Le Richemond: Cosmopolitan Geneva

Destinations — 16.05.18 BY Sylvie Peron
 
 

Located on the picturesque shores of Lake Geneva, overlooking the famous Jet d’Eau, Brunswick Gardens and snowcapped Mont Blanc, Le Richemond has welcomed distinguished guests seeking the ultimate lakeside escape for more than 140 years. Cointrin International Airport is only 20 driving minutes away. A dedicated limousine service with luggage assistance is available, as well as a door-to-door VIP service for fast track through customs and passport control.

Le Richemond’s 109 rooms and suites are well appointed in opulent comfort. All lake view rooms feature a balcony offering breath-taking views over the Jet d’Eau, the Lake and the old town. Located on the seventh floor, the sumptuous Royal Armleder Suite offers a spacious living room with fireplace, 
a dining room for private entertaining, and terraces with panoramic views 
of Lake Geneva and the snow-capped mountains beyond. Ideal for private gatherings and intimate dinners, the suite offers a real sense of this uniquely cosmopolitan city, seamlessly blending old world charm with contemporary decor and modern touches.

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Le Jardin, recognised in the Gault & Millau guide, is a favourite quiet retreat from the city for Genevois and visitors in the know, with an al fresco terrace facing Brunswick Gardens. The chef shares a stylish, light and fresh French cuisine featuring the best of local products.

Downstairs, the Spa is a haven or peace and tranquillity, to relax, unwind and indulge in pampering treatments from acclaimed French skincare expert Sisley. Renowned for its exceptional skincare, the family brand combines scientific expertise with essential oils and natural plant-based active ingredients. Its signature Phyto-Aromatic treatments combine worldwide inspired massage rituals with traditional aromatherapy techniques.

For complete wellbeing, 
a spacious fitness studio features the latest TechnoGym equipment for a full body workout. For a little extra motivation, a qualified personal trainer can create a bespoke training programme to help guests reach their fitness goals.

Additionally, there is a varied selection of event spaces to set the scene for memorable events, blending elegant decor with contemporary design and state-of-the-art facilities.

Bright, airy and elegant, the ballroom 
is decorated with trompe-l’oeil paintings, mirrored walls and parquet flooring, complete with ornate Murano glass chandeliers, making it the perfect location for wedding receptions and special occasions.

The contemporary Paul Klee salon, perfectly suited for gala dinners, can be accessed for added exclusivity via the Galerie Rachmaninoff, a private walkway beneath a dramatic glass ceiling.

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Historic Geneva

With its unique cosmopolitan atmosphere and charming alpine scenery, Geneva offers the best of both worlds. Saint Peter’s Cathedral, built between 1160 and 1252 is located in the centre of the Old Town overlooking the city. Visitors are invited to climb the spiral staircase of the two tall towers, offering panoramic views of Geneva. The South tower is particularly popular with its open-air balcony.

Located in the Old Town
 the Place du Bourg-de-Four has the distinction of being Geneva’s oldest public square (its market has attracted locals since the ninth century). The square is still a commercial centre today, and buzzes with outdoor cafés and restaurants and a selection of boutiques.

As home to Modern and Contemporary Art Museum, the Centre d’Art Contemporain and numerous galleries hosting various exhibitions, the Quartier des Bains is the European platform of modern art. Its hip bistrots and bars add to its buzzing nightlife.

As an alternative to Geneva’s larger museums, the Old Town’s abundant array of
 art galleries, makes for scenic strolling. Along the winding and picturesque streets, these artistic addresses feature high-quality works by local and international artists –appealing for both casual viewers and more serious collectors.

Rue du Rhône unites the world’s top brands so that shopping addicts with a penchant for luxury will find their heart’s desire – watches, fashion, jewellery, sweet delights in the boutiques of Geneva’s master chocolatiers. Patek Philippe is the last family-owned independent watch manufacturer in Geneva. Its boutique on Rue du Rhône is an essential stop for Swiss watch aficionados who appreciate quality, reliability and elegant design and like to spend time discovering the brand’s classic timepieces and grand complications.

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A local landmark since 1904, the Conservatory and Botanical garden is home to an incredible collection of 16,000 plant varieties, including many exotic species held in greenhouses and a giant herbarium with around six million specimens. Visitors can also discover an animal park where deer, peacocks and flamingos roam freely.

Cruising the beautiful shores of Lake Leman is another way to relax and enjoy the scenery. International sailing champions compete regularly in the many regattas Geneva is famous for, including the Extreme Sailing Series. Let’s not forget Switzerland won the prestigious America’s Cup twice, in 2003 and 2007, with Team Alinghi bringing back the Auld Mug to the Société Nautique de Genève!

Panoramic views of Geneva are best taken in from 1100m high Mont Salève. A cable car runs to the top, allowing a walk back through local flora. In all seasons, Geneva offers the best of both worlds.

 

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