High above the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne and overlooking the elegant cityscape of Lausanne, The Bürgenstock Collection stands as a pinnacle of Swiss hospitality.
Its distinguished portfolio-Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne, Hotel Schweizerhof Bern, and Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa Lausanne-showcases Swiss mastery in design, wellness, gastronomy, and understated luxury. Each property offers its own expression of refinement; together, they form a constellation of world-class experiences.
Up In the Clouds: The Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne
Reaching the Bürgenstock Resort felt like stepping into a fairytale. After travelling by plane, train, ferry, and finally the iconic funicular, we arrived at a destination suspended between sky and lake—500 metres above the shimmering expanse of Lake Lucerne.
Perched high up in the mountains, the resort is both an architectural marvel and a sanctuary deeply connected to nature. Glass façades reflect the surrounding Alps, while terraces, pathways, and serene spa pools reveal ever-changing panoramic views.
Inside, contemporary suites blend harmoniously with artisanal materials, and the expansive spa flows effortlessly from tranquil indoor hideaways to warm outdoor thermal pools overlooking the valley. Dining throughout the resort celebrates global flavours interpreted with Swiss precision-each plate crafted with the same meticulous detail as the views beyond the windows.
With seven restaurants and three bars the resort offers a culinary landscape as varied and captivating as its scenery: from relaxed lakeside lunches to refined multi-course tasting menus. One of the standout dining experiences was Spices Kitchen & Terrace, perched high above Lake Lucerne with sweeping, cinematic Alpine views.
The menu spans India, Japan, China, and Thailand—each dish vibrant, authentic, and expertly crafted. Fragrant curries, delicate sashimi, perfectly balanced broths, and sizzling woks come together in a celebration of Asia’s rich culinary heritage. Every plate feels like a passport to another world.
Equally unforgettable was The Oak Grill, a warm, stylish wood-fired restaurant guided by the legendary-and genuinely lovely-Mike Wehrle, the resort’s esteemed Culinary Director. His influence is felt everywhere: in the choreography of service, the precision of technique, and the sense of culinary theatre.
Here, flames take centre stage. Oysters arrive smoky and fresh. Prime cuts yield under the knife. And the tomahawk steak, caramelised to perfection, is a masterpiece of depth and flavour.
One of the most sensational meals of the stay was the New Zealand lamb rack, tender, aromatic, beautifully plated, and seasoned with utter finesse. A dish that lingers long after the last bite.
Iconic Experiences Above Lake Lucerne
A highlight of the stay was the scenic walk to the Hammetschwand Lift, Europe’s highest outdoor elevator at 165 metres high. The forest path winds gently along the mountainside before opening to sweeping Alpine views, and the dramatic ascent along the cliff face delivers one of the most breathtaking vistas imaginable.
We also ventured into the valley to visit artisan cheesemaker Sepp Bircher, whose beautifully crafted cheeses, including his signature Bürgenstockler creation, are served throughout the resort, capturing the region’s authentic culinary spirit.
Back at the hotel, we explored the historic Hollywood Pool, a glamorous 1954 landmark once frequented by Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren, Charlie Chaplin, and Sean Connery. Its unique underwater portholes from the Bull’s Eye Bar offer a playful glimpse of swimmers drifting above.
A Celebration of Culinary Excellence: Chefs United 2025
Our visit coincided with the resort’s annual culinary celebration, this year themed The Taste of Zermatt. Led by Corporate Culinary Director Mike Wehrle and Executive Pastry Chef Damian Carini, the evening brought together an exceptional lineup of Alpine chefs showcasing exceptional gastronomic delights.
With live entertainment, flowing Champagne, and an array of signature dishes, the event was a joyful, elegant feast for the senses—perfectly embodying the creativity, warmth, and culinary brilliance that define the Bürgenstock experience.
Next Stop: Hotel Schweizerhof Bern: 24 Hours in Switzerland’s Capital
In the heart of Bern—where medieval arcades, artisan boutiques, and diplomatic landmarks weave together—stands a true icon of Swiss hospitality: Hotel Schweizerhof Bern. Often regarded as the city’s finest address, it blends historic grandeur with contemporary sophistication, offering serene luxury just steps from the UNESCO-listed old town.
Entering the hotel feels like stepping into a beautifully preserved chapter of Swiss heritage. The Belle Époque façade leads to interiors where ornate ceilings, soft lighting, and polished marble meet sleek modern touches, creating an atmosphere that is elegant, warm, and inviting.
The rooms and suites echo this refined harmony. Spacious rooms, plush textures, warm hues, and graceful architectural details shape a sanctuary designed for unhurried comfort. With soft linens, deep armchairs, elegant bathrooms, and views over Bern’s rooftops, the Schweizerhof quickly feels like home—whether greeting the morning light or returning from an evening stroll.
Beneath the historic exterior lies a haven of calm: the Schweizerhof Spa, Bern’s only hotel spa. Warm stone, gentle lighting, an indoor pool, saunas, steam rooms, and tailored treatments inspired by Swiss wellness traditions offer pure relaxation in the city’s centre. A perfect retreat in the heart of Bern, it offers tranquillity, luxury, and understated sophistication in every detail.
The rooftop bar extends the experience with sweeping views across terracotta rooftops toward the distant, snow-capped Alps. With a cocktail in hand, it’s the perfect spot to absorb Bern’s steady, stylish rhythm.
Culinary excellence runs throughout the hotel. From its signature dining venues to beautifully crafted dishes, the Schweizerhof delivers a gastronomic experience where tradition meets innovation, and every plate tells a story.
A Quick 24 Hours in Bern
The day began with a vibrant lunch at The Lobby Bar, where Japanese and Latin American influences come together in a refreshing fusion of flavours. Light, colourful plates created the perfect prelude to an afternoon of exploring — modern, playful dishes set against the hotel’s timeless surroundings.
A Guided Journey Through Bern
After lunch, we ventured into the city for a guided exploration of Bern’s historic heart. The capital unfolds gradually, like a living open-air museum:
- The Zytglogge, Bern’s iconic medieval clocktower with its charming, animated spectacle, a must see if you are in the city.
- The winding cobblestone alleys and graceful bridges that trace the curves of the Aare River
- a visit to see the city’s beloved Bern bears, symbols woven deep into local identity. They are living symbols of the city of Bern. According to legend, the city was named after the first animal its founder hunted, a bear. Today, you can visit them at the BärenPark, a spacious riverside enclosure where Bern’s resident bears live in a natural, protected environment.
- An impromptu stop in one of the old town’s hidden wine cellars, where we sampled Swiss beer beneath centuries-old stone arches. Every step revealed another side of Bern’s timeless character, its history and its quiet elegance.
Dinner at Jack’s Brasserie
As evening settled over the capital, we dined at the legendary Jack’s Brasserie, a culinary institution honoured with 14 Gault Millau points. Renowned for serving the region’s finest schnitzel, the brasserie blends old-world charm with meticulous technique. The wine list — distinguished with Wine Spectator’s Best of Excellence award — features an exceptional curation of Swiss and international vintages, elevating the experience into a beautifully orchestrated feast.
A Beer Tasting at Simmental Brewhouse
The next morning, we wandered to the Simmental Brewhouse for a relaxed tasting of local craft beers. Rustic, warm, and authentically Swiss, it offered a delightful contrast to the refined brasserie—a cosy, artisanal glimpse into Bern’s laid-back charm.
Travel to Lausanne
The next morning, we boarded another scenic train to Lausanne. As Bern receded, Switzerland’s landscapes unfolded in postcard-worthy views: rolling fields, quiet villages, and distant Alpine peaks. A gentle, beautiful transition from one Swiss dream to the next.
Royal Savoy Lausanne: A Lakefront Icon Reborn
Set above Lake Geneva and moments from Lausanne’s leafy parks, the Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa Lausanne embodies the romance and glamour of Swiss hospitality. Its century-old heritage has been thoughtfully restored, blending old-world grandeur with modern elegance and a serene atmosphere that invites guests to slow down and savour their surroundings.
Sweeping lake views, lush gardens, and a world-class spa create a sanctuary of calm, while refined European cuisine, shaped by seasonal bounty and local artisans, adds to the hotel’s allure. The Royal Savoy perfectly balances Lausanne’s cultural vibrancy with the tranquillity of lakeside living.
Originally opened in 1909, the hotel has welcomed artists, aristocrats, diplomats, and dreamers for more than a century. Today, after meticulous restoration, its historic façade rises proudly above manicured gardens, and its interiors exude understated luxury and timeless comfort.
A Return to Grandeur
From the moment we arrived, the Royal Savoy’s quiet sophistication was unmistakable. High ceilings, soft palettes, polished stone, and refined detailing set a tone of thoughtful, effortless luxury. Rooms and suites continue this harmony, offering views of the city or Lake Geneva, many with private balconies ideal for sunrise coffees or sunset reflections. The lush gardens, linking the historic building with the modern Garden Wing, form a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city.
A Haven of Wellbeing
The hotel’s Spa and Wellness area is a restorative sanctuary where warm pools flow between indoor serenity and outdoor relaxation spaces. Steam rooms, saunas, and treatments inspired by Swiss nature—alpine botanicals, thermal waters, and bespoke rituals, create a cocoon of calm that feels far from urban life, despite being steps from Lausanne’s cultural heart.
Culinary Excellence at Brasserie du Royal
Evenings unfold with refined ease at Brasserie du Royal, where European cuisine is shaped by seasonal ingredients and local craftsmanship. A Chef’s Table experience offers an intimate look into the kitchen’s creativity, with beautifully balanced dishes that honour both tradition and innovation. Dining here feels like an occasion yet carries the warmth and ease of true Swiss hospitality.
Discovering Lausanne
The next morning begins with a guided tour of Lausanne’s elegant streets and lakeside promenades. Known for its cultural vibrancy, the city offers world-class museums, charming neighbourhoods, and exceptional chocolatiers. Visits to Blondel, Jacot, and Durig—where we met the delightful Dan—showcasing Swiss mastery in pralines and truffles, making it impossible to leave empty-handed.
Lunch at the Lobby Lounge concludes the stay with light, seasonal dishes in a calm, softly lit setting—an ideal moment to reflect before continuing your Swiss journey.
The Essence of the Royal Savoy
The Royal Savoy Lausanne is more than a hotel; it is a harmonious blend of lakeside serenity, historic elegance, and contemporary refinement. Every experience, from the spa to the brasserie to the quiet comfort of the rooms is shaped by craftsmanship, heritage, and a profound sense of place.
For travellers seeking Swiss romance without the crowds, history without heaviness, and luxury without excess, the Royal Savoy is a lakeside sanctuary, reborn and ready to be rediscovered.
A Collective Defined by Excellence
From the dramatic heights of the Bürgenstock to the refined urban landscapes of Bern and Lausanne, the Bürgenstock Collection offers a tapestry of experiences united by a common thread: exceptional hospitality rooted in Swiss tradition and elevated by contemporary design and world-class service.
Whether standing atop the Hammetschwand Lift, savouring visionary cuisine at Chefs United, or retreating into the quiet elegance of a lakeside suite, each moment within the Bürgenstock Collection invites guests to encounter Switzerland at its most inspired, most authentic, and most beautifully refined.
Enjoy Beautiful Switzerland
SWISS links the UK to Zurich and Geneva with over 160 weekly flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh. One-way fares start from £76 to Zurich and £54 to Geneva, including taxes, a 23kg checked bag, hand luggage, and free ski or snowboard equipment (subject to availability). swiss.com
Explore Switzerland easily by public transport with scenic journeys and seamless connections by train, bus, boat and mountain railway. Tickets start at £40 one-way; Swiss Travel Passes from £229 (3 days). swisstravelpass.com
