The big cities of Europe are fabulous but to make a “Best Of” European vacation complete, you’ve got to get up in the mountains like the world-famous Swiss Alps. But a mountain retreat doesn’t have to mean sacrificing luxury, as evidenced by Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne, Switzerland. This neoclassical monument to the good life sits on 10 magnificent acres on Lake Geneva and offers the best view of the Alps you’ll find anywhere. A recent $91 million renovation modernized the 1861 palace, which now boasts the new 15,000-square-foot Cinq Mondes Spa that was named among the “Ten Most Luxurious Spas in the World” by Forbes.com. A member of the exclusive Leading Hotels of the World collection, the Beau-Rivage Palace features 169 spacious, decadently appointed guest rooms with unforgettable views, a 75,000-bottle wine cellar and the highly-acclaimed La Rotonde gourmet restaurant. Only 30 minutes from Geneva International Airport and less than 4 hours by train to Paris and Milan, this elegant hotel is surrounded by spectacular scenery while being immersed in the culturally rich Lausanne. Little wonder it was named “Best Hotel in Switzerland” for two consecutive years by Travel & Leisure magazine.

www.BRP.ch