Dating back to 1873, Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa is perched high atop a mountain and overlooks … [+]
After two years of strict pandemic measures, Switzerland just relaxed most of its restrictions – making it more enticing to visit than ever. But while travelers typically head to Zermatt, St. Moritz, and the country’s other legendary ski resorts this time of year, why not avoid the crowds and consider a destination that’s just as scenic and glamorous but far less hectic?
Dating back to 1873, Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa is perched high atop a mountain – you should arrive via the ferry and funicular, rather than car or bus – and overlooks the famously crystal-clear Lake Lucerne. In its glory days: the historic property regularly attracted the world’s most recognizable faces – Audrey Hepburn tied the knot at its quaint chapel in 1954 – though gradually fell out of the limelight over the years. But after an extensive nine-year renovation that cost 550 million Swiss Francs and wrapped in 2017, Bürgenstock reemerged a luxurious, modern-day icon that helps you hit the reset button no matter your lifestyle.
The best way to get to Bürgenstock Resort is via the ferry and funicular.
What’s especially noteworthy is how the hotel (one of four properties comprising the 148-acre Bürgenstock Resort) didn’t just surive the pandemic, but thrived. That’s because the destination makes it more than easy to prioritize your wellbeing in a breathtaking and spacious setting, with the crown jewel being the legendary Alpine Spa.
Spanning 107,000 square feet, Alpine Spa is among Europe’s largest with best-in-class amenities … [+]
Spanning a staggering 107,000 square feet, the spa is among Europe’s largest with best-in-class amenities including five pools, napping shells, infrared saunas, and an outdoor relaxation garden. Treatment wise: the results-driven facials featuring Biologique Recherche and Dr. Barbara Sturm take top billing, but the body treatments and massages are exemplary, too. With so many options, it’s more than easy to spend a full day or two at Alpine Spa – which is exactly what many locals did over the past two years, and how the hotel maintained such brisk business during uncertain times.
Bürgenstock Hotel’s 102 rooms and suites are appointed with two-sided gas fireplaces, massive tubs … [+]
Outside Alpine Spa, you’ll find even more ways to disconnect from the outside world. Bürgenstock Hotel’s 102 rooms and suites are elegantly appointed with two-sided gas fireplaces, massive tubs with wall-to-wall windows for an unforgettable soak, and cushy nooks for gazing out. In short? You’ll have everything you need for a restorative, uninterrupted night of rest.
With seven restaurants and three bars, Bürgenstock Resort offers something for every appetite.
And with seven restaurants and three bars, there’s something for every appetite. Standouts include the award-winning Oak Grill & Pool Patio – where you can tuck into wood-fired local char (a buttery, pink flesh fish like salmon) and wild herb salad in a handsome room with crackling fireplace – and Spices Kitchen & Terrace, a lively pan-Asian eatery turning out exceptional Chinese, Indian, Japanese, and Thai cuisine.
It’s tough to top the charms and expansive views of Lake Lucerne at Bürgenstock Resort’s Lakeview … [+]
But really, it’s tough to top the charms of the Lakeview Bar & Cigar Lounge. Though the all-day space serves up everything from afternoon tea to craft cocktails, it’s the expansive views of pristine Lake Lucerne that Swiss locals and hotel guests can’t get enough of and the easiest way to slip into a zen state of mind – something we all deserve right about now.