Our Swiss journey continued in Lucerne, reached by a scenic three-hour train ride through a succession of postcard-worthy landscapes. As the mountains unfolded beyond the windows, the journey itself felt like an introduction to the slower, more contemplative rhythm that would come to define our stay.

It was our first time in Lucerne, and the city had us captivated almost immediately. Set against the crystalline waters of Lake Lucerne and framed by the dramatic silhouettes of the surrounding Alps, it possesses a rare kind of beauty: one that feels at once grand and intimate. Historic facades line the cobbled streets of the Old Town, the waterfront invites unhurried strolls, and the mountains provide a magnificent backdrop to the gentle rhythm of everyday life. There is something almost cinematic about the setting, yet Lucerne never feels as though it is trying too hard to impress. Its charm lies precisely in its effortless elegance.

For our stay, we once again had the pleasure of experiencing a Mandarin Oriental property, and the arrival at Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern set the tone for what was to follow.

We were warmly welcomed into our suite, where the view immediately became the centrepiece. Beyond the windows, Lake Lucerne stretched towards the mountains, its surface reflecting the shifting light of the day. Boats moved quietly across the water, while the peaks stood still in the distance, lending the entire scene a sense of extraordinary calm. It was the kind of panorama that encourages you to put everything else aside and simply look.

A bottle of champagne and a thoughtfully curated selection of treats awaited us, adding a personal touch to our arrival. After settling in, there was little urgency to do anything at all, and that, perhaps, was part of the appeal.

Few hotel rituals feel quite as timeless as afternoon tea, particularly when enjoyed in surroundings as elegant as these. We made our way downstairs to indulge in a leisurely afternoon of delicate sweet and savoury creations, an excellent selection of teas and, naturally, a glass of bubbles. Warm afternoon sunlight filtered into the space, lending everything a softer glow.

It was an occasion that required very little beyond good company and the luxury of time. We lingered over each course, enjoying the atmosphere and allowing the afternoon to unfold at its own pace. There was no particular schedule to follow, nowhere we urgently needed to be. Sometimes, the most memorable moments of a journey are the ones that ask the least of you.

Eventually, we ventured out to explore more of Lucerne before returning to the hotel, where a wonderfully comfortable night’s sleep awaited us.

By this point in our Swiss journey, breakfast in the privacy of our suite had become something of a ritual. And with a view like this, there was little reason to change our habits. On our first morning in Lucerne, breakfast was arranged beside the window, overlooking the lake. The scene beyond the glass was as beautiful as ever, the water catching the morning light as we slowly made our way through the selection. Fresh ingredients, excellent coffee and soft music created an atmosphere that felt both intimate and indulgent. Conversation came easily, and the hours seemed to stretch a little longer than usual.

There is a particular pleasure in beginning the day without an agenda, in having the freedom to linger over coffee, watch the world outside and let the morning find its own rhythm. In a destination as naturally beautiful as Lucerne, it felt like the most fitting way to start the day.

Later that morning, it was time to turn my attention to a little self-care. I had booked a facial at the hotel’s spa, Ambassade Biologique Recherche Luzern, a tranquil retreat offering a welcome pause from the outside world. The experience was wonderfully personalised, with the treatment tailored to my skin’s individual needs. Combining expert techniques with a genuinely calming approach, it delivered precisely the kind of restorative experience I had been hoping for. My therapist, Olivia, was exceptionally attentive and professional, creating an atmosphere in which it was easy to relax completely and surrender to the moment. I left feeling refreshed, with skin that felt hydrated, healthy and revitalised. Beyond the immediate results, however, it was the opportunity to truly switch off that made the treatment so worthwhile. True luxury, after all, is often less about what is added to an experience than what it allows you to leave behind, even if only for an hour.

One of the loveliest surprises of our September stay was the weather. We had arrived expecting the first hints of autumn, yet Lucerne greeted us with warm sunshine and temperatures that felt decidedly summery. The lake was irresistibly inviting, and swimming remained very much on the agenda. Throughout our stay, we watched as people took the opportunity to dive into the crystal-clear water, seemingly reluctant to let go of the season just yet. With the sun overhead and the mountains rising majestically beyond the shoreline, the scene felt far removed from the autumnal atmosphere we had anticipated. It was a reminder of how much a destination can change with the light, and how some of the best travel moments are those you could never quite have planned.

That evening, we decided to embrace the lingering summer mood with dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, Quai 10.

The setting alone made the evening memorable. As the sun began its descent, the light softened across the lake, gradually shifting into shades of gold and amber. The surrounding mountains took on an almost painterly quality, and the waterfront seemed to grow quieter as the day gave way to evening. Our meal was fresh, light and perfectly suited to the warm weather. We enjoyed a selection of dishes, including the restaurant’s famous rainbow salad and beautifully prepared sea bass, each bringing a sense of freshness to the table. There was no need for anything overly elaborate; the setting, the company and the pleasure of a summer evening provided more than enough occasion.

Naturally, there was still room for dessert. We finished with ice cream, savouring the last of the golden light as it lingered over the water. It was an uncomplicated pleasure, but a particularly lovely one, the kind of evening that stays with you long after the details of the menu have faded.

As is so often the case when a destination captures your imagination, our time in Lucerne passed far too quickly. Before we knew it, it was time to prepare for the journey towards Zurich Airport. But first, there was time for one final morning. We opted for the breakfast buffet, returning once more to those beautiful views across the lake. The selection was fresh and generous, with the avocado toast deserving a special mention, easily one of our favourites. It was a lovely way to revisit a familiar ritual before saying goodbye to the city. Rather than rushing through our final hours, we allowed ourselves a little more time. We took another walk along the waterfront, enjoyed the sunshine and paused to take in the scenery one last time before returning to the suite to pack.

There was something fitting about ending our stay in this way: without an elaborate itinerary or a final grand gesture, simply enjoying Lucerne for what it is. A city of extraordinary natural beauty, historic character and an understated sense of ease that makes it remarkably easy to feel at home.

Our stay at Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern made that feeling all the more special. From waking to uninterrupted views of the lake, to leisurely afternoons over tea, a restorative spa treatment and dinners bathed in golden light, every experience felt thoughtfully woven into the rhythm of the destination. What we loved most was the sense of quiet luxury that accompanied our stay. Nothing felt hurried, and there was always space to pause, to notice the details and to enjoy the simple pleasures of being somewhere beautiful. The hotel became more than a place to return to at the end of the day; it felt like an elegant home of our own, perfectly positioned between the stillness of the lake and the timeless beauty of the Alps. Lucerne is a place that leaves a lasting impression, not just through its beautiful surroundings, but through the atmosphere and the feeling it creates while you’re there. It’s a city we’ll remember fondly, and one we know we’ll return to, eager to experience once again the charm of this very special corner of Switzerland.

The Hotel:

Our Suite:

In room breakfast and view:

Ambassade Biologique Recherche Luzern:

The Afternoon tea:

Quai 10 Dinner: