After a hectic ten months, I needed a trip to Switzerland. Not to explore, but rather, restore. Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne provided a vital medicine. The property, located on a mountain ridge above Lake Lucerne, is the kind of place you check into to breathe life back again when you’ve lost your way amid the chaos of the city. It’s where you can switch off and leave it up to a team of professionals to plan and execute the perfect itinerary, whether light or heavy. I try not to travel alone, but Bürgenstock was the Zen opportunity I was looking for, allowing me a weekend to seek the slow, solo.
The Contemporary Lake View Bay Suite is a slice of serenity up on the cliff. I spent many hours here off-technology
While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own
Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne review
Hotel snapshot: Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne
Hotel name: Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne
Location: Bürgenberg mountain ridge, above Lake Lucerne, Central Switzerland
Address: CH-6363 Obbürgen, Switzerland
Number of rooms and suites: 211 rooms and suites (Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa); 677 rooms and 17 Residence Suites across the full resort
Brand: Bürgenstock Collection
Date opened: 1873 (original Grand Hotel); fully renovated and reopened 2017
Design style: Dual character. Contemporary wing with floor-to-ceiling lake-view windows, local mountain stone, American walnut flooring, Italian marble, and glass fireplaces; Heritage wing with timeless alpine elegance
Family amenities: Children under 12 stay free; kids’ club on-site; cinema; treasure hunt experiences; wide range of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, and ice skating
Wellness facilities: Two full-service luxury spas; 9-hole golf course; 3 tennis courts; fitness centre
Prices from: From CHF 1,700 per room per night, depending on room type and season
The celebrity hideout
Audrey Hepburn loved it so much, she moved here for a decade. She, along with a slew of A-listers over the last century, called Bürgenstock their home away from home. Guests could want nothing more with the current list of amenities: four hotels, a Health and Medical Excellence Centre, Residence Suites with hotel service, business facilities, two wellness oases (Bürgenstock Alpine Spa and Waldhotel Spa), and ten restaurants, bars & lounges. Phew. Let’s not forget the three Michelin-starred property is nestled among Swiss nature, spanning 60 acres.
Every turn is a postcard, no matter the season at Bürgenstock
These vistas are like those of a screensaver. It all felt somewhat unreal as I ascended to reception via a funicular. The rest of the world, delightfully distant.
Rooms and suites
High up in the hills, know that any room at Bürgenstock has uninterrupted sights, whether that be of the shimmering Lake Lucerne below or the rolling green hills that surround. They’re tempting enough to keep you robed by the fit-to-the-rim window with the DND button on all day.
My suite was made extra cosy thanks to the glass fireplace in the living room
I checked into a Contemporary Lake View Bay Suite, which, exactly as its name suggests, boasts the property’s most coveted views. My hours as a result of these vistas melted away, in the morning over an in-room breakfast starring Swiss cheese, or at sunset, where I followed circling boats in coffee company.
Though this very much is a modern luxury hotel (at least in my contemporary building), the way it’s outfitted adds an alpine cabin warmth to the stay. Rich woods, earth tones, and a glass fireplace facing both the bathroom and the living space were a warm hug on a chilly day.
Sure, there was an Apple TV and ultra-fast Wi-Fi, but they’re no match for an Etro bubbled square bathtub. With my swims in the spa, I don’t think I’ve ever spent so much of a weekend blissfully in water.
Food and drink
There are plenty of F&B outlets right on-site to more than satisfy any craving during your stay. They include Brasserie Ritzcoffier, French classics in an elegant setting at the Palace Hotel; Parisa for Persian Cuisine with views over Lake Lucerne; Taverne 1879 for Swiss cuisine; and bars, Lakeview Bar & Cigar Lounge (try the Swiss wine!), Salon 1903, and the Verbena Bar.
Spices Kitchen and Terrace showcases the best from across Asia, paired with exquisite European wines
On night one, I dined at the Spices Kitchen & Terrace, where you’re pulled in by the kitchen aromas at the entrance. It marries four country cuisines – Japan, China, India and Thailand – in one space, and as someone who has lived in Asia, I can verify the team has done an authentic take on every dish. Now, while we seldom pair wine with food in Asia, it absolutely should be done here. Spices was honoured with a “Best Award of Excellence” from the Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards, and well, this is Europe after all. You know it’s stellar bottles only.
The next day, I had dinner at Oak Grill & Pool Patio, and even though I opted out of red meat, I still enjoyed wood-fire grilled items via seafood. The highlight was my waiter-recommended Baked Alaska, flamed in front of me with the most incredible torched outer and ice cream centre combination. Dining alone is something I want to do more often. It’s a chance for every sense to taste, especially in surroundings such as this (the Oak Grill is right above the towering spa). A bit like when you go to a museum and want to focus on art instead of the conversation.
Wellness
What Bürgenstock does best is undoubtedly its spas. There are two luxury options. The Bürgenstock Alpine Spa is actually the largest hotel spa in Switzerland and was fully renovated in 2017. The other is the Waldhotel Spa, which adopts a holistic ‘healthy by nature’ concept.
At both of them, you can sign up for a Hydrothermal Journey. Here, select a desired outcome, between relax, regenerate and activate, and then be given a small waterproof map outlining the route of the selected journey. These journeys have been carefully developed to optimise the wellness experience and range from vitality pools, different types of saunas, cold plunges, and Kneipp walks.
It’s hard not to want to capture this incredible infinity pool for later
I created my own hot and cold ritual. Afterwards, I went up to the infinity pool, and while the signs say ‘no photos’, the sights were too good not to capture. Understandably, I spied many couples sneaking infinity selfies, but I myself could refrain. The views from my suite were equal social gold, if I were to use social media right now…
How I switched off
As much as I was curious about exploring Lucerne, I wanted to relax. I savoured the time on my suite sofa reflecting on previous travels with physical photobooks rather than scrolling (I recently made a couple of CEWE photobooks for my coffee table, but they were light enough for carry-on). Each evening, I flicked through my glossy snaps next to the fireplace, while playing soft music from my phone (on aeroplane mode). Bliss. I love not relying on my phone or laptop for memories, and if you’re the same, I highly recommend a CEWE keepsake.
Of course, there’s plenty to do while housekeeping is refreshing your space, mostly centred on pampering or exercise. Aside from the spa, there’s golf, tennis, hiking, biking, ice skating, water sports (and shopping if you count retail therapy as, well, therapy). The Hammetschwand Lift, the highest outdoor lift in Europe, takes guests to the top of the Bürgenberg with a 360° panorama. This year marks the 120th anniversary of the lift. It’s an icon.
Guests can sit back and watch a movie in the hotel’s own luxury cinema as well as a slew of other activities
Getting there
I reached Bürgenstock Resort from Zurich airport, from there taking an hour train ride to a shuttle boat from Lucerne and then the Bürgenstock funicular up to reception. Those arriving by private jet can use Buochs Airport, which is 15 minutes from the resort, and those by helicopter can use one of several landing areas. The area is also well-linked by public transport.
Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The resort sits on the Bürgenstock mountain ridge above Lake Lucerne in central Switzerland. It is located in Obbürgen, in the canton of Nidwalden.
Famous past guests include Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren, Sean Connery, and other international celebrities.
The closest major international airport is Zurich Airport.
Approximately 60 minutes by car or limousine transfer or around 90 minutes via train and public transportation.
The resort is about 25 minutes from Lucerne by boat and funicular
As these policies can vary by room category and season, guests should confirm directly with the resort before arrival.
Lake View rooms and suites are the most requested categories and provide panoramic views across Lake Lucerne and the Alps.
Spa access is generally one of the main reasons guests book the resort. Access policies may vary by room package and season.
It is accessible via the scenic Cliff Walk and takes roughly 30 minutes on foot from the resort area.
Yes. Families frequently visit the resort, which offers family accommodations, outdoor activities, and kid-friendly dining options.
Find out more about Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia
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