H Stories

The search for the perfect winter sports destination ends here and if it’s action you’re after, this is THE place to be. Upbeat but down-played.

Once upon a time, the magnificent Bellevue Palace, in the heart of the Swiss capital, Bern, was sold for 1 Swiss Franc. You might think: what a shame I couldn’t buy it myself! But the Swiss did find a clever way to do it, and therefore today, they technically own it. A smart move – maybe it’s not a coincidence that Einstein used to live five minutes from here!

Lucerne is a city that whispers tales of time, where the azure waters of the eponymous lake flirt with quaint urban spires, all under the vigilant gaze of the majestic Alps. But there’s a vantage point, an apex from which this narrative unfolds most splendidly: the grand suites at the Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern.

While politicians flock to the Bundeshaus, our beauty expert is drawn to another one of the capital’s attractions, and she’s ready to cast her vote on Bern’s top spa at the Schweizerhof Hotel. Quiet, everybody, there’s a beauty session underway!

What could be better these days than immersing yourself in the snowy countryside, stopping off at the best chefs, exploring the mountains on skis and toasting to the sunny side of life – all on this road trip.

Ticino’s biggest city has long been renowned for its parks, flower gardens and villas. Over the past few years, however, it has also gained a reputation for its cultural offering. Located between Zurich and Milan, Lugano today combines scenic beauty with an extensive range of cultural activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether your interest lies in nature, history, art or sociology, the region’s 36 museums are sure to delight and enthral any culture fan with a wide-ranging programme of exhibitions and events throughout the year.

The success story began in the 1930s, when Mürren master shoemaker Fritz von Allmen ran out of work in the off season. ‘This mountain business with all its unproductive working time,’ he wrote in his diary in desperation. To get by, the businessman started manufacturing ski boots for the local Kandahar ski racing club.

There’s no eye-catching sign, no imposing driveway: only a modest wrought-iron gate to the right of the lakeside road in Gargnano that points those in the know to Villa Feltrinelli.

It’s a short, but transformative journey on the aerial walkway connecting the plush Tschuggen Grand Hotel to the Bergoase Spa with its iconic light sails. For you’re not leaving comfort behind – you’re on your way to experience wellness in a whole new way.

As an exquisite tribute to late filmmaker Yash Chopra who brought the beauty of Interlaken to the silver screen, an eponymous suite transports guests to a world of opulence and glamour, reminiscent of the director’s lavish film sets.

Arriving at the destination. Here is the famous Asian Alpine style: the façade of the Chedi, made of wood and glass, is decidedly modern but cosy. The atmosphere, upon entering, is intimate and enveloping despite the five-metre ceilings and huge spaces.

Down to earth and up in Arosa… destination WELL-BEING! Unpretentious, authentic –that’s Arosa... Chill and let the good times roll... on the slopes, on the streets or at the spa. Take it easy. That’s Arosa style.

Small region, great wines: the 420-hectare area falls mainly within the Bündner Herrschaft and the Rhine Valley. Smaller vineyards in Graubünden can be found in the remote Misox region bordering Ticino. Their main cultivars are Pinot noir, but the region is characteristically exciting, cultivating a variety of wines.

Arosa is notorious for its après-ski culture. But can connoisseurs with higher standards also find bliss and satisfaction? Join us for a curated tour, bar-hopping through this idyllic Alpine village.

A magnet for artists, poets, writers and esoterics since the early 20th century, Lake Maggiore continues to attract the creative set and modern day tourists to its shores in Locarno, Ascona or to Monte Verità to while away summer in this most charming corner of Ticino.

As I lie on the uber-comfy bed of my chambre classique at the Hotel Brach in Paris, admiring the art-filled walls with the chic Starck-esque ambiance, I realise how quickly I had checked in.

The Widder Hotel is a fascinating amalgamation of townhouses from the 15th century spread across nine medieval buildings in the centre of Zurich’s old town. These structures have been skilfully combined to create space for 48 distinctive rooms and one exceptional Penthouse Suite.

Zurich is the largest Swiss city – with vineyards. At the beginning of the 20th century, there were 400 hectares of vineyards across what is now the city. Today there are still 14 hectares planted with all kinds of varieties. Of course, there used to be many more.

I swiftly glance at my watch to be sure. Yes, it has indeed been only 38 minutes since I shut off my laptop at home in Zurich’s Seefeld district, and the moment I find myself in now, checking in with the concierge at the Dolder Grand’s SPA. It’s only early afternoon, but I feel I’ve done enough work for today. Admittedly, this renders my spontaneously booked hometown beauty getaway that tiny bit more decadent. I have brought a book along in the hopes of some peace and quiet, but … would you like to join me instead?

Not short of its fair share of bars and cocktail lounges, Zurich boasts a bar for every type of patron. From white glove service to underground grunge and contemporary mixology, we feature ten of our favourite watering holes in the city.