When it comes to breathtaking destinations, Switzerland is always at the top of the list. There are quaint towns nestled at the foot of valleys and large cities overflowing with culture and architecture. Anything you’d want to see and experience in a vacation, Switzerland is sure to deliver.
It is also well known for one more thing: it’s an expensive country.
While it’s possible to catch a bargain or find an affordable hostel, Switzerland is unashamedly luxurious in many ways. So, if you plan to indulge, make sure your pockets go deep. However, every dollar, euro, or franc spent is well worth it to experience the unique brand of luxury only the Swiss can provide.
If you’re raring to shower yourself with the ultimate best, here’s how to indulge in a little luxury in Switzerland:
Hotels
Luxury and five-star hotels are abundant in Switzerland. Each one is perched in a stunning location with perfect views of this endlessly picture-perfect country. If you want to spend your nights in the arms of luxury, here are some of the best hotels you can book:
It is also well known for one more thing: it’s an expensive country.
While it’s possible to catch a bargain or find an affordable hostel, Switzerland is unashamedly luxurious in many ways. So, if you plan to indulge, make sure your pockets go deep. However, every dollar, euro, or franc spent is well worth it to experience the unique brand of luxury only the Swiss can provide.
If you’re raring to shower yourself with the ultimate best, here’s how to indulge in a little luxury in Switzerland:
Hotels
Luxury and five-star hotels are abundant in Switzerland. Each one is perched in a stunning location with perfect views of this endlessly picture-perfect country. If you want to spend your nights in the arms of luxury, here are some of the best hotels you can book:
The Dolder Grand – Zurich (Source: Photo by Shepard4711 on Foter.com / CC BY-SA)
The Dolder Grand – Zurich
There’s nothing like opulence in the Dolder Grand. Every detail in this hotel is meticulously curated, from the marble bathrooms to the historical vibe and the amazing balconies in each room. Perched on an elevated location at the end of the Adlisberg forest, the hotel is a great destination to experience both city life and nature. Despite its proximity to the city, the hotel remains highly exclusive and private with high-end facilities, restaurants, and amenities.
There’s nothing like opulence in the Dolder Grand. Every detail in this hotel is meticulously curated, from the marble bathrooms to the historical vibe and the amazing balconies in each room. Perched on an elevated location at the end of the Adlisberg forest, the hotel is a great destination to experience both city life and nature. Despite its proximity to the city, the hotel remains highly exclusive and private with high-end facilities, restaurants, and amenities.
Beau-Rivage Palace – Lausanne (Source: Photo by Stuart-Buchanan on Foter.com / CC BY-ND)
Beau-Rivage Palace – Lausanne
This glittering architectural masterpiece perched at the edge of Lake Geneva speaks elegance and history. Having hosted guests such as Victor Hugo, Charlie Chaplin, and Nelson Mandela, this hotel is known for providing highly experiences for its guests. It’s also home to some of the country’s most magnificent ballrooms, fitted with high-tech gear and equipment. Beau-Rivage Palace completes the luxury experience with excellent catering from Le Mayako sushi bar and Michelin restaurant Anne-Sophie Pic.
This glittering architectural masterpiece perched at the edge of Lake Geneva speaks elegance and history. Having hosted guests such as Victor Hugo, Charlie Chaplin, and Nelson Mandela, this hotel is known for providing highly experiences for its guests. It’s also home to some of the country’s most magnificent ballrooms, fitted with high-tech gear and equipment. Beau-Rivage Palace completes the luxury experience with excellent catering from Le Mayako sushi bar and Michelin restaurant Anne-Sophie Pic.
Hotel Villa Honegg Source: Photo by Jeremy Weate on Foter.com / CC BY
Hotel Villa Honegg – Ennetbürgen
Hotel Villa Honegg may not be known for its grandeur, but this luxurious boutique hotel pulls no stop in providing opulence and elegance for its guests. The star of the show is its heated pool with astounding views of Lake Lucerne. Its location, a short distance away from Lucerne and completely surrounded by nature, creates a very tranquil and private atmosphere for those who can afford it.
Spa Retreats
There is no other place that does spas better than Switzerland. There are literally hundreds to choose from. Each town and city has their own go-to spas, and nothing beats being pampered with the view of the Alps.
Enjoying a spa retreat in Switzerland is more than getting a massage, however. Some of these spas also place a focus on wellness, so, you’ll leave quite literally a better person.
When it comes to relishing luxury, here are some of the best spas:
Hotel Villa Honegg may not be known for its grandeur, but this luxurious boutique hotel pulls no stop in providing opulence and elegance for its guests. The star of the show is its heated pool with astounding views of Lake Lucerne. Its location, a short distance away from Lucerne and completely surrounded by nature, creates a very tranquil and private atmosphere for those who can afford it.
Spa Retreats
There is no other place that does spas better than Switzerland. There are literally hundreds to choose from. Each town and city has their own go-to spas, and nothing beats being pampered with the view of the Alps.
Enjoying a spa retreat in Switzerland is more than getting a massage, however. Some of these spas also place a focus on wellness, so, you’ll leave quite literally a better person.
When it comes to relishing luxury, here are some of the best spas:
Nescens Spa, La Réserve Genève Hotel – Geneva
The programs and offerings at Nescens Spa are overwhelmingly extensive. Its unique services are developed by the Nescens scientific committee to cover a wide range of needs including anti-aging, aesthetic medicine, preventive medicine, and a deep sense of dynamism and well-being. All this are housed in an elegant setting surrounded by lush scenery. It’s found inside the La Reserve Geneve Luxury Hotel, and the spa caters exclusively to hotel guests.
Spa Wellness Center, Clinique La Prairie – Clarens-Montreux
This multi-awarded spa is a modern establishment to reflect state-of-the-art technology it uses to deliver its services. Its floor to ceiling windows in the lounges also present commanding views of the Swiss Alps. With different spa rooms, lounges, and even heated treatment tables, therapies and treatments at the Clinique La Prairie are nothing but luxurious.
The programs and offerings at Nescens Spa are overwhelmingly extensive. Its unique services are developed by the Nescens scientific committee to cover a wide range of needs including anti-aging, aesthetic medicine, preventive medicine, and a deep sense of dynamism and well-being. All this are housed in an elegant setting surrounded by lush scenery. It’s found inside the La Reserve Geneve Luxury Hotel, and the spa caters exclusively to hotel guests.
Spa Wellness Center, Clinique La Prairie – Clarens-Montreux
This multi-awarded spa is a modern establishment to reflect state-of-the-art technology it uses to deliver its services. Its floor to ceiling windows in the lounges also present commanding views of the Swiss Alps. With different spa rooms, lounges, and even heated treatment tables, therapies and treatments at the Clinique La Prairie are nothing but luxurious.
The Spa & Health Club, Chedi Andermatt - Andermatt (photo credit: travelmemo.com)
The Spa & Health Club, Chedi Andermatt – Andermatt
The Chedi Andermatt Hotel brings Asian techniques to health and wellness in Switzerland. The Spa & Health Club is a sprawling 2,400 sqm property. The spa specializes in Tibetan and Far Eastern treatments that they fully customize depending on the clients’ needs. They also have personal trainers for those aiming to reach fitness goals using Technogym equipment and indoor pools. They offer day spa services as well as weekly programs for those who seek a more immersive experience.
Restaurants
With 118 Swiss restaurants boasting at least one Michelin star, the restaurant experience in Switzerland is exquisite. Swiss cuisine shines in many restaurants, but the variety and quality of international cuisines make for an excellent gastronomic experience. There are many fine dining restaurants to choose from all over the country, but only three restaurants can boast of its three Michelin star acclaim.
Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl – Basel
With three Michelin stars and 19 GaultMillau points, the dining experience in Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl plays with all senses. The restaurant creates French haute cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian influences, amplified by a play of aroma, colors, and of course flavors. It’s found within the premises of five-star Hotel Les Trois Trois.
Restaurant de l'Hôtel de Ville – Crissier
Headed by Franck Giovanni, Restaurant de l'Hôtel de Ville is a homey restaurant with lots of class in a sleepy town. There are different areas and rooms featuring different ambiances and chef specialties. They provide an ala carte menu and an extensive wine list, but they also have a “discovery” menu, giving the chef free reign on what he decides to serve.
The Chedi Andermatt Hotel brings Asian techniques to health and wellness in Switzerland. The Spa & Health Club is a sprawling 2,400 sqm property. The spa specializes in Tibetan and Far Eastern treatments that they fully customize depending on the clients’ needs. They also have personal trainers for those aiming to reach fitness goals using Technogym equipment and indoor pools. They offer day spa services as well as weekly programs for those who seek a more immersive experience.
Restaurants
With 118 Swiss restaurants boasting at least one Michelin star, the restaurant experience in Switzerland is exquisite. Swiss cuisine shines in many restaurants, but the variety and quality of international cuisines make for an excellent gastronomic experience. There are many fine dining restaurants to choose from all over the country, but only three restaurants can boast of its three Michelin star acclaim.
Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl – Basel
With three Michelin stars and 19 GaultMillau points, the dining experience in Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl plays with all senses. The restaurant creates French haute cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian influences, amplified by a play of aroma, colors, and of course flavors. It’s found within the premises of five-star Hotel Les Trois Trois.
Restaurant de l'Hôtel de Ville – Crissier
Headed by Franck Giovanni, Restaurant de l'Hôtel de Ville is a homey restaurant with lots of class in a sleepy town. There are different areas and rooms featuring different ambiances and chef specialties. They provide an ala carte menu and an extensive wine list, but they also have a “discovery” menu, giving the chef free reign on what he decides to serve.
Schaunenstein – Fürstenau (photo credit: wikipedia commons)
Schaunenstein – Fürstenau
There’s nothing more luxurious than dining in a castle, and that is what Schauenstein offers. It sits within Schloss Schauenstein, a castle dating back to the 1200’s. It’s only open for lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Sunday with no definite menu. Diners can choose from 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-course meals. Dishes are vibrant and beautiful and flavors are complex but never overpowering. Who knew this remote location is home to one of the world’s best restaurants?
Tours
Tours in Switzerland is almost a must. There’s simply so much to see in the country. On top of the beautiful sights, the tour itself is an experience to be had. Going around Switzerland is easily done by train. However, there are fancier ways to see the best the country has to offer.
Helicopter Tours
The absolute best way to see the Alps is from above. Helicopter Tours around Switzerland offer a unique perspective of the country’s natural beauty. If you think the famous peaks and blue lakes are beautiful, wait till you see them in mid-air, circling the snow-capped peaks or crossing expansive lakes within minutes. There are many destinations you can choose from, and tours range from a quick go-around to picnics on the mountain.
My personal favorite is the panoramic tour with Air Zermatt, in yes you guessed it, Zermatt!
Dog Sledding Tours
This may not exactly be luxurious in the sense that you won’t be surrounded by opulence, but dog-sledding around Switzerland is one not many know to do. With snow available all year round in many parts of Switzerland, going around via dog sled lets you immerse yourself in the magical experience snow can bring.
Nightlife
Living in the lap of luxury in Switzerland goes all the way to the wee hours of the morning. Nightlife in Switzerland varies from one place to another, but you’ll definitely find clubs and bars for the rich and famous. Some of the best nightclubs are found in Zurich and are definitely worth a visit. But if partying the night away is not your thing, here are other ways to enjoy a night of class and sophistication.
Griffin’s Club – Geneva
Griffin’s Club is one of the oldest clubs in Geneva. It’s a member’s only club reserved for the richest of the rich, world-famous personalities and international celebrities. It’s absolutely trendy and one of the most sought-after nightspots in Geneva.
Bejart Ballet – Lausanne
Created by Maurice Bejart, the Bejart Ballet Company is one of Switzerland’s best. If your timing is right, you can catch its twice yearly performances. While the school is based in Lausanne, the group performs in different locations around Switzerland every May or June and December. These performances bring together classical ballet with projection and cinematic techniques to deliver a one-of-a-kind performance.
There’s nothing more luxurious than dining in a castle, and that is what Schauenstein offers. It sits within Schloss Schauenstein, a castle dating back to the 1200’s. It’s only open for lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Sunday with no definite menu. Diners can choose from 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-course meals. Dishes are vibrant and beautiful and flavors are complex but never overpowering. Who knew this remote location is home to one of the world’s best restaurants?
Tours
Tours in Switzerland is almost a must. There’s simply so much to see in the country. On top of the beautiful sights, the tour itself is an experience to be had. Going around Switzerland is easily done by train. However, there are fancier ways to see the best the country has to offer.
Helicopter Tours
The absolute best way to see the Alps is from above. Helicopter Tours around Switzerland offer a unique perspective of the country’s natural beauty. If you think the famous peaks and blue lakes are beautiful, wait till you see them in mid-air, circling the snow-capped peaks or crossing expansive lakes within minutes. There are many destinations you can choose from, and tours range from a quick go-around to picnics on the mountain.
My personal favorite is the panoramic tour with Air Zermatt, in yes you guessed it, Zermatt!
Dog Sledding Tours
This may not exactly be luxurious in the sense that you won’t be surrounded by opulence, but dog-sledding around Switzerland is one not many know to do. With snow available all year round in many parts of Switzerland, going around via dog sled lets you immerse yourself in the magical experience snow can bring.
Nightlife
Living in the lap of luxury in Switzerland goes all the way to the wee hours of the morning. Nightlife in Switzerland varies from one place to another, but you’ll definitely find clubs and bars for the rich and famous. Some of the best nightclubs are found in Zurich and are definitely worth a visit. But if partying the night away is not your thing, here are other ways to enjoy a night of class and sophistication.
Griffin’s Club – Geneva
Griffin’s Club is one of the oldest clubs in Geneva. It’s a member’s only club reserved for the richest of the rich, world-famous personalities and international celebrities. It’s absolutely trendy and one of the most sought-after nightspots in Geneva.
Bejart Ballet – Lausanne
Created by Maurice Bejart, the Bejart Ballet Company is one of Switzerland’s best. If your timing is right, you can catch its twice yearly performances. While the school is based in Lausanne, the group performs in different locations around Switzerland every May or June and December. These performances bring together classical ballet with projection and cinematic techniques to deliver a one-of-a-kind performance.
Grand Casino – Baden(photo credit: wikipedia commons)
Grand Casino – Baden
While dress code is not strict, the design of Grand Casino Baden is elegant and exclusive. There are over 200 slot machines and 20 game tables. Much of the draw, however, comes from the six restaurants in the casino serving different cuisines and catering to different types of visitors. There are also two nightclubs, Dance Floor and the Babylon Club, for those looking for a more lively evening.
In the lap of luxury
When it comes to luxury, Switzerland takes the cake. Not only do you get the highest quality of anything, you get to enjoy this indulgence amidst some of the world’s most beautiful scenery. No matter where in Switzerland you will be, rest assured there will be something to pamper you to cater to your every whim and fantasy.
While dress code is not strict, the design of Grand Casino Baden is elegant and exclusive. There are over 200 slot machines and 20 game tables. Much of the draw, however, comes from the six restaurants in the casino serving different cuisines and catering to different types of visitors. There are also two nightclubs, Dance Floor and the Babylon Club, for those looking for a more lively evening.
In the lap of luxury
When it comes to luxury, Switzerland takes the cake. Not only do you get the highest quality of anything, you get to enjoy this indulgence amidst some of the world’s most beautiful scenery. No matter where in Switzerland you will be, rest assured there will be something to pamper you to cater to your every whim and fantasy.
About the Author
Anna was born to travel the world having studied languages all her life. Although she has traveled the world, she now calls Switzerland home and spends her time writing about her experiences on her travel blog with her husband.
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