When mother-daughter duo Dr. Barbara and Charly Sturm need a break from running their skincare empire, there’s one place above all they seek solace: Gstaad, Switzerland.
The idyllic village in the Swiss Alps is where stealth-wealth means simplicity. Hermès and Brunello Cucinelli outposts may sit along the main promenade in town, but every August, farmers lead their bell-clad cows in a ceremony to celebrate the high summer. Fondue is the comfort food of choice—especially after a long day skiing the slopes of Eggli or shoe-showing through the Turbach Valley. And, as you wander around the many picturesque alpine chalets, you’ll wonder if somehow you’ve found yourself stuck in a vintage postcard. “Arriving in Gstaad is always very special to me,” says Charly. “There is a beautiful energy to the town and the surrounding nature that I always find soothing.”
So, Vogue asked the Sturms—who have long had a family home in Gstaad—to share their favorite hotels, restaurants, and shops in the beloved mountain town. Below, find all their recommendations.
Where to Stay
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Photo: Raphael Faux
Le Grand Bellevue is a must, with the spa offering Sturm facials and some amazing wellness treatments like red light therapy, saunas, steam baths, and an ice fountain. It’s also a fantastic place to stay if you have children because Lovell Camps have a little outpost there—they have a beautiful kindergarten and they take your kids skiing every day. –Barbara
The Alpina is an incredibly chic, modern, yet cozy hotel with lots to offer. If you are looking for a health kick, their spa has all the modern wellness technologies and treatments you could wish for. Their food is delicious too, with some amazing healthy and nutritious options. In the evenings, I also love going to their lobby to enjoy a cocktail while listening to live music. –Charly
Where to Eat
La Fromagerie at the Gstaad Palace.Photo: Courtesy of Gstaad Palace / Stefano Scatà
Hotel Olden’s charming restaurant is a place you simply must visit when you’re in Gstaad. Each dish is delicious, but most people go there for the penne alla vodka. (Although my favorite is their more classic pasta dish known as scuié scuié—a simple but mouth-watering version of a pomodoro.) And I never leave without having the crêpes Suzette*…* my sweet tooth simply won’t allow it! –Charly
When the sun is shining, I love going to Restaurant Sonnenhof which has the most beautiful terrace with views of the surrounding mountains of the Saanen region. It’s a great place for lunch with friends and the food is so delicious and comforting—it’s food for the soul. –Barbara
The Rössli in Feutersoey is a hidden gem. It has a cozy, friendly atmosphere, and when the weather is nice, you can sit out on the terrace while enjoying stunning views of the Alps. Their menu is incredibly creative and consistently changes according to what is in season, which I love. However, they also have their classics—which include an amazing schnitzel or a delicious local trout. –Charly
La Fromagerie at Gstaad Palace is super fun. It has a traditional and rustic setting. They offer a few different types of fondue, including Champagne and truffle, as well as my favorite: the Chinese fondue. It has an easy-going, fun atmosphere—once you’ve eaten there, you’ll want to go again and again. –Barbara
What to Do (Other Than Ski)
Hike the Turbatchal Valley
If I’m not skiing because the snow doesn’t permit, I like to go for long walks. The Turbachtal Valley is one of my go-to spots to do so—or, I’ll walk around the lake in Lauenen, which has the most beautiful scenery. –Charly
Shop the Promenade
Sometimes it’s fun to go and do a little shopping whilst you’re in Gstaad, otherwise you’re always in sports clothes! The Trois Pommes department store has some cool things and I also like to go to Moncler for high-tech ski suits and jackets. Gstaad also has some great galleries like Gagosian and Maddox—some friends of mine work there, so I’ll always stop by to see the new collections. –Barbara