Why are the first few days of the New Year such a special time?
We take time to reflect on the year that just ended, think about goals or milestones we reached, and items on our list that didn’t get done. How about destinations we didn’t get to visit?
This first day of 2020 was such a day of reflection for me. I had just returned to my parent’s home in Switzerland. As the flames of the fireplace warmed the room, nostalgia set in. Moments of warm wintery happiness I had experienced in years past flashed by.
A few days later, I took advantage of some End-of-Season Sales in the near by town Fribourg, for accessories at a very good price. I added a few cashmere scarves, sweaters in unusual colors, Curry and Mandarin, to my wardrobe. As I drove past the shopping center in Avry, I noticed a street sign “Chateau-d’Oex.”
Instantly, I remembered the last time I had taken a drive to Gstaad, past the quaint mountain village Chateaux d’Oex. I felt a tinge, what, if I just spend the afternoon strolling down memory lane?
A quick turn, and I found myself on the freeway South direction to Bulle. Then, just another hour drive on small mountain roads into the narrow valley, soon I arrived at my destination.
Exploded globe sculpture may be by Arnaldo Pomodoro? who knows enjoy the Art Walk in Gstaad
The quaint mountain village made famous by celebrities and royalty, Gstaad has maintained its charm even though new hotels and more homes have been built in the last few years. The Christmas glow was still visible with the decorations along the pedestrian walking area.
Ralph Lauren boutique in Gstaad festive cheer
As I strolled in the closed off pedestrian village street, past the shops, I found familiar brands, Hermes, LV, Ralph Lauren, Prada, upscale Geneva based sportswear brand Moncler, jewelry boutiques Chopard, Adler Joalliers, Breguet, Villager Gstaad, and Graff.
Several other unique boutiques and Art Galleries. On the right side, I passed the famous tiny village church. The chalet style buildings add charm and warmth. The historic Hotel Restaurant Olden still looks as charming as ever. This has been a spot for Apres-Ski for the hip crowd as far as I can remember.
This is a skiing destination, even though at the moment there is not a lot of snow. I remembered strolling along these streets with my mother. We would always spend time in Gstaad in the first few days of January. For tea-time in the afternoon, we would drive up the mountain road to the famous Palace Hotel.
When I stopped for a coffee at Cappucino Café on the main street, it was almost time to feed my parking meter again. Time passed quickly as I sat at a table outside, watching people stroll by.
Later, I did drive up the hairpin turns on the way to the Palace Hotel. As I walked past the big revolving doors, the doorman greeted me with a friendly smile. The large lounge has been updated since my last visit. The ambiance is still cozy rustic elegance, ceilings paneled with light fawn colored wood, small coffee tables, soft couches, as the eye glances further, gorgeous snow covered mountains form a stunning back drop.
The memory of enjoying hot Earl Grey tea with pastries suddenly seemed blurred. I remembered my mother’s smile, as she sat across from me then.
As if her voice resonated:
“ Sometimes the things that we remember best, are the simple moments we share, to have tea at a place that you visit with someone special.”
Somehow it just didn’t feel the same without her here.
Enjoy your time in Gstaad in the Winter, create special memories…
Best, Jasmin
more information: palace hotel, part of The Leading Hotels of The World, www.ihw.com,
The Alpina hotel, www.swissdeluxehotels.com/thealpina-gstaad
Chopard Boutique, www.chopard.com, ch-gstaad@chopard.ch,