gymnasium gym – with locations at prestigious international luxury hotels and resorts. The Spa has recently introduced the Augustinus Bader science-led skincare line, complementing fully-organic Seed to Skin from Tuscany.

The Spa and wellness are impressive not only in terms of facilities – with the finest finishes and furnishings, abundant in wood and sleek black marble – but also in terms of services. A team of highly trained and skilled therapists perform a wide variety of skincare and body treatments. Expect to be fully pampered with an outstanding level of personalisation and individualisation. Programmes include bespoke yoga, pilates, meditation, reiki, massages and targeted personal training. But do take into account that the team can personalise your wishes, desires and preferences ahead of your arrival.

The Augustinus Bader menu at Ultima Hotel Gstaad combines the science-backed power of TFC8® with world-class luxury and locally-sourced active ingredients. Bespoke treatments are rooted in The Method Augustinus Bader, which pairs TFC8® with customized fascia massage to help optimize cellular communication, promote circulation, and visibly firm, tone and rejuvenate. This highly sensorial, hands-on technique leverages Augustinus Bader’s hero formulas to deliver the ultimate in indulgence while targeting specific concerns.

Do try The Mountain Cocoon with Seed to Skin, an exceptional head to toe treatment delivers a multi-sensory experience. The journey starts with a gentle body brush exfoliation to stimulate the lymphatic system, complemented with our Signature Tuscan Candle Massage and restoring body wrap. Rich in argan oil, shea butter and pure extracts of vanilla rose to nourish the skin. The Facial Ritual stimulates cellular regeneration and provides a lasting sense of wellbeing. There are also specific treatments for men, for body and face. Children from 13 to 18-years-old, are welcome to enjoy a delightful moment of relaxation at the spa.

Food at Ultima is exceptional and Ultima Hotel Gstaad is no exception. Under the helm of Chef Alessandro Bergamo, the Haute Brasserie Restaurant features Italian and Mediterranean dishes. Menu highlights include exquisite Gillardeau oysters and a Caviar Prunier selection, plus delightful twists on Alpine traditions. From leisurely lunches and intimate dinners to those very special occasions, the dining space offers a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Breakfast is served in a separate dedicated space, with a generous a-la-carte selection, but do try the in-room dining experience. The private cinema seating 15, the two bars and the cigar room are some of the other ‘standard’ offerings of all Ultima Collection properties, including Ultima Hotel Gstaad. Some properties also feature a children’s gaming room and separate luxury ‘dormitory’ style accommodation. Ultima stays are ideal for the most diverse clientele, from couples, families as well as children.

In 2025, Ultima Collection will open a stunning Villa mansion in Gstaad on the prestigious pedestrian Promenade – Ultima Promenade Gstaad, adding to the recently opened Ultima Quai Wilson in Geneva. There are plans for introducing new partnerships and to diversify the dining offerings to also attract non-residing guests which are also vied by the Spa with dedicated packages. Stay tuned!

Thank you Enrique, Guillaume, Melanie, Caroline, Simone, Petar, Mathieu, Sven and the entire team!!!

Oliver Petcu in Gstaad

 

 

 

 

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