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Chalet Oberbort: The World’s Largest Chalet Unveiled in the Swiss Alps

Publisher — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 19:42:51 +0000

Unica Capital unveils its most ambitious alpine project to date, Chalet Oberbort, Gstaad – a landmark estate that sets a new global benchmark for private mountain residences.
Located in Gstaad’s coveted Oberbort enclave, this landmark development spans more than 7,000m2, positioning it as the world’s largest chalet and a singular achievement in design-led alpine architecture. Conceived as a living sculpture embedded in the snowy slopes of Switzerland’s most prestigious ski destination, Chalet Oberbort is not simply a property, it is an immersive expression of scale, materiality and serenity. Designed with uncompromising attention to detail, the estate comprises three interconnected chalets, 19 ensuite bedrooms, a 1,500m² wellness sanctuary, and a rare constellation of curated ultra-luxury amenities.

An Architectural Statement for a Global Elite
Nestled within Gstaad’s Oberbort district – a discreet haven for royalty, visionaries and cultural icons – Chalet Oberbort occupies one of the most sought-after addresses in the Swiss Alps. The site offers panoramic mountain views, unrivalled privacy, and immediate proximity to Michelin-starred dining, luxury boutiques, and international schools. With nearby private airfields, the residence is accessible year-round for both winter and summer alpine seasons.

A Design Rooted in Landscape and Legacy
Inspired by the vernacular architecture of the region and shaped by contemporary sensibilities, the chalet’s design language blends aged timber, brushed bronze, locally quarried stone, and tactile natural textiles. The interiors reflect Unica Capital’s philosophy, prioritizing warmth, proportion and depth, where soaring ceilings and subtle lighting engage bespoke joinery, artisan finishes and carefully curated spatial rhythms to create a haven for the senses.
The architectural vision embraces both permanence and poetry: a retreat built to endure, while honoring the fleeting beauty of alpine light, snow and silence.
At Unica Capital, design and wellness are not merely aesthetic, but essential principles shaping every element of luxury living. Guided by a commitment to sustainable architecture, the use of natural and locally sourced materials, and profound respect for the landscape and privacy.
A Sanctuary of Wellness and Restoration
At Chalet Oberbort, wellness is more than a feature – it’s a way of life. Anchored by 1,500m² spa and fitness center, the chalet offers an immersive retreat where restoration is woven into the everyday. From thermal pools and snow showers to a hammam, sauna and treatment suites, each element is designed to rebalance the body and mind. This philosophy extends throughout the home, where organic gardens, indoor-outdoor.

A New Standard of Ultra-Luxury Living
Helmed by Swiss billionaire entrepreneur Byron Baciocchi, Unica Capital understands the evolving expectations of today’s most discerning clientele – those who seek more than design, but a lifestyle elevated in every dimension. At Chalet Oberbort, luxury is deeply personal. The residence combines the privacy and comfort of a home with the curated experiences of a private resort. A dedicated entertainment wing features a private cinema, Formula 1 simulator, dance floor, bowling alley, wine cellar, cigar room and ski room – all thoughtfully designed for effortless enjoyment. For Byron, luxury is about anticipating desire – and delivering it with precision, purpose and a sense of play. Chalet Oberbort – Gstaad is the embodiment of that vision.

“With Chalet Oberbort, we set out to create more than a residence – we wanted to evoke a sense of quiet majesty. It’s a space where architectural form, emotional atmosphere and material integrity come together,” said Byron Baciocchi, Chairman and CEO at Unica Capital. “It reflects our belief that true luxury is how a space makes you feel – not just what it contains.”
Features at a Glance
• 7,000m² of refined interior living across three interconnected chalets – the world’s largest private chalet
• 11 ensuite bedrooms, each with walk-in wardrobes and 8 premium staff bedrooms
• 1,500m² wellness spa featuring dual thermal pools, a hammam, alpine sauna, cold plunge, and a private treatment suites
• Dedicated entertainment wing with private cinema, Formula 1 simulator, dancefloor, bowling alley, wine cellar, cigar room and ski room
• Landscaped terraces, library and cigar lounge, tasting room, and art display spaces integrated throughout

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Six Senses Crans-Montana Debuts in Switzerland

Publisher — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 14:31:45 +0000

With its sunny terraces emerging from the mountainside just above the Crans-Cry D’Er gondola, Six Senses Crans-Montana officially opened, marking the brand’s debut in Switzerland. The ethos is vitality, serenity, and adventure, with exclusive ski-in, ski-out convenience from the south-facing pistes in winter, leading to culinary, cultural, and sporting experiences for the rest of the year.
The 78 rooms and suites, and signature Three-Bedroom Prestige Apartment, blend contemporary and traditional alpine finishes and feature large bay windows and generously sized balconies to maximize the connection with natural surroundings. This restful habitat – complemented by the Sleep With Six Senses program, including natural hand-made mattresses, cloud-comfy beds, and a personalized sleep plan – combines all the fundamentals to recover from busy days spent in the surrounding high-altitude playground.
Delighted at the extensive facilities and experiences, General Manager Six Senses Crans-Montana Christian Gurtner says, “I have had the privilege of working in some of the world’s most stunning locations over the past years – from the glamorous Beverly Hills to the picturesque Vancouver, the exotic Honolulu to the bustling Hong Kong, the vibrant Singapore to the charming Switzerland. It has been an incredible journey, and I almost forgot just how breathtaking Switzerland truly is.
When coupled with a brilliant team of hosts, Six Senses Crans-Montana is set to be an unforgettable and exceptional experience for guests. The combination of excellent facilities, surrounding nature, and outstanding service create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that will make guests feel at home.”
The Summit of Serenity
Guests can reconnect and restore in the nearly 22,000-square-foot Six Senses Spa, featuring nine treatment rooms, an extensive wet area, and a vast indoor pool topped with suspended timber icicles and opening out onto a courtyard. The spa menu offers a modern take on ancient treatments and therapies with a Swiss twist. Highlights include the Anzeindanz Glacier, a decadent Swiss chocolate wrap designed to nourish and moisturize the skin, the sensory Aufguss Ceremony hosted by skilled Sauna Meisters, and the Assisted Stretch Pod, where therapists use your own body weight to increase maneuverability.
Integrated Wellness
Six Senses Integrated Wellness allows guests to focus on their well-being and benefit from personalized programs based on the results of their wellness screening, and the Biohack Recovery Lounge uses the latest tools to aid muscle recovery and prevent injuries. Interactive workshops at the Alchemy Bar focus on the healing properties of natural ingredients to create fresh, seasonal, and organic scrubs, creams, masks, and balms.
Alpine culinary journey of the senses
Led by Executive Chef Lorenz Hoja, the two restaurants, bar, and lounge source ingredients from local farmers, producers, and artisans, with menus evolving with the seasons to unveil the rich diversity of the region’s produce and flavors.
With ski-in, ski-out access from Chetzeron piste, the all-day brasserie Wild Cabin is open with hearty and healthy menus for the early risers, lunch-goers, after-ski aficionados, and evening epicureans.
The signature restaurant Byakko unveils Japanese Alps-influenced specialties inspired by a mythical white tiger living among the highest mountain peaks and constellations, whose spirit now comes alive at Six Senses Crans-Montana.
At the heart of everything, Ora Bar & Lounge is the perfect spot to unwind over a cocktail or local wine complemented by bar bites as the sunsets over the slopes and Ora Pool Deck.
An adventure for everyone
With three hundred days of sunshine a year, Crans-Montana has a real sense of Carpe Diem. Nature lovers can rejoice in the landscape, whether walking with the yaks to the rhythm of alpine bells, to guided snowshoeing disconnecting from daily life.
Epicureans can enjoy the culinary delights of the Valais region, known for its local producers who take great pride in their craft and are dedicated to preserving the region’s traditions, including cheese making for raclette or fondue, and fine wines.
Cultural devotees will find many hidden treasures, including museums, events, and festivals. It’s also just a few steps from numerous designer boutiques and shops, award-winning eateries, and entertainment.
Perhaps the most notable, however, is the wide range of outdoor pursuits, delivering adrenaline and adventure to sports enthusiasts in all seasons. In the summer months, there are hiking and mountain biking trails right from the door, with paragliding offering the best views of the valley. Golfers can tee off at one of the three prestigious courses in the area. In winter, skiing and snowboarding are the most popular activities, with over 87 miles of ski runs and a variety of slopes ranging from beginner to expert, and even a World Cup run or two. Away from the pistes, there are also opportunities for winter hiking, ice skating, ice hockey, and curling in the town center.

The peak of sustainability

Consistent with the will to blend in the landscape, the design of the resort considered local construction methods, and, wherever possible, recycled and renewable materials inspired by the surrounding mountains through the use of quartzite stone facades, local larch and oak species, and slate roofs. Residual heat from cooling systems, pools, and kitchens is redirected to ensure guests enter into a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Switzerland has an existing waste management infrastructure, which allows for high rates of recycling and upcycling, and Six Senses Crans-Montana also encourages guests to get involved during zero-waste workshops at the Earth Lab to discuss the nuances of a sustainable life.

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Top 7 E-Bike Tours Around the World

Publisher — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 14:37:20 +0000

Always popular cycling tours have gotten an extra “charge” in recent years with the addition of electric bikes, allowing guests to ride hills with ease or get a boost to keep up with others. E-bikes are now available as an option on tours across the globe, from the Green Mountains of Vermont to the Tuscan countryside and Taiwan’s coastline. They’re even making their way off-road and onto trails, taking guests on e-mountain bike tours among the dunes of Namibia and the Alps in Switzerland.
Here are seven bike tours where you can find an electric ride:

1. E-MTB Safari in Namibia: Pedal across vast plains and seas of sand dunes, along dry streambeds and rocky jeep tracks, and past shipwrecks and surf on the Skeleton Coast on H+I Adventures’ new E-MTB Safari in Namibia. From the saddle of an e-mountain bike, watch for elephants, giraffes, zebras and oryx, and connecting with local communities along the way.

2. Natchez Trace Path: Biking the Natchez Trace is a cyclist’s dream come true, and why Cycle of Life Adventures offers it four times a year. The ancient path through Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi began as a wildlife and Native American trail, and has a rich history of use by explorers, trappers and traders, post men and Civil War soldiers. An e-bike will ease the few days where the mileage may seem overwhelming.

3. Tuscan Countryside: On Tourissimo’s cycling tour of Tuscany, Italy, visit some of the region’s most iconic destinations, from Cortona, the delightful hill town made famous by Frances Mayes in her bestselling novel “Under the Tuscan Sun,” to the abbeys, thermal springs and wineries in the countryside outside Pienza. Upgrade to an e-bike capable of covering 70 miles on a charge to go the distance.

4. Alps by E-MTB: Climb mountain passes and descend to lush valleys on H+I Adventures new E-MTB Tour of Switzerland. Riders will put the country’s seamless transport system to use accessing backcountry singletrack and perfectly built flow trails as they traverse the beautiful Graubünden region by e-mountain bike. Refuel with mid-ride rösti, then unwind with a glass of wine and dinner made with local flavors.

5. Mediterranean Islands Ride: E-bikes are a great option on Ride & Seek Bicycle Adventures epic cycling tour across Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily. Split into three week-long stages, the tour explores the Mediterranean islands’ history, food, architecture and traditions, as well as their strikingly rugged interiors, white beaches and emerald waters.

6. Vermont Covered Bridges: Ride through more than a dozen covered bridges on a tour of Vermont with Cycle of Life Adventures. This iconic ride passes through Montpelier, Stowe, Middlebury and Woodstock, climbing from river valleys over the Green Mountains. The optional e-bike rental will help flatten out the roads.

7. E-Bike Taiwan: On Grasshopper Adventures’ Bike Taiwan tour, guests cycle the length of the country from the northern capital, Taipei, to the southern tip. Along the way, they take in the beauty of east Taiwan’s rugged Pacific coast, exotic hot springs and valleys like the stunning Taroko Gorge. Grasshopper is the first tour operator to offer e-bikes to cyclists in Southeast Asia.

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