Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding - Jan/Feb 2018 (Issue 37)

NEED TO KNOW... Getting there: There are daily, direct flights to Geneva from London airports, including Heathrow and Gatwick. Destination explained: Situated in the Saanenland region of Switzerland the destination of Gstaad is made up of ten chalet villages; Abländschen, Feutersoey, Gstadd, Gsteig, Lauenen, Saanen, Saanenmöser, Schönried, Turbach and Zweisimmen. Agriculture: There are 200 farms in the region with around 7,000 cows in total and 80 working alpine pastures. Language: German, but a lot of the locals are well versed in French and English too. Currency: Swiss Franc (currently 1CHF to 77p). Climate: Mild. Altitude: 1,050 metres. Population: 9,200. Getting-around: Hike or bike. Must haves: A scarf, gloves, waterproof jacket and sun cream. I was treated to a fantastic array of local meats, cheese, breads and pastries, which I enjoyed on my balcony while taking in the stunning views. Our first activity of the day found us on a short hike to the picturesque Lake Lauenen, which even on a bit of a drizzly day was striking. Our local guide informed us that residents swim in the lake in the summer while it ’ s used for ice skating in the winter. Turning your back to the lake you can see a waterfall, which runs straight off one of the mountains and also has a traditional chalet cafè that serves hot drinks – a much-needed warming pick-me-up. Before an afternoon spent at leisure exploring The Alpina’s restful Six Senses Spa, there was a quick stop at Gstaad Park Hotel for a light lunch on the terrace. The hotel itself is very sleek in style while still maintaining an alpine feel. Dinner was hosted by La Grand Bellevue Michelin Star restaurant, Leonard’s, which is a must-do if you’re visiting the region. It was quite easily the most delicious meal I’ve tasted. While there, I’d suggest you visit the Art Deco bar and order the hotel ’ s signatue drink – The Bellevue Smash. UP IN THE AIR Up early to, heavy-heartedly, check out of The Alpina, the day started with a lovely horse and carriage ride with a knowledgeable guide. This was followed by a trip via mini bus up Mt Rinderberg, Zweisimmen, to participate in traditional Swiss Olympic games which included, milking a cow, shooting with a crossbow and playing the Alphorn, all of which I throughly enjoyed. Returning back to Gstaad I checked into my new accommodation for the next two nights, The Palace Gstaad. It ’ s beyond elegant, boasting old-world regal charm, while remaining contemporary in its décor and amenities. The hotel’s club GreenGo has its dancefloor over the swimming pool – I hear a refreshing late-night dip is reccomended towards the end of the evening. After dinner I had the honour of visiting the Gstaad Menuhin Festival where Aida was performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, soprano, Kristin Lewis, baritone, Erwin Schrott and conductor Gianandrfea Noseda – it was a hotly-anticipated event and it was no wonder, it was breathtaking! DAIRY QUEEN Waking up again to another delectable room service breakfast is something I could easily get used to – I had another action-filled day ahead. I was dressed and down to hotel reception in a flash raring to go to a cheese- producing mountain farm. Walking, talking and learning my way round the farm was insightful and definitely made me appreciate the craftsmanship that goes in to making it. After descending back to Gstaad, I made my way to witness the traditional Swiss Züglete, where farmers bring their cattle down from the mountain in floral headwear and parade them through the town before making their way to their winter homes on the farms. It is truly a sight to behold and there is also traditional music and a choir performing, as well as the market, which sells a lot of handcrafted treasures; woollen socks, trinkets, biscuits, cowbells and wine to name a few. For lunch we enjoyed a traditional fondue with potatoes and bread with free-flowing wine, which meant the afternoon of using The Palaces spa was welcomed. The evening was topped off with a superb dinner at the hotel and a relaxing night’s sleep. A FOND FAREWELL The last day featured a gondola ride up a mountain in Schönried to the RellerlialpSchwinget, or The Swiss Wrestling Festival, an annual event that sees local farming families and wrestling clubs compete on sand to see who can pin their opponent down first. There’s also a popular summer tobogganing track. Sadly it was time to depart and the only thing that offered me little comfort was that I could once again enjoy the blissful train ride back to Geneva airport. ♥ USEFUL CONTACTS Gstaad Tourism – gstaad.ch/en The Alpina Gstaad – thealpinagstaad.ch Gstaad Palace Gstaad – palace.ch/en Le Grand Bellevue – bellevue-gstaad.ch Park Gstaad – grandhotelpark.ch Hotel Ermitage – ermitage.ch/en 95 HONEYMOONS