LIFE ON THE LAKE

A guide to experiencing some of the best dining, wellness experiences and hotels in Switzerland's “pre-Alps” region

- By Coco Marett. Photography by Zed Leets

When it comes to hospitality, in Switzerland—the birthplace of the international hospitality industry and a world leader in hospitality education—the bar is set astronomically high.

This summer, Tatler spent a week in Central Switzerland, sniffing out the cream of the crop, and we were not disappointed. From an unassuming award-winning restaurant in a quaint village inn to a celebrity-favourite wellness resort in the mountains 500m above Lake Lucerne—this article maps out our epic journey, which begins in the lush resort town of Interlaken.

Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa

Poised between two shimmering lakes and at the foot of the snow-capped Jungfrau massif is Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, a go-to for royalty and dignitaries since it opened in 1865 as the Pension Victoria. But to call it Interlaken’s Grand Dame, as many do, suggests something frumpy and outdated; while its 19th-century façade speaks of a grander era, the hotel has done an exceptional job of staying up to date without forgetting its roots.

There are 216 rooms and suites, with the Tower Suite and the Yash Chopra Suite being the most exclusive. The former spans two floors, with a separate living area, private kitchen and an incredible terrace with uninterrupted 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. The latter is a tribute to the namesake celebrated Bollywood director, blending classic European luxury with Indian-inspired details.