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Park Gstaad, Switzerland

30 April 2017

Words: Joe Mortimer / Image: Park Gstaad

When actress Julie Andrews moved to Gstaad in the 1960s, she insisted on decorating its chalets with 1,000 lights. Today chalet owners keep up the tradition, creating a twinkling masterpiece framed by the Swiss Alps, a view best observed from the terraces of the venerable Park Gstaad. Inside, modern, elegant rooms are panelled in warm pine, grey felt and black slate – a nod to the traditions of the region – with slanting ceilings, walls resembling log piles and artwork carved from timber.

The chalet chic continues in the bar, where warming fireside cocktails fuel après-ski conversation among the Louis Vuitton-clad guests, who snuggle under furs.

An original 1910 elevator carries diners to Avenue Montagne, where chef Axel Rüdlin celebrates all things Swiss; his fondue ravioli with truffle shavings and Gruyere epitomises Alpine decadence. The overall effect is the result of a 2010 renovation by owner Dona Bertarelli, whose vision for modernisation was tempered with a keen desire to preserve the sense of place.

parkgstaad.ch

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