City Guide: Swiss hospitality meets modern sophistication in Geneva

As borders begin to reopen around the world, The Woodward heralds a fabulous return to the art of travel. Geneva’s first all-suite hotel sits on the shores of Lake Geneva and, on a clear day, you can see the peak of the majestic Mont Blanc across the water.

Built in 1901 by French architect François Durel, the hotel has been gloriously transformed by world-renowned architect Pierre-Yves Rochon and now exudes an inviting sense of elegance that’s far more evocative of a prestigious residence rather than a boutique hotel.

Restaurant Le Jardinier by Alain Verzeroli serves refined, vegetable-driven fare Courtesy of The Woodward

Le Jardinier bar Courtesy of The Woodward

L’Atelier Robuchon by Joël Robuchon Courtesy of The Woodward

Its main lounge is an occasion unto itself with velvet Pierre-Yves Rochon sofas, armchairs by Ralph Lauren and a bronze table by Hervé Van der Straeten taking centre stage. The hotel is also home to a Guerlain Spa as well as Michelin-starred restaurants such as Le Jardinier by Alain Verzeroli and L’Atelier Robuchon by Joël Robuchon (his first in Switzerland), where every dish is a masterpiece garnished with a little bit of theatre.

In the suites, of which there are just 26, attention to the finer details, such as Lalique bathroom door handles and Baccarat crystal chandeliers, speak of sophistication at every turn.

What to do in the city:

Quartier des Bains

Its art galleries galore in this vibrant and multicultural district that’s abuzz with trendy bistros and bars and, more importantly, home to the internationally renowned Musée d’art moderne et contemporain.

Quartier des Bains, Rue des Bains, 1205 Genève

International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum

Discover how the International Red Cross came to be and delve deeper into its humanitarian mission through a series of exhibitions, art installations, symposiums and masterclasses. This is one cultural institution you can’t miss.

International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, 17 Avenue de la Paix, 1202 Genève

Du Rhône Chocolatier

Play Willy Wonka for a day and make your own chocolate bars in a gourmet workshop with Du Rhône Chocolatier in the second chocolate capital of the world.

Du Rhône Chocolatier, 118 Rue du Rhône, 1204 Genève

First floor: the Patek Philippe collection, from 1839 to 2000 Courtesy of The Patek Philippe Museum

Second floor: the antique collection, from the sixteenth to the mid-nineteenth century Courtesy of The Patek Philippe Museum

Patek Philippe Museum and Initium

As the birthplace of watchmaking, activities abound for watch lovers in Geneva. Trace the history of the first Swiss wristwatch at the Patek Philippe Museum or assemble your own Swiss timepiece at Initium.

Patek Philippe Museum, 7 Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers, 1205 Genève. Initium, 17 Grand-Rue, 1204 Genève