Originally opening its doors in 1834, the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva (the only Four Seasons property in the country), is the city’s first luxury hotel – and remains its most prestigious address, even today.
As its name suggests, this Neoclassical beauty does indeed overlook that world-famous, picture-postcard lake – while its spa takes its name from those surrounding snow-capped Alps. But back to the spa in a second.
The hotel itself, located a snowball’s throw from the historic Old Town and high-end boutiques of Rue du Rhône, offers 115 rooms and suites (a highlight is the Presidential Suite Lake View, with its two elegant French balconies), a Michelin-starred Italian restaurant and a rooftop Japanese-fusion venue.
It’s all the kind of understated classiness you’d fully expect. And that extends to its knock-out Spa Mont Blanc.
Designed in wood, leather and stone by the celebrated Turkish architect Onur Özgül, this world-class wellness destination (awarded the prestigious Forbes Five-Star rating in 2021) is set high above the city in a vast 30,000-square-foot rooftop sanctuary. Here, floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, adding to the sense of serenity.
There are six luxurious treatment rooms, including a couples’ suite, and an extensive range of hydrothermal experiences. Travel through a Moroccan-style marble hammam, a steam room, ice fountains and multisensory showers. While a 12.5 x 5-metre heated indoor lap pool and a separate vitality pool overlook the lake and distant Jura Mountains.
On the menu, you’ll find renowned brands like Dr Burgener, Biologique Recherche, Swiss Perfection and Esse Skincare. While the most sought-after facials include the Premium Anti-Ageing Facial, which stimulates skin renewal and combats signs of ageing.
Body treatments include the Anti-C Slimming Massage with a specialised Biologique Recherche glove, aimed at toning and sculpting, and the Thermal Effect Anti-Cellulite Wrap by Swiss Perfection.
A special Cancer Care Touch Therapy has also been designed to support those undergoing or recovering from cancer treatments, via gentle, restorative touch techniques that enhance skin hydration and reduce inflammation.
Spa Mont Blanc welcomes guests of all ages, too. The Bonpoint Kids & Teens Collection offers gentle facials for kids – who receive fresh smoothies and other gifts as part of the package – while their dads can benefit from a comprehensive “Exclusively for Men” menu of cellular facials, targeted tension relief massages, purifying back scrubs and energising treatments.
The spacious private dressing rooms are brimming with premium skincare products, hair essentials, herbal teas and infused water. While the adjacent Hair Studio is a private retreat for haircuts, styling, colour and shine treatments, delivered by expert stylists.
Adjacent to the spa is Club des Bergues, a state-of-the-art fitness centre open 24/7, and kitted out with Technogym and Matrix machines, and TRX suspension training systems. Personal trainers, nutritionists and life coaches are on hand, along with outdoor activities such as yoga, jogging, pilates and cycling.
Meanwhile, the Pool Privé experience offers the entire pool area for private evening use – ideal for canoodling or otherwise intimate gatherings, complete with champagne service.
Speaking of which, try the “Queen of Roses” ritual, inspired (it says here) by the bathing rituals of Cleopatra herself. Incorporating rose petals, natural buttermilk and a soothing head massage, it also throws in a glass of fine champagne to boot. Cleopatra, comin’ at ya.
