Elite Traveler January-February 2019

RITZ PARIS PARIS, FRANCE

Coco Chanel lived here for three decades, F Scott Fitzgerald wrote about it in Tender Is the Night , it was featured in three Audrey Hepburn movies and Ernest Hemingway hoped heaven would be like this storied hotel. Many of the suites are named after these transcendent guests, and the Imperial Suite is a registered national monument. There’s a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, three bars (don’t miss Bar Hemingway — named after the novelist liberated the bar of German soldiers and ordered 51 dry martinis in a row), pretty gardens and terraces, a fitness center, boutique stores and cooking classes at L’École Ritz Escoffier . Top suite Imperial Suite from $21,000 per night Classy and fabulous The hotel is home to the world’s first and only Chanel spa. Pampering skincare treatments use Chanel products, naturally. Contact Christian Boyens, general manager, reservations@ritzparis.com, +33 143 163 070, ritzparis.com

THE DOLDERGRAND ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND

Surrounded by woodland with sparkling Lake Zürich below and snow-capped mountains in the distance, The Dolder Grand is beguiling — it’s half Disney, half ultra-modern. Inside the enchanting palace, you’ll find an award-winning spa with an extensive treatment menu, Michelin-starred dining and grand suites with exceptional views. The hotel is renowned for its incredible art collection — you can’t miss Andy Warhol’s largest work, Big Retrospective Painting , in the lobby. Head on a guided tour with one of the resident art experts to discover all the artworks on display. Top suite Maestro Suite from $14,500 per night When to go The Epicure is an annual gourmet festival, headed by Heiko Nieder and held in September. The six-day program includes incredible gastronomic experiences and masterclasses, but don’t miss the final day —Michelin-starred chefs will be waiting at their food stations to delight with their culinary flair. Contact Markus Granelli, general manager, info@thedoldergrand.com, +41 444 566 000, thedoldergrand.com

GSTAADPALACE GSTAAD, SWITZERLAND

Surrounded by deep green forest in summer and blanketed in powdery snow come winter, the turreted silhouette of Gstaad Palace looks like something out of a magical fairy tale. It was first opened back in 1913 and is managed by the third generation of the Scherz family, so it’s no surprise that it has a welcoming, homey vibe. Yet, it is still the epicenter of the lively social scene in Gstaad with a number of restaurants and bars with live music within. If you want a break from socializing and crave total privacy, book the delightfully rustic Walg Hut. Located 5,600 ft above Gsteig, it has captivating views over Gstaad and the Saanenland region. Top suite Penthouse Suite from $9,000 per night Fromage feast Head to La Fromagerie for truffle and champagne cheese fondue or a traditional raclette in a cozy alpine lodge. Contact Andrea Scherz, general manager, reservations@palace.ch, +41 337 485 000, palace.ch

FOUR SEASONS DES BERGUES GENEVA GENEVA, SWITZERLAND

As Geneva’s very first hotel, this Swiss landmark has set the standard for luxury since it opened in 1834. As it’s situated right on Lake Geneva, the views are fabulous — you can see the majestic Alps in the distance. Inside is just as fabulous, with high ceilings, classic French furnishings, rich fabrics and ornate objects. There’s a rooftop spa, Michelin-starred dining and a personal assistant on every floor of the hotel. Top suite Royal Suite from $15,900 per night Sail away Glide along the waters of Lake Geneva on a cruise or sailing trip. Contact Martin Rhomberg, general manager, concierge.gen@fourseasons.com, +41 229 087 056, fourseasons.com

Photos Peter Vitale Photography, Zeljko Gataric Fotografie