Completely relaxing at the Hotel des Trois Couronnes

The end of the year is approaching with mileage boots and with it the chaos in the diary. Work to be completed, friends to meet, Christmas cards to make… and, and, and. You know this, right? So a weekend break on Lake Geneva comes at just the right time. Completely erase work, gifts and family gatherings from your memory and just relax. Not only does it sound fantastic, it also feels fantastic. We had the opportunity to spend a relaxing weekend in Vevey at the invitation of the historic Hotel des Trois Couronnes. The luxurious 5-star superior hotel is one of the leading hotels and looks back on a rich history. The Trois Couronnes was built in 1842 directly on the shores of Lake Geneva on the foundations of the noble castle “Belles Truches”. Since then, the hotel has been a popular retreat for actors, writers, musicians and aristocrats. The magnificent panorama over the lake seems to inspire creativity and accelerate the feeling of relaxation.

What really impresses me at first glance is the atrium that runs over all floors. Thanks to large skylights, daylight reaches the lobby, which is very tastefully decorated at Christmas time. Not to be overlooked are the three crowns in the floor slabs and the massive marble columns that give the entrance area a royal touch.

Living with a view

To get from the lobby to our room on the third floor, we are spoilt for choice – whether we should take the ancient elevator up (a real experience) or use the detailed staircase for sport. If you like historical details, Trois Couronnes is the right place for you. There is a piece of history around every corner and renovation work has taken great care to preserve the historic ambience.

On the first evening, the winter weather is still merciful and presents us with the view of Lake Geneva and the Alps on a silver platter. Our room has two small balconies and when the weather is nice you could have breakfast here. What a fantastic start to the day it would be.

The rooms with a view of the city are currently being renovated. In the new furnishings, more earth tones, fewer patterns and a timeless furniture design were used. Unagitatedly modern, in order to integrate seamlessly into the historic shell. The rooms with lake view will be renovated in one of the following phases. Despite my preference for the country house style, the current furnishings are a bit too colorfully patterned for me. At least the carpet could do with a little more rest. Otherwise, our junior suite leaves nothing to be desired for a cozy weekend.

Breakfast with a local twist

The next morning, the view out of the window shows that the high fog has now also shrouded the Lake Geneva region in desolate grey. This does not detract from our mood. On the contrary, we can enjoy our time in the hotel to the fullest without a guilty conscience. And at the latest at the sight of the breakfast buffet, even the biggest grumpy person will put a smile on his face. With so many fresh, vitamin-rich fruits, you can’t be gloomy. But my absolute highlight were the meringues with fresh Gruyère double cream. My goodness, this is delicious! Anyone who knows me knows that I prefer to have fewer products, but those with local origin. And that’s exactly what the Hotel des Trois Couronnes has done perfectly with its breakfast buffet. Chapeau for that.

Spa o’clock

After breakfast, I start my day of relaxation with a so-called Pure Sense Biosynergy massage. The Trois Couronnes has an excellent reputation for its numerous treatments. Head therapist Lucian Retea explains to me what to expect before the massage. In contrast to classic massages, he uses a lymphatic drainage device in addition to his hands. This enables a treatment that frees the body from deep blockages and toxins. During the massage, the body is stimulated, trained, detoxified and relaxed at the same time. Lucien Retea senses my initial scepticism and adapts the treatment individually to my needs. 80 minutes later, all my concerns have subsided. I have rarely felt so kneaded and at the same time pleasantly relaxed down to the last muscle. Before exploring the rest of the spa area, I rest on one of the lounge chairs. In the summer months, the relaxation area is extended to the secluded terrace. The heart of the wellness area is the 24-metre-long pool and the adjacent whirlpool. It also has a sauna and a steam bath.

Landscape to bite
into

In the late afternoon, we venture out into the fresh air. Finally, the hotel is located right next to the Vevey waterfront. This is also where the two most important features of Vevey are located. On the one hand, the Charlie Chaplin statue and on the other hand, the fork of the Neuchâtel plastic artist Jean-Pierre Zaugg. This was created for the 10th anniversary of the Alimentarium. By the way, the fork is supposed to invite you to enjoy the landscape. Well, unfortunately we only see a thick cloud cover on this day.

Genussvolles Ambiente

We start the evening with an aperitif in the tastefully furnished bar. This area, which has also just been renovated, is a prime example of how it has been possible to skilfully combine historical and modern elements. Afterwards we enjoy a feudal dinner at the restaurant Les Trois Couronnes (awarded with 1 Michelin star). The cuisine is based on regionality and seasonality and has a French touch. Cheers to the chocolate-saffron dessert. Undisputedly the crowning glory of the day!

Trois Couronnes with its harmonious ambience has me wrapped around my finger. Where else can you read a book so beautifully between red Christmas tree baubles by the blazing fire? However, the hotel plays its real trump cards in summer. The centrepiece is the spacious terrace, flanked by Lake Geneva on one side and the famous vineyards of Lavaux on the other.

Information and tips about the Hotel des Trois Couronnes

• Overnight rate per room from around 350 CHF (depending on season and room category)
• Every Sunday between 12 pm and 3 pm there is a brunch (78 CHF for adults)
• On cloudy days, the Swiss Camera Museum (within walking distance of the hotel) is worth a visit
• From the end of November until Christmas, the famous Montreux Noel Christmas market also takes place. The journey to Montreux takes just under 25 minutes by bus. The bus stop is right in front of the hotel. Hotel guests are allowed to use the bus free of charge.

Note: I have been invited to this stay by the Hotel des Trois Couronnes – thank you very much for this. As always, my readers can be sure that I always represent my views and enthusiasm here.