Château d'Ouchy ★★★★

It becomes harder and harder to escape into fairy tales as you get older, but not at the Château d’Ouchy. From the second you enter the driveway and see it rising, red-roofed and Gothic, above the shores of Lake Geneva, lined with trees and majestic against the clear Alpine sky, it is clear you have arrived at a picture-perfect retreat, one that should belong in a story book.

The history surrounding the Château does nothing to dispel this impression; dating from the 12th century, this neo-Gothic Château was originally a fort built by a bishop, before it was transformed into the hotel you see today seven centuries later. The melodramatically-named Dungeon Tower still stands as testament to this long past. The Château’s location in the former fishing district of Ouchy, within sight of the majestic Alps, further propels you into the fairy-tale setting.

However, despite the stunning historic appearance, the Château d’Ouchy manages to take full advantage of every modern convenience at its disposal. Lausanne is a dynamic and vibrant city with museums, theatres, music and restaurants to fill every moment of your holiday, should you wish it. As a former Olympic site, there are a number of world-class athletics and sporting opportunities which are easily accessible from the hotel, too.

If you look past the charming historic exterior, inside the Château you’ll see contemporary touches as well, including the comfort and simple elegance of the rooms and the modern cuisine and local produce served at the Château restaurant and bar. The spa too is an example of modern innovation, providing both indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, hammam, and numerous beauty treatments to enjoy in a tranquil and utterly serene environment.

From the outstanding natural beauty of the Alps and Lake Geneva to the carefully designed serenity of the spa, the Château d’Ouchy is in every way a sublime holiday retreat.