Indians have always viewed Switzerland as a truly romantic destination. Snow-capped mountains, serene lakes and Yash Chopra’s early Bollywood movies have been attracting Indian honeymooners for quite some time now. Switzerland is sometimes considered the cradle of luxury. With Swiss watchmaking, Swiss chocolates and Swiss hospitality, the country is unbeatable. Baur au Lac, located in the heart of Zurich, is also an epitome of true Swiss heritage and hospitality.
Johannes Baur, an Austrian, opened Baur au Lac in 1844. The villa by the lake was an apt resort to those travellers who wished to remain ‘incognito’. With the Baur au Lac, Johannes Baur wrote hotel history, becoming the first person to build a hotel on the banks of Lake Zurich.
The Baur au Lac provided Europe’s nobility and aristocracy with a new address in Zurich. King Ludwig I of Bavaria, the King of Sweden, the Queen of Norway, the Emperor of Ethiopia, Empress Elisabeth of Austria, better known as Sissi, together with all her retinue, were just a few of the regular guests.
Before long, the rich and the famous joined them. In October 1856, Richard Wagner celebrated the world premiere of the first act of his Valkyrie opera at the Baur au Lac. Artists such as Marc Chagall and Henry Moore stayed here, and Thomas Mann and Alfred Hitchcock were among the regular guests. Sophia Loren, Gina Lollobrigida, Audrey Hepburn, Jayne Mansfield, and Brigitte Bardot personified the glamour of European cinema in the 70s. And today, Hollywood stars such as Renée Zellweger, Richard Gere and Daniel Craig are regular guests here.
After the recent USD 45 million renovations, Baur au Lac has more than 120 rooms and suites. Frédéric d’Haufayt designed new suites and rooms that would convey the warmth and personal ambiance of a private apartment that offers the highest possible standard of comfort, luxury, and high-tech amenities. Exquisite art deco artifacts in the style of Jean-Michel Frank and Jansen skillfully contrast with French period furniture and modern elements using only the highest quality materials. All furniture and carpets were specially created for the Baur au Lac by Frédéric d’Haufayt and manufactured by the world’s best workshops in France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the United States.
Baur au Lac has a plethora of dining options to please any gastronome. Rive Gauche Restaurant and Bar is considered one of Zurich’s trendiest restaurants. Head chef Olivier Rais and his team have respected yet updated the 100-year tradition of the Baur au Lac Grill Room and offer light and varied cuisine. Adopting the theme of ‘Terre et Mer’, guests can expect the freshest daily produce fused with international spices and paired with fine wines. Rare whiskies, from a 1949 Glenlivet to a 1960 Strahisla, and the best Martini cocktails in the city, from the One Night Stand to the Chocolate Martini, are just a few of the highlights.
Designed by star architect Pierre-Yves Rochon, the Pavillon gourmet restaurant reopened in May 2009. The Pavillon is a glass gazebo that brings diners in direct contact with the park in which it is located – a green paradise in summer, a wonderland in winter. Head chef Laurent Eperon has a fresh, dynamic, and contemporary style with a 21st century interpretation of classic haute cuisine.
The Terrasse Bar and Restaurant also bears the hallmark of Pierre-Yves Rochon. Under his guidance, an entirely new concept was born combining the elegance of vintage design such as gleaming white walls and columns decorated with art deco stucco reliefs, and the contemporary design of modern terrace furniture. Chill music and soft, colourful lighting complete the contemporary lounge ambiance of the Terrasse.
Weddings at Baur Au Lac, Zurich
Organizing weddings is a specialty of the Baur au Lac. Their wedding planner can provide professional assistance as you organize your special day. An aperitif in Zurich’s most picturesque private park is the ideal way to begin your reception. They help you put together a special wedding menu and choose the most appropriate wines with Baur au Lac’s own wine store offering a very varied selection.
Their pastry chef will conjure up a dazzlingly decorated dessert buffet – and even create an enchanting wedding cake. How about being chauffeured to the wedding venue in style in a Rolls-Royce Phantom? Worry not about photographers, musicians and other entertainers. Baur au Lac can get you in touch with the finest in the business.
Luxurious rooms can be reserved for your wedding guests while the wedding couple is sure to enjoy their honeymoon special: a breakfast buffet, a delicious sweet surprise and Champagne.
A lot more can be done by the Baur au Lac team to make your special day smooth and enjoyable. There is nothing like getting married where the royalty once roamed the grounds…
