46°59'41''N, 8°24'11''E Villa Honegg, Lucerne, Switzerland

Restored to glory, this 1905 art nouveau mansion marries peace and poise, its forget-me-not blue shutters blending with the vast hinterland of sky beyond. Interiors by London design studio Jestico + Whiles focus on the interplay of texture and light, using understated detail and rich textiles to create comfortable contemporary spaces.

Here, city-weary wanderers will find nourishment for mind, body and soul: fresh air and outdoor distractions are abundant; the wellness spa uses Jacqueline Piotaz biotech products and natural Alpine herbs – woodruff, nettle, elder and honey; while the restaurant elevates ingredients sourced within walking distance into memorable modern Swiss cuisine. 

This is a luxury hotel, yes: but its sustainable ethos and laser focus on the highest ethical principles and eco practices, eagle’s eye views of lakeside mountainscapes and secluded Alpine setting earn it a rightful place among our Off Grid Hideaways.  

Rooms Villa Honegg’s 23 stylish ensuite rooms and suites all have balconies or terraces, with sweeping vistas of mountain or lake – the star attraction of your stay. Classic Rooms have queen-size beds and walk-in showers; Superior Rooms have king-size beds, plus separate bathtubs. Suites offer more space, with separate lounge areas; some have double sinks and fireplaces.

How far to the nearest…

• • Resident neighbour 2km
  • Shop 8km Ennetbürgen
  • Town 8km
  • Café/Restaurant 400m
  • Airport 90km/ 1 hour (Zürich)
  • Train station 20-30min (Stans/Lucerne)

   

  Altitude 914m

  Build The listed 1905 building was restored to maintain the original structure with its thick, naturally insulating walls, but incorporate the latest eco-technology. Interiors focus on natural materials, with sustainable products and services chosen wherever possible.

  Energy Renewable energy from the lake water heat pump has powered the hotel since it re-opened in 2011. It also has EV charging stations for cars and bikes; and a commitment to helping clients and partners find the most eco-friendly routes.

  Environment Villa Honegg works with not-for-profits including WfW (Water For Water) and sustainable waste-management agencies.   

  Community Local staff and a passionate commitment to sourcing from nearby businesses contribute to the hotel’s goal of supporting long-term sustainable development and economic stability, all of which help protect the local environment.

  Digital detox High-speed WiFi and LED TVs in rooms; leave your phone in your safe to avoid distraction.

  Creature comforts Nespresso coffee-makers, slippers and robes in rooms.

   

Winter’s snow-kissed slopes are a balm for tired eyes, a wonderland of restful whites. Spring brings blankets of wildflowers and babbling snow-melt streams. Summer is a poem of green and blue hues, as the sun bathes Alpine meadows in glorious light and hiking paths beckon. Autumn’s mellow harvest and seasonal change is a chance to pause and reflect.

Engage

Some of Europe’s most spectacular walking routes are on your doorstep. Follow the Felsenweg, a scenic circular path that hugs the cliffs through the woods. Borrow an e-bike and explore the Bürgenstock mesa, or kayak across Lake Lucerne under a full moon. Play a round of golf near the hotel, or dive into Swiss culture in Lucerne’s Old Town.

Savour

The hotel’s three beehives and Alpine herb garden supplement local produce and meat sourced from farmers within walking distance. Suppliers include Holzen Fleisch, whose herds of fallow deer, Mangalitza pigs and Angus beef live on the southern slopes of Bürgenstock; Hof Murmatt, a small-scale bioSuisse regenerative farm growing organic fruit and veg; and Geflügel Gourmet, owned by a third-generation poultry farmer who raises free-range Alpine geese and Rheintaler Ribel corn-fed chickens.

Go slow

Pick up your binoculars and scan the sky for birds of prey, or watch distant boats buzz from shore to shore. Gaze into nothingness from a sunlounger by the outdoor pool. Listen to flames flicker in the fireplace after a frosty walk. Slide into the sauna and breathe in the herbal aroma.