To "Be Switzerland" is a phrase used to indicate perfect neutrality and it springs to mind as being rather apt for me as J5Travel continues to advise clients who wish to travel internationally that they should be vaccinated against Covid. It's a fact that is becoming clearer every day that vaccination is the key to opening up the world and this is likely to remain a fact for years to come. But that's it. Just simple advice based on our view of travel only.
Despite legitimate concerns about the Delta strain in recent weeks, the surge we have in bookings for 2022 is real and we remain optimistic that this current Covid strain spike and future ones will be smaller each time and eventually not be a factor. The big picture remains that we are on a path back to traveling again, albeit with some stricter requirements.
So the team here honestly tries to remain "Swiss" in nature, and please feel free to ask us on any aspect of Covid travel. We will only answer with facts.
And talking of Switzerland, I have neglected to mention so far that this is another European country that is now open to vaccinated travelers from USA. I will celebrate that with a quick tour of the absolute best Virtuoso hotel properties in this beautiful country of cheese, chocolate, mountains, lakes and the most punctual train network on the planet.
Photo below is of my little Swiss mascot who I have had ever since my early financial days in London when I was a Swiss Franc trader!
Top 5 - Switzerland Hotels
There are 43 Virtuoso properties in tiny Switzerland. Here's 5 of the best you probably haven't heard of.
Virtuoso amenities such as resort credit, room upgrades, complimentary massages and early check-in/late check-out are complimentary at all of these properties.
1. Park Hotel Vitznau (above and below)
A Swiss icon, Park Hotel Vitznau luxury that has been a century in the making. Standing along the banks of Lake Lucerne, the 47-suite Health & Wealth Residence looks as refreshed as the clients who indulge in the spa’s circuit of pools and saunas. Other extravagances include dining at award-winning restaurants, taking a sommelier-led tour through the six wine cellars, and plunging into the heated infinity-edge pool, which also has mountain views that take your breath away.
2. Widder Hotel (above and below)
For those who love fashion and design, Widder Hotel is a dream destination in Zürich. First, there's the ideal shopping location, near the city’s finest shops along the Bahnhofstrasse. Then, there’s the contemporary architecture and high-tech amenities that engage you once you’re inside these original 12th- to 18th-century buildings – think Eames, Le Corbusier, and Mies van der Rohe; lush fabrics; and medieval frescoes. The Widder Bar & Kitchen serves its famous drinks and flavors from around the world. The Restaurant-Boucherie AuGust is a casual hot spot for meat lovers, and there is also the Swiss tavern Wirtschaft zur Schtund.
3. Villa Principe Leopoldo (above and below)
Villa Principe Leopoldo, Member of Relais & Châteaux, is blessed with a balmy climate, a stunning lake, mountain scenery, and infinite pleasures – from fabulous food and fine wines to numerous leisure activities. The five-star, all-suite hotel is characterized by its strong Italian spirit and Mediterranean style, exhibited in each of its suites. This is due to its location in Lugano, close to the Italian border. Highly sought after by gourmets, Principe Leopoldo Restaurant offers passionately created cuisine that conveys the quality of its ingredients and the traditional, authentic methods of its preparation. In this setting, you cannot help but feel like royalty.
4. Castello del Sole (above and below)
Discover an Alpine oasis at Castello del Sole, nestled within a 35-acre estate on the edge of Lake Maggiore. Located just 85 miles from Zurich, this historic, 79-room hotel – originally a Franciscan monastery built in 1532 – boasts a private beach, beautiful garden, and a bird sanctuary that inspires serenity. Go hiking, play tennis, or tour the rice fields before a risotto-making lesson with the chef. Plus, indulge in vino-aqua spa therapy using ingredients from the on-site vineyards.
5. 7132 Hotel (above and below)
Finally, the chance to switch off and have some time to yourself – and suddenly it all comes together. The impressive architecture. The ancient beauty of the mountains all around. The service, attentive yet never intrusive. A unique experience for the mind, body and senses, wherever you are: relaxing in the award-winning Thermal Baths, dining in the 7132 Restaurants or listening live to original New York jazz. Located in Vals, The 7132 Hotel is an homage to all that is real and true. Check in, and you’ll be part of it too.
I love travel and I love travel planning just as much and I am proud to be building a team as passionate about exploring the world as myself. It took me a very long time to align my career with my undeniable passion for exploring, but now I and the team are here for you. Your personal travel tailors - award reservation and luxury custom itinerary experts. We provide a bespoke service, imagining and creating itineraries for independent minded families and groups.
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