By Martin Turner
A GALAXY OF STARS
Gstaad has mountains of glamour and twinkles with a stellar reputation for the galaxy of stars that descend discreetly upon this village every winter. Its pedigree is firmly entrenched in old Hollywood with residents that have included Elizabeth Taylor, Julie Andrews and Roger Moore who added early lustre to a village that meets all the clichés of a Heidi meets chocolate box Swiss alpine fantasy. Regulars are ensconced in either luxury chalets or experiencing the royal treatment at the Gstaad Palace Hotel which has been cosseting legends of high society since 1913. Its stunning interior designed rooms and suites along with the hotel’s undeniable service DNA means that 100 years on it is still a fairy tale magnet that draws rock stars and celebrities from around the world. The skiing is marvellous on the three mountains which include Eggli, Wassergrat and Wispile, not to mention glacier and heli-skiing.
EAGLE SKI CLUB
Do nab an invite to the Eagle Club which is littered with old money warming themselves with gourmet pasta and schnitzel washed down with magnums of Cristal. Business and social gossip is discussed over jacket potatoes slathered with sour cream and caviar before skis are clacked into place for several post lunch runs.
PAMPER TIME
As the skiers and the late afternoon descend, it is time to hit the promenade in town for a walk through retail heaven. If you didn’t stop it would be ten minutes end to end, but the windows and effortless style will lure you in to give the plastic a good workout. Everyone is ambling clad in Loro Piana, Gucci and Prada, perfect smiles beaming from tanned faces peaking over Hermes scarves. Head to the spa back at the Palace and have your ski legs massaged into shape for tomorrow and de-frost in the Hamman. With circulation back in place you can cut some excellent shapes on the dance floor at Greengo tonight alongside Elle and Naomi where Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton liked to dance between arguments and jewellery shopping.
ALPINE NIGHTS
A disco nap is essential before you either stay in for dinner at one of the Palace’s 5 restaurants or head out into the star filled alpine night. There is something vaguely Bond villain about Greengo as if there should be sharks swimming beneath you in the pool and a man sitting at the bar stroking a white Persian cat. But it’s great fun, and everyone goes, so you must too.
Martin Turner has had a 25 year global career in events which resulted in the book Travel Secrets in 2010 and a new career in journalism and lecturing. A recent graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Art, he has won his way into the heart of the VIDA team while zooming about the planet on new assignments and escapades.
