Spa Canada Magazine

Swiss Timing and Perfection at the Le Richemond, Geneva

Written by James Knight
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In 2011, the most famous Swiss person who we all know is tennis perfectionist Roger Federer. The ball leaves his racquet with absolute timing and perfection. At Le Richemond, timing, absolute perfection in hospitality is also a match winner!

A little scenario for a busy afternoon, to take your mind off all the problems of running your own business: you are taking over a hotel from another well-known hotel group of owners on a Monday, then launching the same hotel with your group of luxury hotels on a Tuesday  morning. The hotel has an impeccable reputation for service, style and a renowned spa. The customers must not see a change in service of five-star luxury. In Geneva, where I visited recently, this happened to the Le Richemond Hotel, with probably the greatest history of any hotel in Geneva. I found only the Swiss, with their perfection of timing and customer care, could achieve this, from the spa to the daily running of the hotel.
Le Richemond, Geneva from August 1st, 2011, joined Dorchester Collection. I visited the hotel on August 2nd, and it was like nothing had happened. Great leadership and team work was very apparent in the changeover.

The hotel has been a destination for the international business and vacation traveller since 1875, when it was an up-market guesthouse with just 25 rooms, owned by Adolphe-Rodolphe Armleder. Its reputation for service and style grew, and the hotel attracted world-famous guests, including Charlie Chaplin, Louis Armstrong, Sophie Loren, Rita Hayworth and, in recent years, Lucian Pavarotti, Richard Gere, the late Michael Jackson, Elton John, Sting, and Sharon Stone.

Geneva is located in the heart of Europe, between the French Alps and Jura Mountains. It is situated on Europe's largest lake, Lac Leman, at the head of the Rhode River. The lake is one of Europe's most well-known, and is a visible tourist attraction. The Old Town is situated on the Left Bank of the Lake, with it's old cobbled streets and buildings dating back to the Medieval Times. Geneva is one of Europe's oldest cities, 4,000 years to be precise. The first records are 2,000 years old, starting with Julius Caesar's arrival. After the Fall of Rome, Geneva rose to be an important key trading town during the Middle Ages. There are a number of architectural masterpieces, including Saint Peter's Cathedral, built in 1160, and  Geneva's oldest house, "The Maison," from 1334. In the Middle Ages, Geneva was ruled by a series of Bishops, establishing itself as an independent republic in 1535. In 1602, the Duke of Savoy, Charles Emmanuel I, with the support of the Pope, tried to invade the city. Today, on December 11th, Geneva residents celebrate how they stopped the French and Spanish invading the city.

Geneva was the home of Calvinism, one of the great centres of the Protestant Reformation, the eighteenth-century during the French Revolution from 1789-1799, aristocratic and democratic factions contented for control of Geneva, in 1798 however, France then under the Director, annexed Geneva and its surrounding territory.

In the city there a number of museums and art galleries. Some are related to the international organisations as the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum or the Microcosm in the CERN area. The European headquarters of the United Nations is a great visit to undertake while you are in the city.

Throughout the world Geneva has been described as "The City of Peace". It is the place where more global banks can be found, the cooperate companies for example like Proctor and Gamble, Hewlett Package, Ralph Lauren Polo are a part of the business ccommunity, from watch making to chocolate making, it is a very diverse city. Geneva is also well-known for hospitality with over 1,000 cafes and restaurants, as well as some of the world's best hospitality schools.

The Jet d'Eau is Geneva's most famous landmark as it is the tallest fountain in the world, dating back to 1800's. It is a city with many open spaces to sit and pass the time of day, next to London, Geneva has the most parks in Europe, Europe's tallest mountain is visible most days of the year, Mount Blanc, and a number of snow-capped mountains are in easy view. It is a walking city and I had an experienced guide, Ms Gianna Loredan from Illico Travel take me around for two hours. She was very knowledgeable and it is well-worth taking the tour. The tour went through the Old Town and around the lake, to get a feel for the lake, you can take the water taxis or boats, which cross the lake giving the visitor another look at the beautiful city. To travel around the city, Geneva Tourism provides complementary transportation cards for all visitors who are staying at a hotel.

WATCH THE TIME AT THE LE RICHEMOND
A very novel idea for the guests of the hotel is that you can celebrate the art, craft and expertise of Swiss watch making with the hotel's dedicated Watch Butler who will share his expert knowledge with guests privately in the luxury of the guest's suite. This is a complementary service to guest staying at the hotel, also there are specially designed tours to visit the watch markers, and you need not to look at your watch on the tour, just let time take its course.

I HAVE A DESIGN ON A BANKNOTE
Another unusual visit is to meet Roger Pfund, one of the most recognised designers of paper banknotes currency. You can view his sketches and drawings and see how certain security and anti-counterfeiting techniques go into his work.


I ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW HOW TO MAKE PASTA
Head Chef Roberto Benvegnù, offers lessons in how to make home-made pasta, he will guide you through the correct steps in making authentic pasts. Chef Roberto's recipes are all based on freshness, high-quality of ingredients, tradition and his experience.

GENEVA HAS REAL STYLE
Are you fashionista? If you are, indulge yourself in the finer things in life that Geneva offers with a half-day or full-day "Art of Style", shopping experience with personal stylist and former fashion model, Patricia Rubod. Even though Geneva rivals London and Paris with boutiques, there are the finest luxury brands in the world, which can be found in the sixteenth-century old town and in the main shopping district of Rue du Rheone. The "Art of Style" experience begins with a Colourmetry analysis to determine what colors and shades work best with the guest's skin complexion, hair and eye tones, With Ms Rubod's twenty-five years of experience in the fashion industry, guests can discover how best to mix and match colors for  a more coordinated and trendy wardrobe, so ladies, this is a great way to spend a half or full-day of pampering.

There are packages available, including luxurious spa treatments at Le Spa.

FINDING ZEN IN THE HEART OF GENEVA

It is always a pleasure when you visit a spa with Eastern and Western therapies and mind, body exercise programme to help you alleviate the hectic lifestyle.

Relax in the refined surroundings of Le Spa, which is designed in natural bamboo and mosaic. The relaxation lounge is is decorated with natural light wood, clean lines and subtle lighting to keep the focus on complete rejuventation.

Le Spa extends over 400 sq. metres and is equipped with a Techno-Gym fitness centre, four single treatment rooms and one couple treatment room with a private hammam. Two exclusive brands are used at Le Spa, Shiseido and Decleor and the treatments are bespoke to clients' requirements.

There are a number of treatments I could write about, all of which provide the ultimate in relaxation and rejuventation.

SHISEIDO symbolises ideal beauty based on the harmony of body and mind, it was the first brand to use a combination of Oriental and Western technologies. Over 130 years of experience have enabled Shiseido to acquire unique know-how about product creation, using leading technologies whilst respecting the ancestral prescriptions of Chinese medicine. The Qi beauty care method created by Shiseido is intended to stimulate the energy of the body and the mind.
Shiseido Qi massages are just part of the range of treatments to meet the body's well-being and wellness needs. Qi is a Chinese word that describes the invisible flow of energy that occurs naturally in nature in the environment of the body.

DEEP HARMONY OF THE SENSES
You slip into a state of deep relaxation, with the gentle massage, which helps free your body's vital energy to circulate freely. The carefully selected essential oils will regenerate your body and establish a deep harmony, creating a clear and peaceful state of mind.

There are a number of facial treatments including the PERFECT PURIFYING FACIAL that gives your skin power over shine, imperfections and dehydration. A deep cleansing and detoxifying facial treatment that works to regular, balance and rehydrate. skin is polished in perfection; gentle steam is applied to clean pores, combined with the skincare purifying mask with kaolin clay and Japanese seaweed to deep cleanse the skin.

For people on the go, there is the EXPRESS FACIAL, skin perfection in a minimum time. The facial deep cleanses, revitalises and nourishes the skin, products are used in line with your skin, customized for the needs of your skin. The facial will conclude with a make-up application, making it the perfect choice for an evening out on the town.

For men the Men's Time Fighting Facial, offers the power of positive ageing, a high performance facial focusing on wrinkles and lines. Combining Shiseido men total revitaliser and deep wrinkle corrector to help reduce roughness and boost firmness on the skin.

There are also a number of signature treatments including JAPANESE SCALP AND SHOULDERS MASSAGE, JAPANESE JET LAG THERAPY, Also unique spa packages including JOURNEY OF SENSE, JOURNEY OF ENERGY, providing over two hours of sheer bliss.

A ROOM WITH A PANORAMIC VIEW OF GENEVA
The rooms of the hotel are bright and spacious, feature high ceilings and are accented by a collection of original artworks. The renovation and refurbishment was overseen by John Stefanidis, on of the world's leading interior designers, who combined bold use of vibrant colors to set a cosmopolitan aesthetic to the hotel's interiors. All the rooms have the latest high-tech features and amenities.

There are Superior and Deluxe Rooms, which feature Queen and King beds and windows, allowing natural sunlight from the windows and balconies and feature luxurious marble bathrooms, I stayed in a Deluxe Room, which offers scenic views over Lake Geneva and the Brunswick Gardens. Waking-up to the most relaxing views of the mounatinscape and to be able to soak it in over a glass of wine on the balcony was a treat for all senses. Executive Roms feature high ceilings and windows allowing for an abundance of natural light, and the Premium Lake View rooms offer views of Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps.

A number of suites are also available, from Executive Junior Suites, Executive Suite, Premium Suite, Ambassador Suite, Presidential and Royal Armleder Suite, all of which provide the most luxurious accommodation. Most feature private balconies with stunning views of the Alps, spacious living room and a master king bedroom. The Premium suites, feature a separate comfortable lounge are and a dining space for up to six persons for private  entertainment or intimate meetings, as well as a separate adjoining guest powder which offers absolute privacy when entertaining.

But my favourite is the Royal Armleder Suite, located on the seventh floor, the penthouse Royal Armleder Suite has immaculate details and serves as a showcase for a collection of art and antiques. It has a glass balcony and private terrace that offers wrap-around views of the city and Lake Geneva. There is also handcrafted chandelier and original artworks in the dining room. There is also Turkish hammam in the marble bathrooms for the ultimate relaxation. The spacious bathrooms are made with Carrara marble and feature a deep soaking tub.

CREATIVE COCKTAIL CONCONCTIONS AT LE BAR
Le Bar is a great place to relax and serves a selection of lighter meals throughout the day and modern cocktails in the evening. It is transformed into a vibrant and glamorous venue for after work cocktails. the Le Bar seats 48 places inside and 34 places on the terrace overlooking the greenery of Brunswick Gardens.

LE JARDIN MAINTAINS THE HIGH-QUALITY OF DINING
Le Jardin maintains the tradition of authentic Italian cooking presented in a modern, innovative manner. Head Chef Roberto Benvegnù has created an outstanding menu feature Italian classics alongside many lighter seafood dishes, all using carefully sourced local and seasonal produce. Le Jardin has a private dining room that can accommodate up to 14 persons for intimate family reunions, business lunches and a private Chef's table with Chef Benvegnù. In the summer the terrace can seat-up to 64 guests offering scenic views of Lake Geneva and Brunswick Garden.

EFFICIENT SWISS TRAINS
When you arrive at Geneva Airport, just before exiting the customs, collect a complimentary transportation ticket for your journey downtown via public transportation. The train takes about six minutes and the station is below the arrival terminals. The airport was voted as Europe's most efficient airport and I can support that, for convenience you may also take a taxi downtown from outside the airport.

Le Richemond, Geneva believes in maintaining the historic culture, offering personalized services and providing modern amenities for all guests.

Geneva is a city with it's own identity; it is at the crossroads of Europe, where the Cuckoo Clock precision of life can be found.

A member of the Congress once said: "There are five Continents and then there is Geneva," so very true.