Discovering the Splendor of Switzerland: Becky’s Inspiring Trip

Wine Tasting & Luxury at Baur au Lac

The adventure began at Baur au Lac in Zurich. This hotel is the epitome of luxury and class. Nestled along the shores of Lake Zurich, this iconic hotel exudes timeless elegance and offers unparalleled service, making every guest feel like they truly belong. Over her two-night stay, Becky was captivated by the stunning property where every detail flaunted sophistication without any pretentiousness. Becky’s group kicked off their stay with a delightful wine tasting at Baur au Lac Vins guided by world champion sommelier Marc Almert. This exclusive experience set the tone for the journey, introducing Becky and her group to the sophisticated flavors of Swiss wine.

Becky’s Pro Tip: For a unique twist, the hotel can arrange a boat ride across Lake Zurich to their wine shop in Männedorf for another tasting, making the experience even more memorable. Reach out for more details!



Exploring Zurich

The next day started with a hearty breakfast at Baur au Lac before Becky’s group embarked on a historic city tour of Zurich with Zurich Tourism. The tour was a walk through time, highlighting Münsterhof Square where Winston Churchill once visited. Wandering around the city, Becky passed by charming chocolate shops and marveled at a unique art installation featuring tiny paintings on discarded chewing gum along the sidewalks.

Lunch at Haus Hiltl, the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant, was a culinary delight that Becky highly recommends to any foodie, vegetarian or not. In the afternoon, Becky’s group indulged in a chocolate-making workshop at Lindt where they donned little hats and crafted their own chocolate bars – a fun activity for families! The day concluded with a fabulous preset three-course dinner at the invite-only Kronenhalle, a historic restaurant adorned with stunning artworks including pieces by Picasso. The dining experience was enhanced by a delicious traditional Swiss meal and the chocolate mousse for dessert was one of the best Becky has ever tasted.

Becky’s Pro Tip: Guests of Baur au Lac have the opportunity to dine at Kronenhalle upon request and availability.



Alpine Adventure & Culinary Surprises

The following day the group drove to the mountains to stay at Cresta Palace in Celerina, a ski-in ski-out hotel just down the road from St. Moritz. (The drive through hairpin turns is not for the faint of heart, so Becky recommends bringing Dramamine if you’re prone to car sickness!) Dinner at the hotel featured an unexpected, yet phenomenal, Thai menu at ASIA 75, crafted by their talented Thai chef in a beautiful garden room setting. The authenticity and quality of the food were a delightful surprise in the Swiss mountains.

Luxury in St. Moritz

The journey continued to St. Moritz where the group enjoyed a tour with the St. Moritz tourism team, sipping hot chocolate and soaking in the breathtaking mountain views. The town exudes a blend of quaint charm and high-end luxury, with shops like Hermes nestled among chalet-style buildings. A highlight was a horse carriage ride through the town and woods, offering a magical winter experience. The ride, complete with horse bells and blankets, took Becky’s group alongside cross-country skiers and around a picturesque lake.

Lunch at Langosteria, a slope side seafood paradise with Italian influences, was another culinary highlight. They savored a seafood tower and unique dishes like a crunchy tiramisu. Becky even tried a snail for the second time (and is still not a fan). The day ended with a funicular ride to Muottas Muragl for aperitif followed by dinner in the Kronenstübli restaurant at the historic Grand Hotel Kronenhof in nearby Pontresina.



Historical Charm at Kulm Country Club & 7132 Hotel

Back in St. Moritz, Becky and her group had lunch at the Kulm Country Club, part of the Kulm Hotel. The club’s historical winter sports memorabilia that hung on the walls added a unique touch to their delicious shared lunch, which included perch with purple cabbage slaw, Becky’s favorite dish from the meal.

In the afternoon they drove to Vals, a lesser toured mountain town, for their stay at 7132 Hotel. This luxurious yet cozy hotel offered a warm welcome and a Michelin-star restaurant, Silver, featuring creative dishes and impeccable service. Becky took part in their “Dine Around” experience, which began in the kitchen with inventive snacks and aperitifs followed by a main dining room feast including breaded fish, steak, and an array of sides and wines, and ended with dessert in the lounge. The experience typically also includes a visit to the wine cellar!

Midnight bathing in the thermal spa was another unforgettable experience at 7132, with warm waters and falling snowflakes creating a magical ambiance. The thermal pools, each with different temperatures, are a major attraction of the hotel.

Becky’s Pro Tip: One of the ultimate luxury experiences at 7132 is their  “Beyond the Clouds” package featuring a stay in one of the hotel’s penthouse suites, a roundtrip helicopter transfer, aperitif on a glacier, and a private chef experience in a secluded natural setting. For more information, get in touch!



Romantic Getaways & Culinary Delights

Vals continued to impress with a full fondue experience at the 7132 Glenner (one of the 7132 Hotel’s sister properties) and an adventurous helicopter ride offering spectacular views. (FYI, there’s also an option for a gourmet picnic on the mountain top!) Becky also explored the tiny village of Vals, enjoyed local cuisine at a slope side restaurant, and experienced the pure coziness of 7132 Hotel’s services.

Becky’s Pro Tip: All the 7132 Hotel properties are dedicated to luxury and unique experiences, making them some of Becky’s top picks for an ideal romantic getaway.



Hotel Highlights

**Don’t forget to use our Virtuoso Hotel Booking Portal or email us to us to book your stay with exclusive amenities (where applicable).**

B2 Hotel (Zurich): A former brewery turned hotel featuring a library with 33,000 books and impeccable service. This 4-star hotel offers a cool co-working and event space, making it perfect for book lovers and business travelers alike – part of why we picked this hotel for Book Club Journeys!

Widder Hotel (Zurich): Connected old townhouses full of character, providing a unique and charming stay. A 5-star hotel!

The Storchen (Zurich): Another great property where Becky enjoyed cocktails and a light afternoon snack. Another 5-star stay!

Baur au Lac (Zurich): Epitomizes luxury and class with stunning suites and top-notch service. This 5-star hotel offers unique keys for each room, an extensive breakfast buffet, and a three-course dinner that shouldn’t be missed. It’s a perfect choice for those seeking elegance without feeling stuffy. The suites were breathtaking, with each room beautifully decorated by a new designer every decade. The latest redesign favors blush and pink tones, creating a soft, inviting ambiance. Each section of the hotel has a distinct aesthetic, adding unique character to the property.

Cresta Palace Hotel (Celerina): Ideal for ski enthusiasts, offering a true ski-in, ski-out experience. The 4-star hotel’s relaxed luxury vibe is complemented by kids’ activities, a beautiful spa, and multiple dining options including a Thai restaurant and a fondue experience.

Grand Hotel Kronenhof (St. Moritz): A historic and eclectic 5-star hotel with unique spaces and an outstanding dining experience. The hotel features lounges, a smoking room, a main dining hall with fresco ceilings, and even a bowling alley.

7132 Hotel (Vals): A 5-star luxury thermal spa hotel focused on relaxation, stunning views, and gourmet food. The rooms feature signature spa suites with round tubs, steam showers, and huge balconies. The hotel also offers unique dining experiences, including a Michelin-star restaurant and the exclusive “Beyond the Clouds” package.

7132 House of Architects (Vals): Sister property that’s attached to the 7132 Hotel and a great cost-effective option if you want to take advantage of 7132’s dining and spa, but don’t have the budget for the spa suites.

7132 Glenner (Vals): A boutique sister property to 7132 Hotel in the heart of Vals village. Come for the outdoors, stay for the cozy vibes and delicious food.

Becky’s trip to Switzerland was a journey of discovery filled with luxurious accommodations, incredible culinary experiences, and stunning natural beauty.

At Nova Vista, we’re passionate about creating personalized travel experiences that leave lasting memories and we look forward to helping you plan your own Swiss adventure and discovering the enchanting wonders of Switzerland!