We tested for you: the Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne and its excellent Cinq Mondes spa

For 160 years, the Beau-Rivage Palace has been offering well-being to its customers. Since 1861, the Beau-Rivage Palace can pride itself on being the most prestigious hotel in Lausanne, proud to have received the greatest celebrities. It is true that with its 19th century architecture, its position on the front line facing Lake Geneva and its fabulous mountain scenery, the Palace seduces from the first glance. the wellness is now a priority there, and with its new Cinq Mondes spa, its two swimming pools, and its unique augmented music massage rituals, the Beau-Rivage has serious assets. Pascal Languillon, CEO of art b zen, tells us about his stay in the magnificent Spa Suiteundoubtedly one of best in Europe.

A legendary palace built for the greats of this world

On the shores of Lake Geneva, nestled in a beautiful four-hectare garden, this hotel is regularly ranked among the best 5 star hotels in Europe. Consisting of two buildings linked together by La Rotonde, this majestic establishment has welcomed the world’s greatest since its opening in 1861: writers (Victor Hugo) showbiz stars (from Charlie Chaplin and Coco Chanel in the last century to Bono and Bruce Willis nowadays), presidents (Jacques Chirac, Nelson Mandela among others) and even the Dalai Lama. It was therefore with great emotion that I discovered this palace in January 2021. I took great pleasure in observing the many portraits of these illustrious visitors, displayed on the “Wall of Fame”.

In addition to its ideal location, the hotel still attracts as much today with the excellence of its service and its splendid suites, not to mention the two-star gastronomic table signed Anne-Sophie Pic. Located just 10 minutes from the city center of Lausanne, it nevertheless seems well far from the urban bustle. It therefore seemed very natural to the Managing Director, Nathalie Seiler-Hayez, to direct the palace more towards a wellness philosophywith the opening of a new Cinq Mondes spa in 2020 and a new wellness experience that will take shape in 2021.

The Spa Suite: simply magical!

660. Three figures engraved on the door of one of the most desirable suites in Europefor us wellness enthusiasts: the Beau-Rivage Palace Spa Suite which proudly displays 85 m² dedicated to well-being. It thus consists of a beautiful living room, a bedroom and a huge rare marble bathroom including a whirlpool bath and a large separate shower, as well as a treatment area with two massage tables and a private hammam.

Located on the 6th and last floor of the hotel, the suite offers a sublime view on the lake and the Alps, which can be admired from a heated balcony in winter, with two benches to lie down on (see the photo at the top of the article). A large fireplace in the living room adds to the cozy side of the whole. This may just be a detail, but the slippers provided are probably the most comfortable I’ve been able to put on so far!

Who says “Spa Suite” says wellness, and the Beau-Rivage Palace has really not skimped on the details to offer well-being to its customers. First of all, I loved the luxurious bed from the FreshBed brand, scientifically developed to provide a cool microclimate that promotesdeep, restorative sleep. Another very nice touch: a yoga mat and weights in the suite to start the day off right!

As a welcome under the sign of wellness, customers are entitled to sparkling tea to replace champagne, ginger shots and healthy snacks, with fresh vegetables and fruit! The many courtesy products in the bathroom are from the Cinq Mondes brand, and they are all of excellent quality. The suite is customized in advance by aromatherapy according to customer’s color choice.

To be honest, I believe that these three numbers, 660, will remain etched in my memory for a long time to come because this Spa Suite is exceptional. All this luxury has a cost of course: 4500 euros per night. To be reserved for special occasions.

Many rooms with lake view

Fortunately, you do not have to book the Spa Suite to have an excellent stay at the Beau-Rivage Palace. The minimum surface area of ​​the rooms is 28 m², and with an entrance fee of around 400 euros per night, the5-star hotel offers excellent value for money, especially in Switzerland.

While some rooms have a view of the city and the gardens, in my opinion it would be a shame to deprive yourself of the magnificent views offered by the palace towards the lake and the mountains. The superior lake view rooms are therefore to be recommended. There is also a very strong demand for the Junior Suites, which are spacious with their lounge area and their pretty balcony.

Softness and voluptuousness at the Cinq Mondes spa

Established over 1500 m², the Cinq Mondes spa at the Beau-Rivage Palace has 8 treatment cabins including a double suite, 1 rest room, 2 changing rooms including hammam, sauna, ice cellar and ice fountain, 1 fitness room with a view of the lake, 1 yoga studio, 2 heated swimming pools (inner and
outdoor) and a restaurant, all nestled in lush greenery facing the lake. Impressive for a city spa!

This new spa opened in 2020 after architectural work entrusted to Alexandre Pierart. It was thought of as a intimate place and enveloping, with feminine and organic shapes, with soft curves and natural materials.

I particularly liked the spa’s waiting room, called the “patio”, which is adorned with a mysterious tree with an undulating light, and the relaxation room designed as a bronze cocoon. Another special mention for the yoga room, as futuristic as it is welcoming.

Another advantage of the spa is a very beautiful “Félicité suite”, designed for clients who wish relax together in a private space. This double suite is a very comfortable round room which presents two scrub beds delicately heated at the level of the kidneys, a sliding door which opens on a double Japanese bath opening itself on a private garden. The welcome ceremony led by a floral foot bath invites a feeling of intense relaxation. Romantic !

The spa uses products from the French brand Cinq Mondes, which specializes in luxury spas, inspired by beauty traditions and recipes from around the world. Pioneers of natural cosmetics, Cinq Mondes products combine the properties ofplant active ingredientsto the emotions provoked by unique fragrances from great perfumers. They are guaranteed without parabens, without silicones and without artificial colors.

Musically augmented immersive massage: a unique treatment in the world

I had the chance to test exceptional care during my stay at the Beau-Rivage Palace, a treatment that is offered here world exclusive. Indeed, Cinq Mondes has invented an interactive massage ritual, where the client’s body becomes the score of the conductor, who is none other than the therapist. This treatment requires specific installation in dedicated treatment rooms. Sensors installed above the massage table, linked to a computer, follow the movements of the therapist’s hands. A sophisticated algorithm takes their rhythm into account to regulate the musical elements.

It is therefore a unprecedented experience where music is a full-fledged player, and care therefore takes on a higher dimension. The Musically Augmented Immersive Massage is available in two one-and-a-half-hour rituals:
• The Oriental Immersive Ritual, slow and relaxing
• The Immersive Ayurvedic Ritual, fiery and regenerating.

I chose the immersive oriental ritual, with Moroccan notes. Provided by a very experienced therapist, Perrine Baillif, I just loved this massage which was terribly relaxing. The technology used interested me a lot, even if I had perhaps a little difficulty letting myself be completely carried away by the sound experience. I am now very curious to try the experience again.

The bonus: following this musically enhanced Immersive Massage experience, the spa sends you a unique and personal score of your treatment, so that you can relive the experience at home by lighting a candle offered by Cinq Mondes. A subtle way to dive back into the good memories of the stay at the hotel…

An expanding wellness offer

The Cinq Mondes spa collaborates withJeremy Peltierformer professional athlete, and his team, in a very nice fitness area fully equipped with machines “Technogymas well as cardiovascular and slimming devices. Group lessons are organized every day. Let us mention in particular the body shape to work the abs and glutes, core training for the deep muscles of the body, and various yoga sessions.

The Spa Cinq Mondes also offers consultations around the naturopathy, a natural health practice whose objective is to optimize the client’s vital energy.

Rarer, the palace also has a medical concierge, Ilham Bernichi Claudet, who collaborates with the best clinics in Switzerland to meet all your needs. Cosmetic surgery treatments are particularly popular.

The Beau-Rivage Palace team will unveil in 2021 a new “wellness experience” to go even further in innovation and customer satisfaction. We will tell you more when the time comes!

A temple of gastronomy

If in terms of cuisine, the star remains of course the restaurant of Anne-Sophie Pic, two stars in the Michelin Guide, the other restaurants of the Palace are of excellent quality. During my stay, only thee Café Beau-Rivage was open, Covid-19 requires. No need to complain though, as this elegant brasserie offers delicious food! Among what I tasted, special mention to two dishes in particular: an appetizer, “grilled snow crab, celery remoulade and green apple, shellfish condiments”. And for the main course: “Maine lobster tagine with oriental spices and candied lemon”.

At breakfast, I enjoyed the healthy selection, with a fresh juice of the day, exquisite fruit salads, avocado and pomegranate toast… I still wanted to add poached eggs with salmon on wholemeal bread toasts to round things off. Delicious.

Verdict

If the reputation of the Beau-Rivage Palace is well established, its new wellness turn suits it terribly well. The hotel has a magnificent spa and it displays a real coherence on the theme of well-being. In two words: we love it!

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Prices:From around 400 euros per night.

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