Cool oases
Hiking in Pontresina, the spa in Saanen, fine dining in Lenk – and all in pleasant temperatures. While the heat builds up in the lowlands, the coolness you’re longing for is available in the mountains. And with the promotion from "Switzerland Tourism", you can look forward to attractive and exclusive offers.
"S’Bärneroberland"
Rustic chalets, lakes, forests and the Alps in the background: The Bernese Oberland has lots to offer in terms of scenery and recreation – especially in the midsummer when it’s time to escape the heat. More pleasant temperatures prevail at over 1,000 meters above sea level – in Saanen, for example. The recommendation from "Switzerland Tourism": the "Golfhotel Les Hauts de Gstaad & SPA", the best address for what its name promises. Those looking for a hideaway in the region with a pool and beautiful gardens in which to linger should feel at home at "The Alpina Gstaad". A little further up and in an even more bracing climate is the "Lenkerhof Gourmet & Spa Resort". Enjoy your summer to the full in the famous winter sports resort: hikes with views of the perennial snow followed by relaxing beauty and spa treatments. And the best culinary delights are also available: Italian classics, simple Swiss gourmet cuisine and French haute cuisine await you at three separate restaurants.
La Suisse romande
Speaking of French: At Saas-Fee, you can experience the world of the mountains with superb views of the western Alps. "The Capra", the hotel recommended by "Switzerland Tourism" in this region, offers a perfect combination of chalet flair and five-star luxury. Personalized treatments in the spa, a brasserie with excellent traditional dishes and an extensive wine cellar, together with the pleasant mountain air, ensure the best relaxation. Closer to Geneva and Lausanne is the "Hôtel des Horlogers" in Le Brassus – a small village in the Vallée de Joux. Discover landscapes reminiscent of both the Canadian wilderness and the Scottish Highlands on hikes that are guaranteed to cure you of your wanderlust. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a touch of glamour and luxury, you’re certain to feel as at home at the "Villars Palace" in the mountain resort of Villars-sur-Ollon as the countless international stars who have enjoyed staying there over the last century have. During the day, spend wonderful hours in the great outdoors, on the golf course or in the surrounding mountains – always with the exceptional views of the Alps. In the evening, treat yourself to an exclusive dinner, relax at the spa or visit the ever-popular live events and art exhibitions: from Hugo Pratt to Jimmy Nelson and Hergé – as far as culture goes, there’s something to suit every taste.
♪ Heidi, Heidi … ♫
Hergé’s Tintin visited Switzerland with his companion Snowy, spending time in Nyon to be precise, although the mountains were more of a backdrop to his adventures. For Johanna Spyri, by contrast, the romantic world of the mountains always takes center stage in her Heidi novels. Thomas Mann also set his world-famous "Magic Mountain" in Davos, and for Stefan Zweig, the idyllic heights of the Grisons are a paradise on earth. Therefore, if you aren’t only looking to cool off but you’re also seeking inspiration, Grisons is the place for you. In Arosa, "Switzerland Tourism" recommends the "Tschuggen Grand Hotel" and the "Valsana Hotel". If you would like to stay at a location that’s a little higher up and cooler, the "Hotel Reine Victoria" and the "Badrutt’s Palace Hotel" in St. Moritz await you with tranquility, excellent cuisine and feather-soft beds. Relax in the "7132 House of Architects" where the famous mineral water bubbles up from the ground: The unique hotel in Vals was designed by four star architects and is a superb example of individuality – each room is unique.
La dolce vita
For a particularly intense holiday feeling with opportunities to cool off right on your doorstep, "Switzerland Tourism" recommends Ticino – particularly the city of Lugano: The lake invites you to swim and the shady forests on the surrounding mountain slopes are perfect for a walk, also at higher temperatures. Lugano is home to three special hotels: the "Hotel City Lugano" for a straightforward stay, the "Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola", which promises luxurious indulgence for all the senses nestling right on the lake, and the "Swiss Diamond Hotel Lake Lugano", which has comfortable deckchairs on the shore ready for you to use. If you love spending time by the water, you should also consider spending a few days at the "Hotel Eden Roc" in Ascona. "Switzerland’s only true beach resort" awaits you with a pool, lake and excellent views.
Discover summery Switzerland in pleasant coolness and enjoy your holidays with "Switzerland Tourism" and American Express Selects.
