Darby's Destinations Luxury Travel - Italy

Luxury getaway to Switzerland

Where to go, eat and sleep

September 30, 2022

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.

Bern

The Swiss capital delights with its compact size and hundreds of photogenic fountains. Take a stroll through the fragrant Rosengarten on the banks of the River Aare and note the jets of water in front of the Parliament Building that represents each of Switzerland’s 26 cantons.

Where to eat: Kornhauskeller

Menus at Kornhauskeller celebrates Bernese cooking with the likes of Swiss tartare, chateaubriand, and cheese boards. With the Bernese High Baroque style vaulted cellar and a carefully selected wine list, Kornhauskeller is the complete package.

Where to stay: Hotel Bellevue Palace

Popular with Swiss government officials and traveling diplomats, this Grand Hotel delivers on style and service. Lavish rooms and suites overlook the Bernese Alps and permit entry to the property sauna.

Geneva

The European seat of the United Nations and the headquarters of the Red Cross is located on the southern tip of Lac Léman (Lake Geneva). The waterfront and Vieille Ville (Old Town) form the epicenter of the second-largest Swiss city. Unwind from touring the political sights with a massage at the lakeside Bains des Pâquis.

Where to stay: Beau-Rivage Genève

Rooms and suites are appointed to a palatial level with elegant decor and scenic lake views. Rooftop suites come with a private Jacuzzi tub on the balcony while others feature statement fireplaces.

Where to eat: Fiskebar

Fiskerbar fuses Swiss recipes with the Nordic touch with special attention paid to seafood and shellfish. Caviar and Champagne tastings run periodically

Other luxury experiences in Switzerland

There’s so much more luxury to be found in Switzerland.

The Glacier Express is a panoramic train ride that takes you through the Swiss Alps.  Excellence Class guarantees a window seat where you will tuck into a 7-course menu with accompanying wines.

Step into a storybook village at the alpine resort of Zermatt and savor views of the Matterhorn while indulging in fondue. Or, hit the ski runs and sip a glass of bubbles at the slopeside world-class Champagner Bar.

Contact me when you are ready to plan your bespoke luxury getaway to Switzerland.

Ready to embark on your own journey to the extraordinary?