Switzerland reveals its most captivating side in summer, when vibrant cities, crystal-clear lakes and alpine villages invite a slower, more intentional way of travelling. From Zurich’s creative energy and the timeless beauty of Lake Lucerne to the iconic mountain destinations of St. Moritz and Gstaad, before arriving on the elegant shores of Geneva and the Swiss Riviera, each stop reflects its own distinct character, rich cultural heritage and effortless connection to nature. Together, they form a journey through Switzerland at its most elevated.
ZURICH
Where to stay
From Philippe Starck’s yacht-inspired La Réserve Eden au Lac to the beautifully restored Mandarin Oriental Savoy on Paradeplatz, Zurich’s luxury hotels showcase the city’s effortless balance of heritage and contemporary design. Perched above the rooftops, The Dolder Grand completes the collection with panoramic views, a world-class art collection and an award-winning spa, creating an exceptional base for exploring Switzerland’s most cosmopolitan city.
Where to dine
Dining in Zurich is shaped by striking contrasts. Rooftop sunsets and Nikkei cuisine define La Muña, while Kronenhalle remains a cultural institution where Swiss classics are served among works by Picasso, Chagall and Miró. Italian hospitality awaits at Cantinetta Antinori before lakeside Mediterranean dining at Alex Restaurant provides the perfect finale.
What to Discover
The Dolder Grand’s 4,000-square-metre spa offers a full day of elevated wellbeing, with highlights including the Snow Paradise, Japanese-inspired Sunaburo and its striking 25-metre pool overlooking Zurich. Bahnhofstrasse remains Zurich’s most iconic luxury shopping address, lined with flagship boutiques, fine jewellers and Swiss watchmakers. For evening cocktails, the rooftop at Mandarin Oriental Savoy delivers one of the city’s most elegant views.
Image credit: Park Hotel Vitznau
LAKE LUCERNE
Where to stay
Framed by dramatic mountains and the shimmering waters of Lake Lucerne, the region’s finest hotels each offer a distinct perspective on central Switzerland. Bürgenstock Resort rises high above the lake with exceptional wellness facilities and hiking trails, Park Hotel Vitznau brings an intimate sense of lakeside seclusion, while Mandarin Oriental Palace blends beautifully restored Belle Époque architecture with contemporary hospitality in the heart of the city.
Where to dine
Restaurant Balances brings vibrant Swiss cuisine to the riverside, focus ATELIER at Park Hotel Vitznau pairs Patrick Mahler’s two-Michelin-starred cooking with sweeping lake views, and Restaurant Riva am See in Weggis offers a more relaxed Mediterranean mood just steps from the water.
What To Discover
The lake is best understood from the water. A private boat cruise reveals secluded bays, grand villas and cinematic alpine scenery, while Lucerne’s historic paddle steamers bring a touch of old-world romance to the crossing. Above the shoreline, Bürgenstock Alpine Spa offers a restorative escape with mountain views, and Lucerne’s Old Town invites slow wandering through frescoed façades, cobbled streets and riverside cafés.
ST. MORITZ
Where to stay
St. Moritz has long mastered the art of alpine hospitality. The legendary Badrutt’s Palace Hotel embodies the resort’s enduring glamour, while Suvretta House offers a quieter connection to the Engadin landscape, surrounded by forests, hiking trails and outdoor pursuits. Bringing a contemporary perspective to the destination, Grace La Margna pairs restored Art Nouveau architecture with bold modern design, creating a fresh new chapter for one of Switzerland’s most celebrated mountain resorts.
Where to dine
At IGNIV by Andreas Caminada, fine dining is reimagined through an elegant sharing concept, while Da Vittorio brings the flavours of Lombardy to the Engadin. Langosteria introduces the vibrant energy of Italy’s coastline with its celebrated seafood, before Chesa Veglia offers a return to tradition, where centuries-old architecture and regional specialities honour the culinary heritage of the Swiss Alps.
What To Discover
Summer in St. Moritz is best experienced at an unhurried pace. Browse the designer boutiques of Via Serlas, the resort’s renowned luxury shopping street, before heading onto Lake St. Moritz for a private boat cruise framed by the Engadin peaks. As the afternoon turns to evening, Kulm Country Club sets the scene for aperitivo, while the Valmont Spa at Kulm Hotel offers a restorative retreat with signature treatments and sweeping lake views.
Image credit: The Alpina Gstaad
GSTAAD
Where to stay
Gstaad’s hotels are as distinctive as the village itself, each offering its own interpretation of alpine living. The legendary Gstaad Palace has defined the destination for more than a century, while The Alpina Gstaad combines traditional Swiss craftsmanship with contemporary design and innovative dining concepts. Bringing a fresh perspective to the village, Le Mansard offers an intimate boutique retreat with just 29 individually designed rooms, crowned by a rooftop wellness area with far-reaching Alpine views
Where to dine
Megu introduces contemporary Japanese dining to the Bernese Alps with beautifully executed sushi, robata dishes and an intimate atmosphere. At Gstaad Palace, Le Grill centres around an open charcoal grill serving prime meats and sustainably sourced seafood. Restaurant Sonnenhof is worth the short climb for its seasonal Swiss cuisine and sweeping Saanenland views, while Wasserngrat combines alpine specialities with one of Gstaad’s most spectacular summer terraces.
What To Discover
Lake Lauenensee offers one of the Bernese Oberland’s most idyllic summer escapes, where crystal-clear water, alpine meadows and peaceful walking trails invite unhurried afternoons in nature. Back in the village, the Six Senses Spa at The Alpina Gstaad combines advanced wellness with Alpine-inspired treatments, while Gstaad’s elegant promenade is lined with luxury boutiques, renowned Swiss jewellers and independent stores perfect for an afternoon of browsing.
GENEVA & THE SWISS RIVIERA
Where to stay
The Swiss Riviera is home to some of the country’s most distinguished hotels. In Geneva, The Woodward brings contemporary elegance to the shores of Lake Geneva with its all-suite concept, Guerlain Spa and acclaimed dining. Beau-Rivage Palace has welcomed guests to Lausanne for more than 160 years, while Grand Hotel du Lac offers a more intimate lakeside retreat in Vevey, where Belle Époque charm, Michelin-starred cuisine and tranquil gardens define the experience.
Where to dine
L’Atelier Robuchon invites guests to experience its celebrated counter dining, SACHI brings contemporary Japanese flavours to the Rhône waterfront, and Anne-Sophie Pic reimagines the region’s finest ingredients at Beau-Rivage Palace. Above Montreux, Stéphane Décotterd completes the journey with a cuisine deeply rooted in Swiss terroir and overlooking the shimmering waters of Lake Geneva.
What To Discover
The region reveals its character through culture, landscapes and slow travel. Sample local wines among the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards at Domaine de la Crausaz, explore Geneva’s thriving gallery scene hidden within the Old Town, or step aboard the historic La Suisse for a Belle Époque cruise across Lake Geneva. The journey continues on the GoldenPass Express, where panoramic windows frame vineyards, alpine villages and some of Switzerland’s most spectacular scenery.