No matter the season, there's a Switzerland for you. Want to spend the winter snowboarding, the spring spa-ing, the summer hiking, or the fall shopping? Condé Nast Traveler's November issue has you covered with 12 magical Alpine escapes. Here's a peek:
Switzerland Spring
"Natural High": Grand Resort, Bad Ragaz
The Look Extravagant contemporary-a recent $142 million refurb added a new spa with a unique Swarovski herbal steam bath and a pool bathed in changing colors) and indoor hot spring, and a Medical health Center offering cosmetic surgery. The Highlight The 56 new Spa Suites, with Ragaz mineral water on tap and in-room saunas. The Treatment The firming La Prairie Caviar Body Treatment ($25), perfect for old goats. The 411 41-81-303-3030, resortragaz.ch.
The Look Extravagant contemporary-a recent $142 million refurb added a new spa with a unique Swarovski herbal steam bath and a pool bathed in changing colors) and indoor hot spring, and a Medical health Center offering cosmetic surgery. The Highlight The 56 new Spa Suites, with Ragaz mineral water on tap and in-room saunas. The Treatment The firming La Prairie Caviar Body Treatment ($25), perfect for old goats. The 411 41-81-303-3030, resortragaz.ch.
Switzerland Summer
"Take A Hike": Around Lake Geneva, oenophiles and low-key strollers can do the lonely four-and-a-half-hour walk from Lasusanne to Vevy, through UNESCO-protected vineyards and charming wine towns like St.Saphorin—stop by its thirteenth-century Auberge de L'Onde for a glass of local vino (41-21-925-4900). In Montreux, home to the famous Jazz Festival, stay at the Hotel Masson (41-21-966-004; doubles, $170-$274).
Switzerland Fall
"On the Rails": Glacier Express
Departs Zermatt. Arrives St. Mortiz. Distance 180 miles (7.5 hours). Claim to Fame The world's slowest "express" train; one leg, the Albula line, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Best Seat Those in the panoramic bar car, with wraparound windows. Views Traverses 91 tunnels, 291 bridges, serpentine switchbacks, and stone viaducts over Rhône Valley ravines and through tree-thick, humbling Alps. Glimpse mountain bikers and white-water rafters as you ride along. Hightlight Getting the white-tablecloth treatment during a three-course lunch (not included, but not overprices). The 411 glacierexpress.ch.
Departs Zermatt. Arrives St. Mortiz. Distance 180 miles (7.5 hours). Claim to Fame The world's slowest "express" train; one leg, the Albula line, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Best Seat Those in the panoramic bar car, with wraparound windows. Views Traverses 91 tunnels, 291 bridges, serpentine switchbacks, and stone viaducts over Rhône Valley ravines and through tree-thick, humbling Alps. Glimpse mountain bikers and white-water rafters as you ride along. Hightlight Getting the white-tablecloth treatment during a three-course lunch (not included, but not overprices). The 411 glacierexpress.ch.
Switzerland Winter
"Green Day": The Scene Spurred by the shrinking Matterhorn Glacier, which has receded a few feet since the early 200s thanks to global warming, Zermatt has started slapping solar panels on slanted roofs and equipping new construction with low-energy ventilation and geothermic heat. The ski town's biggest statement has been banishing cars in favor of mini-electromobile taxis and horse-drawn carriages; most people choose to walk, making this a village of chiseled calves, neighborly Guten Tags, and lots of low-key skiing.
For more on Swiss escapes pick up a copy of the November issue or read "Four Seasons of Switzerland" at cntraveler.com.
We had our honeymoon in Switzerland back in 1985, and I will never forget the beauty of Switzerland. Once you get out of Zurich, and get into the country like Interlaken, Zermatt, Davos, Chur and Murren, you will see sights that you will never, ever forget!