La Réserve Eden Au Lac Zurich – A Connoisseur’s Paradise

In many ways, Zurich’s historic palace is on its way to becoming a destination in itself

Eden au Lac easily translates to what it is, an Eden set beside the lake.  Carved in a joyous baroque architecture, the 1909 property has enjoyed a front-row seat to the glimmering waters of Lake Zurich, witnessing everything that passes by.  The terrors of World War I, the rebellious spark of the roaring twenties, and the many owners saving it from near bankruptcy before it landed in the lap of La Réserve.  Standing behind its ornate balconies, one would sigh in relief, knowing Eden au Lac is now in good hands.

It is no secret that La Réserve has stirred a cult following amongst the jet setter community with its high-lux portfolio of exceptional properties.  The Parisian counterpart lodged adjacent to Champs Elysées, feels like a curator’s mansion, constantly excelling in service and luxury.  Ramatuelle’s is a sprawling wonder set in the swanky Côte d’Azur, and the hotel in geneva is a showcase of sublime simplicity.  Michel Reybier Hospitality has absorbed La Réserve, looking after similarly lauded brands including Bellevue Palace Bern and Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel.

A gift to the new decade!

After much anticipation, La Réserve Zurich swings its doors open this January 8, 2020.  Zurich baited its breath for Eden au Lac’s metamorphosis, with the redesign undertaken by Philippe Starck.  The rooms now exhale with contemporary air, thanks to the pops of colour reflecting the sun-lit lounges.  There is, of course, the lingering soul of the old—as respect to its historic past—but Starck did not hold back in gifting the hotel with a contemporary vibe, intelligently weaving classic textures, creative shapes, and brilliant placements into each of the 40 rooms.  The overall design is a nod to its lakeside position, exuding the emotions of being inside a yacht club.  Images of ships pervade the gallery.  The walls are decorated with oars.  Even cocktails are served in nautical-themed glasses.

From its lakeside location, the facade resembles a decidedly French palace with a gabled dome roof.  Inside, however, are many transformations.  The iron elevator at the lobby is replaced with a contemporary glass version.  From the blinds, there’s an immense cheer when looking out to the balcony.  The palettes of the sky are brightly reflected on the lake, along with the view of distant sailboats gliding across the calm surface.  Dining spaces open with a congenial vibe, with La Muña affording favourable lakeside views and a glimpse at the Alps.  That’s a sure-fire way to stir an appetite.  lareserve-zurich.com ◼

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© This article was first published online in Jan 2020 – World Travel Magazine.