For 160 years, the Beau-Rivage Palace has been offering wellness to its guests. Since 1861, the Beau-Rivage Palace has been Lausanne’s most prestigious hotel, proud to have welcomed the world’s greatest celebrities. It’s true that with its 19th-century architecture, its front-row position facing Lake Geneva and its fabulous mountain backdrop, the Palace captivates at first glance. Wellness is now a priority, and with its new Cinq Mondes spa, two swimming pools and unique massage rituals set to augmented music, the Beau-Rivage has some serious trump cards up its sleeve. Pascal Languillon, CEO of Luxe Wellness Club, tells us about his stay in the magnificent Spa Suite, undoubtedly one of the best in Europe.
A legendary palace for world leaders
On the shores of Lake Geneva, nestled in a beautiful four-hectare garden, this hotel is regularly ranked among Europe’s top 5-star hotels. Comprising two buildings linked by La Rotonde, this majestic establishment has played host to the world’s greats since it opened in 1861: writers (Victor Hugo), showbiz stars (from Charlie Chaplin and Coco Chanel in the last century to Bono and Bruce Willis today), presidents (Jacques Chirac, Nelson Mandela among them) and even the Dalai Lama. It was therefore with great emotion that I discovered this palace in January 2021. I took great pleasure in observing the many portraits of these illustrious visitors, displayed on the “Wall of Fame”.
In addition to its ideal location, the hotel continues to attract guests with its excellent service and splendid suites, not to mention its double Michelin-starred Anne-Sophie Pic cuisine. Located just 10 minutes from downtown Lausanne, it seems far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. It therefore seemed only natural to General Manager Nathalie Seiler-Hayez to orient the palace more towards a wellness philosophy, with the opening of a new Cinq Mondes spa in 2020 and a new wellness experience taking shape in 2021.
The Spa Suite: simply magical!
660. Three numbers engraved on one of Europe’s most desirable suites, for us wellness enthusiasts: the Spa Suite at the Beau-Rivage Palace, which proudly boasts 85 m² dedicated to well-being. It comprises a beautiful living room, a bedroom and a huge rare marble bathroom including a whirlpool bath and a large separate shower, as well as a treatment area with two massage tables and a private hammam.
Located on the 6th and top floor of the hotel, the suite offers a sublime view of the lake and the Alps, which can be admired from a balcony heated in winter, with two benches for reclining (see photo at the top of this article). A large fireplace in the living room adds to the coziness of the whole. It may be just a detail, but the slipeprs supplied are without doubt the most comfortable I’ve been able to put on so far!
Spa suites are synonymous with wellness, and the Beau-Rivage Palace has spared no expense in providing its guests with the ultimate in well-being. First of all, I loved the luxurious FreshBed bed, scientifically developed to provide a cool microclimate for deep, restful sleep. Another nice touch: a yoga mat and weights in the suite to get the day off to a great start!
As part of the wellness welcome, guests are treated to bubble tea instead of champagne, ginger shots and healthy snacks with fresh fruit and vegetables! The many bathroom courtesy products are from the Cinq Mondes brand, and they’re all of excellent quality. The suite is customized in advance with aromatherapy according to the customer’s choice of color.
To be honest, I think those three numbers, 660, will remain engraved in my memory for a long time to come, because this Spa Suite is exceptional. All this luxury comes at a price, of course: 4,500 euros per night. To be reserved for special occasions.
Many rooms with lake views
Fortunately, you don’t have to book the Spa Suite to enjoy an excellent stay at the Beau-Rivage Palace. The minimum room size is 28 m², and with an entry fee of around 400 euros per night, the 5-star hotel offers excellent value for money, especially in Switzerland.
While some rooms overlook the city and gardens, I think it would be a shame to miss out on the palace’s magnificent views of the lake and mountains. The superior lake-view rooms are highly recommended. There’s also strong demand for the Junior Suites, spacious with their own sitting area and pretty balcony.
Softness and voluptuousness at the Cinq Mondes spa
Established over 1500 m², the Cinq Mondes spa at the Beau-Rivage Palace features 8 treatment rooms, including a double suite, 1 relaxation room, 2 changing rooms with steam room, sauna, ice cellar and ice fountain, 1 fitness room with lake view, 1 yoga studio, 2 heated pools (indoor and outdoor)
and a restaurant, all nestled in a green setting overlooking the lake. Impressive for a city spa!
The new spa opened in 2020 after architectural work by Alexandre Pierart. It has been designed as an intimate, enveloping space, with feminine, organic shapes, soft curves and natural materials.
I particularly liked the spa’s waiting room, known as the “patio”, which is adorned with a mysterious tree and undulating light, and the relaxation room designed as a bronze cocoon. Another special mention goes to the yoga room, which is as futuristic as it is welcoming.
The spa also boasts a beautiful “Félicité Suite”, designed for customers who wish to relax for two in a private area. This double suite is a very comfortable, round room featuring two exfoliating beds, delicately heated at kidney level, and a sliding door that opens onto a double Japanese bath, which in turn opens onto a private garden. The welcome ceremony of a floral footbath invites a feeling of intense relaxation. Romantic!
The spa uses products from French luxury spa brand Cinq Mondes, inspired by beauty traditions and recipes from around the world. A pioneer in natural cosmetics, Cinq Mondes products combine the properties of active plant ingredients with the emotions provoked by unique fragrances from leading perfumers. They are guaranteed free of parabens, silicone and artificial colorants.
Music-enhanced immersive massage: a treatment unique in the world
I was lucky enough to be able to test extraordinary care during my stay at the Beau-Rivage Palace, a treatment that is offered here as a world exclusive. Indeed, Cinq Mondes has invented an interactive massage ritual, where the customer’s body becomes the partition of the conductor, who is none other than the therapist. This treatment requires special facilities in dedicated treatment rooms. Sensors installed above the massage table, linked to a computer, track the therapist’s hand movements. A sophisticated algorithm takes their rhythm into account to regulate the musical elements.
It’s an unprecedented experience in which music plays a full part, and care takes on a whole new dimension. The Musically Enhanced Immersive Massage comes in two one-and-a-half-hour rituals:
– The Immersive Oriental Ritual, slow and relaxing
– The Ayurvedic Immersive Ritual, spirited and regenerating.
I chose the immersive oriental ritual, with Moroccan notes. Given by a highly experienced therapist, Perrine Baillif, I simply adored this massage, which was terribly relaxing. I found the technology very interesting, even if it was perhaps a little difficult to let myself be completely carried away by the sound experience. I’m now very curious to try it again.
Bonus: following this musically-enhanced Immersive Massage experience, the spa will send you a unique, personal score of your treatment, so you can relive the experience at home by lighting a candle donated by Cinq Mondes. A subtle way to bring back fond memories of your hotel stay…
A growing wellness offering
The Cinq Mondes spa collaborates with Jérémy Peltier, a former professional sportsman, and his team, in a beautiful fitness area fully equipped with ” Technogym ” machines, as well as cardiovascular and slimming equipment. Group classes are organized every day. These include bodyshape for abs and glutes, core training for deep body muscles, and various yoga sessions .
Spa Cinq Mondes also offers naturopathic consultations, a natural health practice aimed at optimizing the customer’s vital energy.
More rarely, the palace also has a medical concierge, Ilham Bernichi Claudet, who works with the best clinics in Switzerland to meet every need. Cosmetic surgery is particularly popular.
In 2021, the Beau-Rivage Palace team will unveil a new “wellness experience” to take innovation and customer satisfaction one step further. We’ll tell you more when the time comes!
A temple to gastronomy
While the star of the kitchen is, of course, Anne-Sophie Pic’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant, the Palace’s other restaurants are of excellent quality. During my stay, only the Café Beau-Rivage was open, due to Covid-19. But there’s no need to lament, as this elegant brasserie offers delicious dishes! Among what I tasted, special mention goes to two dishes in particular: a starter, “snow crab à la plancha, celery remoulade and green apple, shellfish condiments”. And for the main course: “Tajine of Maine lobster with oriental spices and preserved lemon”.
At breakfast, I enjoyed the healthy selection, with a fresh, vitaminized juice of the day, exquisite fruit salads, avocado and pomegranate toast… I wanted to add some poached salmon eggs on wholemeal toast to round things off. Delicious.
Our feeling
The reputation of the Beau-Rivage Palace is well established, and its new wellness approach suits it perfectly. The hotel boasts a magnificent spa and a real coherence on the theme of well-being. In two words: we love it!
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Take advantage of our expertise at the Beau-Rivage Palace and contact us for a personalized quote. We look forward to advising you.
Rates: From around 400 euros per night.
Call us for Switzerland: +41 22 501 75 16, for the USA: +1 (646) 980 6652 or for the UK: +44 20 4577 3258 to discuss your holiday plans.
