Thousands of secrets have passed through the walls of palaces, many lost to history, but some have been preserved forever. The secrets of the Beau Rivage are no different. The hotel itself has never been a secret, but the walls have captured a thousand stories, each different to the last. That’s what makes it so special. The Palace gives every guest a unique anecdote to illustrate, now the book flips a page and its your turn to write.

The crown jewel of Lausanne, and Swiss hospitality overall, the Beau Rivage Hotel stands magnificently on the shores of Lake Geneva in Ouchy. The four hectare estate is neatly tucked away in its own private haven, seemingly miles away from anything else despite being only minutes from town shops and restaurants. The hotel boasts 168 rooms and suites across five floors with views of the Alps and the stunning Lake Geneva. Fine dining is a delight at the Beau Rivage Hotel with a selection of four restaurants that guests can choose from, including the two star Michelin rated Anne-Sophie Pic. With manicured gardens, a well-equipped spa and a gorgeous outdoor pool available, guests will never want to wander far from the palatial grounds. Located 40 minutes from Geneva airport or just 20 minutes away from Lausanne airport taking private jets, accessibility to luxury has never been easier.

Since its grand opening in 1861, the Beau Rivage Hotel really has seen it all. 161 years of operation have bared witness to great historical events such as the signing of the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923, settle the ongoing conflict between European powers in the aftermath of World War One. Since then, many high profile figure have passed through the hotel such as Nelson Mandela as well as numerous high profile celebrities, all exhibited on the wall of fame found in the lobby. In 1908, the hotel was expanded to double its capacity in a Art Noveau and neo-baroque style. Despite its important place in history and consistent presence of celebrities, the hotel manages to exude a welcoming and relaxed ambiance for all guests. The secrets of the Beau Rivage are there for all to discover.

Accommodation is shared across two buildings with suites found in the Beau Rivage and guest rooms in the Palace. Styled accordingly, suites are palatially traditional with mahogany furniture and regal tie-back curtains. Guest rooms capture a classically elegant manner designed by French tastemaker Pierre-Yves Rochon, who did the Savoy in London amongst other projects.

The most exclusive of the suites found in the Beau Rivage wing is the Imperial Suite. Facing the sumptuous Lake Geneva, the suite offers a living area of 140m² and a private terrace spanning 65m². The major source of inspiration for the interiors is ancient Greco-Roman and Egyptian with finely chiselled bronze and handcrafted furniture. The terrace allows an uninterrupted view of the park, lake and Alpine mountains furnished with custom-made garden furniture. Bonsai trees and opulent vegetation richly decorates the terrace inviting guests to share unforgettable memories under the stars.

If guests are searching for the Dior-esque accommodation experience then the Palace wing may be of more interest. A space for taking it slow, a celebration of deceleration and relaxation. A palette of soft colours with creams and florals hugging the interiors, bouncy carpets and a multitude of mirrors. A lavish king-sized bed situates itself as the magnum opus of the room where comfort in plenteous. The enormous marble bathroom, adorned with Bulgari toiletries, features a free standing jacuzzi and gorgeous bath.

Anne-Sophie Pic, one of Switzerland’s most prestigious restaurants and recipient of two Michelin stars, is run by Chef Kévin Vaubourg. Guests are introduced to a six-course tasting menu featuring local and seasonal ingredients that guide partakers on a journey of gastronomic artistry. The menu is carefully paired with one of the largest wine collections in Europe consisting of 3000 wines and 75000 bottles. Fine French cuisine paired with palatial Franco ambiance, it is certainly the place to dine for a romantic time.

Café Beau-Rivage is another option for guests in the form of a brassérie whose menu consists of a modern European style. A slightly more informal restaurant with a relaxed but sophisticated atmosphere, it attracts a myriad of business people and holiday makers to taste the seasonally changing menu. Come the warmer weather in spring, its doors open onto the terrace where guests can gaze across Lake Geneva whilst tucking into some breakfast.

The Bar is another focal point of the hotel with the bar staff really causing quite a stir. A palatial hangout spot defined by its retro-chic style and beautiful tapestries that drape the walls, it is a perfect spot for an after-work drink or a sophisticated night out. On Thursday and Fridays, live music ranging from jazz to soul fills the bar chambers to perfect the bar experience. A lovely unconventional feature of The Bar is that frequent guests can store any purchased bottles in a designated glass cabinet which can be reopened on their return if they so wish.

The newly renovated Cinq Mondes Spa offers a new approach to well-being. As a cocoon that act upon both the mind and body, guests will feel a deep sense of calm and serenity with all that is available. A global mix of treatments range from Brazilian toning treatments to Japanese bath ceremonies, guests are not hard pushed to find their revitalising bliss. Featuring eight treatment rooms, indoor and outdoor pools with saunas and jacuzzies, and separate Hammam’s men and women, guests will find what they’re looking for at the Cinq Mondes Spa.

Palatial, regal and majestic. The Beau Rivage Hotel transports guests into the realm of legendary old school luxury. Not just a national treasure but a continental treasure, this hotel encapsulates all the best components of European elegance and excellence. La Tradition en Mouvement, the original grandeur is preserved in epic stylishness, leaving guests feeling like they really are royalty.