Perched aloft Mount Burgenstock overlooking the lovely Lake Lucerne, sits a charismatic early 1900’s Villa with panoramic views that never end. Renovated and re-opened in 2011, the award winning Villa Honegg welcomes and coddles its guests with a wonderful array of amenities, Art Nouveau charm and a very opulent location.
The first thing I noticed upon arrival was the fragrance of fresh earthy mountain air after a light rain.

First, a little history…
This hotel was built in 1905 by Emil Durrer-Traxler. He seemed to have inherited a real passion for high quality hotels from his legendary hotel-entrepreneur uncle. He worked in various capacities in different hotels, both near home and abroad, learning all aspects of construction, operations and maintenance. When he was in his 30’s and supporting a wife and 6 children, Emil decided to build his own hotel. He bought several acres of prime land almost 3,000 ft above sea level with spectacular views in every direction. Putting all of his acquired skills and experience to use, he both designed and built Villa Honegg, without even using an architect. The hotel opened in 1906 with 72 beds. Hotel guests came from all around the world and stayed for weeks or months at a time. It had tennis, boules, croquet and billiards, and served meals featuring locally grown agricultural products.

Sadly, in 1923, Emil fell from scaffolding while painting the hotel façade, and died shortly afterward from his injuries. His family continued to run the hotel until they sold it in 1977. In 2007 it changed hands again, and after several years of renovations, the Villa Honegg was finally reopened as a functioning hotel again in 2011.

Now it offers 23 lush guest rooms ranging in size from 238 sq. ft. to 1000 sq. ft., each with a flat screen tv, wifi, chic furnishings, Hermes bath products, and of course, those stunning views. It also pampers guests with its state of the art fitness center, spa, steam room, sauna, restaurant, movie theater and incomparable indoor and outdoor pools.

These famous pools are in a class of their own. The indoor pool has full length windows and comfy lounge recliners all around it, and even has an underwater music system!
The outdoor option is the famous Honegg Pool which has attracted many a guest from all over the world. Guests can sit in the heated infinity pool while soaking up one of the most blissful views in the world. There is even circular built in seating under the water.
Stepping out of the pool, you’ll find lounge chairs set out on an adjoining grassy hill, giving the view of a lifetime as you relax after a good swim.

The terrace restaurant, winner of 14 Gault Millau awards, offers both indoor and outdoor dining. They wine and dine you with delicious dishes created from locally grown seasonal ingredients. The hotel even produces some of its own fruit, veggies, herbs and honey. They offer a complimentary breakfast with a nice selection of tasty items.

If you choose to dine on the outdoor terrace, they’ll bring you furry full body blankets with sleeves and a hoodie to keep you warm and cozy. When I had dinner on the terrace there was a massive double rainbow spanning from one mountain to the next – with the sparkling Lake Lucerne below. It was exquisite!

For the outdoor adventure options, guests can book a number of activities including hiking, biking, golf, canoeing, water skiing, mountain biking, or even helicopter tours around the area. Make sure you bring your camera, because you won’t find photo ops this spectacular in too many other places around the world. You can hike or take the Hammetschwand Lift to get to the top of Mt. Burgenstock for the ultimate panorama.

When you return to the hotel after an invigorating day, you can curl up in one of those furry blankets with a cup of hot tea by the ambient crackling fire and enjoy a good book or a game of chess (while nibbling on a few Swiss chocolates of course!). Gents can enjoy a cigar from their extensive collection along with a glass of wine in the smoking lounge. And don’t forget about that comfortable, leather-seated movie theater on the first floor!

Perfect for both couples and families alike, Villa Honegg is a great place for anyone looking for a relaxing hideaway in ABSOLUTELY magnificent surroundings!

By Wild Luxe Misha

Activities
The Bürgenstock and the region in which it lies offers a wealth of attractions. There is so much to discover, ranging from short walks and days out to all kinds of cultural activities.

A WEALTH OF WALKS
The Bürgenstock and its environs are criss-crossed by footpaths suitable for all ages.
The high path is popular for the incredible views it offers of Lake Lucerne and the town of Lucerne itself. Taking the Hammetschwand Lift on the Bürgenstock eases the effort of reaching the top!

EXCURSIONS IN THE REGION
* Lucerne
* Zurich
* Stanserhorn
* Klewenalp
* Pilatus
* Titlis
* Rigi
* Rütli

OTHER ACTIVITIES
* Canoeing
* Water-skiing
* Swiss Special

MOUNTAIN BIKING ON THE BÜRGENSTOCK

The Hotel Villa Honegg is a great place to start your cycling or MTB escapade. The Bürgenstock itself and the surrounding mountains are a playground for all kinds of pedal-powered activities. Challenging trails, easy-going lanes – there’s so much to discover on two wheels.
Guests are able to make use of the hotel’s complimentary mountain bikes.

Contact for reservations or questions: 
info@villa-honegg.ch or tel. +41 (0)41 618 32 00.

To book online for a spa or a stay click here