Elite Traveler Fall 2021

Royal Savoy Lausanne, Penthouse LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND The Swiss are renowned for taking health and wellness seriously — the country has myriad wellness destinations, from natural hot spring resorts to medical spas. The Royal Savoy Lausanne, a veritable lesson in old-school luxury, is Lausanne’s grand dame. The hotel has been standing proud since 1909 and has acted as a haven for aristocrats and royalty. The whimsical facade wouldn’t look out of place in a Baz Luhrmann flick with its magical Art Nouveau, castle-esque structure. The hotel had a six-year, multimillion-dollar renovation, which brought with it an elegant brasserie, pruned gardens, a rooftop bar with views of Lake Geneva and an exceptional spa spanning some 16,000 sq ft. The spa, known as Spa du Royal, has indoor and outdoor swimming pools, saunas, steam baths, cold baths, ice fountains, a hair and beauty salon, a gym and treatment rooms. But for your own slice of the spa life, check into the Penthouse. Occupying the entire top floor of the hotel, it has a 3,875-sq-ft terrace (the same size as the interior) with sublime views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. Inside, there’s a library, dining room, cozy living room and a kitchenette with separate access for service staff. The Penthouse has a well- equipped gym — in-suite personal training sessions can be arranged — and a sauna and hammam to soothe those sore muscles post-workout. Wellness wonder Head to a private wine tasting with the Royal Savoy’s expert sommelier, Benjamin. Sample the finest local Swiss varieties, including those from the surrounding Lavaux vineyards. Penthouse from $10,600 per night. Contact Hassan Koubeissy, assistant director of sales, sales@royalsavoylausanne.com, +41 216 148 886, royalsavoylausanne.com

Photos Robert Miller, Christos Drazos