Switzerland is a fun place to visit year-round, famous for its snow-capped mountains, amazing skiing and summer adventures. Vacationers can visit museums, historic sites and stay in hip hotels in Zurich, Bern (Video) or Geneva, or plan a quiet holiday in the mountains to celebrate an anniversary, birthday or another special occasion.
In the winter, choose from small and large mountain resorts where you can ski on some of the most well run slopes in the world. Many travelers check into a health spa for a week of rejuvenation and relaxation. During the warmer season, play great golf in the mountains. Year-round, there are many luxury resorts and hotels to choose from in famous destinations like St. Moritz, Luzern, Basel, Zermatt and Melide.
Badrutt's Palace in St. Moritz
Badrutt's Palace is a luxury hotel surrounded by the Swiss Alps in St. Moritz, one of the world's top winter vacation destinations. Visit in December when the town gets festive in preparation for the holidays. The resort features a health spa, indoor & outdoor pools, tennis and golf. In the winter, enjoy challenging skiing, the Palace Ski School and natural ice rink with resident skating instructor. St. Moritz is a charming winter ski vacation destination, complete with gourmet restaurants and designer shops. The St. Moritz area offers numerous vacation activities for outdoor enthusiasts. In the summer a shuttle transports guests to two nearby golf courses with spectacular mountain scenery. There is also horseback riding, mountain climbing, tennis, biking, polo and sailing. The hotel's health club provides fitness classes and personal training.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel du Rhone, Geneva
Mandarin Oriental Hotel du Rhone, Geneva is a luxury romantic hotel located on the right bank of the River Rhone in the center of Geneva's business and historic districts. The hotel is a short walk from Geneva's historic old town and its theaters. The hotel has 192 guest rooms and suites, many with scenic views of the river. The elegantly furnished rooms feature art deco touches and Greek marble bathrooms. Chocolate lovers with delight in Creme de Gruyere chocolates served in the rooms on your luxury honeymoon. Guests can work out at the fitness center, indulge in a massage, and relax in the sauna and steam bath.
The Beau-Rivage Palace Hotel on Lake Geneva
The Beau-Rivage Palace is a historic spa vacation getaway on the shores of Lake Geneva in Lausanne, Switzerland. Surrounded by ten acres of parkland, the hotel enjoys scenic views of the lake and the French Alps. The building features belle epoque architecture, furnished with antiques and fine reproductions. The hotel has a European spa with eight treatment rooms, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool and a fitness center. For the ultimate indulgence on your spa vacation, book one of the two private spa suites. In the summer, Lausanne offers biking, sailing, tennis, golf and water-skiing on the lake. In the winter, there are several ski resorts a short drive away.
Luxury Spa Suites at Grand Resort Hof Ragaz
Grand Resort Hof Ragaz in Switzerland offers luxurious spa suites with in-suite saunas where you can detox and relax as much as you like in the privacy of your own suite. If you are planning a romantic getaway to Europe, treat yourself to couples massages at this unique spa. There are several different accommodations to choose from at Grand Resort. Ask about the Grand Hotel Quellenhof & Spa Suites when booking your stay.
The resort makes it easy to travel with the whole family. While you are relaxing at the spa, kids ages 3 and older can participate in the children's program which includes painting, baking and games for kids of different ages.
Hotel de Trois Couronnes on the Shores of Lake Geneva
Hotel de Trois Couronnes is situated along the shores of Lake Geneva in the old town of Vevey, also referred to as the chocolate capital of Switzerland. Its strategic location offers quick access to Switzerland's top attractions such as a chocolate factory, Gruyere town, and Lavaux Vineyard Terraces. The hotel has a total of 71 elegantly appointed guest rooms, including nine Junior Suites and 16 Suites. Ask for one of the 34 rooms and suites which are oriented southwards overlooking Lake Geneva and the Alps. Restaurant Les Trois Couronnes has a terrace overlooking the lake and the Alps and offers Mediterranean and fine local cuisine. Spa Lounge serves light, healthy meals. The Veranda Bar entertains guests with live music, cocktails and light snacks with views of the lake and the Alps.
Riffelalp Resort
Riffelalp Resort is a secluded mountain hotel near the ski town of Zermatt. The hotel is surrounded by hills, dense forests, and snow or green fields, depending on the season. The resort is set in one of the most scenic spots in Europe. Guests enjoy direct views of the Matterhorn from the rooms and suites. Those who love nature, solitude and skiing will fall in love with this resort instantly. The ski hotel has a private tram and ski-in/ski-out access to the slopes of Zermatt.
Lausanne Palace
Lausanne Palace and Spa is a luxury property located on one of Europe's most famous lakes: Lake Geneva. The hotel is close to the best attractions in Lausanne: Palais de Beaulieu, International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Museum. This luxury 5-star property is just 500 meters from Lausanne Cathedral and the Historical Museum. This is a fine getaway for everybody who wants to spend a few days in luxury with stunning views of the Alps, forests and the lake all around them. There are 31 suites and 116 bedrooms. Ask for a room or a suite overlooking the lake for the most dramatic views. Each room has been individually decorated in classical style. Luxuries like marble fireplaces and spacious layouts make this property a great place to stay. Specialty suites include: the Coco Chanel, Samaranch, Contemporary, Presidential, Corner, Deluxe and the Classic Suite.
The Chedi Andermatt
Located in the charming village of Andermatt in the Urseren Valley in the Swiss Alps at 4,747 feet (1,447 m) above sea level, The Chedi Andermatt is a magnificent five-star luxury resort that offers 123 opulent, modern rooms and suites. The hotel has an unusual blend of Asian and Alpine décor, with a mix of leather and stone in its rooms and spacious yet cozy common spaces where large fireplaces invite guests to relax after a day on the slopes. It has four gourmet restaurants, bars, a health club, and a full-service spa. There is an outdoor swimming pool for the warmer months. The Nätschen ski lift is just next door, as is the Andermatt train station, ready to take the resort’s distinguished guests to the surrounding ski slopes and villages.
Gotthardstrasse 4, 6490 Andermatt, Switzerland, Phone: +41 41 888 74 88,
Mont Cervin Palace
The newly-renovated 5-star Mont Cervin Palace hotel is located at the foot of the Matterhorn in the heart of the pedestrian-only village of Zermatt in Switzerland. Winter in Zermatt is a dream come true for those who love skiing, snowboarding, skating, sledding and other snow sports. For a better well-being and long lasting relaxation, treat and soothe your mind, body and soul at MCP Spa. The Swiss spa offers massages, facial, body, hand and foot treatments using high quality products.
Fairmont Le Montreux Palace
Fairmont Le Montreux Palace is a spa and culinary getaway on the shores of Lake Geneva. Built in 1096, the hotel offers personalized service and sweeping views of the Swiss Alps. The property is an hour's drive from the Geneva Cointrin International Airport. There are 236 rooms, including 185 guestrooms and 51 suites furnished with five star amenities. Ask for a room with a veranda overlooking the water. La Terrasse du Petit Palais has views of the lake and the Alps. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner of salads from the resort's organic garden, as well as fresh meat and grilled fish. Enjoy refreshments and ice cream during afternoons. La Palmeraie overlooks the mountains and the lake and serves light snacks, coffee, tea and fruit juices. Swiss specialties and international cuisine is offered at the hotel's gourmet brasserie, La Brasserie du Palace.
Le Crans Hotel and Spa in the Swiss Alps
Le Crans Hotel and Spa is a chalet-style getaway in the Swiss Alps. The boutique hotel has just 15 suites and apartments, providing its guests with the ultimate in luxury and privacy. Relax next to the indoor or outdoor pool, get massages at the spa and enjoy breathtaking views of Mont Blanc. 15 suites and apartments have private terraces overlooking snow-capped Valais peaks and thick forests. Each bedroom presents a different interpretation of a mountain theme.
Le Mirador Kempinski on Lake Geneva
Le Mirador Kempinski on Lake Geneva is a luxury lakeside retreat which offers vacationers spectacular views of the Alps and Switzerland's only Givenchy Spa. The hotel is located in the heart of the rural region of Lavaux, between Lausanne and Montreu, surrounded by lush vineyards of Chardonne and views of Lake Geneva. The Lavaux region and Montreux Riviera offers cultural festivals throughout the year. Ask for a room with a balcony overlooking Lake Geneva. The hotel has a mix of 67 modern and classical guest rooms and suites with natural lighting and earth-colored decor.
The Dolder Grand
If you are looking for a classical European spa vacation experience, visit The Dolder Grand in Switzerland. The luxury five-star resort was originally built in 1899 and features the spa concept by Sylvia Sepielli. The building exterior looks like a picture-perfect castle you would find in a Disney movie, complete with white walls, wooden details and high towers. The hotel has 173 luxury rooms and suites in the main building and two wings. Traditional accommodations are located in the main building, while the wings house more modern-style decor. The hotel spa a swimming pool with scenic views, fitness and movement studios. Soothing modern decor creates a relaxing space for the body and mind. The extensive spa menu includes several world-famous product lines such as La Prairie, Amala and Kerstin Florian. Unique therapies include the "Meditation Walk" under a mirrored cupola.
Whitepod
Whitepod is a unique mountain getaway offering 15 large cozy tents with awesome views of Lake Geneva. Each tent features a large bed, soft carpet and is decorated with unique objects from the region. Scandinavian designed bathrooms and wood burning stoves complete the experience. At the center of the tents is a wooden chalet with a central fireplace.
Muzeum Susch
Muzeum Susch is one of Switzerland's most special hidden gems and is certainly worth a visit for anyone interested in history, natural beauty, contemporary art, and the exploration of the relationship between artworks and the spaces in which they are housed.
Muzeum Susch can be found among the ruins and remains of an old vicarage and hospice, with some of the surrounding structures having history dating all the way back to 1157.
Sur Punt 78, 7542 Zemez, Switzerland, Phone: +41 (0)81 861 03 03
Park Gstaad
Park Gstaad, which was originally opened in 1910, offers timeless Swiss ambiance and architecture that incorporates the surrounding scenery of the Swiss Alps into its design. Mountain and forest views are offered from modern rooms and suites featuring black granite bathrooms, in-room safes, and complimentary minibars. Four restaurants serve contemporary local and international fare, including the upscale Avenue Montagne, the garden terrace Chalet Waldhuus, and Caveau, which focuses on food and wine pairings. A cigar lounge and club bar also offer extensive cocktail menus in relaxing atmospheres. A spa features onsite hairdressers and hydrotherapy and Turkish baths, and a fitness center showcases a PGA Tour simulator golf range.
Wispilenstrasse 29, 3780 Gstaad, Switzerland, Phone: +41-3-37-48-98-00
Carlton Hotel St. Moritz
Carlton Hotel St. Moritz takes luxury accommodations to the next level, offering complimentary butler service, 24-hour limousine service, and daily food and beverage credits to all guests. It was constructed in 1913 and overlooks Lake St. Moritz and the majestic Swiss Alps, providing convenient access to natural attractions such as Via Alpina’s hiking trails and Piz Nair mountain. Spacious and elegant junior and full suites offer panoramic views and amenities such as flat screen televisions, separate sitting and kitchen areas, and free wireless internet. The Da Vittorio-St.Moritz restaurant offers gourmet meals by Michelin-star-awarded chefs Enrico and Robert Cerea, and a lounge and bar offers fireplace and terrace seating. Other amenities include a three-level spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and access to top area skiing schools and excursions.
Via Johannes Badrutt 11, 7500 St. Moritz, Switzerland, Phone: +41-8-18-36-70-00
Boutique Hotel Matthiol
Boutique Hotel Matthiol is a classic mountain chalet and ski lodge located in Zermatt’s Winkelmatten district, offering exceptional views from the base of the iconic Matterhorn mountain. 23 recently-renovated standard, double, deluxe, and spa suite rooms are decorated in rustic stylings emphasizing wood and stone elements, offering amenities such as balconies with mountain views. Guest facilities at the lodge include a full-service upscale restaurant serving traditional recipes crafted with locally-sourced ingredients and a large list of fine wines. For a unique romantic dining experience under the stars, guests may reserve the heated outdoor Fondue Igloo. Breakfast is served daily, and afternoon tea service is available, featuring pastries and 17 different types of tea. Other amenities include a full ski school, a spa with sauna and whirlpool, and a fitness center.
H2130, Moosstrasse 40, 3920 Zermatt, Phone: +41-2-79-68-17-17
Boutique-Hotel Schlussel
Boutique-Hotel Schlussel was central Switzerland’s first boutique hotel, serving guests since 1820. The hotel offers 12 individually-decorated rooms showcasing views of Lake Lucerne and the Alpine mountain range, offering amenities such as wooden floors, freestanding bathtubs, stylish sinks and showers, and a selection of DVD films. A hotel restaurant offers a daily menu featuring seasonal dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients along with a variety of local wines and spirits. On Wednesdays, a special romantic getaway reservation package is available, which includes a complimentary bottle of wine and rose petals spread across guest suites’ beds and bathtubs. A variety of cultural events are hosted at the hotel throughout the year, including musical performances and culinary events, and private wedding rental packages are available at any time.
Oberdorfstrasse 26, 6375 Beckenried/Lucerne, Switzerland, Phone: +41-4-16-22-03-33
The Alpina Gstaad
The Alpina Gstaad is a five-star hotel within the Bernese Alps that offers unique amenities such as a private movie theater and a modern art collection. The hotel was opened in 2012 and features chalet-style Swiss Alpine architecture emphasizing sandstone, marble, and aged wood elements. Designer rooms and suites contain private balconies, carved wood ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and private libraries, lounges, and fireplaces. For larger group getaways, a three-bedroom split level suite features its own gym, spa, and kitchen areas. Three fine-dining restaurants are offered on site, including the Japanese-style Megu, the upscale Sommet Restaurant, and the local-fare Swiss Stübli. Other guest facilities include a Havana-themed cigar lounge, a wine cellar, and the Six Senses Spa.
Alpinastrasse 23, 3780 Gstaad, Switzerland, Phone: +41-3-38-88-98-88
Hotel d'Angleterre Geneva
Hotel d'Angleterre Geneva is the city’s only five-star boutique hotel, offering distinct British character with everything visitors expect from Swiss hospitality. The hotel overlooks Lake Leman’s Jet d’Eau and is less than a four-minute walk from the beach, also offering convenient access to nearby attractions such as the United Nations Headquarters, St. Pierre Cathedral, and the Rue de Rhone. Elegant rooms and suites are decorated with refined furnishings and provide lake views from private balconies. The Windows Restaurant serves Swiss and international fare, while the Leopard Room Bar serves custom cocktails and hosts live music six nights a week. Other amenities include an onsite fitness center with private yoga sessions, 24-hour room service, and an upscale cigar lounge and wine cellar.
Quai du Mont-Blanc 17, 1201 Genève, Switzerland, Phone: +41-2-29-06-55-55
Travel Tip: Ochs Und Junior - Unique Customized Swiss Watches
On your trip to Switzerland, be sure to check out Ochs Und Junior, one of the best rated and most beloved brands of custom Swiss-made watches.
The custom Swiss watches of this company are designed with simplicity in mind. The fact that just over one hundred watches are made and sold from Ochs Und Junior on an annual basis goes a long way to showing just how committed this Swiss watch company is to quality. Phone: +41 41 266 02 12
