Positioned on a beautiful alpine ridge, this favourite 1950s hideaway of Sophia Lauren and Audrey Hepburn has been royally transformed, heralding a new era for luxury travel. In its spectacular setting, the resort seems to float between sky and water 500 meters above the lake, seamlessly integrating with the surrounding 60-hectare forest.

Travel by boat from Lucerne and ascend the fully rebuilt Bürgenstock Funicular to experience the incredible amenities founded on wellness, nature and design. The contemporary five-star Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa offers guest rooms with breathtaking views across the lake. Arriving via the legendary funicular directly into the lobby level, guests will find themselves enveloped in luxury. A masterpiece of modern architecture, the hotel’s rooms and suites all boast panoramic views across Lake Lucerne, completed by sleek natural materials and a fireplace by which to relax. The Lakeview Ballroom wows guests with floor to ceiling views across the lake, ideal for any special occasion.

The neighbouring historic four-star Palace Hotel & Conferences is an elegant space befitting its heritage from 1904. An intensive restoration process has steered the hotel into the 21st century while carefully retaining many of its original features. Recreated as a boutique-style hotel, faux marble pillars, hardwood parquet flooring and hand-blown glass chandeliers invite guests into the lobby, which opens out onto a grand outdoor terrace overlooking Lake Lucerne. Each of the 108 rooms and suites offer a contemporary twist inspired by their Alpine location, with natural stone, gleaming wood and soft leather.

The historic Taverne 1879 encompasses the spirit of the mountains, with views across tranquil meadows and snow-clad peaks. Typical Swiss cuisine and 12 rustic chalet-style rooms complete with modern bathrooms form the ideal retreat.

The Bürgenstock Resort offers dining options to suit all tastes, with 12 restaurants and bars on offer. Indulge in the finest contemporary French cuisine in the refined RitzCoffier (by Marc Haeberlin) restaurant, where the cuisine of César Ritz and Auguste Escoffier has been revived and celebrated. Be inspired by the live cooking encompassing an array of Asian cuisines in Spices Kitchen & Terrace, with a spacious terrace offering unsurpassed views to Mount Rigi, as well as across the Lake basin. For a true taste of Switzerland, try a traditional regional dish in the Taverne 1879’s cosy and welcoming restaurant.

Those looking for a longer stay can enjoy the collection of private Residence Suites combining the indulgent comfort of a home from home, with amenities including a concierge, housekeeping and in-suite dining. Each offers a different aesthetic, from an inviting apartment overlooking the lush Alpine valley, to a modern villa perched on the mountain-side above the lake.

The unprecedented 10,000 sqm Bürgenstock Alpine Spa seemingly hovers above Lake Lucerne, taking water as its inspiration to restore the body, soothe the mind and inspire wellbeing in a spiritual haven. Floor to ceiling glass walls house a Kneipp bath, private bath chambers, an Arabian Razul using local Bürgenstock Rock, Turkish steam, a panoramic sauna and tranquillity room both with roaring log fireplaces, Jacuzzis hidden within a cave, 15 treatment rooms and three private spa rooms. Outside, beautifully landscaped spa gardens frame views of the lake in the fresh Alpine air while guests can take a dip in the historic protected kidney-shaped pool of the original resort or the heated infinity-edge pool.

The resort also incorporates the five-star Waldhotel Health & Medical Excellence, an architecturally striking medical centre at the front line of innovation. The elite team of multidisciplinary physicians with a depth of expertise provide treatment at the highest level. In addition to beauty and relaxation treatments, post-operative recovery, treatments for burnout patients, medical check-ups, disease prevention, nutritional consultation and weight regulation are offered in tailored programs. The design is at one with nature, blending into the surrounding forest to provide a restful location in which to recuperate and immerse oneself in the concept of ‘forest bathing’.

Crisp alpine air offers the perfect setting for outdoor pursuits, including 70km of hiking trails, three Davis Cup standard tennis courts within the Diamond Domes, a nine-hole golf course fully restored from 1928, curling and ice-skating rinks. As well as activities to entertain the body, there is also a private cinema and a sculpture trail. An expert team at the resort can arrange for bespoke activities and information on visiting neighbouring Lucerne.

Rates at the Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa will start from £550 per room, per night, based on two sharing.

Further information
www.buergenstock.ch/en