Elite Traveler January-February 2018

INSPIRE TOP 100 HOTELS EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA

MANDARINORIENTAL, GENEVA GENEVA, SWITZERLAND

GSTAADPALACE GSTAAD, SWITZERLAND

HOTEL ADLONKEMPINSKI BERLIN BERLIN, GERMANY

Though the original hotel, which hosted the likes of Marlene Dietrich and John D Rockefeller, was largely destroyed by fire in 1945 and languished for nearly 50 years, Kempinski hotel group meticulously reconstructed and reopened it some 20 years ago. This Adlon is consistently refreshed— the restaurant Sra Bua by Tim Raue, a new spa and new lobby are our personal highlights. Upon entering the new lobby you’re greeted by one of the five ‘Ladies in Red,’ the 24/7 contacts for guests staying at the hotel. If you want to host a surprise birthday party in your suite or organize a romantic trip around the city, these are the contacts you need. Impérial Suite from$25,000 per night . Contact the Ladies in Red headed by Giovanni Maldonado, guestrelation.adlon@kempinski.com, +49 302 261 1745, hotel-adlon.de

TheMandarin Oriental, Geneva fuses Swiss charm and the building’s original Art Deco style with eastern influence. Set on the banks of the river Rhône, the picturesque setting, which can be marveled at from each room, is close to Geneva’s Old Town where many of the city’s best boutiques can be found along with sights like St Peter’s Cathedral. After a day exploring the cobbled streets, choose between the hotel’s Indian restaurant, Rasoi by Vineet, traditional Alpine eatery, Le Chalet, or modern tapas and cocktails offered at MO Bar. Book a stay in the Presidential Suite to warm up by the fireplace or in your Jacuzzi on the terrace. Royal Mandarin Suite from$18,100 per night. Contact Mathilde Guilarmois Gonzalez, reservations manager, mguilarmois@mohg.com, +41 229 090 009, mandarinoriental.com/geneva

Owned by the Scherz family for three generations, Gstaad Palace combines family-run authenticity with luxury and glamour. New to the hotel’s offerings this year is the ‘lunch by helicopter’ experience, which enables guests to travel across the five valleys of the Saanenland region (including the legendary Matterhorn) before touching down on a glacier for a champagne aperitif and a regionally inspired lunch. However, this is not just a winter destination. If you’re staying over the summer, make sure you bring your tennis racket, as Roy Emerson — winner of 28 Grand Slams — will be on-site for coaching with his team of professionals. Penthouse Suite from$9,900 per night. Contact Adelina Vylehzhanina, reservations manager, reservations@palace.ch, +41 337 485 000, palace.ch

BELMONDHOTEL CIPRIANI VENICE, ITALY

FOUR SEASONS DES BERGUES GENEVA GENEVA, SWITZERLAND

A cultural gem in the heart of Europe, Geneva is the ideal vacation spot for opera lovers, art connoisseurs and foodies, as well as being a gateway to Alpine ski slopes. The conveniently located Four Seasons des Bergues Geneva looks out over Lake Geneva and boasts a fantastic selection of restaurants and a world-class spa. Spread over three floors, Spa Mont Blanc is a haven designed to calm and relax while you partake in alternative therapies, spa rituals and massages. Keep on top of your fitness regimen in the 41-ft pool. Enjoy underwater music while you’re swimming laps before taking a well-deserved break to ease aching muscles in the separate vitality pool. Royal Suite from$15,900 per night. Contact concierge.gen@fourseasons.com, +41 229 087 056, fourseasons.com/geneva

In a prime position on the waterfront of Giudecca Island, Belmond Hotel Cipriani commands impressive views over the lagoon and Doge’s Palace, and is just five minutes by private launch from Piazza SanMarco. The hotel exhibits Venetian style through its architecture — including Palazzo Vendramin, a 15th-century building linked to the rest of the hotel via an ancient courtyard. The city’s identity is also evident in the cuisine of the Michelin-starred Oro Restaurant and the Italian specialities of Giudecca 10 and Cip’s Club. A highlight is undoubtedly the outdoor seawater swimming pool, which also happens to be the only Olympic-size pool in central Venice. Palladio Suite from $4,291 per night. Contact Federica Vitali, reservations manager, federica.vitali@belmond.com, +39 018 5267 8400, belmond.com/belmond-hotel-cipriani

Photos George Apostolidis, Will Pryce