Franz W. Faeh hands over the reins at the Gstaad Palace
After almost fifty years in the kitchen, Franz W. Faeh is about to close a major chapter in Swiss gastronomy. The Culinary Director of the Gstaad Palace will retire at the end of the 2026 summer season, marking the end of an era for the iconic Bernese Oberland palace.
Originally from the Saanen region, Franz W. Faeh began his career as an apprentice at the Gstaad Palace between 1978 and 1981. After a rich international career, notably with the Regent hotel group in Asia – from Hong Kong to Singapore, via Jakarta and Bangkok – and several years as private chef to the Thai royal family, he finally returned to Gstaad to realize a childhood dream: to run the palace’s kitchens.
Over the years, the chef has established himself as a leading figure in Swiss gastronomy. His culinary philosophy, based on a “sincere and direct” cuisine that puts taste first, has earned him numerous distinctions, including 16 points in the GaultMillau, the Mérite Culinaire Suisse and the title of Chef of the Year 2025-26 in Andrin Willi’s hotel rankings. From winter 2026-27, Luca Gatti will take over the reins. Luca Gatti, a twenty-year veteran of the hotel and Franz W. Faeh’s loyal right-hand man, will take over as head chef. Faeh’s loyal right-hand man, he will head up a brigade of 55 cooks. A handover in keeping with the spirit of the house for one of the most emblematic kitchens in the Swiss hotel industry.
