Hôtel Royal Savoy, Lausanne

ROYAL SAVOY HOTEL & SPA

LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND

Switzerland is home to countless renowned and well visited destinations. From Geneva to St Moritz, it is a country bursting with history, culture and of course, wealth. However, there are some spots that happily go about their business just under the main tourist radar while still delivering the very best Switzerland has to offer.

One such place is Lausanne, the second largest city on the banks of Lake Geneva and fifth largest in Switzerland. More specifically, the impressive Hôtel Royal Savoy located in the Ouchy district just a stones throw from the iconic lake. Less than hour by either car or super efficient train from Geneva and its airport, this is a destination rich in culture.

Whether you want to explore the beautiful UNESCO Lavaux vineyard terraces, visit one of the multitude of museums - including the Vaud Museum of Fine Art, or delve into the city's place at the forefront of the modern Olympics - with over 40 international sports federations, the Olympic Committee and Olympic Museum all choosing Lausanne as their home.

The picturesque Lausanne is the perfect place to explore on foot, with a plethora of green spaces including the Olympic park free to enjoy, and with the added benefit of free travel by bus, train and metro courtesy of the hotel for the duration of your stay, there really is no excuse.

With such an ideal location less than a 10 minute walk to the shores of the impressive lake, you can enjoy some incredible views across to the French side and Évian-les-Bains opposite from the lakeside promenade or even hop on one of the cruises for a quick trip across the water.

As you look back up the hills from the shore on which Lausanne sits, you will see a host of traditional architectural delights including of course, the Royal Savoy Hotel. Standing proudly facing Lake Geneva, this historic building, opened in 1909, has been beautifully restored to deliver the perfect blend of Art Nouveau and modern style. A welcome view, the hotel front is the epitome of luxury Swiss city accommodation of old, with an impressive appearance and gated driveway for those arriving by car.

However, the second you enter the historic building, you're invited into a modern, chic world which manages to maintain tradition in both style and service - possibly thanks to the École hôtelière de Lausanne, ranked as the best hospitality school in the world being located in the city. From the clean reception space through to the vast, high ceiling lounge and bar just behind, everything has been designed to deliver a welcoming, modern aesthetic without losing touch with the building's heritage and The Bürgenstock Collection - owners of the hotel - have done a fantastic job of achieving it.

Each of the public spaces has been carefully curated to be destinguishable yet fit within the design ethos of the hotel. The more classically styled Brasserie du Royal offers a warm elegance across four different rooms where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch - which utilises the tranquil gardens to present numerous food stations to indulge in - and features a stunning sunlit veranda, the perfect spot for breakfast.

The other dining option besides the lounge bar and brasserie is a very different, much more colourful space on the roof, the Skylounge. Boasting 360° views, this more casual space is ideal for a relaxed meal with friends and family thanks to a focus on sharing plates or you can just visit for a few of the inventive cocktails in the afternoon to soak up the sun and the landscape. This space features a seasonally changing menu to be inkeeping with the weather, so expect plenty of fondue should you visit in the colder months, but for now you can enjoy the sunkissed flavours of the Mediterranean and beyond.

Should you feel like you may have overindulged, then there is a small but well appointed fitness centre to help you keep in - or get back in - shape. However, you might just find yourself venturing to the rest of the luxurious 1,500sqm Spa du Royal instead. Boasting everything from the indoor/outdoor swimming pool to saunas, steam baths, cold baths, ice fountains, relaxation areas, additional ladies-only spa, hair salon, cosy treatment rooms and of course, fitness center, there is plenty to do without leaving the hotel.

Boasting 196 rooms and suites across both the main historic hotel building and new contemporary Spa wing, the accommodation delivers modern elegance with all the comfort you could want. Offering a view of the city, Lake Geneva, or beautifully manicured tranquil gardens of the hotel, each of the well-appointed rooms has something different for your stay.

From the Deluxe Rooms located in the new wing all the way through to the impressive Penthouse Suite, you will enjoy a neutral colour palatte which is galvanised by natural materials including wooden flooring and marble bathrooms with the odd pop of colour from artworks and feature furniture.

Each of the accommodation options with the exception of the Deluxe rooms offer access to the spa and fitness centre as well as breakfast as standard. Meanwhile, the two suite options of the Savoy Lake View Suite and Royal Savoy Suite come with the added benefit of their own kitchen and dining areas for you to enjoy the privacy of your own home away from home.

Of course, the pinnacle of accommodation at Hôtel Royal Savoy is the circa 700sqm Penthouse. Taking up the entire top floor of the main hotel building, this spectacular suite is something to behold. Complete with dining room, library and kitchenette with separate entrance - for your private chef to enter without disturbing anyone - the suite features floor to ceiling windows throughout as well as an impressive 360sqm wrap-around terrace from which you can soak up the stunning views of Lake Geneva and the Alps or enjoy some morning yoga in the open air. What's more, this three-bedroom suite boasts its very own spa complete with Hammam, sauna and well-equipped gym if you would rather exercise indoors.

Prices for the more classically styled Royal Savoy Suite - a perfect blend of modern amenities and traditional glamour - start from CHF 4,500 per night while the vast Penthouse will set you back anywhere from CHF 9,500.

The hotel offers a number of packages for you to enjoy which can be booked direct maximising your time and experiences during your stay. With everything from dining options to spa stays and fitness retreats, there is something for everyone. One

package not to be overlooked however is the Wine Enthusiasts Stay. Providing the opportunity to discover the picturesque vineyards of Lavaux, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site whose beautiful terraces sweep down to the shores of Lake Geneva, this is the perfect way to explore the unique location just moments from the hotel.

Utilising reflecting light from the waters of the lake to ripen the vines, this region has some interesting features that make both it and the wine distinctive. Due to limits on production, the wines from the region are also rare, giving you an equally infrequent opportunity to discover these Swiss wines. A chauffeur will take you to and from the vineyards where you will be taken on a guided walking tour through them with a certified Lavaux Patrimoine Mondial. Afterwards you can taste some of the wines produced right where you have been walking with a selection of charcuterie and cheese from local producers.

In the evening the chef and sommelier will present a four-course wine pairing dinner, revealing local gems from the Royal Savoy cellars for you to enjoy. For the rest of your stay, you'll have an open invitation to the spa to relax and contemplate everything you've seen and learnt. Whether you are travelling with family, friends or for business, Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa really has something for everyone and is so conveniently located that you could even add it on to an existing Swiss itinerary as an extra stop on your way to or from Geneva. Tradition meets contemporary style in the very best way throughout this hotel, meaning even the most discerning of traveller will appreciate the design and comfort the hotel affords, and the views are just a considerable added bonus. Rooms at the Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa, Lausanne for an Executive room with city view, including breakfast & spa access start from CHF 480 for single occupancy and CHF 510 for double occupancy. Visit royalsavoylausanne.com to book direct.

Enjoy a vineyard tour during your stay as part of the Wine Enthusiasts package available through the hotel with prices starting from CHF 799. Visit royalsavoylausanne.com/en/packages/wineenthusiastsstay for more information and booking. SWISS offers more than 160 weekly flights from London Heathrow, London City, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and London Gatwick (seasonal) to Zurich or Geneva.

One-way fares start from £76 to Zurich and from £54 to Geneva, and include one piece of checked luggage weighing up to 23kg and one piece of hand luggage. Visit swiss.com to book.

For more information on Switzerland, please visit myswitzerland.com where you will find travel tips and a whole host of things to do while you are there.

Paris

The home of iconic architecture, fine food and seductive style, Paris is the perfect spot for a weekend away without the hassle of having to fly.

The city of lights, the land of love, Paris remains one of the most popular destinations for a well-deserved city break. Easy to reach and well-connected, the capital of France is renowned around the world for its delectable pâtisseries, magnificent art, elegant architecture and fashionable haunts. From the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, to the peaceful Jardin des Tuileries and of course, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris is a city like no other.

And just like the city is well-known for its landmarks, Paris is also celebrated for its many world-class dining establishments, fashionable couture and romantic history. The city continues to capture the hearts of many - meaning whether you have visited before or not, there is always something new to discover.

For example, while the Louvre is the most-visited museum in the world, most people don't realise you can visit the prison that once held Marie Antionette. The Conciergerie on Ile de la Cite was built to house the French Royal Family in the 10th Century. It was later turned into a prison that held those awaiting execution during the French Revolution. Today, the building is not only a stunning work of architecture but also now home to a fascinating museum.

With such a range of art and culture, it comes as no surprise that some of the world's greatest painters, sculptors, writers, musicians, and illustrators have lived in Paris at some point. From Picasso, Monet, Matisse and Salvador Dali to Oscar Wilde and Chopin.

Pieces of their work are on display at a number of museums around the city, and Wilde and Chopin were laid to rest in the capital's Pere Lachaise - one of the most visited cemeteries in the world thanks to its striking tombstones and unique statues.

After the culture tour, you can hit the shops and with the likes of La Galleries Lafayette, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior you'll be spoilt for choice. Home to a number of fashion and beauty houses, there are few places that compare to Paris where shopping is concerned, and it is just one more reason to drive. You can buy everything you might want and take it with you rather than having to either wait for it to be delivered when you return home of have the hassle of organising additional luggage for your return journey.

Renowned the world over as much for its shopping as its culinary scene, the city really has it all. Chic destination LouLou's offers spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower and a fabulous garden setting, serving up some fabulous European cuisine, while locations such as Le Fouquet's on the Champs Elysee which has been open since 1899, is a legendary spot in Paris, famous for hosting the post-dinner celebrations of the César Awards ceremony for the last 40 years. Fine food is available at every turn, but also, the very best of café culture relaxation is present on every corner. Ideal for a quick stop between shops or for a lazy afternoon enjoying some French wine, the plethora of cafés is a Parisian pastime not to be missed.

L'Avenue is another celebrated A-list hangout, while classic French restaurant, Vaudeville, near Paris Garnier, is brimming with locals, providing classic seafood in a beautiful art deco location dating back to 1918.

No trip to Paris is complete without a stop at Pierre Hermé for some delectable macarons. Fortunately, there are no less than 18 shops, cafés and concessions across Paris for you to get your fix.

Whatever your style, Paris has something for everyone and is perfectly located should you wish to explore more of France or beyond. Just an hour and a half to Reims for a trip to the champagne houses and a further three and half to Strasbourg on the German border to enjoy the Black Forest.

The options are endless, but there's so much to see and do in Paris itself, you won't find yourself short of itinerary ideas within the Capital. And once you realise quite how easy it is to get there by car, you can return time and again to tick it all off your list one thing at a time to make the most of everything this historic, beautiful city has to offer.

There's no better way to travel than in control and in the comfort of your own car, and the best way to do that is to travel by Eurotunnel Le Shuttle. Taking just 35 minutes from platform to platform and offering a host of ticket options to suit you, it couldn't be easier.

Ticket options include £50 each way for a Day Trip & Overnight ticket; £79 each way for a Short Stay Saver ticket (valid for 5 calendar days); £97 each way for a Standard ticket (for any duration); or the ultimate option for a seamless, flexible trip; £269 each way for a Flexiplus ticket, allowing you to turn up any time and get on the next available train, with access to the welcoming club lounge taking the stress out of potentially missing your train. What's more, you can even take your pet from just £22 each way. Visit eurotunnel.com for more information and to book.

Getting there...

NEW NIKKEI DINING DESTINATION

Established Soho favourite, Chotto Matte, have opened their second London location. Bringing a different style and atmosphere to the new Marylebone Village spot, you will still be able to enjoy the same delicious Nikkei cuisine.

THE NEST

Offering fantastic rooftop views of Regent Street and beyond, The Nest in Treehouse, has introduced a brand new summer cocktail menu, celebrating new seasonal ingredients and building on their love of fresh, local ingredients and produce.

Featuring playful serves and delectable bar bites, the menu sees six seasonal ingredients take centre stage, providing the inspiration for some truly innovative drinks.

With an emphasis on freshness, quality, and sustainability, the hero ingredient bases consist of: Dill, Raspberry and Rosemary, Fennel, Blueberry and Pea and Rhubarb. An evolution of the previous spring menu, created by Beverage Manager, Aiden Page and the team at The Nest, it features two cocktails per core ingredient with a focus on near zero-waste, in line with the core ethos of the Treehouse hotel London.

As a celebration of The Nest in Treehouse’s passion for the Best of British, the location of the hero ingredients’ farm has been highlighted where possible, and eight English Sparkling Wines now also feature, including Balfour Leslie’s Reserve Brut, Kingscote Estate Sparkling Brut and Rathfinny Blanc de Blancs. If a non-alcoholic option is desired, each sip can be switched into a sober serve to provide the ideal refreshment on a sunny day.

Highlights include the Day Diller: A zero-waste, tall drink featuring dill and cucumber. The thirst quenching tipple’s sweeter flavours are cut through with zesty citrus, resulting in the perfect refreshing cocktail for a hot summer's day; Thyme to Shine: Soft, sweet blueberry with crisp Moët et Chandon Champagne, citrus and thyme; and the Peallini: A highly unusual sparkling creation served in a flute combining sweet and savoury flavours. Sweet, fresh pea meets sharp, green rocket, topped off with sparkling Kingscote.

To accompany the fascinating menu, the Nest in Treehouse has also launched a new food menu to complement the seasonal ingredients. From parma ham and black truffle, to Sichuan pepper King Prawns, and a Cornish Lobster roll, there is something for everyone.

Make sure to head up soon!

Celebrate Citrus with Pizzeria Mozza’s Rotating Seasonal Salute Menu

Pizzeria Mozza at Treehouse London has launched the first of its new Seasonal Salute series; the first in a tasty new flavour-led series that celebrates favoured ingredients when they are at their best. The pizzeria, by internationally acclaimed US chef Nancy Silverton, has selected the finest flavours of its Italian-come-Californian cooking to design a limited time menu showcasing special produce.

Kicking off with a love of lemons, the menu invites diners to enjoy delicious dishes created by chef Ashley Wells, deliciously accompanied by London’s largest collection of Limoncello.

A symbol of Italy’s bountiful produce, with aromatic and powerful citrus notes, Amalfi lemons are the inspiration behind two tempting pizzas and delectable dolci. Highlights include the Amalfi lemon tomato based pizza with Fresno chilli, parsley & salty fried capers; and the Amalfi Lemon Gelato Pie, champagne vinegar sauce, whipped creme fraiche.

On top of the special menu, Pizzeria Mozza also offers a wide range of salads, antipasti, and pizza. Must-tries include Nancy's Chopped salad with iceberg, radicchio, red onion, provolone, salami, cherry tomatoes, cici and oregano vinaigrette - perfect on a hot summer day! Prawns with Honeymoon melon; Mozza Caprese, burrata, basil pesto & cherry tomatoes on the vine; Meat Lovers pizza; and ‘NDUJA pizza with Friggitelli peppers, ‘nduja, tomato & smoked scamorza.

To further tantalise, the Pizzeria Mozza team have gathered together an incredible selection of nine Limoncellos for guests to sample. With every zesty variety imaginable, guests may choose between classic Limoncellos such as the family made Evangelista Organic Limoncello hailing from the Chieti region of central Italy, or more unusual takes such as the leafy, garden fresh flavours of the Villa Massa Limoncello from Sorrento. For those who can’t decide, Pizzeria Mozza are offering a Limoncello flight for an additional £10 with their pizza, to give their guests the opportunity to try a selection of the much loved citrus drink with their meal. For those who rather fancy a lemon flavoured cocktail, Pizzeria Mozza have crafted the limited edition Limoncello Spritz Cocktail; a mix of Limoncello, Sage Cordial and Soda, served in a highball over ice.

Having launched last month, head to the Pizzeria Mozza website to book or for more information.

SPICED PEACH ICED TEA

Just in time for some serious BBQ action, Bacardí have delivered some seductively spiced grilled garnish cocktails for you to try at home. A firm favourite to be enjoyed on any occasion is the refreshing Spiced Peach Iced Tea. One for any foodie, this mix of complementary and contrasting flavours balance to create a whole new rum experience. On the first sip you hit the fresh aromatics of Bacardí Spiced followed by the dryness of the tea notes, creating a perfectly balanced cocktail. This cocktail works so well with any glazed BBQ food and leaves a moreish finish that is so easy to drink.

INGREDIENTS (for 1) 50ml Bacardí Spiced 30ml Monin Peach Tea Syrup 100ml Soda Water 1 Grilled Peach Wedge Sprig of Mint

INGREDIENTS (for 4) 200ml Bacardí Spiced 120ml Monin Peach Tea Syrup 400ml Soda Water 4 Grilled Peach Wedges

METHOD

Add to an ice filled glass, Bacardí Spiced and Monin peach tea syrup then stir. Top with soda water and stir again. Garnish with a slice of BBQ’d peach and sprig of mint. An alternative if you can’t get hold of Monin peach tea syrup is to use Lipton peach iced tea and a splash of soda. Present it in a highball glass or a jug for a group serve.

MASTER CHEF AT NUMBER ONE PARK LANE

Continuing their acclaimed chef residency series, the Intercontinental London Park Lane's terrace restaurant, Number One Park Lane, welcomes MasterChef: The Professionals finalist, Philli Armitage-Mattin. Running from 2 August through to 25 September, Philli will take over the terrace in celebration of the launch of her debut cookbook

Taste Kitchen: Asia sets out to explore the complexity of Asian cuisine, with both the book and the restaurant menu inviting people to explore tantalising flavour combinations and discover what best satisfies their taste buds. Philli’s restaurant will offer guests an exciting al fresco dining destination overlooking London's Royal Parks, Buckingham Palace and the Wellington Arch. The terrace is beautifully decorated with bright flower displays to reflect the vibrancy of Philli’s menu.

Showcasing some of Philli’s most loved dishes from her cookbook, the menu at Number One Park Lane is packed with playful, Asianinspired creations. More than a simple culinary experience, the menu is the ultimate taste guide, grouping dishes by flavour to help guests better understand their unique palate. Diners can choose from a range of six flavour combinations including Tarty, Spice Master, Comfort, Refined, Kiddish and Dark Horse.

From a selection of small plates, spice lovers can opt for the PFC: Philli’s Fried Chicken; those looking for a tarty treat can select the sea bass kinilaw with prawn oil and pork crackling; or diners can surprise themselves with the Dark Horse - Sichuan pepper lamb tartare.

From the larger dishes, standout recipes include gochu-miso black cod with kimchi and chilli butter sauce and portobello okonomiyaki with girolles. Complementary side dishes include 15-hour gunpowder potatoes or charred hispi cabbage with mascarpone and chilli.

Sweet-toothed visitors will be spoilt for choice with Philli’s selection of desserts such as a refreshing watermelon and wasabi granita and miso sticky toffee pudding, an inventive twist on the classic.

After their exploratory feast, guests have the option to take home their very own cookbook and test out Philli’s recipes for themselves.

Having completed a master’s degree in Chemistry at the University of Bristol, Philli was first introduced to food science by the same professor that worked with Heston Blumenthal. Whilst obtaining her professional cookery qualifications in London, she trained under the Gordon Ramsay group, before jetting off to Asia to experience the cuisine first hand. In Japan, she staged at world-renowned restaurant Den in Tokyo and Japanese-inspired restaurant Haku in Hong Kong. She brought her expertise back to the UK when she reached the final four of MasterChef: The Professionals in 2020.

Philli Armitage-Mattin says of the residency: "Taste Kitchen will be the yummiest bookshop in London. I can wait for the Queen to try my super crispy fried chicken."

The Barn Burger

with sticky short rib and onion rings

By Adam Smith

Adam Smith is executive chef at Michelin-starred, Restaurant Coworth Park in Ascot. Named as the Roux Scholar in 2012 and awarded Craft Guild of Chefs Restaurant Chef of the Year in 2015, he joined Coworth Park as executive chef in 2016, overseeing all its culinary outlets, and in 2021 was awarded the Michelin-star for Restaurant Coworth Park for a fourth consecutive year.

You can host the best barbeque of the summer with our Barn Burger with Sticky Short Rib and Onion Rings recipe. With this recipe, you’ll discover that making beef burgers from scratch is surprisingly simple and with the additions of the sticky short rib, crunchy tempura onion rings and rich burger sauce, this is a burger with a difference.

6 Brioche Buns | 6 Beef Burgers | 1 Gem Lettuce | 1 Beef Tomato | 1 Red Onion | Sliced Cheddar Cheese | Burger Sauce Sticky Short Rib | Tempura Batter Onion Rings

COMPONENTS - Serves Six People

Part 1: Burger Sauce Base 10 Diced Large Gherkins 1 Diced Red Pepper 2 Diced Onions 2 Litres of Water 165g Sugar 165g Sherry Vinegar 1tsp Celery Seeds 2tsp Mustard Seeds ½tsp Turmeric

Part 2: Burger Sauce 200g Mayonnaise 225g Frenchie’s Yellow Mustard

INGREDIENTS

225g Burger Sauce Base (Part 1) ½ Large Onion Finely Diced 1tsp Salt 2tbsp Chopped Parsley

Beef Burger 1kg Beef Sirloin (including fat) 150g Bone Marrow 1 Large Onion 1tsp Onion Powder 1tsp Garlic Powder 1tsp Smoked Paprika Sticky Short Rib 1.5kg Beef Short Rib on the Bone 1 Litre Water 100g Cooking Salt 250ml Beef Gravy 40ml Sherry Vinegar

Tempura Batter 400g Water 40g Tapioca Flour 80g Rice Flour 140g Corn Flour 4g Salt 1g Xantham Gum

FOR THE BURGER SAUCE - PART 1: Place all ingredients into a large pan and bring to the boil. Simmer and reduce by ¾. Reserve and chill ready for part two. PART 2: Mix all the ingredients together, combining them with the sauce base above, and reserve for service.

FOR THE BEEF BURGER - Finely dice the onion and slowly sweat it in a heavy bottom pan until soft and colourless. Once soft, add the dry spices and cook for a further 2 minutes, remove the mix from the pan and allow to cook. Remove the marrow from the bone and cut the sirloin into chunks. Mix the diced beef, marrow and spice mix together and mince. Portion the burgers into 180g patties, refrigerate and allow to rest for at least 4 hours before grilling.

FOR THE STICKY SHORT RIB - Heat the water to 90˚C with the salt, then chill to below 5˚C to make a brine. Place the short rib into the brine and leave for 24 hours. Remove the short rib from the brine and dry before cooking at 86˚C in a steamer for 12 hours. Remove the rib from the steamer and remove the bone. Break the meat down and add the beef gravy to the short rib in a heavy bottomed sauce pan. Slowly simmer until rich and sticky and season with sherry vinegar. Keep warm until service.

FOR THE TEMPURA BATTER ONION RINGS

Peel the onion and slice in 1cm rings and set aside. Blend the water and xantham gum for 5 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth - store in fridge before use for best results. Roll the onion rings in flour. Pour some of the batter into a small bowl. Dip the onion rings into the batter and fry at 180˚C until crisp.

TO ASSEMBLE THE BURGER

Slice the buns in half and lightly toast. Add a generous spoonful of burger sauce to each side. On the bottom half, add the sliced beef tomato, gem lettuce leaf and some thinly sliced red onion. Cook the burger on the grill, adding the sticky short rib. Place two slices of cheddar cheese on top and grill for 30 seconds.

Place onto the burger bun and place the top on. Assemble the onion rings on top and gherkins on the side. Enjoy!