Worldly but discreet, luxurious and sober, loved by high society and reserved. Holidays in Switzerland have always attracted people for the beauty of its villages and cities, for the idyllic mountain views , the wild forests as far as the eye can see and the uncontaminated nature. A paradise for sportsmen , with snow-capped peaks crossed by kilometers of slopes and snow parks that entertain adrenaline junkies, but also expanses full of snow perfect for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and sleigh rides, it is the ideal place to indulge in the pleasures of starred restaurants, cutting-edge spas and refined hotels.
If the Swiss Alps offer a perfect postcard of a mountain holiday , the lakes are the suggestive setting for a relaxing holiday, characterized by slow rhythms and comfort. Among the holiday destinations that the country offers, Lugano is a treasure chest of beauty , perfect for holidays of all kinds : starting from the traditional Christmas events in the square, from the characteristic market in the streets of the city center, to the gastronomic chalets in Piazza della Riforma, the magical Enchanted Forest in Parco Ciani and the New Year’s Eve Festival. Fans of the great classics will appreciate the offer of the LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura, which during the holiday period will give its audience several shows, such as Swan Lake. There will also be the Christmas Gospel Concert and the appointment with the New Year’s Eve Concert, where pianist Martha Argerich will perform. It is also worth immersing yourself in nature, among breathtaking views and green paths. The two peaks of the Gulf of Lugano – Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore – can be easily reached by ski lifts, even in winter.
The small lake of Origlio is the starting point for various excursions in Capriasca, such as the one that leads to Tesserete, passing through the various villages, while a walk around Monte Sassalto offers postcard views of Lake Lugano. Belle Epoque architecture stands alongside modern buildings, in a play of contrasts, in the various cities that Switzerland holds, from Geneva to Lucerne, in an enchantment of streets sparkling with shops, trendy addresses, but also art galleries and museums, which host interesting exhibitions . Like Josef Koudelka in “Ikonar. Constellations of archives” in Lausanne, Niki de Saint Phalle in Zurich, Henri Cartier-Bresson in Martigny, or Paul Klee “The intoxication of technology” in Bern. But there are many reasons to experience holidays in Switzerland.
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Here are top 5 luxury hotels in Switzerland
Carlton Hotel St.Moritz
An address of Alpine charm, the Carlton Hotel St. Moritz , part of the Tschuggen group , a pearl of The Leading Hotels of the World , with its 60 elegant suites, takes mountain holidays to a whole new level. In a privileged position , with an enchanting view of the lake and the surrounding snow-capped peaks, the hotel offers an exclusive stay surrounded by nature. To make Christmas and New Year’s Eve unforgettable, there are many proposals designed to spoil guests. Celebrate Christmas Eve, Christmas lunch or the New Year with a dinner in the starred restaurant Da Vittorio, which this year celebrates its 10 years of activity . The creative cuisine of the renowned chef duo is a unique culinary experience, to be enjoyed in the charming rooms of the Carlton Hotel. During the Christmas holidays, the culinary delicacies can also be enjoyed in the characteristic former cable car cabins , installed on the terrace: with the view in front, you can taste the delicacies of Swiss traditions such as cheese fondue.
The Chedi Andermatt
In the heart of the Swiss Alps, The Chedi Andermatt , another gem of The Leading Hotels of The World , enchants with its elegant, sophisticated yet modern character. A five-star luxury hotel located in the Canton of Uri , it surprises right from the entrance , revealing a design that blends the typical warmth of an Alpine chalet with impeccable Asian elegance in every area, from the spacious rooms and suites to the five restaurants and bars, from the health club to the wine bar. For sports lovers, the 350 kilometers of slopes in the Andermatt-Sedrun area offer guaranteed fun, with endless possibilities such as skiing, snowboarding or hiking. With a privileged position on the slopes, right in front of the new facilities that connect the ski slopes on Mount Nätschen and Gütsch to the town of Sedrun , The Chedi Andermatt is also the ideal place for a holiday between nature and sport, thanks to its proximity to the cable car that takes you to the highest peak in the area: the Gemsstock .
An exclusive Ski Butler service allows guests to enjoy a white-glove experience on the snow, which reaches its peak with a lunch at the highest Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant in the world, managed by the hotel, The Japanese by The Chedi Andermatt on Mount Gütsch, a gourmet address at 2000 meters above sea level, which offers an authentic Asian experience, with a breathtaking view of the mountains. To recharge after a day on the snow, the magnificent 2400 square meter Spa satisfies everyone, with its refined spaces, Zen atmospheres, finding balance with cutting-edge treatments and relaxing massages. Among fireplaces and soft lights, you continue to the après-ski bar , to warm up with a drink in a unique setting. As is now tradition, to celebrate the end of the year in an unforgettable way, The Chedi Andermatt celebrates with culinary delicacies, dancing, music and fireworks with a view of the snow-capped peaks.
Kulm Hotel St. Moritz, Engadine
At 1856 metres above sea level, at the highest point of the village , with an incredible view of Lake St Moritz, the Kulm Hotel , an unmissable address of The Leading Hotels of the World , boasts a series of records in its long history that began in 1855. This mountain jewel has helped transform the area into a top destination for winter tourism. The hotel is strategically positioned a short distance from the Corviglia ski lifts. It offers all the charm of traditional Engadine hospitality with an elegant setting designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon , which blends modern comforts with the warmth of Alpine chalets, thanks to the Swiss pine panelling on the walls and ceilings. This winter, the Hotel is presenting itself with something new: the restyling, again curated by Pierre-Yves Rochon, of the Presidential Suite, renamed for the occasion Corvatsch Suite in homage to the majestic scenery it overlooks, the peak of Mount Corvatsch. With a surface area of 176 square meters, this suite represents the largest living solution at the Kulm.
A place that stimulates all the senses, including the palate. With five restaurants, it offers a gourmet tour of the flavors of the world. Starting with The K restaurant , supervised by three Michelin stars Mauro Colagreco , which invites you to taste a culinary offering that is at its best in the winter season. Don’t miss Claudia Canessa’s haute Peruvian cuisine at the Sunny Bar restaurant. Don’t miss a stop at the historic Kulm Country Club , redesigned by Lord Norman Foster, where you can enjoy authentic Alpine cuisine amidst memorabilia and modern antiques. Not to be missed, after a day in the mountains, is the Kulm Spa , an oasis of two thousand square meters of absolute relaxation, where you can let go of all tension, with treatments inspired by the nature of the places, with the luxurious Swiss brand Valmont . You will come out reborn.
Grand Hotel Kronenhof, Engadine
A pleasant walk in the Engadine tradition is offered by the picturesque village of Pontresina , with its beautiful decorated facades, alleys dotted with wine shops, stube and pastry shops. The Grand Hotel Kronenhof , watched over by the Roseg glacier, near the Diavolezza and Bernina ski areas, is in a unique position for mountain lovers, surrounded by nature, amidst virgin forests and woods of larch and Swiss pine, valleys and majestic glaciers, nestled at 1,800 metres above sea level. The magnificent historic building from 1848 is one of the most significant examples of Alpine neo-baroque architecture of the 19th century , its walls are in fact protected by the Ministry of Fine Arts.
Frescoed ceilings by the Bernese painter Otto Haberer in the early 1900s, the atmosphere of the Salon Bleu and the Sala Roseg with columns, stucco and gold: every detail of the Grand Dame of the snow takes you on a journey into the Belle Epoque. For a taste experience, the Kronenstubli restaurant , in the oldest wing of the building, is a parlor covered in Swiss pine, which enchants with period charm and the flavours of French and Italian haute cuisine. In recent times, the hotel has revealed the last part of the restoration curated by Pierre-Yves Rochon in the scenic lobby and in the Kronenhof Bar, which however maintain a timeless charm. Before leaving, it is worth lingering in the magnificent Kronenhof Spa . The work of the Swiss architect Justus Dahide , it is one of the largest and most refined in the Engadine, where you can find your energy immersed in a quiet setting, among the magical woods and surrounding mountains.
Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern
The idyllic backdrop of the Swiss Alps and the tranquil beauty of Lake Lucerne. Nestled in this bucolic postcard, the new Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern combines contemporary elegance, the brand’s legendary service and the finest Swiss hospitality. All in an exceptional building, a recently restored Belle Époque landmark . Behind the elaborate renovation are architects Iwan Bühler Architekten and London-based interior designers Jestico + Whiles. The inspiration for the project came from the surrounding landscapes: preserving the history of the building, which dates back to 1906, the restyling has breathed new life into the palace, with a contemporary style and design pieces. The 136 elegant and spacious rooms – 48 of which are suites, among the largest in Lucerne – offer beautiful views, a balcony or a private terrace. The period style can be admired in the four refined rooms, including the Salon Alpine , which maintains the original decorative elements of the past.
The jewel in the crown is the magnificent Spa Bellefontaine , which offers exclusive face and body treatments: in the large area you can relax in the sauna, Turkish bath, emotional showers and lounge area. But the Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern is also a much-loved gourmet destination in the city and offers a range of culinary options for every taste, under the direction of Michelin-starred chef Gilad Peled : the MOzern Brasserie & Bar , open all day, is a comfortable lounge where you can stop for lunch, warm up with an afternoon tea or a cocktail. The Quai 10 is outdoors, ideal on sunny days, on the terrace overlooking the lake. Also opening soon are Colonnade , which offers contemporary French haute cuisine, and Minamo , the Japanese restaurant with just 6 seats for fans of omakase-style cooking.
