Bürgenstock Resort Switzerland: The Private Traveller’s Inaugural Wellness Journey to an Alpine Luxury Resort and Spa
The Bürgenstock Resort Switzerland
Spa treatments or therapies, alternate or otherwise, along with a focus on diet, fitness and wellbeing has always been a big interest for me, and I’ve loved visiting some of the world’s best hotel spas as part of a vacation. Other than a few trips to Champneys in the UK, I haven’t really ventured on any spa specific journeys as ‘Mrs’ The Private Traveller isn’t overly a spa fan, albeit he will have the (very occasional) treatment. As well as loving the planning of a trip, and all the associated research, I love the booking process and writing about this afterwards. For any trip I will generally publish a Travel Itinerary blog, a Hotel Review, a Spa Review and then sometimes, depending on location, a Travel Diaries series featuring (say) the best things to do, see and where to eat like 72 Hours in XXXX.
I’m looking to make more trips to dedicated spa locations, so rather than shoehorn writing about these trips in advance into my existing portfolio, I’ve created a new series of Wellness Journeys, and this is my inaugural post, to somewhere I’ve wanted to visit for some time, the Bürgenstock Resort on Lake Lucerne, Switzerland. Here I will write all about the hotel I’ve chosen (there are two options at Bürgenstock), how I plan to get these, what I plan to do when there, where to eat etc.
The full detailed itinerary for the trip is below. All photos credit @burgenstockresort and thanks to The Dovetail Agency for facilitating.
Getting to Bürgenstock Resort Switzerland
I booked direct flights from Edinburgh to Zurich with Swissair, albeit the flights are being operated by Edelweiss Air. There was one direct flight each way every day, with a choice of other connections too. Economy and business class were offered, and it was really easy to get my flights booked. Not only that, once booked it was easy to select seats in the front row, where although a 3-3 configuration the middle seats are blocked in each of the business class rows. Although Swissair don’t have a dedicated lounge at Edinburgh airport, use of the Aspire lounge is an option. Isn’t my favourite though by any means.
Although on my return to the airport, I’ve booked a car direct from the resort to take me back to the airport, I wanted to try out the full Bürgenstock arrival experience with the funicular, so thought the best option was to get a train direct from Zurich airport to Lucerne, and from there the hotel catamaran across the lake to then take the final step on my journey, the famous Bürgenstock funicular. Not quite planes, trains and automobiles; but this time plane, train, catamaran and funicular.
Fast Facts for the Bürgenstock Resort in Switzerland (The Contemporary)
Address - Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne, CH-6363 Obbürgen, Switzerland
Website - https://burgenstockresort.com/en
TripAdvisor ranking - #1/3 (Obbuergen)
Contact - information@burgenstockresort.com
Nearest airport - Zurich International (ZRH) 84 km or 52 miles (about a 90 min drive)
Opened - 1873 (of the original Grand Hotel)
Number of rooms / suites - 211 total (135 rooms, 76 suites)
Number of floors - 7
Bars -2 (Lakeview Bar & Cigar Lounge; Verbena Bar Waldhotel)
Restaurants - 8
Wellbeing - 2 full-service spas (Alpine, Walhotel plus private Alpine spa suites), golf, wellness therapies and fitness classes, yoga, hair salon, tennis, ice rink
Visiting - August 2023
Bürgenstock Resort Alpine Spa Infinity Pool
“On Lake Lucerne, in the heart of Central Switzerland, a dazzling, unparalleled world awaits you: with two luxury hotels, private Residence Suites, ten restaurants and bars, shopping, two spa & wellness areas and more than 30 business event rooms, with a capacity for conferences for more than 600 guests.”
Hotel Accommodation: Choice of two hotels and styles
When you have a resort as big as this with multiple choices, it can be hard to home in on what to book. First is your choice of either the Bürgenstock Hotel or the Waldhotel, then even within the Bürgenstock is a choice of either the Contemporary or Heritage wing.
Facilities & Services at Bürgenstock Resort in Switzerland
As I mentioned above, you have the choice of two hotels (only the Bürgenstock itself is part of the Leading Hotels of the World chain), the Waldhotel doesn’t seem to be rated as highly but then does have the more ‘medical’ spa. All facilities and services are available throughout the resort, whether you’re staying in either hotel, or in the Bürgenstock Residences.
I’ve broken down the key facilities and services and shared my thoughts on them below:
Rooms/suites
I opted to book through Leading Hotels of the World, with all the extra benefits that can bring like a free upgrade subject to availability, complimentary breakfast and wifi etc. and I also realised early on that the Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa (probably why it’s part of LHW) was the better rated property. There was the choice of the Contemporary or Heritage wing, I went for the Contemporary. In terms of choice of rooms or suites, there was everything from entry-level Deluxe rooms to Lake View Bay Suites, Premium Suites to Panorama, Penthouse and Royal Suites too. There was a simpler choice in the Heritage part of the hotel and also the Waldhotel which is facing in the other direction.
Restaurant & Bars
There is a huge choice of restaurants and bars across the resort, with each hotel having their own which again are available to all residents, and a shuttle service to take you between them, albeit I don’t think it’s a big distance. With staying for 3 nights, I’ve already booked three of the eight restaurants (Verbena, Parisa & Spices), which was so easy to do online myself.
Design & Architecture
There is obviously so much history here, as you will see below in some of their vintage photos. Spread across 60 hectares is a vast resort high up in the Swiss mountains overlooking the majestic scenery of Lake Lucerne and surrounded by the Swiss Alps. There is a whole mix of different designs and styles, with contemporary meeting heritage, so a location I’ve very much looking forward to visiting and exploring more.
Arial view Bürgenstock Resort Alpine Spa Infinity Pool
Treatments & Therapies at the Spas (Alpine & Waldhotel)
Booking through Leading Hotels of the World, there were a number of package options. I opted for the Regeneration Retreat which includes the choice of either an IceLab or Vital Dome Experience at the Waldhotel Spa, and then a choice of either a facial by Dr. Barbara Sturm or 111SKIN, or a KOS full body massage. I went initially for the IceLab, though as much as I’ve been looking forward to trying this cryotherapy experience somewhere for such a long time, they advised that unfortunately it had a fault and I would need to change to the Vital Dome Experience instead.
I’ve broken down the key facilities and services and shared my opinion on them below:
Cryotherapy IceLab
This was something I was really looking forward to, but apparently isn’t going to be available during my stay. As I understood this, it a cryotherapy chamber where you would remain for (I think only) 3 minutes at sub-zero temperatures. Anywhere I have seen this before, but never tried, you normally wear some sort of hat, gloves and booties to protect your extremeities and experience the chamber to lower your body temperature. This is meant to boost your metabolism and give a new radiance to your skin. If I’m not lucky enough to experience this at Bürgenstock it is something that I will definitely try elsewhere.
Vital Dome Experience “Japanese Sauna”
I’ve had a treatment like this before, I think, at Cartesiano 360 in Puebla Mexico, where it uses infra-red technology to benefit the body. They told me this has similar benefits like to improve circulation and releases muscular tensions. The machines there were Gharieni and one was the iDome which its infra-red heat so it was like a body sauna lying down.
AMRA Meteorite Men’s Treatment
AMRA Skincare isn’t a brand I’ve heard of before, but understand them to be a British company focussing at the luxury end of the market, combining some of the world’s most precious actives like Pearl, Caviar, Gold, Diamond and Platinum in either facials or body treatments. I’ve opted for the 120 minute Meteorite Body Ritual.
Dr. Barbra Sturm Men’s Facial
Being an avid fan of Environ products from South Africa, I normally go for Environ facials only. However, I do like trying other things and Dr. Barbara Sturm has come onto my radar in a few spa locations, but this will be first time I’ve experienced one.
KOS Paris Full Body Invigorating Massage
I always like to incorporate a fully body massage and always go for the longest treatment option possible. This has stretching movements to release stress and tension, ideal for revitalising the body and mind with eucalyptus, citrus-verbena or island flowers. KOS Paris isn’t a brand I’ve used before, but I do always like to experience new treatments and new product ranges, so looking forward to this 90 minute treatment.
Arial view Bürgenstock Resort & Lake Lucerne
Dining at the Bürgenstock Resort in Switzerland
Other than an initial overwhelming disappointment at the initial room allocated, then the way an alternative was handled, service throughout the rest of the stay was phenomenal. The facilities of the resort were amazing, absolutely everything you could need or want on your doorstep in such spectacular surroundings.
I’ve broken down the key facilities and services and shared my opinion on them below:
Spices Kitchen & Terrace
One of the three restaurants I’ve booked during my stay, this Asian cuisines also brings authentic flavours of Japan, China, Thailand and India. One of the highlights here is the spectacular view, on the overhanging platform within the Bürgenstock Hotel.
Oak Grill & Pool Patio
Not one that I have booked, but the Oak Grill restaurant celebrates ‘Farm to Table from Nose to Grill’. This is part of the Alpine Spa at the Bürgenstock Hotel, where from the terrace you can get a great view of the outside Hollywood pool and the Swiss mountains as a backdrop.
Brasserie Ritzcoffier
Here contemporary French cuisine takes centre stage, with again those majestic Lake Lucerne views from panoramic windows.
Parisa Persian Cuisine
This menu particularly appealed, as does the views (yet again). Apparently this restaurant format has its roots in Qatar, with three similar restaurants there already, but this one is located next to the Bürgenstock Heritage with lake and mountain views.
Verbena Restaurant & Bar
Booked for my first night at the resort, as I have treatments already scheduled for the Waldhotel Spa. The focus here is on ‘Eat Well’ Mediterranean food, but equally there are lots of tempting dishes pasta, risotto and gourmet pizzas, not to mention a full cheese and dessert menu.
Lakeview Bar & Cigar Lounge
Although not in the cantilevered section out from the building, this is another area with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows to take advantage of the Lake Lucerne views. Open all day for drinks, all-day dining or afternoon tea or their Signature Cocktails, this is located near the reception of the Bürgenstock Hotel and Alpine Spa. I won’t be popping in for a cigar, but if there is a no smoking section I think a nice G&T would be called for here. Whenever I travel, as much as I like my usual favourites of Tanqueray, Aviation or Monkey 47 gins, I do also like to try local alternatives. I see they have The Seventh Sense Petit Genevrier Dry Gin, a Swiss classic gin, as well as some flavours under ‘New Age’.
Osteria Alpina Terazza
This restaurant is located directly on the golf course, with views of the Swiss Alps and the surrounding countryside. This restaurant has history when it was a favourite of two celebrity former residents, Sophia Lauren and Audrey Hepburn.
Taverne 1879
Rustic charm where you can expect hearty food served from this outdoors (so weather permitting) terrace - named after the restaurant’s initial opening year.
Activities & Experiences at Bürgenstock Resort in Switzerland
Other than an initial overwhelming disappointment at the initial room allocated, then the way an alternative was handled, service throughout the rest of the stay was phenomenal. The facilities of the resort were amazing, absolutely everything you could need or want on your doorstep in such spectacular surroundings.
I’ve broken down the key facilities and services and shared my opinion on them below:
Bürgenstock Funicular
Since the hotel opened in 1873 it has had a funicular to get you up from the lakeside. This has obviously been replaced over time, but I always think there is something quite magical about cable cars and funiculars in particular, especially when they are private to a hotel or house.
Bürgenstock Catamaran
In order to get to and from Lucerne, the hotel has its own private catamaran. This operates throughout the day and twice every hour, linking into the funicular to take you up to the resort itself.
Bürgenstock Cinema
I believe there is an in-hotel private cinema, where films are shown on some nights of the week. I’ll check out what’s being shown, as always think it’s a great concept when a hotel has its own cinema.
Hammetschwand Lift
The Hammetschwand Lift is apparently the highest outdoor lift in Europe. It’s only open part of the year, but the views look stunning from the top, and definitely an experience taking such a panoramic lift.
Visiting nearby Lucerne
Although I take the train from Zurich to Lucerne, I plan on just passing through and catch the next available hotel catamaran across the lake. I’ll definitely go back down and have a look around this city.
Other Activities
There are lots of walks, hikes, golf, cycling, as well as the myriad of fitness or mindfulness classes.
Bürgenstock Resort & Lake Lucerne - Heritage Wing
Actual Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Fly direct to Zurich (ZRH) with Swissair (actually operated by Edelweiss Air)
Not too early a start from Edinburgh, with this scheduled 2hr 15min journey.
Business class was available, with 5 rows at the front of this Airbus A320 in a 2:2 configuration, albeit the aircraft is all standard 3:3 with the middle seats blocked in Business.
On arrival in Zurich, I’ve got a Swiss Train booked direct from the airport to Lucerne Station, a journey that’s meant to take only 1hr 10mins.
At Lucerne, the hotel has a shuttle boat (the Burgenstock Catamaran: Kehrsiten-Burgenstock) to take you across the lake (twice every hour).
Those boat arrivals then tie in with the hotel’s funicular which goes straight up into the Burgenstock Hotel .
Check in for 3 nights at the Bürgenstock Contemporary Hotel.
First treatment booked was meant to be the IceLab cryotherapy at the Waldhotel, but now the Japanese Sauna.
Dinner booked Verbena Restaurant & Bar.
Day 2 Bürgenstock Resort
Treatments booked include a facial and hammam experience.
Dinner booked Parisa - Persian Cuisine.
Day 3 Bürgenstock Resort
I do want to go back down on the funicular and across the lake again back to Lucerne, so plan to do this one morning of my stay.
Treatments booked include a full body massage and I’ll try out all the various Alpine spa experiences again.
I also want to experience the Hammetschwand Lift - if I don’t do it later today, it will definitely be something I do on my last morning.
Dinner booked Spices Kitchen & Terrace.
Day 4 Travel back from the Bürgenstock Resort
If I haven’t visited the
There’s another direct flight with Swissair to Edinburgh, but actually operated by Edelweiss Air taking just the same 2hr 15mins.
Rather than doing planes, trains, catamaran and funicular as I did when getting to the resort, this times it’s just automobile and plane. I have a BlackLane limo transfer booked from the hotel at lunchtime, which should get me back to Zurich airport in about
Summary
Whenever I take a trip, as well as providing the full travel itinerary (detailed above) I’ll also provide a detailed hotel review for each property, I will be posting on social channels like Instagram and also now creating a YouTube video of any hotel too.
Please check out my links to more posts below.
Bürgenstock Hotel Senior Suite
