An Alpine Landmark Reimagined: Four Seasons Heralds a New Era in Gstaad
In the rarefied world of luxury travel, few announcements resonate as profoundly as the debut of a new Four Seasons destination - especially when it signals the rebirth of a heritage icon.
The Park Gstaad - the Swiss Alpine resort’s first five-star hotel - will reopen under the stewardship of Four Seasons in winter 2026-2027, ushering in a fresh chapter in the storied life of one of Europe’s most discreetly glamorous addresses.
Perched amidst the pine-scored slopes and snow-flecked vistas of the Bernese Oberland, Gstaad has long been a byword for refined mountain living: a village where tradition meets contemporary cool, and where legendary hospitality is part of the landscape. The Park Gstaad has been at the heart of this narrative since it opened its doors in 1910, earning its place not merely as the first five-star hotel in the resort but as a rendezvous for aristocrats, artists and the well-heeled seeking understated splendour.
Now, under an ambitious renaissance led by philanthropist and owner Dona Bertarelli and overseen by Squircle Capital, the property is being comprehensively reimagined - balancing the building’s rich alpine heritage with a fresh, contemporary sensibility. Four Seasons, synonymous with its signature blend of gracious service and impeccable design, has been appointed to manage the reinvigorated hotel, amplifying Gstaad’s allure on the global luxury stage.
Heritage Meets Contemporary Elegance
At the heart of this transformation is acclaimed French interior designer Joseph Dirand, whose deft touch - seen previously at the Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club - promises to honour the original chalet-style charm while elevating interiors to a modern palette of warm woods, tactile fabrics, and quietly sophisticated spaces. The architectural narrative respects the majestic setting, framing sweeping views of the Alps while encouraging an intimate, lived-in luxury.
Upon reopening, The Park Gstaad, A Four Seasons Hotel will offer 75 rooms and suites, accompanied by a curated collection of penthouse residences available to purchase - a rare opportunity for those drawn not just to stay but to belong. Whether contemplating a winter escape or a summer alpine retreat, guests and owners alike will discover world-class amenities, from destination spa experiences to gastronomic ventures that rival Gstaad’s celebrated culinary scene.
A Full-Spectrum Alpine Experience
Beyond the rooms and club-style lounges, this reinvented landmark is poised to reshape how luxury is lived in the mountains. Wellness features — including indoor and outdoor pools - anchor the après-ski ritual, while an ice rink in winter and tennis courts in summer signal a calendar of year-round activity. Ski and bike services, curated events and local cultural intersections ensure that The Park Gstaad remains as dynamic as its surroundings.
For connoisseurs of luxury travel, this is more than just a hotel opening — it’s a cultural marker. Four Seasons’ entry into Gstaad places the village firmly alongside other elite Alpine destinations, propelling Switzerland’s quiet jewel onto an even more compelling international stage. As anticipation builds for the winter of 2026, it’s clear that a new classic is being born — one that honours the past as it forges a future defined by timeless sophistication