Special feature: Lausanne Palace & Spa, Switzerland

In the heart of the Olympic capital of Lausanne, Lausanne Palace & Spa exudes elegance and class. It is perfectly situated – just 500 metres from the railway station and a mere 40 minutes from Geneva Airport, by car or train.   As it happened, though, we reached Lausanne by ferry, having ventured across Lake Geneva from Evian. Greeted by a welcome smile in the lobby, we were shown to room 103, a Junior Suite on the first floor.  Our spacious accommodation included a king size bed, a  generously-proportioned black marble bathroom, a separate lounge area and an expansive terrace area that was shared with the neighbouring suites. 30 of the 154 rooms at Lausanne Palace are suites, and all have a small lounge and beautiful décor.   Free WiFi, climate-controlling remotes,  super-fluffy  bathrobes – and  a few hidden extras –  tells you this is a forward-thinking hotel. Indeed, they have a tendancy there  to do a major upgrade of at least one aspect of the hotel every year. The shared outdoor terrace offered a welcome retreat from bustling Lausanne, offering stunning, tranquil views over Lake Geneva and towards the French Alps.  Beautiful weather and blue skies certainly helped, and the noise level on this side of the hotel is minimal because it’s far removed from the hustle and bustle of Lausanne.   Downstairs from our room was the perfect urban escape for the body and soul, in the form of the 2,100 sq m Le CBE Contact Spa (one of the first members of the prestigious Leading Spas group). Whilst my wife sampled two treatments there, I took advantage of the well-equipped Fitness Plus gymnasium, kitted out  with Technogym equipment, and took a moment to relax in the Moroccan hamman. We also made good use of the centrepiece of the spa –  a  beautiful, heated indoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi. This Roman-styled swimming pool is a haven of relaxation, beautifully designed and surprisingly under-used.   Tanning beds  are also available close to the pool  – both inside and outside. As far as  restaurants were  concerned, we sampled the elegant and comfortable Côté Jardin since the Parisian-styled La Brasserie du Grand-Chene was so busy.   The food was, frankly, excellent. A third, more formal,  dining option is available in the form La Table d’Edgard which  blends Mediterranean flavours. La Table d’Hôtes even has a table is set for  six people that overlooks the kitchen for those looking for an unique dining experience. Among the other amenities within the hotel is LP’s bar, which is enhanced by the world’s third Krug Room, offering outstanding Krug Champagnes as well as coffees, cocktails and live background music. For those that enjoy the night life, guests of the hotel (and club members) enjoy the privileges of the exclusive Red Club, regarded as one of the hottest clubs in Lausanne. Finally, downstairs in the hotel I was treated to a tour of the numerous meeting rooms that have been added as part of a modern addition to this traditional palace hotel. Lausanne Palace & Spa is  now equipped with no less than 14 function rooms  which  can accommodate anything from 5 to 300 people.   So, this isn’t just an outstanding hotel for the leisure visitor; it’s also an ideal business venue.