Page 70 - S/ Fall 2022

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Swiss Bliss
Thanks to its mesmerizing symphony of Alps and lakes, seductive gastronomy, cult wines, and esteemed sustainability, Switzerland dazzles any time of year. By Elycia Rubin
N estled in the heart of Europe and bordered by Italy, France, Germany,
and Austria, Switzerland may be significantly smaller in size, but its resplendent offerings rival its neighbours’ while delivering European charm in spades: medieval architecture, including the administrative capital of Bern
(a UNESCO World Heritage Site); masterful cuisine at Michelin-starred restaurants complete with panoramic views of Alpine ranges and azure lakes; transcendent spa experiences; storybook villages; and, of course, fondue and chocolate aplenty. And, thanks to revered efficiency, infrastructure, and safety—including astonishingly well-maintained roads, tunnels, and high-speed trains—travelling through this edelweiss-laden wonderland is a delight.
Begin your adventure in Zurich. While the international finance capital and birthplace
of Dadaism previously maintained a more buttoned-down vibe, this vibrant city has let its hair down and is now an epicentre of European art and culture. Adjacent to a tree-lined promenade and sparkling Utoquai (“Bathing Palace”), La Réserve Eden au Lac has been meticulously restored by Philippe Starck with
a dramatic aesthetic that fuses mid-century modern elements with whimsical nautical touches. It’s also home to Eden Kitchen, where chef Marco Ortolani churns out his daring
spin on Italian delicacies. With expansive views of Lake Zurich, this historic 40-room cultural monument is just a 10-minute stroll from
the Bahnhofstrasse in Old Town, where the glittering worlds of finance and high fashion collide. And, rising up on a hill, also overlooking the lake, within the serenity of adjacent woodlands and a golf course, lies the splendour
of The Dolder Grand, where guests can be invigorated at a lavish Japanese-inspired spa and dine on some of the best filets in town at on-site restaurant Saltz. The city’s transformation is also on full display in Zurich West, a former industrial area turned art gallery hub, and in Im Viadukt, a mecca for locally sourced epicurean provisions and emerging fashion labels.
Just a train or car ride away from the whirlwind of city life are two of Switzerland’s most enchanting Shangri-Las: one is tucked away in the mountains, and the other is perched lakeside and brims with Mediterranean ambiance. Together, they offer travellers the ultimate itinerary to experience the crème de la crème of the country’s natural wonders. Tucked away in the Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps is the tony yet discreet slopeside hamlet of Gstaad. Long a posh winter
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