Travelling in five star luxury is not always attainable; especially during the Covid-19 crisis. However, for those of us who have an interest in the hospitality industry and wish to keep the tourism industry alive, then Switzerland is the county that should be explored.
Take a tour inside some of the historic hotels of the Swiss country and in the hotels that have made modernity their distinctive feature, some immersed in the green of nature, others perfectly set in the cities. The most modern and comfortable conference centres, the most beautiful and equipped SPAs and the most luxurious rooms.
Badrutt's Palace Hotel - St. Moritz
This hotel, which opened in 1896 and has always been owned by the Badrutt family, boasts a legendary reputation around the world. 157 rooms including 37 suites with views of the Alps. Delicious dishes to be enjoyed at the «Restaurant» (15 GaultMillau points), the «Grande Dame» among the 6 first-class restaurants. Totally renewed Beauty SPA, exclusive shopping gallery, children's club and fun formulas for teenagers.
Suvretta House - St. Moritz
Famous Grand Hotel from 1912, belonging to the founding family. It has been in the same direction for more than 20 years. Located in a landscaped park, with a splendid view. Entirely renovated rooms and suites. 2 restaurants and 2 bars, plus 2 mountain restaurants. Wellness, largest indoor pool in town, ice rink, tennis, golf putting and pitching green. Hotel shuttle service to the center of St. Moritz.
Carlton Hotel St. Moritz - St. Moritz
60 junior suites and suites with breathtaking views of Lake St. Moritz and the surrounding mountains. Interior design by Carlo Rampazzi, a hotel affiliated with the “Leading Hotels of the World” and the “Swiss Deluxe Hotels”. 2 restaurants: the fine dining restaurant “Romanoff” and the “Da Vittorio - St. Moritz” d'Enrico & Roberto Cerea which is awarded 1 Michelin star. The only Leading SPA in the Engadine. Free service of a butler.
Kulm Hotel St. Moritz - St. Moritz
This luxury hotel, steeped in tradition, is located in the center of St. Moritz and offers a beautiful view of the lake of the same name. Starting point for all kinds of summer and winter sports, 9-hole golf course owned by the hotel. The rooms and suites are constantly being renovated. Kulm SPA St. Moritz completely renovated. Very varied gastronomic offer. An ideal place to spend uncomplicated family holidays in a first-rate environment. In August 2017, the Kulm Hotel was awarded Hotel of the Year 2018 by the organization GaultMillau Switzerland.
Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains - St. Moritz
This is the quintessential example of the great hotel tradition and the exclusive character of high-level luxury. Ultra-modern equipment and impeccable service. Hotel located in the heart of the magnificent Engadine landscape, next to Lake Saint-Moritz. Ski slopes, ski lifts, routes for mountain biking and walking right in front of the hotel. The high-end gastronomy, including one of the best breakfast buffets in Switzerland, as well as the magnificent wellness area are other attractions. The restaurants and lobby were refurbished in 2012.
Hotel Eden Roc - Ascona
This design hotel, with luxurious Mediterranean charm, furnished by Carlo Rampazzi, is located directly on the shores of the lake. The property is surrounded by a park with private beach and pier; grandiose Eden Roc SPA on 2000 square meters. The 4 restaurants, which have respectively obtained 14, 15 and 17 Gault & Millau points, promise you strong experiences for the palate. The picturesque square of Ascona can be reached in a few minutes on foot.
Castello del Sole - Ascona
In the heart of the largest park in Ticino, this hotel with private beach offers exquisite experiences: new suites for the highest demands, a modern wellness oasis, swimming pool, 6 tennis courts, putting green. In-house restaurant with 18 GaultMillau points. 2 pavilions with separate luxury suites. The luxury hotel of cat. superior is privately owned and managed by Simon V. & Gabriela Jenny.
Le Grand Bellevue - Gstaad
Since its reopening in 2013, this luxury hotel, a symbol of Gstaad for more than a century, has created with its 48 rooms and 9 suites a perfect combination of the glitz of a Grand hotel and the intimate atmosphere of a rural house . Afternoon tea is served daily in the best English tradition and in the winter months the indoor bar, “Bouquet”, becomes a beacon in Gstaad's nightlife. To complete the offer, a SPA, a gourmet restaurant, a car park and a recreational center for children.
The Alpina Gstaad - Gstaad
The GaultMillau Hotel of the Year 2013 has been very successful since its reopening in 2012: modern Alpine architecture luxuriously presents Alpine design and chalet tradition. 56 spacious rooms and suites with dream views, some with their own fireplaces. MEGU Japanese restaurant with 16 GaultMillau points, Sommet restaurant (18 GaultMillau points) and Swiss Stübli. Six Senses SPA with indoor and outdoor pools and lifestyle coaching in the Alpina Lounge & Bar. Central and quiet location.
Gstaad Palace - Gstaad
Over the years the Gstaad Palace has acquired a great reputation for discretion and hospitality, and has been able to welcome increasingly demanding international guests. Situated on a hill above Gstaad it offers breathtaking views of the majestic Swiss Alps. Among the 100 tastefully furnished rooms with fantastic views of the Alps there are 15 Junior Suites, 8 Suites, 2 Tower Suites and the ultra-luxurious 3-bedroom Penthouse Suite.
Park Gstaad - Gstaad
The legendary luxury hotel, with more than 100 years of history, was entirely refurbished in 2010. The Alpine Chic style, contemporary interiors and first-rate service characterize this exclusive 5-star hotel. The rooms, suites and the impressive “My Gstaad-Chalet“ offer tailor-made comfort for everyone. 4 restaurants, the bar, the cigar lounge, the wellness & SPA, the possibility of practicing sports and the proximity to nature guarantee the best relaxation.
Ermitage, Wellness & SPA Hotel - Gstaad-Schönried
Located on the sunny terrace overlooking Gstaad, with great views, large park attached. Swiss chalet atmosphere combined with the most modern comfort; the luxurious wellness and SPA area with salt water bath is entirely dedicated to gentle relaxation. The experienced staff go out of their way to meet the needs of its customers. On a gastronomic level, light Swiss and international cuisine is served.
Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues - Geneva
This beautiful hotel, built in 1834, is located in the city center, directly on the shores of Lake Geneva. Since its refurbishment in 2005, it has brought out a new splendor, while retaining its luxurious and even a little retro charm. The 68 rooms, 35 suites, a magnificent view of the lake, the Mediterranean gastronomic restaurant "Il Lago", whose sommelier Fabio Masi was elected best sommelier in Italy in 2009, offer an ideal environment for relaxation, regardless of whether you are on vacation or business trip.
Mandarin Oriental Genève - Geneva
Urban hotel located in the banking district of Geneva, Art Deco elements in the 189 spacious rooms and suites. It has been part of the Mandarin Oriental Group since 2000. 2 new restaurants, the Indian restaurant Rasoi by Vineet and the Café Calla; new MO Bar specializing in cocktails. The lounge, reception and business center were entirely renovated in 2008.
Le Richemond, Genève Dorchester Collection - Geneva
This luxurious 5-star hotel also impresses with its location overlooking the famous Brunswick Gardens with views of the Alps, the Old Town and Lake Geneva. It is an ideal venue for business, city tours, symposia and parties. All suites are equipped with iPod docking stations, plasma screens and DVD players. The hotel internally features an elegant SPA with hammam and fitness center. The restaurant "le Jardin" serves Italian specialties.
Widder Hotel - Zurich
Definitely, a unique hotel, consisting of 9 medieval buildings declared protected heritage. The rooms are furnished with antiques, contemporary works of art and design classics. Central location in the old town, close to Bahnhofstrasse. Gourmet dinner, Single Malt Whiskey Bar, idyllic patio; Technogym gym, library, business center. A hotel dedicated to individualists who appreciate the personal touch.
Villa Orselina - Orselina-Locarno
Above Locarno, with a fabulous view of Lake Maggiore. Spacious hotel complex completely renovated in 2012. 28 elegant rooms and suites, all with lake views and luxurious furnishings: Nespresso machine, scale, bathrobe, WLAN, etc. Two restaurants (15 GaultMillau points), solarium with panoramic views, bar, lounge with fireplace. Outdoor swimming pool in the park, wellness oasis, Turkish bath, sauna, hotel tennis court in a beautiful panoramic point.
BEATUS Wellness & SPA Hotel - Merligen
Located directly on the shores of Lake Thun, 12 km from Interlaken and Thun. Most of the rooms and suites are south facing, with magnificent views over the lake and the Bernese mountains. New wellness oasis and luxurious renovated rooms, 3 restaurants, piano bar, café. Sports program and guided excursions included in the price (Monday - Saturday). Park with its own beach, possibility of bathing. Directed since 1988 by a trained and super motivated staff.
For further reading, please take a look at my post on sustainable travel items for your trip.