Switzerland is a land-locked Central European nation where you will find crystal clear lakes, pristine mountain ranges, and fairytale villages. Hiking, skiing, and shopping are equally popular in the country known for producing world-class chocolate and superior-quality watches. Bordered by France, Germany, Austria, and Italy results in spectacular Swiss cuisine. Here is your guide to planning a luxury getaway in Switzerland. 

Zurich

The largest city in Switzerland is located on the northernmost banks of Lake Zurich and is bisected by the Limmat River. Spend a day pottering around Zurich Altstadt before heading to the elaborate Zürich Opera House to catch the latest opera or ballet production. Do also indulge in an afternoon at the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa – sited in a former brewery, the complex features a rooftop pool and a fantastic bistro.

Where to eat: Maison Manesse 

This exquisite restaurant tempts with a four-course menu and wine pairing. Local ingredients are sourced with care and you can take your pick from vegetarian, vegan, and “everything”. 

Where to stay: Baur au Lac

This 5-star property occupies a privileged location in the city center with award-winning gastronomy. Rooms and suites are inspired by Art Deco and Louis XVI with specialty furnishings and opulent marble bathtubs.

There are many reasons why someone would want to visit a spa. Especially while traveling. We're living in a face-paced society, and, over time, keeping up with everything takes its toll. We are all looking for an escape. Many people travel to escape the trials and tribulations of everyday life. You can enhance those vacations by visiting a wellness spa resort. Let's look at how! 

Reduction of Stress Levels

After enjoying scenic views or a stunning sunset, you can cap off the day by receiving a massage treatment at the spa. Luxurious treatments feature ambient lighting and pleasing aromas to help you feel calm and relaxed. You can book these treatments from the comfort of your hotel suite, in the spa or perhaps even oceanside under a cabana your resort has set up for massage. 

Body Detoxification

​The air in city environments is full of harmful toxins. As time passes, these toxins can impact your health. In addition to enhancing your emotional well-being, visiting a spa can also help your physical well-being. For example, when you receive a spa massage, that helps your body's lymphatic system flush harmful toxins within your body. 

Imagine combining the luxury of a Maldives or Caribbean all-inclusive with the breathtaking scenery of the United States. 

Luxury dude ranches merge the outback experience with creature comforts that we need from a vacation. Typically, these farmsteads offer an all-inclusive, all-immersive package that includes lodging, meals, and activities such as horseback riding and fishing. 

As travelers seek destinations that provide the opportunity to soak up the Great Outdoors. Let this guide to the best dude ranches in the US inspire your next staycation. 

Triple Creek Ranch

Managed by the prestigious Relais & Châteaux group, Triple Creek Ranch is located at the base of Bitterroot Mountain Range within the Montana Rockies. Designed for epicurean adventurers, the resort consists of deluxe log cabins and ranch homes. Cathedral windows, open fireplaces, and hot tubs provide an ideal sanctuary after a day of encountering the surrounding landscape. Activities at the ranch include horseback riding, archery, snowshoeing, and playing tennis. Culinary plating classes, wine tastings, and the chef’s table dining experience round off this luxurious retreat. 

The Caribbean consists of more than 7,000 islands, islets, and keys. Of course, only a modest proportion of these are inhabited and available for travelers. Choosing which Caribbean island you should visit the first time is a challenge but this guide will help you establish a shortlist. 

Saint Lucia

Frequently compared to Hawaii, Saint Lucia is one of the most beautiful Caribbean islands. Two volcanic spires termed the Pitons rise from the island which is blessed with a mixture of black and white sand beaches. Saint Lucia is ideal for travelers seeking excellent hiking opportunities; trails navigate the dense interiors of the rugged isle and lead you to waterfalls. Luxurious properties such as Jade Mountain are ideal for honeymooners and make it easy to recharge with a view over the Pitons. Fun fact: Saint Lucia is the only country in the world to be named after a woman!

Turks and Caicos

​Turks and Caicos is an archipelago of around 40 low-lying coral islets that many say offer the best beaches in the region. While all Caribbean islands provide a luxury experience, Turks and Caicos carries an even more exclusive atmosphere. Oprah Winfrey, Keith Richards, and Rihanna are regular visitors and COMO Parrot Cay does not scrimp on opulence. This is a leading destination for snorkeling, diving, and swimming with sites including a 14-mile-long barrier reef, underwater walls, and wrecks. Caribbean reef sharks, hammerheads, nurse sharks, and bull sharks are frequently encountered on excursions.

Flowing through ten countries, the Danube River is the second-longest waterway in Europe. It originates in the Black Forest, Germany, before traveling eastward through Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine. Here are the 10 best experiences along the Danube River.

1. Danube River Cruise

One of the best ways to travel the waterway and maximize your overall experience is with a liveaboard Danube River Cruise. Vessels are luxuriously appointed with comfortable cabins and an exemplary onboard dining service – when you’re not indulging in dishes at restaurants on dry land!

2. Vienna

Vienna is one of the capital cities that rests on the riverbank and features on most Danube itineraries. Mozart and Beethoven left their legacy on the “City of Music” with tours of the Opera House ranking highly among visitors. Meanwhile, the Belvedere and Schönbrunn palaces provide insight into the history of the Habsburgs.

3. Nuremberg

Although Nuremberg does not sit directly on the Danube, it is an easy excursion that appeals to medieval history enthusiasts. This German city contains the 11th-century Imperial Castle complete with elevated royal gardens. Hauptmarkt is the setting for gothic churches, an open-air market, and the Beautiful Fountain.

​4. Thermal Baths

Budapest is another capital bisected by the river. The city is brimming with statement architecture such as Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle, and the Hungarian Parliament Building. But do not miss the opportunity to bathe in the thermal waters that feed the city. The open-air Széchenyi Thermal Bath is an icon while the equally decadent Gellért Thermal Bath is attached to the sumptuous Hotel Gellért.