The Hotel Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne, Switzerland, holds a very romantic memory for us – this is where we met for our first date. The place must have been full of positive vibes : we got married just a few months later ! We return again and again, in winter, spring, summer and fall, as we seize every opportunity for a sentimental pilgrimage at the Beau-Rivage Palace.

The prestigious Belle-Epoque palace sits on the banks of Lake Leman (or Lake Geneva if you are not Swiss, or not inclined to be politically correct) on its own 10-acre park and is majority-owned by the Sandoz Family Foundation. The Foundation is unreservedly committed to the continued renovation of this majestic property built in 1861, and it shows; the palace is beautifully and tastefully maintained and decorated. The walls of this majestic building could tell thousands of stories about defining moments in history, such as the signing of international treaties, about artists seeking inspiration, about royal families and famous celebrity guests. The guestbook of this the Beau-Rivage Palace reads like a who’s who of the 20th century’s most influential figures in film, politics, and athletics.

The Beau Rivage Palace boasts several fine dining places such as the Japanese restaurant Miyako and the two Michelin stars restaurant of chef Anne-Sophie Pic. It has two bars and the Beau-Rivage bartenders are clearly among the best and are known to let their creative spirit flow freely. Whilst the bar scene and culture in Lausanne will never be comparable to that in London or New York, the bars of the Beau-Rivage Palace attract trendy local clientele and international hotel guests. In December, to kick off the festive spirit, my girlfriends and I love taking a cocktail class with the bar manager himself who, with savoir-faire, patience and a sense of humor, teaches us blending and mixing techniques and the use of unusual spices to bring new life into old classics.

The Beau Rivage Palace offers a sumptuous setting for special events such as dreamy weddings and magical soirées, such as the charity gala of the AClem Foundation in the the palatial ballroom that wows with its detailed frescos and intricate marble decoration under a stained glass cupola.

Waking up at the Beau-Rivage Palace is an experience of absolute serenity with views of the tranquil lake and the Alps beyond.

She-colibri

Hotel Beau-Rivage Palace | Chemin de Beau-Rivage 21 | 1006 Lausanne | Switzerland | +41 21 613 33 33 | brp.ch