The Alpina Gstaad is a small, discreet and modern hotel with only 56 rooms and suites. But that is a short description that by no means does justice to this resort in the Swiss ski village of Gstaad: Here, the highest standards of its guests are met, while attention to sustainability is meticulously upheld.

AUTHENTIC ARCHITECTURE SURROUNDED BY A SPECTACULAR ALPINE PANORAMA

Perched on a mountainside, this exclusive hotel overlooks Gstaad with its many classic chalets. The unspoilt valley is surrounded by a spectacular Alpine panorama. Since its opening on 1 December 2012, The Alpina Gstaad has upheld the highest standards of style and elegance in the 5-star category. Known for its authentic architecture, local craftsmanship, gardens and art collections, The Alpina Gstaad represents the very best that Swiss design has to offer.

The Alpina offers its starred restaurants, and a wine cellar with a selection of more than 1,700 bottles and a wide range of diverse services. The hotel is home to the only Six Senses Spa in Switzerland - a wellness oasis with a holistic approach: inspired by Asian traditions. It draws its energy from the Alpine world of the Bernese Oberland.

THE ONE AND ONLY COMPANY IN SWITZERLAND WITH GOLD CERTIFICATION FROM EARTHCHECK

The Alpina Gstaad is the first, and until now, the only company in Switzerland to be awarded the gold certificate by EarthCheck. This means that the 5-star superior hotel is taking a leading role with its consistent commitment to sustainability while continuing to seek new innovative solutions. With its attractive offers, the hotel demonstrates its commitment to leveraging its platform to showcase innovative concepts to benefit the planet: Zero-Waste pasta and pizza is found on the menu, made in-house from waste bread. Seven hotel-owned beehives serve the production of Alpina honey and educational bee workshops are available for guests. Garden irrigation uses only rainwater and much more.

It is the sum of individual initiatives that make a big difference. With the Gold Award from EarthCheck, The Alpina Gstaad is now rewarded for its passion and commitment to protecting the environment and nature.

EarthCheck is an international tourism consultancy group. It is headquartered in Brisbane, Queensland, and was developed by the CRC for Sustainable Tourism, a research centre specializing in sustainable tourism and research.

LUXURY AND SUSTAINABILITY AT THE ALPINA GSTAAD - A CONSCIOUS CHOICE

General Manager Tim Weiland said in a statement: "For years we have practised mindful, responsible use of our resources as a luxury hotel. The Alpina Gstaad aims to be a global platform that engages its visitors to think about and discuss the issues vital to the health of our planet. We remain committed to mastering exciting innovations that the future will bring to combine luxury and environmental awareness."

REGIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP AND FIREPLACES BUILT FROM LOCAL STONE

With all this commitment to its cleaner world, luxury is certainly not left behind. In the heart of the Swiss Alps, guests are treated to spacious rooms and suites, all with private terraces and spectacular views. The architecture is classic Alpine in every detail, paying tribute to the artisanal heritage of the Saanenland region. A wide variety of materials and regional craftsmanship are harmoniously combined here: decorative woodwork, fireplaces built from local stone, hand-painted period furniture and ceilings decorated with traditional woodcarvings - all without having to forego any modern comforts.

STAR CHEF AND ALL THE REFINEMENTS OF CLASSIC JAPANESE CUISINE

In the three top restaurants that the hotel houses, Sommet, Megu and Swiss Stübli, chef and star chef Martin Göschel serves delicacies from classic international cuisine. In the Japanese restaurant Megu – (which is incidentally rated with 15 GaultMilau points,) - Cristian Asato brings his many years of Japanese experience to Gstaad with a huge dose of creativity.

Speaking of Japan: The unique wellness oasis was inspired by Asian traditions and draws its energy from the impressive landscape of the Bernese Oberland. The world-renowned treatments appeal to all the senses. The indoor and outdoor pools in the protected area of The Alpina Gstaad and the unique procedures developed by a qualified professional staff round off the spa’s extensive offerings, which has made a name for itself far beyond the borders of Switzerland.

COMMENT:

Upon seeing the small, very discreet-looking hotel, (one would think,) modestly situated on the mountainside of Gstaad, you might wonder why The Alpina Gstaad is so highly praised and recommended by private jet companies. A second look removes all scepticism or doubts: Anyone who has seen the rooms, tried the food and enjoyed the spa area will praise its true luxury. A decadence, however, that has also developed truly innovative concepts for the global environment.