Elite Traveler January-February 2019

EXPLORE THE HOT LIST

Head above the clouds by Samantha Coles

WE’RE FLYING HIGH IN THIS EDITION’S HOT LIST — FROM THE VERTIGO-INDUCING HAMMETSCHWAND ELEVATOR OF BÜRGENSTOCK RESORT, TO CRYSTAL SKYE’S OPULENT BOEING 777 AND BALI’S HIGHEST TEMPLE

The hills are alive with the sound of cowbells, and bangs from the impressive firework display at the grand opening of Bürgenstock in Switzerland. But, this is more than just a hotel opening— it’s an entire village. Accessible via a smooth boat ride across Lake Lucerne, followed by a delightful ascent in the lacquered, pillar-box red funicular, the resort stands high above the clouds at 1,640 ft up from the lake. Within this village in the green-grassed (or snow-capped, depending on when you visit) mountains, Bürgenstock Resort is comprised of four hotels: the striking architectural masterpiece, Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa; the historic Palace Hotel; the state-of-the-art Waldhotel Health &Medical Excellence center; authentic Swiss chalet Taverne 1879; and the residences. The resort is steeped in history; it first

opened in 1873 and sawAudrey Hepburn marry Mel Ferrer in the chapel in 1954. Sofia Loren called it home for many years —her former residence is now an intimate Middle-Eastern restaurant with ornate lanterns dangling from the trees outside (order the Lebanese cheesecake). The $700m renovation kept the original charm alive, but with a list of incredible updates: In total, there are now nine restaurants and bars, three tennis courts (one of which transforms into an ice rink come winter), a nine-hole golf course, cinema, enormous spa, cigar room, wine cellar with over 800 bottles and a shopping arcade selling Swiss watches and chocolates. But in keeping with the resort’s verdant setting, many of the building’s roofs have gardens growing on top, so your view isn’t compromised. And what a view! The best vantage

From left Bürgenstock stands high above the clouds; the Hammetschwand lift takes you to new heights; arrive in style in the resort’s yacht; Capella Ubud is nestled at the heart of lush green forests

Photo AURA