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Gorgeous Gstaad |
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Planning your winter honeymoon getaway opens up many exciting possibilities. Should you head for snow or sand? Pack the kaftan or ski jacket, flip flops or ski boots? Rowena Marella-Daw recommends the stunning slopes of Gstaad |
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Winter is a great time to be married - venues are decked with fairy lights and the festivities are in full swing, adding to the excitement of the big day. And when it comes to winter getaways, newlyweds are spoilt for choice. Honeymoons are usually associated with escaping to idyllic islands, swimming in turquoise seas and having a massage on the beach. But let's not forget the equally tantalising thought of snuggling up in front of a roaring log fire in a snow-covered log cabin or chalet while toasting marshmallows or feasting on fondue. Either way, it's going to be romantic and memorable.
GSTAAD - PICTURE PERFECT
The iconic Swiss alpine resort of Gstaad is world-renowned as a haven for the rich and famous, boasting A-listers amongst its former residents and visitors: Liz Taylor, Julie Andrews, Roger Moore, and the late 'Satchmo' Louis Armstrong, David Niven and Peter Sellers. In recent years, it has also attracted younger jet-setters like Paris Hilton.
But all is not downhill on the slopes of Gstaad, and you don't have to be a skier to appreciate its majestic snow-capped mountains. From May to October, the meadows are bursting with colour, and the region's breathtaking peaks can be admired from one of 10 mountain railways. Gstaad makes a great base from which to explore nearby picturesque villages and the mountain lakes. Riverside pathways and cycling trails lead to neighbouring villages, each with its unique character, including the tranquil mountain enclaves of Abländschen, Gsteig, Feutersoey and Turbach. The months of April and May are quiet - ideal for those who don't appreciate crowds and queuing.
SNOW HEAVEN
From central Gstaad, take a 40-minute bus journey through a road that winds its way between the mountain ranges. Always keep the camera handy, for every turn reveals spectacular views of meadows, dramatic gorges and fairy tale chalets. Alight at Col du Pillon, where you'll be taken on a cable car ride to Glacier 3000, so called because it ascends towards the heavens at 3,000 metres. From the base, it looks as if the cable car is hanging by a thread. The 20-minute journey feels like eternity from this vertiginous position, yet exhilarating and rewarding. You are literally on top of the world, gawping at 360-degree views of Switzerland's most beautiful alpine peaks - Eiger, Monch, Jungfrau and Matterhorn.
At the top, there is a café, restaurant, shops and a sun terrace. Gstaad is one of the top three cross-country skiing destinations in Switzerland, catering to all levels of ability. The park's ski area consists of 25km of ski runs, and forms part of the Gstaad Mountain Rides (250 km of ski runs) and Vaudoises Alps (225 km of ski runs) ski area, open from October to May. For more information, visit www.glacier3000.ch
Non-skiers can have an equally thrilling time on the Alpine Coaster, the world's highest bobsleigh track. Other activities include dog sled rides, snow bus tours, alpine hiking routes and a fixed rope route. Elsewhere in Gstaad, there are opportunities to go tobogganing, winter hiking and ice-skating in a natural ice rink in Schönried. For more information visit www.myswitzerland.com
WHERE TO STAY
GRAND HOTEL BELLEVUE
The five-star Grand Hotel Bellevue is in the heart of Gstaad. In contrast to its traditional chalet house structure, the 57 bedrooms and suites are decorated with a contemporary twist, featuring Philippe Starck furniture and spacious bathrooms. Newlyweds have a choice of wedding suites - the Japanese-inspired Asia Suite, Bellevue Suite with double-height windows, or the Suite Etoiles, which has a whirlpool bath under a glass-dome. The Michelin-starred Restaurant Prado serves gourmet delicacies and exquisite wines, while Brasserie Coelho serves traditional Swiss and international cuisine, with the option to dine al fresco in the summer.
The Japanese-themed Spa & Wellness Centre is the antidote to aprés-ski aches and pains. Swim in the indoor pool with underwater jet beds, dip in and out of the Swedish sauna, the herbal steam baths, the ice grotto and sensation showers. After all the pampering, sit back and watch your favourite flick in the hotel's private cinema - and don't forget to order the Champagne and canapés.
The Grand Hotel Bellevue has a new Spa and Romance Package that includes: two nights in a deluxe double room with flowers and candles; Champagne and strawberries on arrival; breakfast in bed; dinner at Restaurant Prado and Brasserie Coelho; a Japanese Luxury Spa Treatment for two; a romantic evening with private candle-light swimming; a three-hour lifestyle or portrait photo-shoot including styling; and unlimited use of the spa. The package is CHF1,750 (£808 per person). For more information, visit www.bellevue-gstaad.ch or call +41 (0)33 748 00 00.
GSTAAD PALACE
Set strategically on the hills, the luxurious Gstaad Palace has spectacular views over the village and the Alps. The elegant rooms and suites are complemented by five restaurants, two bars, a night club, and a spa and health club. Gstaad Palace, Palacestrasse, 3780 Gstaad, Switzerland. Tel: +41 (0)33 748 50 00 www.palace.ch
STEIGENBERGER HOTEL GSTAAD-SAANEN
The Steigenberger Hotel on the magnificent Waadtländer Alps is built in the typical Swiss chalet style. The rooms and suites are luxurious, yet cosy and rustic, with balconies and terraces that command the best view. A range of international and national dishes are severed at the romantic Restaurant Sonnenhalte. The newly-renovated wellness area spans three floors, including a Finnish panormaic sauna with mountain views. Steigenberger Hotel Gstaad-Saanen, Auf der Halten Saanen Gstaad CH-3792. Tel: +41 33 7486464 www.steigenberger.com
EATING OUT
Eating out in Gstaad is no cheap affair, but those who'd rather blow the budget on skiing can still enjoy a hearty meal without maxing the credit card. If you're not too fussed, opposite the Grand Hotel Bellevue is a supermarket with a good deli section with ready meals, salads and of course, great Swiss cheeses. The reasonably-priced Charly's Tea-Room Confiserie on the promenade serves a good portion of chips, sandwiches, main courses and tempting cakes and pastries. A few yards away, the Early Beck bakery and patisserie is the place to indulge in the finest Swiss chocolate - a treat after an exhilarating day on the slopes. The restaurant at Hotel Bernerhof serves Raclette, a traditional Swiss dish of melted cheese, potatoes, pickled onions and cornichons.
GETTING THERE
A romantic way to get to Gstaad is by rail, on board the Eurostar from St. Pancras via Paris, and through the scenic French and Swiss countryside. From Montreux, the Golden Pass panoramic train skims the coast of Lake Geneva before ascending the Bernese Oberland. The best part is that you don't get the hassle of airport security and strict baggage weight restrictions. Return fares from London to Gstaad start at £144 in standard class. All prices are per person and subject to availability. For bookings, visit www.raileurope.co.uk or call 0844 848 4070.
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