Gstaad has never had to chase the zeitgeist — it effortlessly weaves it into its timeless mystique, an innate balance of modernity and heritage. Here, the rhythms of Alpine life need little intro­duction to those who know them: the gentle peal of church bells muffled by snow, the scent of aged timber mingling with wood smoke, the soft touch of fur and cashmere. Gstaad devotees gather in centuries-old chalets to engage with contemporary art, harness the healing power of local botanicals in cutting-edge spas, and hail horse-drawn sleighs for romantic trips to Lake Lauenen.

Ultima Collection encapsulates both sides of this Alpine story: Ultima Hotel Gstaad, a boutique retreat that pulses with subtle energy, and Ultima Promenade Gstaad, a prestigious new chalet where discretion and personalised service are elevated to an art form. Rooted in place, shaped by artistry, they present two complementary expressions of contemporary Alpine luxury — intimate, considered, and unmistakably Gstaad.

Ultima Hotel Gstaad – An Extraordinary Hideaway 

Just steps from the Wispile cable car and a short, chauffeured drive from the village centre, Ultima Hotel Gstaad pairs accessibility with tranquil seclusion. Artfully blending Swiss heritage with cosmopolitan elegance, the property’s three interlinked chalets encompass eleven suites and six private residences. Radiating a quiet glamour and assured indulgence rare even in Gstaad, each retreat reflects its Alpine roots — clad in reclaimed timber, warmed by flickering fires and layered with tactile fabrics — while offering discreet balconies, indulgent marble bathrooms, and walk-in dressing rooms. 

When not relaxing in their private sanctuaries, guests can savour modern Japanese cuisine in the winter Zuma pop-up restaurant and bar; luxuriate in the expansive spa, which offers restorative treatments from world-leading wellness brands Augustinus Bader and Seed to Skin Tuscany; and catch up on the latest movies in the boutique cinema. Beyond anticipating their guests’ daily needs, the professional team at Ultima Hotel Gstaad delight in introducing curious, adventurous travellers to Gstaad’s richesse of natural and cultural ex-periences. Expert concierges unlock exclusive access to diverse activities, from skiing and mountaineering to cheesemaking and fine art classes, ensuring guests are warmly embraced by the allure of this storied Alpine town. 

Culinary Theatre à la Zuma in the Swiss Alps

Zuma celebrates its first ever foray into Switzerland with the launch of a new winter pop-up at Ultima Hotel Gstaad, adding the brand’s signature blend of culinary artistry, music, and energy to the town’s diverse dining scene. Spanning the hotel’s intimate restaurant, bar, and winter terrace, the pop-up channels the informal, social nature of Tokyo’s izakayas, inviting guests on an immersive journey through modern Japanese cuisine set against a backdrop of the Swiss Alps.

Basking in Gstaad’s winter glow, diners linger over innovative Japanese dishes — miso-marinated black cod, wagyu tataki with truffle ponzu, and yellowtail sashimi with green chilli relish — crafted by Zuma’s expert chefs to the rhythm of the brand’s house soundtrack and live DJ sets. This distinctive energy finds its counterpart at the Zuma Bar, where master mixologists create inventive cocktails in a space that feels at once celebratory and intimate; a prized addition to Gstaad’s refined après-ski scene. As Ultima Collection’s executive chef, Alessandro Bergamo, explains: “This partnership is about far more than a meeting of two culinary worlds — it amplifies every moment of our guests’ journey. Working with Zuma allows us to share creative moments rooted in a passion for gastronomy, innovation, and refinement. Every dish, every encounter, every taste is designed to transform dining into immersive culinary art.”

The Zuma experience can also be enjoyed in the privacy of guests’ residences, with a dedicated in-room dining menu complementing the global flavours of the hotel menu. For the most elevated expression of bespoke dining, guests can invite the hotel’s stellar private chefs into their Residence to shape menus entirely around their personal tastes and desires.    

Ultima Promenade Gstaad – Heritage Reimagined

Ultima Promenade Gstaad is a private chalet whose history is woven into the very fabric of Gstaad. Originally built for the ski-loving Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, it was subsequently home to the Chesery, the beloved restaurant run for more than three decades by Michelin-starred chef Robert Speth. Over time, the traditional timber house on the Promenade quietly shaped Gstaad’s social scene. Today, it has been subtly reimagined by Ultima Collection as one of the most distinguished fully serviced chalets in the Alps.

“Ultima Gstaad Promenade effortlessly fuses discreet contemporary luxury with Gstaad’s rich heritage”, says Sven Flory, Chief Commercial Officer at Ultima Collection. “It delivers complete privacy in the very heart of town, together with amenities worthy of a five-star hotel and the visionary, personalised service that is the hallmark of our Collection.”

Occupying the chalet in its entirety, guests benefit from eight expansive bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom, total autonomy and the services of a full complement of staff. A seasoned property manager, private chef, spa therapist, and house team deliver service that feels invisible yet instinctive — present when needed, absent when not, always respectful of privacy. Every moment, from bespoke wellness treatments and art installations to Michelin-inspired dining and exuberant disco nights, is meticulously tailored to the individual preferences of guests.

Respectful of its Alpine roots, the chalet celebrates vernacular craftsmanship — intricately carved wooden exteriors, overhanging eaves, vaulted ceilings, and timber-clad walls — while adding contemporary elegance. Striking bronze-clad fireplaces, a dramatic black marble spa, and private cinema, nightclub, and arcade blend seamlessly to create a space that is both intimate and immersive, reaffirming Ultima Collection’s status as a defining voice in modern sensory luxury.  

Ultima Collection – Beyond Gstaad

Ultima Hotel Gstaad and Ultima Promenade Gstaad encapsulate perfectly Ultima Collection’s refined approach to Alpine living, yet the brand’s distinctive portfolio extends across Europe’s most illustrious destinations, from Switzerland and France to Greece. Distinguished by a profound sense of place, each boutique hotel and private chalet, villa, and residence is united by Ultima Collection’s hallmarks of craftsmanship, intuitive service, and personalised experiences. Like Gstaad itself: steeped in history yet attuned to the now.

Whether set above the sun-dappled Mediterranean or the manicured pistes of Megève, sequestered among Alpine meadows or on the shores of Lake Geneva, each property assures blissful immersion in its local environment. These veritable havens blend soul-warming comfort with modern design, creating convivial spaces for effortless, joyful living for multigenerational families and groups of friends. For the golden thread that runs through Ultima Collection is people: the staff who transcend service, intuitively crafting meaningful
experiences that delight and surprise, and the guests who come to revel in the understated luxuries of space, time and togetherness.  

“Born in Gstaad, perfected across the world, Ultima Collection embodies
the timeless allure and authenticity of its hometown, constantly redefining the luxury zeitgeist and sprinkling Gstaad fairy dust across
the Alps and beyond.” 

For more information
ultimacollection.com