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 mountains, cheese, chocolate, cuckoo clocks and bankers. It's the birthplace of the Red Cross, it has a history of neutrality, and it enjoys a very low crime rate. Because of its distinct topography of pristine peaks and midland plateaus, punctuated with rivers, meadows, forests, lakes and valleys, in winter the country enjoys a ski town ethos and a hiking culture in summer. The links below, we hope, will help you get a grasp of Switzerland'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

CITY SIGHTS SANS STRESS
72 Hours in 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. Click here for more details.

Performance at the Montreux Jazz Cafe

ST. MORITZ
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.


WINTER WONDERLAND
Badrutt's Palace Hotel
A Swiss Alps darling, this classic resort draws both celebrities and avid skiers with its nine surrounding ski areas—which feature downhill slopes and an Olympic ski-jumping hill—private ice rink and trendy eateries such as a Nobu outpost.
Badrutt's Palace Hotel

ZURICH

Park Hyatt Zurich

HOTEL FEATURE
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.


GENERAL SWITZERLAND


SNOW CAMP
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.

A whitepod

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 you at this website.
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: 05/08/08 ET)

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