Live the High Life in These Luxury Hotels in Switzerland

Even by the standards of a five-star hotel, the activities offered at the Gstaad Palace are exceptional. Enjoy a helicopter ride over the Matterhorn, including champagne and lunch served at 3,000m (9,842ft) and tennis lessons with Australian tennis legend Roy Emerson. Equally memorable, have lunch or dinner accompanied by fine Swiss wines at the Walig Hut, an 18th-century Alpine lodge situated 1,700m (5,577ft) above the village of Gsteig.

Set in landscaped gardens halfway between the lake and the pedestrianised Schanzengraben, the palatial Baur au Lac has been owned and run by the same family for six generations. Attention to detail is evident in its rooms and suites, which range in style from Louis XIV to English Regency, and showcase fabrics and furniture custom made in France, Belgium, Germany and England. All rooms have huge marble bathrooms and most have lake, city or canal views.

Badrutt’s Palace which opened in 1886, is one of St Moritz’s most fashionable hotels. Its culinary offering is dazzling, comprising IGNIV by Michelin-starred chef Andreas Caminada, a champagne and caviar bar and a Peruvian-Japanese restaurant on the former indoor tennis court, Europe’s first when it opened in 1913. For unbeatable views and maximum space, book the signature lake double room with balcony.

Guests at the waterfront Fairmont Grand have access to Geneva’s largest indoor swimming pool and the cool nightclub, Java, where the beats don’t stop until 5am. The rooms have a modern and elegant feel, the gold and red hues providing a regal tone. The signature Lake View doubles look over the Old Town and Mont Blanc, with floor-to-ceiling windows making the most of the views. On the dining front, choose from Italian dishes at Il Vero, some of Geneva’s best Chinese food at Lou One and traditional Swiss cuisine at Le Grill.

The Aplina Gstaad’s Megu is Switzerland’s best Japanese restaurant, according to the Gault & Millau gourmet guide. The interior is inspired by the temples of Kyoto and dishes include lamb marinated in whisky soy sauce and crispy green asparagus with chilli and lemon. It also has one of the country’s largest sake cellars. The hotel’s other restaurants don’t let the side down either. The Sommet, which has a Michelin star, offers a globally-inspired menu from executive chef Martin Goschel, and Swiss classics such as fondue come with a twist at the Stubli restaurant.

Frequented by the high-flying and political elite who regularly visit Geneva, La Réserve aims to redefine luxury. Rooms are tastefully decorated and there’s health spa and fitness centre which promises to strip away stress and leave you feeling fresh and reinvigorated. The hotel complex also has three restaurants including the Michelin-starred Le Tsé Fung.

Basel’s most luxurious hotel has sat on the Rhine river bank for over 300 years. Don’t let its age deter you, as Les Trois Rois has kept up with the times. The culinary experience is exquisite especially the Cheval Blanc, a three-starred Michelin restaurant run by culinary genius Peter Knogl. If you are visiting the historic city of Basel and want to treat yourself, this is the hotel for you.

The Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains offers all the glitz and glamour of the St. Moritz ski resort and easy access to ski slopes close by. Each of the 184 rooms or suites (and chalet suite) come with vintage antiques and wooden interiors which provide a cosy, rustic feel. The hotel is only open at certain times during the season so check the website for opening and closing dates.

Located in the swanky ski resort of Gstaad, frequented by A-list celebrities, this five-star resort hotel offers comfortable suites from junior through deluxe, signature and presidential. Each of them, and the upscale residences, are kitted out with all the amenities you will need for a relaxing stay. Enjoy a romantic gourmet dinner at the Duchessa restaurant or relax after a day on the slopes at the wellness centre.

Perched on the edge of Lake Geneva. the elegant Beau-Rivage has hosted famous figures such as Victor Hugo, Charlie Chaplin and Nelson Mandela, to name a few. Each of its rooms is individually styled, ensuring a highly personalised experience. The outstanding culinary offering includes Le Mayako, a sushi bar, and the two Michelin starred Anne-Sophie Pic restaurant.

Steeped in history, and a stone’s throw from Lake Geneva, the 12th-century Château d’Ouchy is a great hotel to experience the beautiful city of Lausanne. All of the hotel’s 50 rooms are artfully decorated, in tune with the Château’s prestigious heritage. The restaurant and bar offers exquisite dishes including the speciality perch meunière which comes from the lake.

The Chateau Gütsch is an icon of Lucerne. The building which was constructed in 1888 doubled as a home and hotel. Today, it is one of Switzerland’s most charming boutique hotels. The stylish interior effortlessly matches the Chateau’s Belle-Époque exterior, where luxury intertwines with pomp and elegance. Wonderful views of the city, lake and mountains from the terrace are worth a visit alone.

The views from Villa Honegg’s outdoor heated pool are magnificent. A short distance from Lucerne, the Honegg is perched on a hilltop overlooking Lake Lucerne and surrounded by nature. The hotel has been called a hideaway hotel for the blend of comfort and nature experiences it offers.

This sprawling hotel, perched above Zurich, with views spanning the city and the distant mountains, is a top pick. Prices may be steep but what’s on offer here is everything you could hope for from a luxury hotel. There’s a choice of suites and rooms, an on-call butler service and two restaurants, including a two Michelin starred restaurant overseen by chef Heiko Neider.