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.

GENEVA

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.

The Spa at Beau-Rivage Palace, Switzerland


The U.N. building

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.


MONTREUX

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.

Performance at the Montreux Jazz Cafe

ST. MORITZ
A spa treatment room at St. Moritz Spa

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.



ZERMATT
TOP 10 SKI RESORTS WORLDWIDE
Grand Hotel Zermatterhof
This Swiss resort boasts Old-World charm and modern elegance, combined with a splendid view of the majestic Matterhorn. The slopes are located just minutes from the hotel, which is located in the peaceful village of Zermatt.
Grand Hotel Zermatterhof

ZURICH
One of the unique rooms at the Widder Hotel, Zurich

TOP 10 HOT EUROPEAN HOTELS
Widder Hotel
Created out of ten medieval townhouses surrounding a central courtyard, the Widder Hotel mixes wooden beams and old stone walls with ultra-modern staircases and fittings. The individually decorated rooms make your stay in this unique space akin to residing in an artist's gallery.


HOT HOTEL IN ZURICH
Park Hyatt Zurich
This contemporary hotel exudes a modern and chic décor that maintains clean lines and a soft color palette. Natural elements, such as a lobby bamboo garden, promote tranquility, and the show kitchen and two-story wine library offer a range of gastronomical delights.

A room at Park Hyatt Zurich


GENERAL SWITZERLAND

A whitepod

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

Luxury hotels await.
For a list of hotels in select cities, click here.



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

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(Updated: 06/08/09 KR)


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