The Hermitage, pure moments of happiness

Do you know a hotel that has its animal relations manager? Welcome to Switzerland where everything is possible! We present you Luna, an adorable Golden Retriever. She is the absolute star of the Ermitage, a luxury hotel with a warm and friendly atmosphere where you feel immediately welcome..

 

 

 

There are hotels that proudly display their stars to impress visitors upon arrival. And there are hotels that prefer to display … smiles. Those of the staff happy to welcome their guests as at home.

 

 

 

The Hermitage in Schönried is one of them. Romuald Bour, director of Alsatian origin, made it a requirement: a smile. He himself is obviously no exception to the rule, he knows the name of each member of his team, takes care to maintain a good working atmosphere. Having made a career in the greatest palaces, he is fully committed to the human factor – while continuing to maintain and even develop the standing of a 5-star establishment.

Built as a large chalet in 1955, the Ermitage has lost none of its warm character. The extension has respected the chalet style and the 5 stars shine with elegance and discretion.

The typical day begins with a succulent breakfast, in one of the small dining rooms or, in summer, on the terrace in the heart of the garden and with a breathtaking view of the mountains.

Refrigerated drawers house cheeses and charcuterie, a milk bar offers several alternatives to cow's milk, a cook prepares eggs and pancakes on demand.

 

 

 

But we don't hang around if we want to take advantage of the outings guided by the three hotel guides Ruth, Elisabeth and Christian. Sports hikes, walks accessible to all, quiet walks, cultural visits: a rich and varied program allows everyone to find what they are looking for.

 

 

 

In the afternoon, everyone gathers in the magnificent but very cozy panoramic hall for the traditional “café-cakes”. Hikers have well deserved a treat from the extensive and tempting buffet. Here, no fuss, everyone is welcome – even dogs who, if necessary, first go through their “spa”, a shower to be used after long walks in the surrounding nature which starts practically on the doorstep. of the hotel.

 

 

 

After this break, head to the vast 3,700 m² wellness area with three swimming pools, several saunas and steam baths, a lady spa and the Vitalita Spa with a wide choice of massages and beauty treatments. The family that owns the Ermitage were pioneers in the field of well-being. In 1979, she had the Basel sole transported to install the first indoor and outdoor saline basin in the mountains of the Bernese Oberland despite some ridicule. Today, the establishment has one of the largest and most modern wellness centers in the region.

 

 

 

In the evening, flip-flops or walking shoes are swapped for pumps, the big sweater is replaced by a shirt. We dress for dinner but without exaggeration in an establishment where luxury knows how to be discreet – isn’t that really luxury? – even if the famous one million stars bar shines with a thousand lights.

This bar with sparkling Swarovski crystals (a million, but, I must admit, we haven't counted them!) brings a refined touch of glamor and also attracts an outside clientele. In his time, even Johnny Hallyday had his habits there..

After the aperitif, head for the restaurant area. Instead of a large room, the Ermitage has chosen several rooms with different but always warm atmospheres.

 

 

 

The staff seem to know everyone, knows how to put hosts at ease. 

 

 

 

If the beautiful cuisine has always been a strong point of the hotel, it has taken on more Mediterranean flavors with two chefs of Italian origin at the head of a young and motivated brigade.

 

 

 

The originality of the delicious dishes: they are Mediterranean inspired but prepared, as much as possible, with regional and seasonal products. Without forgetting the balanced offer of vegan and vegetarian dishes.

 

 

 

Giuseppe Colella has been rewarded many times for his culinary creations during his career in such prestigious houses as the Four Seasons in Milan, the Kempinski Adlon in Berlin or the Grand Hotel Park Gstaad. In November 2022, he joined the Ermitage as executive chef, seduced by the traditional and warm atmosphere that reigns there under the leadership of director Romuald Bour, his long-time friend. Its objective: that guests return to the Ermitage for its cuisine, both hotel guests and locals.

Afterwards, place to the music near the bar. As for cigar lovers, the Davidoff smoking lounge invites you to taste time suspended in the comfort of its English armchairs. The unique selection of cigars, light or powerful, will seduce all aficionados.

The Ermitage also has a cinema room, a billiard table and a games room for children and teenagers.

 

 

 

Others prefer to retreat to the cozy comfort of their room furnished with noble materials. Wood is omnipresent and accessories are like nods to the region.

 

 

 

L'Ermitage is also the official hotel of the "Gstaad Menuhin Festival". 
This festival is part of the tradition traced by its founder, Yehudi Menuhin, the violinist of the century. Christoph Müller, the current steward, has developed the festival to bring it into the 21st century by finding the right balance between tradition and innovation, stars and young talents, chamber music and symphonic music. L'Ermitage offers exclusive VIP benefits to make your stay unique.
Gstaad Menuhin Festival - program 2023

In summer as in winter, Gstaad is an attractive destination.