Exploring Switzerland in Style
a journey through michel reybier’s luxury alpine retreats
From lakeside spa escapes to elegant mountain hideaways, discover a more indulgent way to experience the Swiss Alps — where days on the slopes are balanced with restorative wellness, exceptional dining and scenic journeys by rail.
A ski holiday is often measured in days spent on the mountain, fresh snowfall and the perfect bluebird conditions. But what if the experience extended beyond the slopes? Imagine arriving a few days early to unwind beside a Swiss lake, spending afternoons immersed in a world-class spa, or finishing a week of skiing with a little well-deserved restoration before heading home.
Across Switzerland, Michel Reybier Hospitality brings together a collection of distinctive hotels, each with its own character, setting and approach to luxury. From the lakeside tranquillity of Geneva and Zurich to the sunlit plateau of Crans-Montana, the dramatic peaks of the Bernese Alps and the unmistakable silhouette of the Matterhorn, these properties offer a different perspective on the traditional ski holiday
And the journey between them is part of the appeal. Switzerland's extensive rail network connects lakeside cities with mountain villages and Alpine resorts, turning the transfer itself into an opportunity to slow down and enjoy the scenery. With panoramic routes, comfortable trains and connections to many of the country's most celebrated destinations, travelling by rail adds a particularly sophisticated dimension to a Swiss adventure.
So, whether you are planning a wellness-focused escape, a luxurious addition to your next ski trip or a longer journey through the Alps, here is our guide to exploring Switzerland in style.
La réserve genève hotel and spa
“In the heart of a beautifully landscaped park of 10 acres, on the shores of Lake Geneva”
Location: Bellevue, Lake Geneva
Best for: Pre- or post-ski relaxation and romantic getaways
Just minutes from Geneva Airport, yet tucked away in peaceful lakeside surroundings, La Réserve Genève is an ideal place to begin or finish a Swiss mountain adventure.
The perfect sanctuary for sports enthusiasts and nature lovers, this elegant retreat combines beautiful accommodation with a relaxed sense of exclusivity. Its Spa Nescens offers body treatments, facials, fitness facilities and a hair salon, alongside indoor and outdoor swimming pools — perfect for unwinding after several days on the slopes, or stretching out muscles before you hit the pistes.
Dining is equally memorable, from Michelin-starred Cantonese cuisine at Tsé Fung to the wellness-focused Le Café Lauren and internationally inspired dishes at Le Loti.
The Powder Pines perspective: Add two nights here before heading into the mountains, or finish your ski holiday with a restorative lakeside escape.
La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich
“An imaginary yacht club created by Starck”
Location: Zurich, Lake Zurich
Best for: Design, fine dining and a stylish city break
Reimagined by designer Philippe Starck, La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich transforms a historic lakeside hotel into a contemporary, design-led retreat. With just 40 rooms and suites, it offers an intimate base for exploring Zurich before or after a mountain escape.
The dining scene is a highlight, with Michelin-starred Mediterranean-Italian cuisine at Eden Kitchen, a Japanese-Peruvian fusion at La Muña, and cocktails or mocktails at Eden Bar. In summer, the Rooftop Bar offers panoramic views across the city, lake and Alps.
Unlike the spa-focused mountain retreats in this collection, Zurich is about combining sophisticated city living with lakeside scenery and exceptional dining.
The Powder Pines perspective: Add a night or two for a cosmopolitan start to your holiday before taking the train towards the mountains.
Crans Ambassador
“A winter at the height of well-being and sensations”
Location: Crans-Montana, Valais
Best for: Convenient skiing, mountain views and wellness
Set on the sunny plateau of Crans-Montana, Crans Ambassador combines contemporary chalet-inspired interiors with spectacular Alpine views. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the landscape indoors, while ski-in/ski-out access makes getting onto the slopes wonderfully straightforward.
When it's time to slow down, the hotel's Spa Nescens and indoor swimming pool offer a welcome retreat. Dining ranges from unforgettable experiences at La Terrasse Valaissanne to traditional Swiss fondue and raclette at Le Carnotzet, alpine brasserie dishes at Le Lounge and Japanese-Peruvian fusion at La Muña.
The Powder Pines perspective: A natural choice for those who want skiing at the heart of their holiday, with spa time and excellent dining close at hand.
AlpenGold Hotel
“Where the world meets”
Location: Davos, Graubünden
Best for: Striking architecture, varied dining and relaxation
Davos offers a different side of the Swiss Alps, combining a lively international atmosphere with dramatic mountain scenery. Its most distinctive landmark, AlpenGold Hotel, takes inspiration from a pinecone found in the surrounding forest, giving the building its strikingly unique design.
Inside, Spa Nescens provides a space to relax after a day outdoors. The dining options are equally varied, spanning Italian classics at Sapori, inventive cheese dishes at Cheese Factory, vegetarian cuisine at Atelier Vert and Japanese-Peruvian flavours at La Muña.
The Powder Pines perspective: Ideal for travellers who appreciate contemporary design, a varied culinary scene and the chance to balance active days with restorative downtime.
victoria-jungfrau grand hotel and spa
“The destination for trailblazers and bon vivants”
Location: Interlaken, Bernese Oberland
Best for: Spectacular scenery and an extensive spa experience
Surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Bernese Alps and within reach of Switzerland's famous crystal-clear lakes, Interlaken provides an extraordinary setting for a mountain escape.
The Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa brings together traditional Swiss grandeur and contemporary luxury. Its remarkable 5,500-square-metre Spa Nescens features an outdoor brine pool and a distinctive 1940s boudoir-inspired aesthetic, making wellness a central part of the stay.
Dining ranges from locally sourced fine dining at Radius by Stefan Beer to Swiss-inspired brasserie dishes and Italian favourites. The elegant Victoria Bar & Terrasse provides the perfect setting for an evening drink.
The Powder Pines perspective: Choose Interlaken for a few nights dedicated to wellness, fine dining and spectacular mountain scenery, either alongside a ski trip or as a retreat in its own right.
zermatt
three hotels, three alpine experiences
Car-free Zermatt is one of Switzerland's most iconic mountain destinations, with traditional village streets set against the unforgettable silhouette of the Matterhorn. Michel Reybier Hospitality offers three distinct ways to experience it.
Hotel monte rosa
“A place of subtle gestures and spectacular stories”
Location: Zermatt, Valais
Best for: History, character and a more traditional Alpine stay.
Occupying the historic site of the former Lauber Inn, Hotel Monte Rosa has been part of Zermatt's story since 1839. Its heritage is closely linked to the pioneering mountaineers who helped put the village on the map, including Edward Whymper, associated with the first successful ascent of the Matterhorn.
Today, its appeal lies in its traditional character and understated atmosphere. Edward's Bar-Café and the rustic Whymper Stube provide welcoming places to eat and drink, while guests can access spa facilities at nearby Mont Cervin Palace.
Powder Pines perspective: Perfect for travellers who want to add a little history and character alongside their Alpine adventure.
Mont Cervin Palace
“An address as legendary as the Matterhorn”
Location: Zermatt, Valais
Best for: Special occasions, extensive spa facilities and destination dining.
For a grander resort experience, Mont Cervin Palace combines classic Alpine elegance with a substantial 1,700-square-metre Spa Nescens. It is an excellent option for guests who want to alternate days on the slopes with dedicated time to unwind.
Dining is a major attraction, from charcoal-grilled specialities at Grill Le Cervin to Michelin-starred Mediterranean cuisine at Ristorante Capri. Cocktail bars and the intimate Salon Davidoff add to the hotel's evening appeal.
Powder Pines perspective: For those looking to turn a ski holiday into a truly indulgent escape, with exceptional dining, a destination spa and the Matterhorn on your doorstep.
Schweizerhof Zermatt
“Where mountain visions soar high”
Location: Zermatt, Valais
Best for: Central convenience, contemporary design and laid-back mountain luxury.
Located in the heart of the village, just minutes from the station and cable cars, Schweizerhof Zermatt brings a contemporary twist to Alpine living. Its welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to move between skiing, exploring the village and relaxing at the hotel's spa.
Dining is informal and varied, with a lively show kitchen at Schweizerhof Kitchen, traditional fondue and raclette at Cheese Factory, and Le Fumoir for a relaxed evening away from the slopes.
Powder Pines perspective: For skiers who want to be close to the action by day and enjoy a little luxury and atmosphere by night
The journey is part of the luxury: exploring Switzerland by train
There is something particularly satisfying about settling into a comfortable train carriage, watching lakes, forests and mountain villages pass by, and arriving in a new setting without the stress of driving between resorts.
Switzerland's public transport network makes it possible to connect the country's cities and mountain destinations by train, bus, funicular and other local services. Some journeys are direct, while others require a change or a connecting transfer, so the route can be tailored to the hotels and experiences you choose.
From Geneva and Zurich to Interlaken, Crans-Montana, Davos and Zermatt, combining two or three destinations creates an opportunity to experience different sides of Switzerland, with each hotel offering its own balance of luxury, wellness and Alpine adventure. Some journeys require connecting trains or local transport, so routes can be tailored around your chosen stays.
Powder Pines perspective: Make the journey part of the holiday. Pair a few nights at La Réserve Genève with an Alpine retreat, or combine a city stay at La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich with a mountain escape for a more varied Swiss experience.
For inspiration, explore the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland and Swiss panoramic train routes.
Why these stays work so well for Powder Pines travellers
Luxury doesn’t have to mean formality, and wellness doesn’t have to come at the expense of adventure. These stays offer Powder Pines travellers:
Adventure and relaxation: Pair days on the slopes with spa treatments, pools and time to unwind.
Distinctive settings: From lakeside escapes to Alpine retreats, enjoy a different side of Switzerland.
Exceptional experiences: Thoughtful service, memorable dining and beautiful surroundings make the stay as special as the skiing.
Something for everyone: Couples, families, friends and solo travellers can tailor each trip to their own pace.
At Powder Pines, we believe the best ski holidays are personal. Sometimes, the real luxury is simply having the time to slow down — and wishing you’d booked one more night.
Ready to explore Switzerland in style?
Whether you are dreaming of a restorative stay at La Réserve Genève, a contemporary Alpine retreat in Davos, a grand-hotel experience in Interlaken or a Matterhorn escape in Zermatt, Michel Reybier's Swiss properties offer plenty of inspiration for a different kind of ski holiday.
Pair your mountain days with a few nights of wellness, explore Switzerland by rail and leave enough space in the itinerary for the experiences that make a holiday memorable.
Let Powder Pines help you create your own Swiss story — from the right resort and hotel combination to the scenic rail connections that bring the journey together.
Because a truly exceptional ski holiday should leave you with more than memories of the slopes. It should leave you feeling refreshed, restored and already dreaming of your next Alpine escape.
