Switzerland is one European country that’s worth every penny spent.

You’ll never regret immersing yourself in the finer elements of this country’s heritage, culture, and diverse community. From inspired dining that regularly earns Gault-Millau points to luxury hotels in the Swiss Alps that have their own private mountain railways, to experience a five-star stay in Switzerland is to embrace an experience as elevated and highly-regarded as the country’s renowned exports. 

Spoil yourself with a stay at one of these luxury resorts in Switzerland.

Ambassador Hotel | Zurich

Photo credit: @ambassadorhotelzurich on Instagram

A neo-baroque facade opens up into a Belle Époque interior delicately appointed with lavish furnishings. From the rooftop terrace views of Zurich’s lake and downtown to the smooth Milk Punches served in the Silk Bar, the Ambassador Hotel may be one of the smaller luxury hotels in Switzerland, but not a single splendid detail falling below your expectations. You need to only look at the Ambassador Suite for proof of such pure luxury: a stop at the complimentary minibar followed by a seat on the private balcony overlooking the Zurich Opera House will introduce you to rich Swiss accommodation.

Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski | Saint Moritz

Photo credit: @kempinskistmoritz on Instagram

Of the many luxury hotels in the Swiss Alps, the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski both tempts you to spend hours indoors while also enticing you to explore the mountains to your heart’s content. Before you even set foot in the lobby, you can take the cable car directly to hiking and skiing trails. Just do remember that this 19th century building is worth wandering in its own right. The Alpine Spa is as inviting as the landscape: a menu of pristine pampering including a Swiss skincare program using anti-aging-trans-dermal technology, facials incorporating organic seaweed science, and restorative rituals that even children can enjoy.

Read next: The timeless beauty of Switzerland with Trevor Noah and Roger Federer.

Mont Cervin Palace | Zermatt

Photo credit: @montcervinpalace on Instagram

A cozy chalet with full view of Switzerland’s four-thousanders. One would think such a place is only found deep within the Alps, not in the center of Zermatt. Mont Cervin Palace has both chalet style and alpine style suites that warmly welcome you to cuddle up beside the fire and gaze out at the Matterhorn. As one of the luxury hotels in the Swiss Alps that cater to families, you can make memories with your little ones by renting ice skates and not miss a minute of Mont Cervin Palace’s luxe amenities thanks to babysitting services. While the kids play with their new Swiss mascot friend, Wolli, you’ll savor every Gault-Millau point served at the hotel’s six bars and restaurants. 

Hotel d’Angleterre | Geneva

Photo credit: @hoteldangleterre on Instagram

As elegant as the Lake Geneva shoreline it sits on, Hotel d’Angleterre was designed to reflect Geneva’s beauty. Sumptuous suites with marble-lined bathrooms invite you to wake up or wind down in supreme comfort. You’ll need the rest and relaxation after partaking in one of the hotel’s extraordinary experiences such as taking a night market tour with the hotel’s Executive Chef or spending the afternoon in a watchmaking workshop. Should you need a pre-slumber break, the plush smoke-free cigar lounge has a seat for you. But if you were born to be on your feet, follow the lively music to the Leopard Bar.

Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern | Lucerne

Photo credit: @schweizerhof_luzern on Instagram

So many famous faces have laid their heads in Hotel Schweizerhof’s beds since 1845 that you shouldn’t be surprised if you spot a celeb. Like B.B. King and Mark Twain, you can walk into this luxury resort in Switzerland and feel like a guest of honor. Luxury suites with lake views and plenty of room for guests are your retreat after eating your way through the exotic dishes at Galerie and Pavillion, only a short elevator ride away.  

Explore each of these luxury hotels in Switzerland when you join Luxury Gold’s Majestic Switzerland tour. This 10-day journey treats you to a VIP sparkling wine experience, an after-hours tour of the Rosengart Museum, and a ride on the Glacier Express.

Destination inspiration: 5 incredible photos to take from the Glacier Express.

After spending 9 days with Luxury Gold, consider extending your stay at one of Switzerland’s best hotels.

Hotel Bellevue Palace | Bern

Photo credit: @bellevuepalace on Instagram

A Grand Hotel that evokes a Bern long before the hotel became the official hotel of the Swiss administration, Hotel Bellevue Palace is an intersection for the government and the gourmands. A Finnish sauna, imaginative cocktail list, and a regal Presidential Suite with Bernese Alps views make this one of the top luxury resorts in Switzerland. 

Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa | Interlaken

Photo credit: @victoriajungfrau on Instagram

Luxury resorts in Switzerland like Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa will make you wonder why you didn’t spend your entire vacation soaking up the Bernese Oberland scenery. An expansive spa, fine dining featuring both authentic Swiss and Italian dishes, and world-class champagnes await your arrival. 

Learn more: Majestic Switzerland through the lens of a Traveling Concierge.

Hotel Les Trois Rois | Basel

Photo credit: @grandhotellestroisrois on Instagram

Hotel Les Trois Rois sits on a spot in Basel’s city center that’s been a hub of history since the Middle Ages. Write your own chapter in the River Suite Napoleon, a space adorned with frescos reminiscent of the Napoleonic era. And to top off its timeless charm, the hotel’s afternoon tea service is one that the Dutch of Bedford would approve of. 

Villa Principe Leopoldo | Lugano

Phot credit: @villaprincipeleopoldo on Instagram

As if it were dreamt up in a fairytale, the Villa Principe Leopoldo will leave you with a sense of whimsy the moment you lay eyes on this luxury resort in Switzerland. The Princess Garden Suite is an appropriate haven that includes a private jacuzzi and view overlooking Lake Lugano.

Save for later: Seven Reasons to Visit Le Montreux Palace in Switzerland.

Tschuggen Grand Hotel | Davos

Photo credit: @tschuggengrandhotel on Instagram

Tschuggen Grand Hotel is a luxury hotel in Switzerland that has no qualms sending you up to its luxury hotels in the Swiss Alps. Mountain lofts retain all of the five-star amenities and white-glove service of the hotel while offering a quiet escape 1,800 meters above sea level. Their list of curated experiences is impressive in itself, but if you’re merely looking for R&R, use the private mountain railway takes you directly to the pistes and trails.

Indulge in a refined Switzerland vacation tailored to discerning travelers. Find travel tips, destination inspiration, and more information about Switzerland’s best resorts when you book an unforgettable journey with Luxury Gold.

Lake Como holds celebrity status when it comes to Italy’s lakes. Famous folk have opulent villas along the lakeside, though Lake Como is far from an exclusive hangout. As one of the most popular destinations in Northern Italy, a visit to Lake Como’s towns top the list of countless tour itineraries. 

Varenna, Bellagio, and Como itself are among the well-trodden towns, though some of the best towns in Lake Como are the ones that have the smallest populations, narrowest streets, and dreamy vistas that you won’t see on a bus tour.  

From Lake Como hidden gems that are spoken with hushed breaths to the best towns around Lake Como that are hiding in plain sight, these charming towns deserve a closer look.

Experience the charms of Italy in luxury style on Ultimate Italy

Laglio

If Laglio’s name slightly rings a bell, you can thank George Clooney. The famous actor’s Villa Oleandra is in this postcard-like town. While the 18th century villa isn’t exactly Lake Como off the beaten path, the supporting cast of Laglio is. Hiking trails lead away from the paparazzi and into the hillside, granting you panoramic scenes of Lake Como that deserve their own feature on the silver screen. Add a little local flavor to your trek by picking up casoretto cheese to snack on while you watch hawks, falcons, and other local avians soar across Lake Como’s sky.

Lenno

Lenno gets plenty of attention for hosting the villas owned by Sir Richard Branson and George Lucas; Villa Balbianello is particularly notable, used as a filming location for Star Wars Episode II in 2002, and again for James Bond Casino Royale in 2006. However, don’t let that stop you from digging back further into the town’s traditions. Lenno’s origins date back to the first Roman Empire; the territory was colonized by Greek colonies, sent here by Julius Caesar at the time of the founding of Nuova Como, colonies which introduced the cultivation of vineyards and olive groves – there is a centuries-old mill, which can still be seen today, which was used for the production of a high-quality olive oil.

Read more: Luxury Gold’s guide to private wine tasting in Italy

Argegno

While other travelers have their sights set for the stars, Argegno, just ten minutes south of Lenno, is one of Lake Como’s hidden gems that deserves its own top-billing. Thin alleyways lead you through this quiet commune that’s slowly gaining popularity. You can gaze at Bellagio, one of the most beautiful towns in Lake Como, on a clear day, though even when the clouds roll in, Argegno delivers picturesque views of rolling hills and deep blue waters. Explore the 17th century mosaics in the Santissima Trinità church, admire the colorful houses, and take a steep cable car up to the calm, near-tourist-free village of Pigra.

Pre-trip research: The essential guide to Italy for foodies

Brienno

Brienno is balanced on the water’s edge of Lake Como, offering a laid-back spot for wanderers since pre-Roman times. Those keen to collect random factoids from history will enjoy learning about Brienno’s long life from the Middle Age churches to the preserved fortification and bunkers from World War I. The thin streets make tightropes look wide, but if you have the footing, a walk around this labyrinth of a village is an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of the larger Lake Como towns for a spell.

Nesso

Directly across the lake from Brienno, Nesso is easily one of the most beautiful towns in Lake Como. Like many of these Lake Como towns, Nesso dates back to ancient Roman times. And though it features colorful homes throughout its old town, the Orrido di Nesso is its alluring attraction. This gorge brings two creeks together, joining them in harmony as a cascading waterfall that flows beneath the Ponte della Civera arched bridge. 

Hungry for more? Visit the best gelato gelateria in San Gimignano

Colico

Colico is one of the larger towns, though its northern location makes it a bit of an off the beaten path destination in Lake Como. However you like to vacation, Colico encourages you to do it all outdoors. The Forte Montecchio Nord open-air museum offers guided tours about Lake Como’s presence in the Great War while events like the Water Music Festival and the World Cup of Kitesurfing draw audiences looking for alternative experiences. There’s a sunny spot on the beach for you to relax, unless you’d like to join the fun topside and rent try your hand at paddle boarding, kitesurfing, or one of the other aquatic activities available from various Lake Como tour groups.

Lecco

Sharing the name of the province, Lecco is an affordable alternative to the more expensive Como on the opposite prong. Lake Como and Lake Garlate are joined by the Adda River, giving Lecco’s coastline three unique viewpoints. Stroll the Garlate for dramatic views of the surrounding mountains. Let a chef row you out to Isola Viscontea for a risotto dinner on the Adda. Or simply grab a gelato and take in the medieval ruins from the Lungolago di Lecco promenade. 

Making it personal: How travel concierge Anna elevates your Italy experience

Gittana

Gittana is such a small hamlet on the eastern shore of Lake Como that it often goes unnoticed, despite being a 10-minute drive from Varenna train station. Its few dozen sand-colored roofs act like cobblestones leading up the hill from the man-made pebble beach to the clock tower of the sole church. Gittana’s village is brushed modestly upon Lake Como’s canvas, which is why it’s worth the visit. Climb to the top of the village for undisturbed views of the lake, take your time munching and mingling with the owners of the Semi di Grano ristorante, then rent a bicycle for a smooth shoreline ride to Bellano or Varenna.

Varenna

Found on Lake Como’s eastern shore and previously a small fishing village, Varenna is still full of rich history and well worth a visit. Amble through the botanical gardens such as Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi, or take a romantic stroll through Passeggiata degli Innamorati (Walk of Lovers), which begins at the pier of Varenna for a beautiful view of the lake. For an unparalleled view of the lake, visit the nearby Castello di Vezio. As with many Lake Como towns, you won’t want to skip visiting the church here in the central square, Piazza San Giorgio. The 14th century Church of San Giorgio is home to numerous paintings from the late 15th and 16th centuries. As you wander through this picturesque town, don’t forget to look down; the pavements are made from local black marble.

Gravedona ed Uniti

Located on the western shore of Lake Como, Gravedona ed Uniti is a calming, charming Lake Como town. History and art lovers will want to visit the Palazzo Gallio which sits high above the town, facing directly onto the lake; try and catch one of the concerts, exhibitions and workshops that take place here over the summer. On the water, soak up the town’s history in the marbled Romanesque Church of Santa Maria del Tiglio while taking in the view of the lake. Meanwhile, the narrow streets to the harbour are the perfect spot for a walk with a gelato, or take your pick of one of the many exceptional restaurants serving fresh seafood and some of the finest Italian produce.

Are you ready to discover the most beautiful towns in Lake Como? Join Luxury Gold’s Ultimate Italy trip. This 12-day journey ends in Venice, a short train ride away from Lario, making it effortless to schedule Lake Como tours or travel to the many towns and villages at your own pace. Join us for an adventure that delivers countless memories between Cinque Terre and Capri then complete your Italian itinerary with a relaxing weekend at one of Lake Como’s towns.

The Taj Mahal is one of the most iconic structures in the world but it’s only one of the nearly 100 great palaces in India. Each mahal has its own rich history that’s only rivaled by each of its unique architectural designs, lavish interior furnishings, and impossible preserved foundations that have outlasted invasions and seizures throughout a millennium. To visit an Indian palace is to get a glimpse into not only the royal lifestyle of India’s richest rulers, but to better understand how and why this country has endured centuries worth of turmoil. 

Join Luxury Gold’s Imperial Rajasthan tour and marvel at some of the most beautiful palaces in India. This extensive 13-day tour doesn’t shy away from palace peeking: New Delhi’s Presidential Palace, Muthamman Burj Palace, Palace of the Winds, Udaipur’s Leela Palace and City Palace complex are all yours to explore.

From the unconquerable bastions of Indian royalty to some of the oldest surviving forts in the country, these are some of the best palaces to visit in India. 

For travel inspiration: India destination guide

1. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

When it comes to luxury palaces in India that you’re welcome to stay in, Taj Lake Palace is unlike any other palace hotel you’ve ever visited. Floating on Lake Pichola, it was constructed in the 1740s by the 62nd custodian of the House of Mewar. Jag Niwas, as it was known, didn’t become a heritage hotel until the 1960s, but its grand marble suites are still as regal as centuries before. Private butler service, relaxing boat rides, and fine dining only feet from your room make this palace an unforgettable stay in the Venice of the East. And for any cinephiles visiting, be sure to order a martini, shaken not stirred, at the 24-hour Amrit Sagar bar: you’re standing in a shooting location for the James Bond film Octopussy.

Discover Udaipur on: Imperial Rajasthan 

2. Lal Bagh Palace, Indore

The Red Palace may have only been completed a century ago, but this grand palace in Indore is both a symbol of India’s turn of the century aesthetic and turn of the millennium struggles. Lal Bagh Palace took inspiration from Europe’s design trends inside and out. Its exterior finished in an Italian Renaissance Revival style, combined with Paladin, Mughal and Rajput elements. Euro-inspired interiors are found within this neoclassical building, but sadly, what once held one of the best garden palaces in the region suffered from neglect between the 1980s and the 2020s. It’s undergone restorations since 2021 and is open to the public as a museum.

You may also enjoy reading: Uncovering India’s cultural riches, with acclaimed historian Rana Safvi

3. Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

One of the more contemporary Indian palaces, Umaid Bhawan Palace was built between the first and second World Wars for the Jodhpur royal family. Though still technically a private residence, you’ll be treated as close to royalty as possible now that the palace is also a 5-star heritage hotel. Views of the Blue City and Mehrangarh Fort await you in one of the last-constructed grand palaces of India. It’s only a 20 minute drive from Jodhpur Airport, so even if you aren’t staying the night, you should still make the short trip so you can tour the on-property museum dedicated to the family’s history and marvel at the same palm court marble that was used to build the Taj Mahal  

Discover more about our journeys: How Travel Concierge Viren Paints a Vivid Picture of India

4. Lohagarh Fort, Bharatpur

Some of the most famous palaces in India were built by Maharaja Surajmal throughout the 1700s, including Lohagarh Fort. It took 60 years to build, and for good reason: this fort on an artificial island remained unconquered by invading British soldiers. Not to be confused with Lohagarh Fort Resort in Jaipur, the Iron Fort is surrounded by a moat which you’ll see, along with panoramic views of Bharatpur, from a protected archaeological section. It’s well worth a stroll and a visit to the on-site museum will show you the weaponry, armor, and other defense artifacts that successfully thwarted insurgence after insurgence.

You may also be interested to read: A Journey of Flavor: The Mastery of India’s Michelin Star Chefs

5. Laxmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara, Gujarat

When it comes to India sightseeing, one of the most beautiful palaces you cannot miss is Laxmi Vilas Palace — the largest private residence on the planet. It’s quadruple the size of Buckingham Palace in the UK and just as ornately adorned inside and out. Laxmi Vilas Palace was constructed across 500 acres at the end of the 19th century and holds nearly 200 rooms, many of which feature artwork specially commissioned from Raja Ravi Verma. Thanks to Vadodara’s proximity to bus and train stations, a day trip to Laxmi Vilas Palace is one of the most convenient — and regal — things to do in India. 

Bookmark for later: Step Inside the Most Unique Luxury Retreats in India

6. Malcha Mahal, New Delhi

For those looking to add an element of the recent paranormal past to their historical tour, Malcha Mahal deserves a glance. Despite its ‘mahal’ name, Malcha isn’t a royal palace in the traditional sense. It’s actually a 14th century hunting lodge built for the Sultan of Delhi, Feroz Shah Tughlaq. Almost hidden within the Central Ridge Forest, Malcha Mahal fell into the hands of the kingdom of Oudh before being annexed by the British. Its history takes a supernatural turn after the property was returned to the Shah’s descendants in the 1980s — at least two of whom met their deaths inside the lodge. Today, Malcha Mahal is far from a proper tourist attraction; one of the few ways to visit this abandoned, decaying structure is to trek into the forest on a ghost tour.  

You may also enjoy reading: Walking with the King of the Big Cats in India’s Royal Hunting Grounds

7. Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad

Photo credit: @tajfalaknumaon Instagram

Perched 2,000 feet above the city, the opulent Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad offers breathtaking views and a regal experience. In fact it is home to the longest dining table in the world. Built in 1894 by Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra, the Prime Minister of Hyderabad, the palace was later owned by the Nizam of Hyderabad. The architecture is a blend of Italian and Tudor styles, with grand marble staircases, Venetian chandeliers and intricate frescoes. A stay here is like a step back in time. Guests are greeted with traditional Indian hospitality, and the palace’s 60 rooms and suites are adorned with antique furniture and rich fabrics. The palace also houses a fascinating library with rare manuscripts and a collection of jade.

Relaxing reading: Hidden Treasures: Exploring the Riches of Ancient Civilizations

8. Qila Mubarak, Patiala, Punjab

Palaces in India like Lohagarh Fort are impressive, but even such a large fortress is dwarfed by Qila Mubarak. Also called Bathinda Fort, Qila Mubarak dates back to the 1st century, making it India’s oldest surviving fort. Its formal written history tells tales of invasions and sieges from the 1000s through 1200s, when Razia Sultana, the first female commander of the fort, was killed. Qila Mubarak became desolate for centuries to come until the area was inhabited again in the 1700s. The gurdwara, created in the 1800s to commemorate Guru Gobind Singh’s visit to the site in the 1700s, will be a highlight of your visit inside.   

For further travel inspiration: These Safari Lodges are Putting Eco Sustainability First

9. Jaipur City Palace

Jaipur City Palace is a splendid complex in the heart of Rajasthan, India, showcasing a seamless blend of Rajput, Mughal, and European architectural styles. Built in the early 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, it served as the seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur. The palace stands as a symbol of rich cultural heritage and regal opulence, with intricately designed courtyards, gardens, and buildings adorned with vibrant colors and ornate decorations. Its breathtaking beauty, historical significance, and well-preserved artifacts make it a must-visit destination for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and tourists seeking a glimpse into India’s royal past.

Guests of Luxury Gold’s Imperial Rajhastan tour enjoy a private access tour around Jaipur City Palace including the maharajah’s personal living room, normally off limits to visitors. Follwng this, you will savor an Indian inspired high tea on the regal terrace after viewing the spectacular handcrafted crystal table by René Lalique.

Bookmark for later: Meet the female riders of Jaipur’s Pink City Rickshaw Company

10. Rajmahal Palace, Jaipur

Photo credit:
@therajmahalpalace on Instagram

Rajmahal Palace, a jewel nestled in Jaipur’s architectural crown, beckons visitors with its exquisite fusion of Rajput elegance and contemporary luxury. This palace hotel was originally constructed in the 18th century, this opulent residence has witnessed generations of royal history, hosting esteemed guests from across the globe. The architecture marvels in its intricate detailing, from ornately carved pillars to delicate frescoes that narrate tales of bygone eras. What sets Rajmahal Palace, Jaipur  apart is not just its architectural grandeur but also the immersive experience it offers. Stepping into its hallowed corridors is like stepping back in time, enveloped in regal splendor and old-world charm. Guests are not just spectators but participants in a living legacy, where every nook echoes with whispers of a glorious past, making a visit to Rajmahal Palace an unforgettable journey through time.

The Hawa Mahal, Palace of Winds is also an icon of architecture. This five-storey building in Jaipur, is the tallest building in the world that has been built without a foundation. Also worth a mention in the vicinity of Jaipur is the Samode Palace hotel which appears more or less unchanged over the course of its four-hundred-year life. A classic Indian royal fantasy, even the modern luxury hotel amenities of this former royal palace stick to the extravagant style of the original.

You’ll have the opportunity to visit many of the iconic Indian palaces when you join Luxury Gold’s Essence of India tour. This 8-day tour handpicks a number of remarkable palaces and things to do in India to ensure you get a comprehensive view of the country’s history and landscape. Your itinerary includes a stay at the Leela Palace, viewing the Presidential Palace, and stopping at Muthamman Burj Palace, Amber Palace, and Jai Mahal Palace.