Last year, I enjoyed the most incredible stay at Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne, an A-list retreat tucked up in the mountains above glorious Lake Lucerne. The hotel is part of the luxurious Bürgenstock Collection, known for its portfolio of upscale Swiss hotels, impeccable hospitality, and a knack for combining old-world grandeur with contemporary luxury. So when the opportunity arose to discover two more of its properties, it seemed like the perfect excuse for a romantic Swiss escape.
For this trip, I paired the Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa in Lausanne with the Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa in Bern, creating my own five-night honeymoon itinerary that experiences two distinct sides of Switzerland. Both properties marry rich heritage with contemporary design, exceptional spa experiences and outstanding culinary offerings. Lausanne brings lakeside romance with Alpine views, while Bern offers cobbled streets and historic landmarks ideal for hand-holding through. Here’s how I experienced my very own Swiss honeymoon with The Bürgenstock Collection.
Slow mornings at Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa.
Whilst these stays were complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own
The Bürgenstock Collection Switzerland honeymoon experience
Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa
Hotel Snapshot
Hotel name: Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa
Location: Lausanne, Switzerland
Address: Avenue d’Ouchy 40, 1006 Lausanne, Switzerland
Number of rooms and suites: 196
Brand: The Bürgenstock Collection
Date opened: 1906
Design style: Historic grand-hotel architecture combined with contemporary Swiss luxury
Family amenities: Family-friendly rooms and suites, connecting options
Wellness facilities: 16,000 sq. ft. Spa du Royal, indoor and outdoor pools, treatment rooms, fitness facilities and sauna/steam facilities
The gorgeous indoor and outdoor pool at Royal Savoy.
Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa
Hotel Snapshot
Hotel name: Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa
Location: Bern, Switzerland
Address: Bahnhofplatz 11, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
Number of rooms and suites: 99
Brand: The Bürgenstock Collection
Date opened: 1859
Design style: Historic grand-dame elegance with contemporary interiors
Family amenities: Family-friendly accommodation and facilities
Wellness facilities: Spa with hydrothermal facilities, treatment rooms, relaxation areas and fitness facilities
A Royal Savoy welcome.
Day one: arriving in Geneva and checking into Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa
My Swiss adventure began with landing in Geneva via LHR. From GVA, I took a train directly to Lausanne, home of the landmark Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa. There was something wonderfully old-world about arriving here, although recent renovations meant the interiors had all the contemporary comforts you’d expect from a modern luxury hotel.
My Executive Room continued that feeling of understated grandeur. It was dark when I arrived (my flight was delayed, so I sadly missed dinner at the fondue restaurant, Vieil Ouchy), but I spied a private balcony that I looked forward to enjoying my morning coffee on. I bubbled some Aromatherapy Associates potions in the bathroom’s large, semi-circular bathtub after room service dropped by. There was no fondue-FOMO tonight.
Day two: exploring Lausanne and sunset at the Sky Rooftop
I started the day with a light breakfast from Brasserie du Royal before heading out to explore Lausanne. The city is wonderfully walkable, and I loved the historic centre packed with independent shops and cultural landmarks. We wandered through the Old Town, taking in the magnificent Lausanne Cathedral and the medieval streets that climb through the city. No Swiss trip is complete without chocolate, so we also stopped for tastings at local chocolatiers Blondel, Jacot and Durig.
Come evening, we returned to the hotel for dinner at The Sky Rooftop, where Italian-inspired dishes were served against one of the most spectacular backdrops of the trip. From the rooftop terrace, panoramic views stretched across Lake Geneva towards the Alps, a spectacularly romantic setting. I had a herb-crusted meagre fish, which paired nicely with Italian bubbles, before retiring back to my giant King bed. Note that in Switzerland it’s common for couples to have separate duvets, which actually is great for me as I like having a whole one to myself. If you’re a light sleeper, Swiss romance works a treat.
The stunning Sky Lounge.
Day three: train to Bern, and checking into The Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa
After breakfast, we departed Lausanne and boarded the train for Bern. Switzerland’s rail network makes travelling between cities remarkably easy, and in about an hour we arrived in the Swiss capital.
Conveniently located directly opposite Bern’s main railway station, Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa is the perfect base for exploring the city. This five-star grand dame has been welcoming guests since 1859, but there’s nothing dusty about it: the 99 rooms and suites combine the building’s historic character with sleek contemporary design, while views look out over Bern’s famous arcades or lively Bahnhofplatz. After checking into a Charming King Room, I headed out to discover the UNESCO-listed Old Town, wandering beneath its covered arcades and stopping at the iconic Zytglogge clock tower.
Dinner was back at the hotel, at Jack’s Brasserie. This spot, I’m told, is a bit of a Bern institution, attracting both hotel guests and locals. I had the famed Jack’s Wiener Schnitzel, wrapped in a golden crisp coating and dipped in cranberry sauce. It felt like an early festive dish, which I always welcome.
Day four: behind the scenes at Bern City Theatre and a hydrothermal spa journey
I was back at Jack’s Brasserie for a quick breakfast before heading into town for a behind-the-scenes tour of Bern City Theatre. Going beyond the auditorium offered a fascinating glimpse into what happens away from the spotlight, from the backstage areas to the creative and technical work that goes into bringing each production to life. It was a different side of Bern from the historic sights we’d explored the previous day and a nice way to spend a morning.
Back at the Schweizerhof, it was time to slow things down with one of the hotel’s signature, and complimentary, spa experiences. The Hydrothermal Journey is designed to rejuvenate and restore, taking guests through a self-guided series of thermal experiences designed to help the body unwind. This was SO welcome after a couple of days of sightseeing. As the facility is compact, we recommend aiming for an off-peak time if possible. We rounded off the day with dinner in Bern, at the local Darling Restaurant, a farm-to-table indie with delicious sharing plates and some hidden gem wines.
The Hydrothermal journey starts here.
Day five: discovering Swiss cheese, shopping, and a sprinkle more chocolate
One of my highlights of our final full day was a trip to the Emmental Show Dairy, where we went behind the scenes of traditional Swiss cheese-making before sitting down for a tasting of local specialities. We also had a light lunch at the dairy consisting of cheese and charcuterie. It was a lot of protein (!), so couples might want to share, and best of all, the window seats overlook the valleys filled with dairy cows.
I debated picking up a souvenir, so I returned to town for an afternoon of shopping. The city’s historic arcades are made for a leisurely browse, with independent boutiques and charming shops tucked beneath the covered walkways. I didn’t find what I was looking for, but had fun not finding it.
Back at the Schweizerhof, our farewell dinner back at Jack’s was comprised of Porcini Mushroom Mouse, Saddle of Venison and a sweet spot of Hazelnut and Chocolate. In Switzerland, you can never have too much chocolate, FYI, and certainly not back in my room, where my welcome chocolate amenity wanted not to be wasted, consumed in the privacy of my bathtub.
Day six: farewell Bern, back to London City
I had to skip one last Jack’s Brasserie sitting and bid farewell to Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa to make an early morning flight. I travelled to Zurich Airport by train, which is the most convenient way to get around in these woods (and apparently, never late).
Romantic Bern city in winter.
Frequently asked questions: The Bürgenstock Collection Switzerland Honeymoon
The Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa in Lausanne and Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa offer two different experiences that work particularly well when combined into a honeymoon itinerary. The Royal Savoy is ideal for couples looking for lakeside scenery, spa time and a grand historic setting, while the Schweizerhof puts you in the heart of Bern, close to the city’s historic sights, restaurants and shopping. Rather than choosing between the two, combining them creates a more varied Swiss honeymoon. We also recommend factoring in the sister property, the ultra-luxurious Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne, if you have more time.
The Bürgenstock Collection properties may offer romantic stays and special packages, depending on the hotel and time of year. However, the itinerary featured in this review was created independently by us by combining stays at the Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa in Lausanne and Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa in Bern. Check directly with the hotels for the latest honeymoon offers and inclusions.
For a honeymoon, look for rooms or suites with views, generous living space, and features that make spending time in the hotel feel as special as exploring the destination. At the Royal Savoy, lake and Alpine views are particularly appealing, while at the Schweizerhof, a room overlooking Bern’s historic streets or Bahnhofplatz provides a memorable city backdrop. This hotel also has a secret James Bond room; if you’re a fan, the same one a film was shot in.
Switzerland is particularly well suited to couples who want a honeymoon combining scenery, culture, food and luxury hotels. You can move easily between cities, lakes and mountain destinations, meaning a honeymoon doesn’t have to be limited to one resort. Lausanne and Bern also offer very different experiences, making them a natural pairing for a multi-centre trip.
Yes. Both hotels featured in this review have significant wellness facilities. The Royal Savoy is home to the Spa du Royal, while Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa has a five-star spa featuring its Hydrothermal Journey.
Both properties offer the ingredients you’d expect from a luxury honeymoon, including five-star accommodation, sophisticated dining, spa facilities and attentive service. Their locations also make it easy to combine relaxation with sightseeing and cultural experiences.
The best time depends on the type of honeymoon you want. Summer brings warmer weather and long days for exploring cities, lakes and mountains, while spring and autumn offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter transforms Switzerland into a particularly atmospheric destination, with Christmas markets, snowy mountain scenery and opportunities for winter sports.
Goodnight Hotel Schweizerhof.
The final verdict
One short week, two hotels and two very distinctly Swiss cities later, this was a wonderful way to honeymoon in Switzerland. The Royal Savoy brought lakeside glamour, Alpine views and the romance of Lausanne, while the Schweizerhof offered historic grandeur right in the heart of Bern. What tied the two stays together was the discreet service and sense of Swiss hospitality that you’d expect from The Bürgenstock Collection. If you’re looking to create your own luxury honeymoon itinerary rather than simply staying in one resort for a week, pairing these two properties makes for a more memorable trip to Switzerland.
Find out more about Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia
Find out more about The Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia
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