Tag Archives: Swiss Alps

Switzerland: 7 Activities For a Weekend in Gstaad

Posted on December 16, 2019 | Leave a comment

1. Snowshoeing & Nature In Sparenmoos

When it is snowing a lot and the fog is falling, I much prefer snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing with an experienced instructor who will be able to choose the right place. Significantly less stressful than being at the top of a slope for skiing without any visibility! So I discover with pleasure the beautiful scenery of Sparenmoos. Big crush on the fir trees, a bit like in Méribel! A fairytale landscape.

2. Visiting The Mirage of Doug Aitken

The Unusual Experience

I really liked the short hike to the Mirage by the American artist Doug Aitken. A visionary construction, located between Gstaad and Schönried. Fantastic! All walls (including ceiling and roof with the exception of the floor) are mirrors. Stunning and fun! A must see and experience! The installation will remain until January 2021.

3. A Drink On The Slopes

Enjoying The Panorama

During this weekend, the weather is pretty capricious, two white days (very foggy) and one single sunny day (the one of my departure, lol!). Finally with a friend and our instructor, we take a long break at the top of the slopes, waiting for a better visibility. The weather darkens and we went back down by cable car. But happy!

4. Sleeping at 1,450 Meters Above Sea Level

In Nature

I spent the first night of my trip at the Rinderberg Swiss Alpine Lodge. A  real change of scenery! You need to take the cable car to access this very welcoming and cozy little hotel, located near the Rinderbergbahn intermediate station. From the small balcony of my room, I have a panoramic view of the mountain and the fir trees. The landscape is a bit magical. Photo above: the spa bordered by fir trees.

5. Strolling in Gstaad

Away From The Hustle And Bustle

The Gstaad I discover (off of the season) is a quiet and charming village. People are relaxed and the general rythm is calm. Perfect when you need to recharge, or if you are agoraphobic. On the shopping side: Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Dolce Gabbana … are installed in beautiful wooden “chalets”. There are plethora of restaurants and some cafes and bars are really cool.

6. Discovering Saneen

The Historic Village

The center of Saanen is charming with small streets lined with wooden houses built between the 15th century and the 18th century. The woodwork (facades and doors) is beautiful. And the al fresco paintings of the Saint Maurice church date back to the 15th century. There are also a few lovely shops with local handicrafts. A nice walk after skiing.

7. The Hype Design Hotel

Where To Stay

The HUUS Hotel Gstaad is defenitely my favorite place in Gstaad! I am absolutely delighted with my two nights there. Awesome design, team and atmosphere! I really liked my room, the common areas, lounge with the fireplace, long bar, excellent Italian restaurant, view, champagne evening, breakfast and location!

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Informations  

www.MySwitzerland.com, www.gstaad.ch, www.visitvalais.ch, www.swiss.com, www.swisstravelsystem.com

Related articles : Destinations & Hotel Review

Many thanks to the tourist offices, My Switzerland and Gstaad for this beautiful invitation. As always, these are my opinions.

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Switzerland, Saas-Fee: The Fienart Resort & Spa

Posted on April 24, 2018 | Leave a comment

  

Ideally Located

Healthy Breakfasts

The Fienart Resort & Spa is located in the center of the village of Saas-Fee. Which is very nice to walk around early in the morning, before having breakfast served in the main restaurant. The space is clear with large windows that allow to enjoy a direct view of the mountains. 

I liked the variety and freshness of the different foods on offer at the buffet. The set makes for breakfast, a privileged break before attacking long days of skiing. This morning, as the weather is not good, it heavily snows with a lot of fog, I prefer to go to the spa of the hotel.

Back to my spacious room, in the wing of the hotel where the pool and spa are located. The newly renovated bathroom is open on the bed side (pictured below). The room is very comfortable and has a balcony with mountain views (the above first two pictures of the article are taken from this balcony). 

    

The Paradia Spa

Bathed in Light

The Paradia Spa, which covers more than 1200 m², includes steam baths, a jacuzzi (where I spent a long time), a relaxation area under a glass roof (where I fell asleep, above photo) etc …

Just like in Germany, part of the spa is (swimsuits) textile free (and children free too), so I only tested the pool, jacuzzi and deckchair. The pool is long enough to make real lengths (left photo below). 

  

The César Ritz

Un dîner gourmand

If the breakfasts are already very nice, the dinner is excellent! Again I really liked the quality of the products (mainly regional) and seasonal. 

The service and the presentation are well cared for: the plates are as beautiful as they are good. Lovely! Photo below: 1. scallops, 2. Caesar salads, 3. fish and 4. dessert! I only ate the delicious chocolate cake because everything was plentiful.

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés.

Informations  

Fienart Resort, Saas-Fee, Valais, Switzerland Tourism, SWISS, Swiss Travel System (STS)

Autres articles : DESTINATIONS & HOTEL REVIEWS

Un grand merci aux offices du tourisme de Saas Fee, du Valais et Switzerland Tourism, SWISS, Swiss Travel System (STS) et Fienart Resort pour cette belle invitation. Comme toujours, ce sont mes opinions.

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Switzerland: Skiing and Gastronomy in Saas-Fee

Posted on April 21, 2018 | Leave a comment

Stunning Landscapes

  

Ever Heard of the Alpin Metro?

After Zermatt, here I am in Saas-Fee, where I discover with wonder the slopes of the snowiest Swiss resort. A snow ocean under bright blue sky! What an amazing brightness! This morning, I follow my ski instructor of the Esquimos skiing school, in the Alpine Metro! I’ve never been before! On the slope, the stunning landscape and the quality of snow make me euphoric.

For lunch, we go to the Mittelallalin restaurant, the highest revolving restaurant in the world at 3’500 meters above sea level, with panoramic view of the glaciers (photos below:1, 2, 3, 4 and 5). Then we visit the Ice Pavilion to have a look at the 2000-year-old ice.

In practice, you go deep into the glacier. The air becomes scarce (missing oxygen, I think). So we move less and look at the impressive sculptures of ice (below: photos 6, 7 and 8). It is recommended not to stay more than 15 minutes. Moreover, the climb seems to me more difficult than the descent (photo below, 9).

     

Back To The Hotel

  

Gourmet Dinner

The afternoon is already well underway, when I bring back my rented ski equipment to the shop. I head to the spa of my hotel, the Fienart Resort. I swim a bit and then fell asleep on a deckchair, before dinner at the gourmet restaurant of the Hotel Schweizerhof, Le Hofsaal.

More than just a dinner, an experience. I recommend the “14 Gault Millau Points menu of the Schweizerhof“. I tested the 7-course version. The portions are small (photo montage below). And everything was delicious plus something new: my table facing the snow (above right photo)! Lol! 

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés.

Informations    

Eskimos Skiing School, Le Hofsaal restaurant, Saas-Fee, Valais, www.MySwitzerland.com, SWISS, Swiss Travel System (STS)

Related posts : DESTINATIONS & HOTEL REVIEWS

Many thanks to Saas Fee, Valais/Wallis promotion, Switzerland Tourism, SWISS and Swiss Travel System (STS) for this beautiful invitation. As always, these are my opinions.

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