Chocolate and cheese may tease you into considering Switzerland for your next vacay. However, It’s the scenery that’ll have you throwing your dollar bills on a flight…
This country plays host to jaw-dropping vistas, sky-high gondolas, well-trodden mountain trails, and trains that unveil scenery like the reveal at the end of a makeover show.
In fact, Switzerland’s attractive landscape is like a natural makeover. After a couple of days, you can’t help but feel more beautiful too.
We’re all about effortless travel so we’re declaring these luxe outdoor hotel pools as the most utterly fabulous way to soak up Switzerland’s iconic mountain scenery.
TONIC WATER
Never has swimming laps been more appealing than at the infinity pool of Park Hotel Vitznau. The turquoise waters appear an extension of Lake Lucerne, with panoramic forested peaks framing the horizon. It doesn’t hurt that a quick glance backwards reveals the property’s grand architecture and sophisticated opulence. The heated pool provides the perfect tonic to any mountain activities, alongside the steam room, ice bath, and Jacuzzi.
SULPHUR, SO GOOD
If you’re visiting the unspoiled Simmental Valley, a stay at the Lenkerhof is highly recommended. Consider it as endorsed as sampling every type of Swiss chocolate available (challenge accepted?). The hot springs are the star attraction here, with travellers visiting from around the world for their healing properties. The high minerals in the water work their magic while you soak in vistas of the incredible mountain backdrop.
A DESIGNER SPLASH
You need an ‘epic pool’ photo when in Switzerland. Y’know, the one where you rest against the edge of an infinity pool, looking outwards at an awe-inspiring landscape? The Hotel Rigi Kaltbad has it! Their fabulous spa by famed Swiss architect Mario Botta overlooks Lake Lucerne. The pool is, in fact, a mineral bath, with the therapeutic 34c waters piped in from a nearby spring. This designer spa is healing on both a physical and mental level.
POOL, LA LA
A splurge at a Six Senses Spa is on many a travel list. Add in the tranquil outdoor pool and the Bernese Oberland’s lush greenery, and you’ve got a dream property to obsess over. A stay at the grand Alpina Gstaad is complemented by the east-meets-west vibes of Switzerland’s only Six Senses Spa. Their hammam has a salt room, hydrotherapy, colour therapy, and more. We love the Alpina Gstaad’s sustainability focus too.
ONCE UPON A TIME
Switzerland Tourism/ Christian Perret
We dare you to visit the Villa Honegg website and not picture yourself sitting in the bubbling infinity hot tub, bubbly in hand. At close to 1,000m above sea level, this boutique property is all about that high life, spa style. With Lake Lucerne and the Alps surrounding this luxury 23-room accommodation, it’s easy to be swept up into a fairytale reality. It seems in Switzerland, dreams really do come true (and that also extends to the breakfast here).
THE HIGH LIFE
Since opening its doors in 1884, the Riffelap Resort 2222m has attracted guests with promises of lavishness and style. As you climb to the property’s altitude of (you guessed it) 2222m, you reconfigure to the Alps pace of life. You’re assisted royally with the extensive spa, but the piece de resistance is the Riffelap’s pool. As Europe’s highest outdoor pool it offers exquisite views of Matterhorn.
To discover more ways to soak up the best of Switzerland’s stunning scenery, visit myswitzerland.com.