Bürgenstock Hotels & Resort, perched on a 1,660-foot cliff overlooking Lake Lucerne and the Alps, seamlessly blends historical charm with contemporary luxury. This Swiss retreat, once a haven for celebrities like Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn, offers a unique escape with its stunning views, lavish accommodations, and unparalleled spa experiences.
If Bürgenstock Hotels & Resort’s Lake Lucerne mountain retreat were in the UK, it would be emblazoned with blue plaques. But of course, the Swiss are more discreet. The resort—perched on top of a 1,660-foot cliff overlooking the Alps—was a magnet for celebrities looking to escape the limelight. Sophia Loren lived in Bürgenstock in the 1960s. The site where her house stood is now Parisa, a lauded Persian restaurant overlooking the lake. Audrey Hepburn also called this place home, from 1954 to 1966, and her unassuming Villa Bethania is tucked into the hillside, surrounded by rolling pastures and meandering cows. She married actor and director Mel Ferrer here in the resort’s little white chapel.
The Bürgenstock Resort has a rich history dating back to 1873 when the first Grand Hotel was built. Over the years, it has been a favourite hideaway for the rich and famous. Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn, and Sean Connery are just a few of the stars who have graced its halls. Hepburn even married actor Mel Ferrer at the resort’s charming chapel. Despite its storied past, the resort has undergone a remarkable transformation. In 2017, it reopened following a $600 million, 10-year-long renovation by Katara Hospitality, blending its historical charm with contemporary luxury.
This year, the resort celebrated its 150th anniversary with the launch of a series of new experiences, such as helicopter trips to a glacier for raclette and snow-chilled champagne, retro menus at its restaurants, and limited edition Bürgenstock cigars, cheese, and beer. This blend of history and modernity is what makes Bürgenstock a unique destination.
The resort sprawls over 148 acres and features four separate hotels, 10 restaurants and bars, six shops, two spas, two museums, a cinema, a vineyard, an undulating Alpine golf course, and a tennis centre where Roger Federer has played. The Waldhotel Health and Wellbeing offers 137 rooms and suites designed by architect Matteo Thun, emphasizing wellness with no alcohol at the bar and a spa featuring a cryotherapy chamber for extreme cold therapy.
The most distinctive stays are within the Bürgenstock Hotel and Alpine Spa, which is divided into two parts: the Palace Hotel and the new wing. The Palace, dating back to 1903, retains its Beaux-Arts exterior and offers 109 heritage rooms. The new wing, designed by local firm Rüssli Architekten AG, houses 102 contemporary rooms with interiors by London firm MK Design. The double-sided fireplaces and enormous baths in these rooms offer a luxurious touch, but the most exclusive accommodations are the 28 private Panorama residences and 29 Grand Residence suites, which cater to extended stays.
One of the biggest draws at Bürgenstock is the Alpine Spa, the largest in Europe at about 107,640 square feet. Its blissfully warm infinity pool, complete with whirlpools and fountains, offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Lucerne. Photography is now strictly limited to one hour in the late afternoon due to the irresistible urge to capture the breathtaking scenery. The spa features a wide array of amenities, including saunas, a cold plunge, steam rooms, a hammam, an infrared sauna, and an aroma sauna with a huge rock hewn from the mountain.
Other unique features include an ice fountain room, Kniepp paths where you walk along rocks through alternating warm and cold water, a dark room for floating, and nap shells—warm, softly lit, sci-fi-esque benches that envelop you in calming sounds. The outdoor Alpine pool, filled with water pumped up from Lake Lucerne, provides a refreshing end to your spa experience. For those seeking more esoteric treatments, the spa offers a signature gold and green caviar facial using Dr Burgener products.
Outside the spa, guests can enjoy a 45-minute catamaran ride from Lucerne across the pristine lake to the resort’s half-mile-long funicular, built in 1888 and refitted in 2002, for a bird’s-eye view and fine dining. The resort’s dining options are diverse and luxurious. Spices offer a fusion Asian and Indian menu, while Simmentaler Stube within the Verbena Bar & Restaurant serves fondue in a traditional 16th-century peasant building that was moved from the Hotel Schweizerhof Bern and Spa. On a balmy evening, outdoor seating at the Oak Grill offers views of the Hollywood pool, exuding mid-century elegance.
For a taste of retro charm, head below ground to the Bulls Eye Bar with its three viewing portals into the pool, famously seen in the 1964 James Bond movie “Goldfinger.” Order a Vesper, shaken, not stirred, as you soak in the glamorous atmosphere.
Bürgenstock Hotels & Resort offers a range of unique experiences that allow guests to fully immerse themselves in the beauty and history of the Swiss Alps. Helicopter trips to glaciers for raclette and snow-chilled champagne are just one example of the exclusive adventures available. The resort’s commitment to providing extraordinary experiences is evident in its meticulous attention to detail and dedication to preserving its rich heritage while embracing modern luxury.
Bürgenstock Hotels & Resort is more than just a place to stay; it’s a destination that offers a perfect blend of history, luxury, and natural beauty. Whether you’re soaking in the stunning views from the infinity pool, indulging in a spa treatment, or dining at one of the resort’s world-class restaurants, every moment at Bürgenstock is designed to be unforgettable. The resort’s discreet charm, storied past, and contemporary amenities make it a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique and luxurious escape in the Swiss Alps.
