There are plenty of images that come to mind when you think of Switzerland: the snow-drenched Swiss Alps, the glistening deep-blue waters of Lake Lucerne, elegant old and new world architecture. I’ll admit that was what I signed up for when I booked my flight to Geneva. I was pleasantly surprised, however, by just how beautiful Switzerland actually was. There’s no substitute for the real thing.

I was able to see the best that Switzerland has to offer on a trip to the Bürgenstock Resorts. This series of three luxury hotels had beautiful backdrops, historic European architecture and some of the best amenities I’ve ever experienced. These outstanding hotels are all unique and different from one another but all have that distinct Swiss charm. Named after the famous resort opened above Lucerne in 1873, these historic hotels recently underwent extensive renovations and upgrades. Here’s how I found bliss in Burgenstock.

Royal Savoy – Lausanne, Switzerland

I hit the ground running after arriving in Geneva. My Swiss experience started with a stay at Royal Savoy in the lakeside town of Lausanne. Located in the French-speaking region, Lausanne known for being the ‘Olympic Capital’ is home to medieval style streets and massive Cathedrals.

Of course, no trip to Switzerland is complete without chocolate. The Swiss chocolate did not disappoint, and I was even able to take use it as part of a Christmas pastry workshop.

Speaking of Christmas, I can’t think of a better place to spend the holidays than The Royal Savoy. This five-star hotel is in the heart of Lausanne and has everything you’d want for a holiday stay. Originally built in 1909, this recently restored resort combines old-school elegance with modern luxury.

You can cozy up with a blanket next to a fireplace, take in the views of Lake Geneva, or walk through the snowy Alpine forest grounds. It’s also home to the largest penthouse in the city, complete with a terrace that overlooks the city and water.  I also took full advantage of the Swiss wine & cheese fondues found in the Chalet they have setup just for the holidays which really made this the ultimate place to indulge while being festive.

Hotel Schweizerhof – Bern, Switzerland

While I wasn’t quite ready to leave Hotel Savoy, our next destination awaited. Our tour led us to Bern, the capital city of Switzerland. This historic city dates back to the 12th century, and its medieval architecture is on full display throughout downtown. Of course, the capital is filled with tourist spots: the Federal Palace, French Church, and the Zytglogge tower.

My trip to Bern may have been brief, but it was well worth the trek. My visit was highlighted by my tour of The Hotel Schweizerhof. This legendary hotel dates back to the 19th century and was rebuilt and reopened in 1913. After a recent renovation, the Schweizerhof is back in business as Bern’s go-to luxury hotel. I enjoyed an afternoon tea and tour of the grounds, complete with a trip to the ballroom, spa, and Jack’s Brasserie restaurant. This hotel may ooze elegance, but it actually has a very down to earth vibe. It felt very homey and warm and I can see it being a spot for locals to kick back and relax. Did I mention they have the only rooftop bar in the city? In its Christmas inspired ambiance, you can even enjoy winter specialties and mulled wine while taking in the sights.

Bürgenstock Resort – Lake Lucerne, Switzerland

Want to take a trip to a real-life winter wonderland? Book a room at Bürgenstock Resort in Lake Lucerne. It’s Bürgenstock’s signature property and one of the most scenic places I’ve ever been. Set near a lake and in the Swiss mountains, this legendary hotel offers unforgettable panoramic views.

Bürgenstock takes your breath away from the moment you arrive. Incoming guests take either a train or boat as part of a grand entrance. The views are no less impressive. Bürgenstock sits atop the cliff of the Burgenberg and overlooks the dazzling Lake Lucerne. The hotel is currently under an extensive renovation, with completion slated for summer 2018.

It’s hard to come up with enough accolades to properly describe Bürgenstock. Are you a fan of the outdoors? You can go ice skating, skiing, or boating. Looking to relax? You can take advantage of the Alpine Spa, the largest spa in Europe.

      Enjoying the ‘Nap Capsule’ at Alpine Spa

I found my bliss at the indoor infinity pool, which offers breathtaking views of Lake Lucerne. The list of luxuries is endless, from the crackling fireplaces in the lobby to the deep soaking tubs in-room bars in my room.

Special thanks to Bürgenstock for hosting me for an unforgettable weekend getaway. I was able to see firsthand Switzerland’s beauty and enjoy some of the finest hotels I’ve ever encountered. One thing is for sure – I found my bliss at Bürgenstock.

A very big Thank You to Bürgenstock Hotels & Resorts for organizing such a wonderful itinerary and allowing us to experience these exceptional properties!