Switzerland Vacation Ideas

1. Badrutt's Palace in St. Moritz

Badrutt's Palace is a luxury hotel surrounded by the Swiss Alps in St. Moritz, one of the world's top winter vacation destinations. Visit in December when the town gets festive in preparation for the holidays. The resort features a health spa, indoor & outdoor pools, tennis and golf. In the winter, enjoy challenging skiing, the Palace Ski School and natural ice rink with resident skating instructor. St. Moritz is a charming winter ski vacation destination, complete with gourmet restaurants and designer shops. The St. Moritz area offers numerous vacation activities for outdoor enthusiasts. In the summer a shuttle transports guests to two nearby golf courses with spectacular mountain scenery. There is also horseback riding, mountain climbing, tennis, biking, polo and sailing. The hotel's health club provides fitness classes and personal training.

2. Mandarin Oriental Hotel du Rhone, Geneva

Mandarin Oriental Hotel du Rhone, Geneva is a luxury romantic hotel located on the right bank of the River Rhone in the center of Geneva's business and historic districts. The hotel is a short walk from Geneva's historic old town and its theaters. The hotel has 192 guest rooms and suites, many with scenic views of the river. The elegantly furnished rooms feature art deco touches and Greek marble bathrooms. Chocolate lovers with delight in Creme de Gruyere chocolates served in the rooms on your luxury honeymoon. Guests can work out at the fitness center, indulge in a massage, and relax in the sauna and steam bath.

3. The Beau-Rivage Palace Hotel on Lake Geneva

The Beau-Rivage Palace is a historic spa vacation getaway on the shores of Lake Geneva in Lausanne, Switzerland. Surrounded by ten acres of parkland, the hotel enjoys scenic views of the lake and the French Alps. The building features belle epoque architecture, furnished with antiques and fine reproductions. The hotel has a European spa with eight treatment rooms, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool and a fitness center. For the ultimate indulgence on your spa vacation, book one of the two private spa suites. In the summer, Lausanne offers biking, sailing, tennis, golf and water-skiing on the lake. In the winter, there are several ski resorts a short drive away.

4. Luxury Spa Suites at Grand Resort Hof Ragaz

Grand Resort Hof Ragaz in Switzerland offers luxurious spa suites with in-suite saunas where you can detox and relax as much as you like in the privacy of your own suite. If you are planning a romantic getaway to Europe, treat yourself to couples massages at this unique spa. There are several different accommodations to choose from at Grand Resort. Ask about the Grand Hotel Quellenhof & Spa Suites when booking your stay.

The resort makes it easy to travel with the whole family. While you are relaxing at the spa, kids ages 3 and older can participate in the children's program which includes painting, baking and games for kids of different ages.

5. Hotel de Trois Couronnes on the Shores of Lake Geneva

Hotel de Trois Couronnes is situated along the shores of Lake Geneva in the old town of Vevey, also referred to as the chocolate capital of Switzerland. Its strategic location offers quick access to Switzerland's top attractions such as a chocolate factory, Gruyere town, and Lavaux Vineyard Terraces. The hotel has a total of 71 elegantly appointed guest rooms, including nine Junior Suites and 16 Suites. Ask for one of the 34 rooms and suites which are oriented southwards overlooking Lake Geneva and the Alps. Restaurant Les Trois Couronnes has a terrace overlooking the lake and the Alps and offers Mediterranean and fine local cuisine. Spa Lounge serves light, healthy meals. The Veranda Bar entertains guests with live music, cocktails and light snacks with views of the lake and the Alps.

6. Riffelalp Resort

Riffelalp Resort is a secluded mountain hotel near the ski town of Zermatt. The hotel is surrounded by hills, dense forests, and snow or green fields, depending on the season. The resort is set in one of the most scenic spots in Europe. Guests enjoy direct views of the Matterhorn from the rooms and suites. Those who love nature, solitude and skiing will fall in love with this resort instantly. The ski hotel has a private tram and ski-in/ski-out access to the slopes of Zermatt.

7. Lausanne Palace

Lausanne Palace and Spa is a luxury property located on one of Europe's most famous lakes: Lake Geneva. The hotel is close to the best attractions in Lausanne: Palais de Beaulieu, International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Museum. This luxury 5-star property is just 500 meters from Lausanne Cathedral and the Historical Museum. This is a fine getaway for everybody who wants to spend a few days in luxury with stunning views of the Alps, forests and the lake all around them. There are 31 suites and 116 bedrooms. Ask for a room or a suite overlooking the lake for the most dramatic views. Each room has been individually decorated in classical style. Luxuries like marble fireplaces and spacious layouts make this property a great place to stay. Specialty suites include: the Coco Chanel, Samaranch, Contemporary, Presidential, Corner, Deluxe and the Classic Suite.

8. The Chedi Andermatt

Located in the charming village of Andermatt in the Urseren Valley in the Swiss Alps at 4,747 feet (1,447 m) above sea level, The Chedi Andermatt is a magnificent five-star luxury resort that offers 123 opulent, modern rooms and suites. The hotel has an unusual blend of Asian and Alpine décor, with a mix of leather and stone in its rooms and spacious yet cozy common spaces where large fireplaces invite guests to relax after a day on the slopes. It has four gourmet restaurants, bars, a health club, and a full-service spa. There is an outdoor swimming pool for the warmer months. The Nätschen ski lift is just next door, as is the Andermatt train station, ready to take the resort’s distinguished guests to the surrounding ski slopes and villages.

Gotthardstrasse 4, 6490 Andermatt, Switzerland, Phone: +41 41 888 74 88,

9. Mont Cervin Palace

The newly-renovated 5-star Mont Cervin Palace hotel is located at the foot of the Matterhorn in the heart of the pedestrian-only village of Zermatt in Switzerland. Winter in Zermatt is a dream come true for those who love skiing, snowboarding, skating, sledding and other snow sports. For a better well-being and long lasting relaxation, treat and soothe your mind, body and soul at MCP Spa. The Swiss spa offers massages, facial, body, hand and foot treatments using high quality products.

10. Fairmont Le Montreux Palace

Fairmont Le Montreux Palace is a spa and culinary getaway on the shores of Lake Geneva. Built in 1096, the hotel offers personalized service and sweeping views of the Swiss Alps. The property is an hour's drive from the Geneva Cointrin International Airport. There are 236 rooms, including 185 guestrooms and 51 suites furnished with five star amenities. Ask for a room with a veranda overlooking the water. La Terrasse du Petit Palais has views of the lake and the Alps. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner of salads from the resort's organic garden, as well as fresh meat and grilled fish. Enjoy refreshments and ice cream during afternoons. La Palmeraie overlooks the mountains and the lake and serves light snacks, coffee, tea and fruit juices. Swiss specialties and international cuisine is offered at the hotel's gourmet brasserie, La Brasserie du Palace.