Grab your passport and get ready for your next Swiss adventure. 2022 brings with it an array of exciting news from The Canton of Vaud, the mountainous district located in western Switzerland.
From a new mobile spa concept in the heart of the UNESCO Lavaux vineyards to exciting Jaeger-LeCoultre masterclasses and many a luxe hotel opening, here’s what’s awaiting you in Villars and beyond this spring
1 Set the snooze button at Watchmaker’s Hotel, scheduled to open spring 2022
Opening its doors in spring 2022, this new architectural gem has been designed in the shape of a “Z” and is located right next to the Musée Atelier Audemars. Combining history and modernity, and with breathtaking views overlooking the Risoud forest, the new hotel is set to meet the highest standards of eco-responsible tourism drawing on raw materials and ingredients from the region.
Fifty rooms and suites, several restaurants headed up by 3-star Michelin Chef, Emmanual Renaut, a sophisticated bar, café, conference rooms and a wonderful wellness area, “Le Spa by Alpeor”, this super sleek hotel will showcase the very best the region has to offer. myvalleedejoux.ch
2 Learn about the art of watches with Jaeger-LeCoultre
Founded in Le Sentier at the beginning of the 19th century, this luxury watch manufacturer is now offering discovery workshops for watch enthusiasts to immerse themselves into the world of fine watchmaking. With a maximum of eight participants, supervised by a teacher and an expert, visitors will learn the secrets behind this highly specialised and skilled trade, and will learn how to assemble one of their watches.
Guided factory visits are also available, focusing on different themes such as the history behind the invention or the artistic creativity and skill behind watchmaking. These unique experiences introduce visitors to the past and present of Jaeger-LeCoultre, appealing to those unfamiliar with this world, as well as to specialists in the field. online-booking.jaeger-lecoultre.com
3 Pay a visit to the Pop-up Spa in Lavaux, La Vigne
“La Vigne”, a new mobile spa concept in the heart of Lavaux, offers a sensory immersion in one of the most beautiful panoramas in the world. It has developed its products and treatments based on vinotherapy, which uses grapes and vines for their anti-aging, toning, softening, hydrating and regenerating qualities. The products in the range are all derived from the residues of the vine that are not used in the making of wine, but which are full of molecules that help the skin to look its best. A hot bath in the heart of the vineyards, a Chasselas lees wrap, and a relaxing massage with grape seed oil are just some of the treatments offered. www.la-vigne.ch
4 Spend the night at Victoria Hotel & Residence, Villars
After two years of intense renovation, the Victoria Hotel & Residence reopens as a stylish getaway in a fantastic location on the Villars ski slopes. Blending minimalism and elegance with traditional Swiss touches, the hotel has a strong focus on “Slow Life” and sustainability, and a promise of less packaging, no unnecessary products or single use plastics throughout the hotel.
Highlights include ski-in/ski-out access, indoor pool and gym, as well as homemade, local and seasonal produce and a guilt free juice bar for that extra boost of energy before hitting the slopes. villarsvictoria.ch
5 Lap up luxury at Villars Palace, opening summer 2022
If you love classic luxury, look no further. An iconic building, built in 1912 and steeped in history, Villars Palace is nearing the end of its ambitious two-year renovation, transforming the building back to how it was in its glory years and to the golden age of luxury hotels.
Whilst maintaining the hotel’s original character and grandeur, the 358 rooms and suites have been redesigned with elegant and contemporary tones. villarspalace.ch
6 Board the GoldenPass Express Line (opening Dec 2022)
A highly anticipated new train line linking Montreux and Interlaken is scheduled to open this winter. Designed by the renowned Italian designer, Pininfarina, the train will have panoramic carriages offering both 1st and 2nd class reservations, as well as a Prestige class area.
The idea to link Lake Geneva, Gstaad and the lakes of Thun and Brienz dates back to 1873. This will be a world first; an exceptional engineering feat and example of a revolutionary variable gauge system that will enable the train to switch from the metric gauge of the MOB (Montreux–Zweisimmen) to the normal gauge of the BLS (Zweisimmen–Interlaken) in just a few seconds. mob.ch/goldenpass-express
