Discovering the Splendor of Switzerland: Becky’s Inspiring Trip

July 24, 2024

Discovering the Splendor of Switzerland: Becky’s Inspiring Trip


Becky recently had the privilege of embarking on an educational trip to Switzerland, sponsored by one of Nova Vista’s trusted travel partners. This journey was an eye-opening experience for Becky, filled with breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and unparalleled hospitality. We’re so excited to share the highlights of her remarkable adventure and inspire others to explore the wonders of Switzerland!

Wine Tasting & Luxury at Baur au Lac

The adventure began at Baur au Lac in Zurich. This hotel is the epitome of luxury and class. Nestled along the shores of Lake Zurich, this iconic hotel exudes timeless elegance and offers unparalleled service, making every guest feel like they truly belong. Over her two-night stay, Becky was captivated by the stunning property where every detail flaunted sophistication without any pretentiousness. Becky’s group kicked off their stay with a delightful wine tasting at Baur au Lac Vins guided by world champion sommelier Marc Almert. This exclusive experience set the tone for the journey, introducing Becky and her group to the sophisticated flavors of Swiss wine.


Becky’s Pro Tip: For a unique twist, the hotel can arrange a boat ride across Lake Zurich to their wine shop in Männedorf for another tasting, making the experience even more memorable. Reach out for more details!




Exploring Zurich

The next day started with a hearty breakfast at Baur au Lac before Becky’s group embarked on a historic city tour of Zurich with Zurich Tourism. The tour was a walk through time, highlighting Münsterhof Square where Winston Churchill once visited. Wandering around the city, Becky passed by charming chocolate shops and marveled at a unique art installation featuring tiny paintings on discarded chewing gum along the sidewalks.


Lunch at Haus Hiltl, the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant, was a culinary delight that Becky highly recommends to any foodie, vegetarian or not. In the afternoon, Becky’s group indulged in a chocolate-making workshop at Lindt where they donned little hats and crafted their own chocolate bars – a fun activity for families! The day concluded with a fabulous preset three-course dinner at the invite-only Kronenhalle, a historic restaurant adorned with stunning artworks including pieces by Picasso. The dining experience was enhanced by a delicious traditional Swiss meal and the chocolate mousse for dessert was one of the best Becky has ever tasted.


Becky’s Pro Tip: Guests of Baur au Lac have the opportunity to dine at Kronenhalle upon request and availability.




Alpine Adventure & Culinary Surprises

The following day the group drove to the mountains to stay at Cresta Palace in Celerina, a ski-in ski-out hotel just down the road from St. Moritz. (The drive through hairpin turns is not for the faint of heart, so Becky recommends bringing Dramamine if you’re prone to car sickness!) Dinner at the hotel featured an unexpected, yet phenomenal, Thai menu at ASIA 75, crafted by their talented Thai chef in a beautiful garden room setting. The authenticity and quality of the food were a delightful surprise in the Swiss mountains.


Luxury in St. Moritz

The journey continued to St. Moritz where the group enjoyed a tour with the St. Moritz tourism team, sipping hot chocolate and soaking in the breathtaking mountain views. The town exudes a blend of quaint charm and high-end luxury, with shops like Hermes nestled among chalet-style buildings. A highlight was a horse carriage ride through the town and woods, offering a magical winter experience. The ride, complete with horse bells and blankets, took Becky’s group alongside cross-country skiers and around a picturesque lake.


Lunch at Langosteria, a slope side seafood paradise with Italian influences, was another culinary highlight. They savored a seafood tower and unique dishes like a crunchy tiramisu. Becky even tried a snail for the second time (and is still not a fan). The day ended with a funicular ride to Muottas Muragl for aperitif followed by dinner in the Kronenstübli restaurant at the historic Grand Hotel Kronenhof in nearby Pontresina.




Historical Charm at Kulm Country Club & 7132 Hotel

Back in St. Moritz, Becky and her group had lunch at the Kulm Country Club, part of the Kulm Hotel. The club’s historical winter sports memorabilia that hung on the walls added a unique touch to their delicious shared lunch, which included perch with purple cabbage slaw, Becky’s favorite dish from the meal.

 

In the afternoon they drove to Vals, a lesser toured mountain town, for their stay at 7132 Hotel. This luxurious yet cozy hotel offered a warm welcome and a Michelin-star restaurant, Silver, featuring creative dishes and impeccable service. Becky took part in their “Dine Around” experience, which began in the kitchen with inventive snacks and aperitifs followed by a main dining room feast including breaded fish, steak, and an array of sides and wines, and ended with dessert in the lounge. The experience typically also includes a visit to the wine cellar!

 

Midnight bathing in the thermal spa was another unforgettable experience at 7132, with warm waters and falling snowflakes creating a magical ambiance. The thermal pools, each with different temperatures, are a major attraction of the hotel.

 

Becky’s Pro Tip: One of the ultimate luxury experiences at 7132 is their  “Beyond the Clouds” package featuring a stay in one of the hotel’s penthouse suites, a roundtrip helicopter transfer, aperitif on a glacier, and a private chef experience in a secluded natural setting. For more information, get in touch!




Romantic Getaways & Culinary Delights

Vals continued to impress with a full fondue experience at the 7132 Glenner (one of the 7132 Hotel’s sister properties) and an adventurous helicopter ride offering spectacular views. (FYI, there’s also an option for a gourmet picnic on the mountain top!) Becky also explored the tiny village of Vals, enjoyed local cuisine at a slope side restaurant, and experienced the pure coziness of 7132 Hotel’s services.

 

Becky’s Pro Tip: All the 7132 Hotel properties are dedicated to luxury and unique experiences, making them some of Becky’s top picks for an ideal romantic getaway.




Hotel Highlights

**Don’t forget to use our Virtuoso Hotel Booking Portal or email us to us to book your stay with exclusive amenities (where applicable).**


B2 Hotel (Zurich): A former brewery turned hotel featuring a library with 33,000 books and impeccable service. This 4-star hotel offers a cool co-working and event space, making it perfect for book lovers and business travelers alike – part of why we picked this hotel for Book Club Journeys!

 

Widder Hotel (Zurich): Connected old townhouses full of character, providing a unique and charming stay. A 5-star hotel!

 

The Storchen (Zurich): Another great property where Becky enjoyed cocktails and a light afternoon snack. Another 5-star stay!

 

Baur au Lac (Zurich): Epitomizes luxury and class with stunning suites and top-notch service. This 5-star hotel offers unique keys for each room, an extensive breakfast buffet, and a three-course dinner that shouldn’t be missed. It’s a perfect choice for those seeking elegance without feeling stuffy. The suites were breathtaking, with each room beautifully decorated by a new designer every decade. The latest redesign favors blush and pink tones, creating a soft, inviting ambiance. Each section of the hotel has a distinct aesthetic, adding unique character to the property.

 

Cresta Palace Hotel (Celerina): Ideal for ski enthusiasts, offering a true ski-in, ski-out experience. The 4-star hotel’s relaxed luxury vibe is complemented by kids’ activities, a beautiful spa, and multiple dining options including a Thai restaurant and a fondue experience.

 

Grand Hotel Kronenhof (St. Moritz): A historic and eclectic 5-star hotel with unique spaces and an outstanding dining experience. The hotel features lounges, a smoking room, a main dining hall with fresco ceilings, and even a bowling alley.

 

7132 Hotel (Vals): A 5-star luxury thermal spa hotel focused on relaxation, stunning views, and gourmet food. The rooms feature signature spa suites with round tubs, steam showers, and huge balconies. The hotel also offers unique dining experiences, including a Michelin-star restaurant and the exclusive “Beyond the Clouds” package.

 

7132 House of Architects (Vals): Sister property that’s attached to the 7132 Hotel and a great cost-effective option if you want to take advantage of 7132’s dining and spa, but don’t have the budget for the spa suites.

 

7132 Glenner (Vals): A boutique sister property to 7132 Hotel in the heart of Vals village. Come for the outdoors, stay for the cozy vibes and delicious food.


Becky’s trip to Switzerland was a journey of discovery filled with luxurious accommodations, incredible culinary experiences, and stunning natural beauty.


At Nova Vista, we’re passionate about creating personalized travel experiences that leave lasting memories and we look forward to helping you plan your own Swiss adventure and discovering the enchanting wonders of Switzerland!

One&Only Mandarina

By Becky Olson • August 11, 2025
This year, I celebrated my 40th birthday and considering this is a memorable milestone, I wanted a luxurious and immensely relaxing experience to ring in the decade. While I am not necessarily a beach person, The One&Only Mandarina called my name immediately.

Multi Levels of Adventure and Relaxation for Multi-Generational Families

By Jenraye Adams • July 31, 2025
Planning a vacation that pleases everyone—especially when involving multiple generations of families—can feel nearly impossible. One wants adventure, another wants to relax, and someone else just wants good food and no logistics to manage. This is where river cruises win the day. A lesser-known gem in the world of travel, river cruising offers an all-in-one experience that checks the boxes for every generation and personality type. Whether you're celebrating a milestone birthday or simply looking to reconnect as a family, here’s why river cruising makes the ideal multi-generational getaway. 1. No-Stress Travel, No Packing and Repacking One of the biggest challenges of family travel is managing transportation and accommodation in multiple cities. River cruising eliminates that. You unpack once and let the ship do the moving. Each day brings a new destination, but your “hotel” stays the same. This makes it especially ideal for older travelers who prefer to avoid constant transitions and younger ones who need the comfort of a familiar place to sleep each night. 2. Built-in Variety for Every Interest and Energy Level On a river cruise, every day can look different—for everyone. Active excursions like biking or hiking appeal to adventurous teens and parents, while slower-paced walking tours or local tastings suit older generations. Many cruises even offer kid-friendly or family-themed excursions in port. Meanwhile, those who’d rather enjoy a slow morning with coffee and a view can stay onboard and soak in the scenery. 3. Smaller Ships = Intimate, Personal Experience River cruise ships are smaller than ocean liners, which means more personal service and less crowd-induced stress. This creates a calmer, more connected atmosphere that’s great for families looking to spend quality time together. With fewer passengers onboard, you can gather for meals, games, or drinks without needing to “claim space” early or shout over a loud dining room. 4. Something for Every Taste Bud River cruise lines often take food seriously—offering regionally inspired cuisine and local wines, with plenty of kid-friendly and special-diet options. Sharing meals as a family becomes one of the highlights of the trip, especially when you're enjoying authentic pasta in Italy or fresh strudel along the Danube. 5. Immersive Cultural Experiences (Without the Overwhelm) River cruises dock right in the heart of historic towns and cities, making it easy to explore without long bus rides or confusing maps. From castle visits and cooking classes to market tours and museum stops, excursions are curated to be both educational and enjoyable. It’s a fun way for kids and adults alike to experience history and culture up close—without the hassle. 6. It’s Easy to Be Together—and Apart Sometimes the best vacations allow everyone to do their own thing for a few hours. River cruising makes this simple. While grandparents enjoy wine on the sun deck, the teens might join a guided bike tour, and younger kids hang out with parents in a nearby park or on a kid-friendly tour. Then everyone reconvenes in the evening to swap stories and share a meal. 7. Special Moments Worth Remembering Whether it's celebrating a birthday onboard, taking a family photo in front of a centuries-old castle, or just watching the sunset together from the top deck, river cruising provides natural moments of togetherness. The pace is slower, the surroundings are beautiful, and the distractions are minimal—allowing families to truly connect across generations. Step into River Cruising River cruising takes the stress out of multi-generational travel and replaces it with convenience, connection, and cultural discovery. With built-in comfort, ever-changing scenery, and the perfect mix of activities and downtime, it’s no wonder more families are choosing the river as their next vacation route. So if you’re dreaming of a trip that brings everyone closer together—without the usual vacation chaos—a river cruise might just be your family’s perfect match.

Sip, Stroll, and Be Merry: Exploring Europe’s Christmas Markets by River Cruise

By Jenraye Adams • July 25, 2025
Did you know the celebration known as “ Christmas in July ” was started on July 24, 1933, at Keystone Camp, a girls’ summer camp in North Carolina, by co-founder Fannie Holt. The festivities included gift exchanges, a visit from Santa Claus, and cotton imitation snow. The camp still celebrates their tradition today. While most of us have heard of this mid-year milestone, we don’t actually participate in it, however, July is a great time to start thinking about your holiday plans.

Why Summer is the Perfect for River Cruising

By Jenraye Adams • June 30, 2025
This summer we are celebrating one of the best kept secrets in the travel industry—river cruising. You may or may not be familiar with river cruising. It’s been around for awhile, but has been gaining momentum due to all its advantages. Check out our river cruising perks article to read more. June, nestled between the spring blooms and the peak summer heat, is a golden opportunity to explore the world’s most breathtaking waterways. It’s also a great time to start planning for next June. Whether you prefer gliding through the historic rivers of Europe, the mystical waterways of Asia, or the lush landscapes of the Amazon, river cruising offers a blend of idyllic weather, cultural festivities, and unmatched natural beauty.

River Cruising is Making Big Waves for Good Reason

By Jenraye Adams • June 5, 2025
What do you think of when people say they are going on a cruise? For many, it conjures up gigantic ocean liners filled to the brim with umbrella drinks, smells of suntan lotion, and shuffleboard. It might also bring up the idea of endless ocean waves, crowds and long lines, and buffets. Don’t get us wrong, some people love a good ocean cruise and they offer a lot of options in one central location, but ocean cruises are not for everyone. Luckily, that same concept of just unpack, sitback, and relax isn’t just for ocean cruises. If you are thinking to yourself, “But, it’s still cruising, right?” Technically, yes, but it’s an entirely different world and experience.

Scotland: A Spellbinding Journey

By Jenraye Adams • April 9, 2025
Scotland is more than a destination—it's an experience. For travelers seeking drama, natural wonder, and a touch of time-traveling romance, a Scottish adventure offers it all—especially for fans of the beloved book and TV series Outlander. This is why it was chosen for our next Book Club Journey.

April is for…Greece

By Jenraye Adams • April 1, 2025
As the chill of winter fades and the vibrancy of spring begins to bloom, there’s no better place to welcome the new season than Greece. With its mild weather, stunning landscapes, rich history, and delicious cuisine, Greece offers a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure for travelers seeking a rejuvenating spring break. Here are just a few reasons why Greece should be added to your travel wish-list. 1. Perfect Weather Spring in Greece is a breath of fresh air. If you are wanting a hot and sunny, tropical spring break, Greece might not be right for you. However, if you are looking for stunning views—Greece touts a seemingly endless coastline, stretching for nearly 8,500 miles across thousands of dreamy islands and magazine-shoot-ready beaches, fantastic food, and roaming through living history, Greece should be first on your list. If you are looking for that warm beach vacation—try Greece in the summer! Starting in March, the days are usually sunny and the highs get to around 60℉ (15℃). It slowly warms April-June, finding pleasant temps from the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (18-22°C), making it ideal for exploring without the intense heat of summer. The gentle Mediterranean breeze and blooming wildflowers create an enchanting atmosphere that’s hard to resist. 2. Fewer Crowds Unlike the bustling summer months, spring in Greece is delightfully peaceful. Popular destinations like Santorini, Mykonos, and Athens are far less crowded, allowing you to explore iconic landmarks like the Acropolis or the charming alleys of Oia without jostling for space. This off-peak season also means shorter lines, better photo opportunities, and a more intimate experience of Greece’s beauty.
An ethereal looking castle in Scotland reflects in a pool of water.

Book Spotlight: Outlander Q&A

By Becky Olson • March 24, 2025
The Outlander series, blends historical fiction, fantasy, and romance, whisking us away to the Scottish Highlands and beyond, where love defies the boundaries of time, space, and circumstance. That is why it is the inspiration for the next Book Club Journeys. Travel through time and across the sea with us.
Rows and rows of wine being stored at the hotel les sources de cheverny

Table for One

By Becky Olson • March 1, 2025
Have you ever dined alone? No, not at home, but going out on the town and treating yourself to the best. There seems to be a strange stigma around dining alone—especially in a fine dining establishment. I am here to tell you to get out of your own way—and celebrate you. I traveled to the Loire Valley in France to explore the region and scout for an upcoming book club journey. There’s something incredibly magical about the Loire Valley—the gentle hills, the vineyards stretching to the horizon, and the castles that whisper stories of centuries past.
Five women in ballgowns stand on the stairs of the Biltmore Hotel LA for Romantasy Book Con

A Tale of Marble and Chiffon

By Becky Olson • February 26, 2025
Recently, I traveled to Los Angeles. Originally, I had planned on writing about the many fun adventures I had on my first LA trip. However, as it sometimes goes with work travel, I mostly saw the inside of the hotel. At least this hotel was the historic and iconic Biltmore . If you aren’t familiar with the Biltmore, opening on October 1, 1923 it has established a long history of elegance and opulence. Its very presence was a statement to the rest of the world that Los Angeles, which was a young city at the time, had arrived to metropolis status. Unsurprisingly, it quickly rose to fame as the hotspot for Hollywood elite, glamorous parties, and the backdrop for many popular movies. The Biltmore still radiates that grandiose, old-school charm, well-suited for the reason I was there, the Fabled Fantasy Events Romantasy Book Convention. Romantasy is the perfect melding of Romance and Fantasy and, as a genre, has been blowing up in popularity (for good reason). Authors, book industry professionals, entertainers, vendors, and fans gathered to celebrate their favorite books.