One of Switzerland’s most discreet luxury hotels is entering a new era: The Park Gstaad, the resort’s first five-star property, will reopen for the 2026–2027 winter season under Four Seasons management following a full-scale renovation led by Joseph Dirand.
Gstaad’s most historic hotel is entering a new chapter. The Park Gstaad, the village’s first five-star property, will reopen for the 2026–2027 winter season as The Park Gstaad, A Four Seasons Hotel, following a full-scale renovation currently underway.
The hotel, originally opened in 1910, is owned by philanthropist and investor Dona Bertarelli and is being redeveloped by Squircle Capital, with interiors by French designer Joseph Dirand. Once completed, the property will be operated by Four Seasons, marking the brand’s entry into one of Switzerland’s most exclusive alpine destinations.
A New Chapter for Gstaad’s Hotel Scene
Gstaad has long been a discreet stronghold of European luxury, known for its low-key glamour, private clientele, and heritage-driven hospitality scene. Despite its global reputation, the resort has remained relatively selective when it comes to international hotel brands.
The arrival of Four Seasons signals a strategic shift: pairing global operational expertise with local architectural and cultural heritage. For Four Seasons, it strengthens its European portfolio of landmark hotels; for Gstaad, it reinforces its position as a year-round luxury destination rather than a purely seasonal ski resort.
A Heritage Hotel, Reconsidered
Following renovations, the hotel will feature 75 rooms and suites, including a collection of Four Seasons–managed Penthouse Residences available for purchase. The residences continue Four Seasons’ long-standing branded residential model, introduced by the company in 1985.
The Park Gstaad’s location remains one of its strongest assets: alpine views, walking distance to the village centre, and immediate access to Gstaad’s boutiques, dining scene, and cultural calendar.
Design & Style: Joseph Dirand’s Alpine Restraint
Joseph Dirand’s involvement sets clear expectations. Known for his precise, architectural approach and disciplined minimalism, Dirand is expected to reinterpret the alpine hotel typology with quiet luxury rather than rustic excess.
Rather than leaning into decorative nostalgia, the project aims to balance clean geometry, muted materials, and historical references, echoing Dirand’s work at Four Seasons Surf Club in Florida—translated here into a mountain context. Expect restraint, proportion, and an emphasis on light, texture, and spatial calm.
Facilities and Year-Round Use
The renewed hotel will include multiple restaurant and bar concepts, a destination spa and fitness centre, indoor and outdoor pools, and event spaces. Seasonal offerings will extend to ski and bike services, a winter ice rink, Kids For All Seasons facilities, and a tennis court—supporting Gstaad’s positioning as both a winter and summer destination.
An upgrade to staff accommodation is also planned as part of the redevelopment, addressing long-standing operational challenges in alpine resort towns.
Insider Tip
Book early for the first winter season. Heritage hotel reopenings in Gstaad historically operate at limited inventory during their debut year, and demand for branded residences and extended winter stays is expected to be particularly high.
This opening adds to a growing list of high-profile hotel arrivals across Europe.
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