“The Alpina Gstaad embodies unpretentious luxury, combining exclusivity and conviviality in an outstanding way – a masterful achievement that rightfully earns it the title of Luxury Leisure Hotel of the Year for 2025,” shares Carsten K. Rath, publisher of the esteemed Die 101 Besten Hotels Schweiz (The 101 Best Hotels in Switzerland) ranking.
High praise for the hotel’s exceptional experiences, the award celebrates General Manager Nadine Friedli’s impactful leadership.

Infusing the hotel with a new energy since 2024, her personal touch focuses on genuine heartfelt hospitality. “We create a place where our guests can not only relax but also experience unforgettable moments and truly feel at home,” shares Nadine. She emphasises that the award reflects the dedication of her team, “a shared commitment by every employee, their passion for excellence, and their drive to constantly redefine the boundaries of hospitality.”

Going beyond the ordinary is what defines true luxury. From innovative biohacking treatments to art workshops with renowned artists, The Alpina Gstaad received the Luxury Leisure Hotel 2025 award for its tireless efforts to introduce new experiences. The hotel’s commitment to sustainability is also key, certified annually by EarthCheck for its environmental and social responsibility - and the first Swiss company to receive Gold Certification.

Hotelière of the Year 2025

Falstaff, the distinguished German luxury travel magazine, is a leading expert on sophisticated travel experiences. So, it is the utmost distinction for Nadine Friedli to be named Hotelière of the Year in the 2025 Falstaff Hotel Guide. "It is an honour to receive this award, which belongs to the whole team and represents the daily commitment of every employee. Every day, we live our passion for warm and authentic hospitality. We all go far beyond what is expected and always think one step ahead," shares the General Manager. Nadine’s words reflect how she wholeheartedly lives the motto, “there is no ‘I’ in ‘team.” “I treat everyone as equals,” she says, continuing how much she enjoys investing in her employees. “The development and promotion within the company is very important to me. After all, excellent service can only be achieved with a team that truly identifies with The Alpina Gstaad.”
Nadine’s tireless dedication to her team is complemented by a management style that mixes passion, vision, and authenticity. With a special sense for what guests need and a keen attention to detail, she elevates the traditional role of general manager. For her, it is not just a job — it is a lived philosophy and an unwavering commitment to generous hospitality. The extra bonus for Nadine’s leadership excellence? The Alpina Gstaad also achieved the Falstaff Hotel Guide’s highest possible rating of 100 points. As for her personal goals for the hotel’s future, she aims to “expand the range of services to make The Alpina Gstaad even more unique while preserving its special spirit and authenticity.”

Hotel of the Year Europe

Representing over 600 distinctive hotels, resorts, residences, and hotel groups across 80 countries, Preferred Hotels & Resorts is the world’s largest independent hotel brand, offering luxury hospitality to discerning travellers who demand, and deserve, exceptional experiences. “We are truly honoured to receive this recognition among such a distinguished portfolio of independent hotels and resorts,” says Nadine Friedli, upon receiving the 2025 Preferred Award of Excellence for Hotel of the Year: Europe for The Alpina Gstaad at the awards ceremony in Singapore. “A heartfelt thanks to CEO Lindsey Ueberroth for your trust, support, and inspiring leadership.” When Ueberroth presented the awards, she highlighted how the honourees “serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact that travel has on individuals and communities worldwide, inspiring us to embrace the possibilities of the future.” As a family-run brand, PHR intimately understands the people-centric nature of hospitality that The Alpina Gstaad embodies. Guided by the brand ethos “Believe in Travel”, the 2025 Preferred Awards of Excellence recognize member hotels within the Preferred Hotels & Resorts global portfolio that go above and beyond luxury and service, challenging convention and redefining the guest experience through innovation and creativity.
To be nominated, hotels must demonstrate a strong partnership with PHR and rank in the top tier of their region on the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Integrated Quality Assurance Program, which measures high-quality standards and unparalleled service.
Their ranking comes from industry professionals via on-site inspections and real-time experiences via guest feedback. Making The Alpina Gstaad most grateful to receive this award that reflects the viewpoints from both their peers and current and potential clients.

Bilanz Housekeeper of the Year

When leading Swiss business magazine, Bilanz, surveyed 200 hotel experts to determine which employees were the best in Switzerland, it was no surprise when Daniela Probost won 2025 Housekeeper of the Year. A true accolade since only 11 hotel employees were awarded. The head housekeeper at The Alpina Gstaad has worked here since its opening in 2012. In addition to knowing the hotel inside and out, she knows the regular guests as if they were family - and by name, of course. Daniela’s speciality is the details: a guest’s favourite flower, whether they prefer privacy or conversation, and other individual desires. With her watchful eye, she ensures the rooms and bathrooms are meticulously maintained.
A testament to Daniela’s passion and commitment? She founded the Alpina Housekeeping Academy, an inclusive initiative that teaches professional skills to those without formal hotel training, an important step to meet the growing demand for highly qualified hotel staff. Given The Alpina Gstaad’s dedication to our employees — the backbone of our world-class service — we are unbelievably proud of Daniela’s award. “This recognition is not only well-earned but an inspiration to us all,” Nadine Friedli says with pride. “Thank you, Daniela, for raising the standard.”