If mild snowfall, cozy cabins, après-ski, and fondue immediately come to mind when you think of visiting Switzerland, you’re not completely wrong. While the city may be covered in snow and buzzing with bells and whistles, there’s something special about Switzerland in the summer that everyone should experience at least once in their life.
Photos of bright green hills, blue skies, and sparkling lakes. It’s the kind of scenery you see on Instagram and simply ignore, thinking it’s too perfect to be real. But after staying at Le Grand He Bellevue in his Gstaad, I can definitely say that this place is actually very down to earth and worth a visit this year if you’re looking for something great.
Beautiful environment of the hotel
So what’s so special about Le Grand Bellevue?
Le Grand Bellevue is an outstanding family-run boutique hotel offering a truly memorable summer experience away from the hustle and bustle of European beaches. Located in Switzerland’s first traffic-controlled village, it has the feel of a carefully selected townhouse tucked away in the mountains. So when you enjoy a quiet cup of coffee on your balcony, stroll through the pristine grounds, or enjoy lunch al fresco, the only sounds around you are the chirping of birds and the clink of glasses. What’s not to love?
There are 57 rooms to suit every taste. From stylish retreats in turreted towers, to traditional chalet-style suites clad in rustic wood, to even more luxurious split-levels perfect for large groups or families enjoying floor-to-ceiling views of Gstaad. up to the space of. Windows.
Gstaad is known as a more upscale resort town, but Le Grand Bellevue doesn’t have the stuffy décor or staff. From the moment you step into the hotel reception to the moment you enter your room, you’ll feel like this hotel is truly yours. It’s your second home, where you can relax and be yourself. you.
The best and most beautiful way to travel to Le Grand Bellevue is by train. The local station is within a 10 minute walk from the hotel gate and by car he is within 2 minutes. We traveled with MOB Panorama Express and the whole trip was like a dream. This is the perfect way to set the stage for Switzerland and the blissful moments you experience as you inch closer to Gstaad.
What do I need to do?
If you’re looking to relax, Le Grand Spa is located in the hotel’s basement. This is one of the largest facilities in Switzerland. Stepping into space felt like entering a new world and we spent ample time trying out each thing on offer. It’s a tough life. The 3,000 square meter spa features a thermal oasis, crystal room, infrared room, plunge pool, indoor swimming pool and outdoor relaxation pool. So if you’re like me and you’re trying really hard to relax, but you’re looking for a change of pace, you’re sure to find something that will help you relax. We also offer an extensive treatment menu, from facials by Dr. Barbara Sturm to treatments inspired by ancient Swiss healing systems such as Kneipp walks, alpine salt scrubs and hay baths. I was lucky enough to experience a traditional massage using fresh local herbs and quickly understood why the treatments on offer are popular with guests.
Spa at Le Grand Bellevue
However, if you’re into the slopes during ski season and looking for other active sports during the warmer months, you can try your hand at padel on the newly introduced courts. And if padel isn’t your thing, you can also try Heli Hike or Heli Chi Yoga, new for this season, in addition to the various meditation experiences offered by the lake. There’s really something for everyone.
Lots of options to stay active
The gym space is one of the most luxurious spaces I’ve experienced, with a private Reformer Pilates studio available for use on your own or staffed by the hotel’s expert PT. can also do. During my stay, I was lucky enough to experience two special activities that really helped me understand Switzerland as a whole.
The first was a hot air balloon flight over the Swiss Alps | A sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Swiss Alps that was quickly unforgettable as it allowed us to experience the views of Switzerland from above the clouds. Chateau Day Balloons (ballonschateaudoex.ch) is a company that has been around for years and really put my nervous (read: frightened) mind at ease.
After a quick intro, we were scooped up into the balloon’s surprisingly spacious basket and slowly launched into the air. The feeling of seeing the sloping hills, lush greenery, rolling rivers and snow-capped mountains from the air was indescribable. And to make this experience even more special, breakfast was arranged to be enjoyed in the clouds. If you’ve never eaten an almond croissant or drank coffee in the sky, you’re really missing out.
The second option is a traditional horse-drawn carriage tour of local villages with Explora Gstaad. Winter is very cozy, but the summer version has a unique charm that helped me understand the essence of Gstaad. Walking past the locals and admiring the scenery from a horse-drawn carriage was truly a stylish way to travel and made the whole stay even more special.
It’s a waste to choose local activities
What about food? Do you have something for vegetables?
The food at Le Grand Bellevue is about more than just taste. With a balanced menu and an out-of-this-world atmosphere, you’ll be able to indulge in the comfort of our own premises and enjoy a dining experience unlike any other.
Eating outside is a must in summer
From the velvet-lined, jewel-toned The Lounge and Bar to al fresco dining, every detail of the dining experience at Le Grand Bellevue has been specially curated to create an unforgettable experience. I am. Enjoying a drink in The Lounge’s cozy atmosphere will put you right back in the spirit of his 20s, no matter how hot the day is. Eating lunch al fresco here (cold Coke and Caesar salad anyone?) never gets old.
Stylish dining at Le Grand Bellevue
If you’re looking for a slightly more special dining experience, Le Petit Chalet, the hotel’s mountain log cabin dining space, is open year-round. Located in front of the hotel, hidden under tall trees, it offers a cozy retreat in the winter (picture fondue by the fireplace) and an outdoor terrace and chicken rotisserie in the summer. This is traditional Swiss food and makes it the perfect date spot after a day in the sun or on the slopes.
And for those looking for something different, there’s a hidden Japanese sushi bar within the hotel, where sushi chef Takehiko Yoshikawa offers everything from lean tuna sashimi and yellowtail nigiri to crab and avocado handicrafts. They will prepare dishes ranging from maki rolls to thin eel sushi rolls, along with a menu of Japanese-style salads. , soup and rice.
How about the room?
The rooms themselves are some of the best we’ve ever stayed in in terms of comfort, design, and experience. Le Grand Bellevue has chalet-style rooms on-site that are perfect for families and large groups, but they know their real selling point is luxury. Gstaad is dotted with traditional chalets, so Le Grand Bellevue isn’t trying to compete. Guests come here to enjoy understated luxury in every room, from the smallest to the largest.
Le Grand Bellevue has rooms to suit every taste
I was lucky enough to experience the Deluxe Chic Room. It had a spacious bathroom (with a separate bathtub and shower, in case you got lost) and a private his balcony. It quickly became my favorite place to sit and people gather. – Look under the sunlight. The décor throughout the hotel is calming and decorated in muted tones with occasional pops of color, making for an incredibly stylish stay. Having a bed makes you feel like you don’t want to get out, but the views from all the bedroom windows quickly dispel those worries. Something special is waiting for you outside.
View from the balcony of Le Grand Bellevue
So is it worth visiting?
The idea of a “home away from home” makes no sense to me as someone who lives at home. I love to travel, and the feeling of coming back to your own room and your own bed is unparalleled, but the rooms at Le Grand Bellevue strike the right balance between comfort and inspiration, and ultimately I was able to understand the concept. Not only did I sleep peacefully every night, but the lack of traffic noise and fresh air was the secret to my sleep. Strolling through the grounds of Le Grand Bellevue felt like the reset I needed.
We’re always looking for things to fill our day, but the beauty of this hotel lies in its understated, quiet luxury. There’s a special kind of buzz that fills the air here. The people are friendly and welcoming, but we also know that the best way to experience a hotel is to make it your own and special, so you have the freedom to choose your hotel to suit your tastes. You could have spent hours wandering the immaculate grounds, soaking up the sun from your patio or balcony, or reading by the pool with the mountains in the background. If you’re looking for a place to reconnect with nature, and most importantly, yourself, look no further than Le Grand Bellevue this summer.
