From left, Mineral Baths & Spa Rigi-Kaltbad, and B2 Boutique Hotel + Spa

SWITZERLAND

By Donna Heiderstadt

16. THE SWISS ARE TURNING MORE HEADS
Ah, Switzerland - land of prompt trains, precise watches, and now passionate decor. The staid Swiss are going full-throttle with a design surge evident in these new eye-pleasing projects.

SLEEP
The Alpina Gstaad: Gstaad guards its authenticity, so the December debut of its first splashy new luxury hotel in 100 years ranked as a big deal. On the outside, this 56-room beauty keeps the peace with its Swiss-chalet design. But inside, tradition has been tweaked. While 90 percent of the decorative wood is antique, interiors by a trio of London, Paris, and Bangkok designers infuse the look with contemporary chic. Rooms and suites feel residential and have balconies, marble bathrooms, and fireplaces (suites only). From $925. 011-41-33-888-9888; thealpinagstaad.ch

B2 Boutique Hotel + Spa (Zurich): In the Library Lounge, the heart of this hotel in Hürlimann-Areal, you'll eye 33,000 salvaged books stacked to the top of the 36-foot ceiling, artfully illuminated by three chandeliers made from 900 green Hürlimann beer bottles. These are just two examples of creative reuse at this 60-room industrial-chic hotel, once a circa-1867 brewery. From $350. 011-41-44-567-6767; b2boutiquehotels.com

Hotel Giardino Mountain (Champfèr): Next to see-and-be-seen St. Moritz, neighboring Champfèr was sleepy until the makeover of a timeworn property into this visually compelling hotel. The 78 "casual alpine chic" rooms feature minimally finished wood walls and floors juxtaposed against sparkling chandeliers, tufted leather headboards, magenta pillows, and vintage black-and-white photos of the 1928 and 1948 St. Moritz Winter Olympic Games. Dine in its two-Michelin-star Ristorante Ecco on Snow, headed up by Chef Rolf Fliegauf (of Ristorante Ecco in Ascona). From $400. 800-337-4685; giardino-mountain.ch

RELAX
Mineral Baths & Spa Rigi-Kaltbad (near Lucerne): The Swiss have been enjoying dips in spring-fed spas on Mount Rigi for 600 years, but now they can soak in a space designed by renowned Swiss architect Mario Botta. Located at 4,700 feet, this spa's spare design of pale stone and sculptural black chaises lets the focal point be the view of snowcapped peaks. 011-41-41-397-0406; mineralbad-rigikaltbad.ch

Resort Collina d'Oro (Lugano): This 46-room resort on a sunny hilltop overlooking Lake Lugano soothes with six well-being plans covering skin rejuvenation to weight loss. And not to worry, the restaurant's "healthy Mediterranean" menu won't leave you feeling deprived. Four- or seven-day programs from $1,983, including meals. 011-41-91-641-1111; resortcollinadoro.com

DRINK
Bar (Lausanne): The stylish Bar at Beau-Rivage Palace serves up contemporary twists on cocktails, offering not only martinis but also a barrel-aged Negroni, homemade vermouth, and rare spirits (such as A.E. DOR le signe du temps - there are only 17 bottles worldwide). Cozy up to the backlit onyx bar for a three-drink cocktail course with savvy bar manager Alexandre Peyraud. 011-41-21-613-3395; brp.ch

EAT
Clouds at Prime Tower (Zurich): About 400 feet in the sky, toast the sunset with a cocktail at this bar-with-a-view in Switzerland's tallest building. Post-toast, dine on modern Mediterranean cuisine. It's in Zurich West, an industrial neighborhood turned artist haven and office district. 011-41-44-404-3000; clouds.ch 

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