As February approaches, love is in the air, sparking the desire for a romantic retreat that becomes impossible to resist. Picture this – indulging in sumptuous candlelit dinners, sipping bubbles with glittering lake views and unwinding in a modern alpine spa with endless treatment options. From a fairytale hideaway perched above Lake Lucerne to a rustic hillside estate in Morcote, our curated guide promises an unforgettable escape, bound to reignite the romance.
Lounge © Relais Castello Morcote
Relais Castello di Morcote, Morcote, Switzerland
Nestled in the heart of the charming Swiss town of Morcote, Relais Castello di Morcote emerges as a hillside haven for romance along the shores of Lake Lugano. The former seventeenth-century convent, now a design-led hotel, exudes an atmosphere of quiet luxury with lush vineyards and endless lake views that stimulate relaxation and peacefulness. Inside, the interiors seamlessly blend original rustic architecture with contemporary details, creating an ambiance akin to an upscale agroturismo. Two gastronomic venues, La Sorgente and Vicania, beckon with authentic local cuisine, one nestled inside the Relais with a splendid terrace overlooking the lake, the other immersed in the verdant greenery of the vineyard. For a romantic experience, the hotel offers a variety of options, including wine tasting in the hotel’s very own winery, visits to the medieval castle surrounded by vineyards or why not embark on electric mountain bike adventure, creating lasting memories with loved ones.
Exterior © Château Gütsch
Château Gütsch, Lucerne, Switzerland
Perched atop a dramatic hillside overlooking Lake Lucerne, Château Gütsch unfolds as a modern fairy-tale castle with exceptional gourmet credentials. In 2014, the esteemed designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard breathed new life into the hotel, blending modern prints, bold colors, and elegant Gustavian antique furnishings that pay homage to its age-old heritage. The 27 rooms and suites showcase a charming French orangerie décor, while on the ground floor, the standout American Bar is a masterpiece boasting Bullard’s iconic Adras ikat wallpaper, plush furnishings, and utterly romantic views of Lake Lucerne. Accessible via an enchanting stone corridor, the recently renovated Lumieres restaurant, led by head Chef Ludovico di Vivo, reflects a talented chef’s pride in offering contemporary Mediterranean cuisine with precision and creative flair. Chef Ludovico, formerly of the Capri Palace in Italy, crafts an explosive menu with flavorsome dishes like scallop carpaccio with Jerusalem artichoke in a black truffle broth, and Mezzo Pacchero pasta with courgette and Sicilian prawns. With its elevated setting and a gastronomic restaurant catering to discerning tastes, this is the ultimate food lover’s escape.
Lobby at Suvretta House © Suvretta House
Suvretta House, St. Moritz, Switzerland
Rising majestically from the trees of the Upper Engadine mountains, Suvretta House is a haven for those in search of a storybook escape in the glamorous town of St. Moritz. Originally opened in 1912, this alpine masterpiece seamlessly blends old-world grandeur with the welcoming ambiance of an alpine country club, boasting refined interiors curated by English designer Sue Freeman. The hotel’s 181 rooms and suites showcase an elegant design complemented by spectacular mountain views, while the contemporary 1,700-square-meter spa beckons with an expansive indoor pool, an outdoor whirlpool, and a variety of sauna and steam room experiences. Indulgence continues at the Grand Restaurant, where candlelit dinners and impeccable service create a romantic dining experience. Meanwhile, the cozy Suvretta Stube invites guests to savor Swiss specialties in a chalet-inspired hideout. And after an exhilarating day on the slopes, guests can choose between two of the hotel’s off-site mountain restaurants: Chasellas, offering graceful plates with seasonal and Mediterranean influences, and the rustic Trutz, tempting with traditional Swiss cuisine, including mouthwatering favorites like the Rösti with cheese, bacon, and fried egg.
Spa © Le Grand Bellevue
Le Grand Bellevue, Gstaad, Switzerland
Located between the lush rolling hills and alpine peaks of the Bernese Oberland, Le Grand Bellevue stands as a modern palace amidst Gstaad’s chalet-lined streets. Originally built in 1912, the grand hotel underwent a visionary transformation, now offering 57 stylish rooms with neutral tones and stunning alpine views. Public spaces showcase a British eccentric style with eclectic furnishings and playful color schemes. Culinary enthusiasts are in for a treat at Leonard’s, the art-deco-inspired restaurant exuding a 1920s ambiance, where Chef Francesco de Bartolomeis crafts international favorites, while Sushi Master Takehiko Yoshikawa impresses with flavorsome Japanese dishes at the hotel’s sushi bar. And perfect for a Valentine’s retreat, the hotel’s subterranean spa, one of central Switzerland’s largest, boasts an expansive indoor swimming pool, 17 heat therapy experiences, and the alluring Alpine Spa Suite, complete with a Rasul steam room and hydro-massage bath.
Lake view room © Grand hotel du Lac Vevey
Grand Hôtel du Lac, Vevey, Switzerland
It’s no wonder Charlie Chaplin found solace in the town of Vevey, Switzerland — the enchanting setting that forms the backdrop to the Grand Hotel du Lac, nestled along the shores of Lake Geneva. Originally built in 1868 and gracefully renovated in 2006 by famed interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, the hotel seamlessly blends Belle Époque charm with modern elegance. Each of the 50 guestrooms, adorned in refreshing tones and floral wallpapers, offer an ambiance that ignites romance, complete with French doors leading to balconies offering captivating views across the lake. The intimate Restaurant EMOTIONS by Guy Ravet offers creative dishes featuring regional products and seasonal ingredients. Especially for the month of love, guests can indulge in the restaurant’s exclusive Valentine’s Day menu, designed to awaken taste buds with invigorating flavors. And for a truly indulgent experience, the hotel’s LA MAISON VALMONT spa beckons with world-class treatments, housed in a luxurious wellness area with a hammam, sauna, and cozy relaxation room.
