Ah, the extraordinarily beautiful Switzerland. Can one ever tire of it? Short answer: no. Long answer: With its picture-postcard views; lush, rolling Alpine pastures that stretch into the distance; the heavenly train journeys that boast some of the most gorgeous views; the spas, the ski resorts, great cuisine, cheeses, wine, fondue, and many more adventure and sightseeing options, there is no possibility of anyone ever tiring of that charming place.
But when there is so much on offer, it isn’t easy to decide what to spend your time on. And for that reason, we’ve compiled a short and neat guide that brings together some of the best experiences you shouldn’t miss if you’re heading there for a luxury vacation.
Get ready to explore the many wonders of Switzerland.
With stunning views over the mountains, the Gstaad Palace perfectly combines the charming atmosphere of the mountains with an elegant style. The 90 stylish equipped rooms and suites offer pure luxury and comfort. The ultra-modern spa with magical hamam experiences is the perfect place to enjoy a 2-hour bathing ritual with seven stages. The use of granite from the Bernese Oberland brings the beauty and power of the mountains. The luxurious private spa suite for discreet relaxation, the lounge with fireplace and top-quality beauty treatments make it a magnificent 5-star ambience for discerning guests.
Gstaad: With its top hotels, gourmet restaurants, luxury chalets this traffic-free holiday village is popular with not only Bollywood celebrities but international celebrities. Gstaad has a charming mix of visitors: in addition to celebrity guests in the chalet village of Gstaad itself, the smaller, rustic neighbouring villages offer attractive options for families with children. The centre of Gstaad has developed into a popular shopping area in recent years, and is the shortest shopping street in Switzerland.
The stylish ski resort of Verbier is home to a +100-year-old hut of the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) at the foot of the Mont Fort. Made of stone and wood this hut is a small and cosy refuge between the majestic mountains and the starry night sky. The hut provides guests with a panoramic terrace and a rustic restaurant inside! While the terrace provides uninterrupted views of the surrounding Alps to all the visitors, the guests who stay back leave with an unforgettable memory of falling asleep with 1,000 stars in front of their bedroom window!
Verbier: Verbier is one of the most cosmopolitan holiday resort in Valais, that offers a panoramic view of the Mont-Blanc and the Combins massif. In winter, the extraordinary skiing region offers options for beginners and advanced skiers alike, whereas in summer- mountain bike and hiking enthusiasts can choose from among numerous marked trails. The alpine village has countless activities in store for families, senior citizens and young people alike: paragliding, heliski, sledding, golf, museums, and more!
The Bürgenstock Hotel and Alpine Spa, set 500 meters above Lake Lucerne is the perfect getaway for some rest and relaxation. The hotel is an amalgamation of contemporary and modern designs, innovative restaurants and serene spas. This resort is accessible by car or one can choose to take the high speed catamaran from Lucerne to Kehrsiten which then connects to the funicular directly up to the resort. The amazing lobby of the hotel gives you a first glimpse of your experience starting right from the views over Lake Lucerne from the lounge – a perfect place for a welcome cocktail. The views from the lake facing rooms at the hotel are a treat– as you can see the glittering lights of Lucerne in the night from your bathtub!
There are 7 restaurants in the complex – from the French fine dining at the Ritz Coffier to the middle eastern Sharq to an Asian restaurant Spices to the health food Verbena – all of them unique and with great food.
With an unbelievable view of Lake Lucerne and the city, the three Alpine spas at the hotel are an oasis of calm and tranquillity. The Alpine Spa is one of the best in Switzerland where guests are spoilt for choice in a wellness area spread over 15,000 sq. m – with amenities like the indoor pool with its floor to ceiling windows, the saunas, the massages and treatments and lastly the heated outdoor infinity pool with lake and city views.
Lucerne: Nestled amongst mountains and an aquamarine-tinted lake, Lucerne will make you feel like you have time travelled to a quaint fairy-tale-town with all its trimmings — cobblestone streets and centuries-old pretty wooden bridges. It is the gateway to central Switzerland and is a perfect blend of history, culture and nature . Thanks to its attractions, the beautiful lakeside setting and the nearby excursion mountains of the Rigi, Pilatus and Stanserhorn, the town is a destination for many, on their journey through central Switzerland.
With two indoor and an outdoor pool, current channel, waterfall, bubble beds and seats, grotto and a variety of massage jets- Tamina therme is the most extensive aquatic spa in Europe with water temperatures of 36.5 degrees Celsius that provide the ultimate bathing experience! Here the guests get to feel the majestic power of the mountains and draw energy and inspiration from its pristine and tranquil environment.
Bad Ragaz: With a long tradition as a health spa, Bad Ragaz is now a popular wellness resort located in the St. Gallen Rhine Valley with top-class hotels, thermal baths and golf courses.
The stunning Beneteau Oceanis luxury monohull is a great option for when you want to cruise Lake Geneva on your own time! With two comfortable cabins and a large saloon with a dining room and well-equipped kitchen this yacht offers a lot of room to sunbathe and relax as you sail towards Montreux with a glass of champagne and barbeque on board!
A discovery tour through the origins of timekeeping is spread over 4 floors in the Patek Philippe Museum, that takes guests on a 500 year old ancestral journey into watchmaking in Switzerland. The tour starts at the ground level with viewing the collection of workbenches and antique tools, along with the restoration workshop while the first floor shows the evolution of the brand and the art of watchmaking from 1839 to 2000. The tour on the second floor takes the guests further back in time with their antique collection, from the sixteenth to the mid-nineteenth century. The third floor takes a peak at the entire legacy with Patek Philippe’s historical archives, together with the library and the collection of portraits and snuff boxes in miniature painting on enamel. People can opt for guided tours or audio guides. With the audio guide users get a chance to compose their own itinerary or choose a pre-set route, such as the one suggested by Philippe Stern- the director of the museum.
Geneva: Geneva embodies the energy of a big city with the tranquility of a small town! From a classic fondue to a meal in a Michelin star restaurant. From day trips to night outs, from bathing in the lakes to hiking in the mountain peaks. One gets a diverse range of activities to choose from when in Geneva. Known for keeping ‘time’ through centuries, Geneva has a lot of stories to tell of the past, present and the future!
If the old adage a picture speaks a thousand words is true then everywhere you look in Switzerland is a veritable novel! A photographer’s delight; anywhere you turn is a perfect vista just waiting to be captured in your camera. One of the best ways to experience this indescribable beauty and awe-striking scenery of the country is via a beautiful train journey like the Glacier Express, (a direct panoramic train from Zermatt to St. Moritz) that takes you on an eight hour breathtaking voyage through tunnels, valleys and scenic mountain villages, and pass-bridges overlooking gorgeous water bodies and alongside the majestic alps! To add an extra layer of opulence to the 291-kilometre romantic train ride, one must opt for the Excellence Class on Glacier express which offers champagne at an elegant bar and a concierge to take care of all your needs in addition to the comfortable lounge seating and a guaranteed window seat to take in the panoramic views!
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