Holiday getaway ideas: Away from the crowds*

Contents:

• The art of living on the Lake Geneva Riviera

• Bella Italia in the southern valleys of Graubünden

• Spring awakening around Lake Constance

• Travelling off the beaten track is well worth it

Savoir-vivre on the Lake Geneva Riviera

Mediterranean flair can be found not only in the ‘Sunny Canton’ but also in the enchanting region around Lake Geneva. Take, for example, the lakeside promenade of the Vaud Riviera, with its lakeshore lined with palm trees, cacti and exotic flowers. Or the vineyard terraces of Lavaux, which not only set wine lovers’ hearts racing but also invite you to take leisurely strolls with views of Lake Geneva. Or how about a trip to the Jet d’Eau in Geneva?

Hotel recommendations in the region:

• Le Mirador Resort & Spa *****: Perched high above Lake Geneva, this 5-star resort delights guests with spectacular panoramic views and a 1,700 m² wellness and spa centre.

• Hôtel de la Paix Lausanne ****: The Hôtel de la Paix in Lausanne enjoys one of the best locations in the city and offers a magnificent view of Lake Geneva.

Bella Italia in the southern valleys of Graubünden

When there is still snow on the Bernina and spring is awakening down in the valley, Valposchiavo is particularly charming. In the south-easternmost corner of Switzerland, nestled between glaciers and palm trees, lies the historic Valposchiavo. As well as striking mountains and crystal-clear mountain lakes, the region delights visitors with its cosy villages, orchards and olive groves – a touch of Italian charm included... 

Travel tip: Hop aboard the world-famous Bernina Express and enjoy the three-and-a-half-hour journey from Chur to Poschiavo, passing impressive engineering structures, deep gorges, glaciers and deep-blue mountain lakes.

Hotel recommendations in the region:

• Swiss Historic Hotel Albrici: A historic hotel in Poschiavo. Be sure to try the homemade wood-fired pizzas.
• RASELLI Sport Hotel: Run by the fourth generation of the family, offering home-cooked Puschlav cuisine, free bike hire and entry to the Poschiavo indoor swimming pool.

Spring Awakening around Lake Constance

Spring in the Lake Constance region is a time of floral magic. From April to May, the plum, cherry, pear and apple trees come into bloom, transforming the landscape into a colourful sea of blossoms. It’s the perfect setting for romantic walks or relaxing boat trips on the lake. Those who prefer a more active break can enjoy the 270 km Lake Constance Lakeside Trail.

Hotel recommendations in the region:

• Wellnesshotel Golf Panorama ****(s): One of the best wellness hotels in Switzerland, featuring a 2,000 m² wellness & spa centre and excellent gourmet cuisine.

• Hotel de Charme Römerhof ***: Situated in the heart of Arbon, the Hotel de Charme Römerhof offers 11 cosy rooms and an excellent gourmet restaurant.

Travelling off the beaten track is well worth it

Those who travel off the beaten track not only benefit from the peace and quiet, but also from better hotel rates. This is particularly true with a HotelCard: on hotelcard.ch, 500 hotels offer their available rooms to HotelCard holders with discounts of up to 50 per cent. In this way, the hotels increase their room occupancy during off-peak periods and enable HotelCard customers to stay at affordable rates all year round.