TRAVEL GUIDE: SWITZERLAND

The hills are indeed alive with the sound of music in the country officially known as the Swiss Federation. But multilingual Switzerland, where German, French, Italian and Romanian are spoken, offers so much more than cheese, chocolate, cuckoo clocks and bankers. For starters, it's the birthplace of the Red Cross with a history of neutrality and a very low crime rate. The region's distinct topography of pristine peaks and midland plateaus are punctuated with rivers, meadows, forests, lakes and valleys—in winter the country enjoys a ski town ethos, and in summer a hiking culture. Peruse our sections below to help get a grasp of the country's unique way of life.

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TOP 10 SPA HOTELS WORLDWIDE Beau-Rivage Palace The hotel's Cinq Mondes Spa serves up a treatment menu that draws on therapies from around the world. There is something for everyone, from the tropical shower promenade and relaxation room to the indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

72-HOUR VACATION Geneva Between the parallel craggy peaks of the Alps and Jura Mountains lies Lake Geneva (Lac Léman to the locals) with its postcard-famous waterspout. The city that shares its name has earned an international reputation by housing the Red Cross and the headquarters for the United Nations.

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SMOOTH LISTENING Montreux Jazz Festival In its 41st year, this acclaimed jazz festival brings together greats like Seal and Tori Amos to provide quality tunes for sax and piano fans.

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SPA FEATURE SPA FEATURE St. Moritz Spa This alpine habitat has something for everyone. Skiers can enjoy a sports massage after a day on the slopes, while spa-enthusiasts can indulge in the Aroma Grotto or the Biosauna—a perfect cross between the dry Finnish sauna and hot steam bath.

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BOOK A ROOM Hotels in Switzerland Whether it's the skiing, massages or sense of history that lured you to Switzerland, there's a hotel that meets all of your needs. Find your perfect accommodations using these reviews, ratings and room photos.

TOP 10 EXTREME HOTELS Whitepod Eco-Resort If camping in the snow sounds like your type of an adventure, this winter resort offers dome-shaped pods—accessible only via skis or a snowshoe trek—that stay toasty warm with a wood-burning stove and have private front terraces.

REST UP The Best Spas in Switzerland Few countries are as relaxing as Switzerland with its serene landscape, but since relaxation can never be overdone, go all out at one of these spas. Deluxe Hotels For a list of hotels in select cities, click here.

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The top left and top middle images are courtesy of Switzerland Tourism. Visit the official website of Switzerland.

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(Updated: 05/29/12 KK)