Where to go, what to do and where to stay in picture-perfect Switzerland

Asian travellers seem to have a soft spot for mountainous Switzerland. Maybe the enduring popularity of a certain K-drama called Crash Landing On You, which had pivotal scenes filmed in Switzerland, has something to do with it. Or perhaps its picturesque natural landscapes are so different from the bustling metropolises of Asia, making it one for the bucket list.

So, if you want to indulge in the best that the country has to offer, here are the most luxurious highlights of some of the most popular destinations across the country.

Interlaken: Set jet to an evergreen K-drama filming location

The deep turquoise blue lakes of Interlaken and the snowcapped mountain peaks of the surrounding Jungfrau region might look familiar because this is the region where many Crash Landing on You scenes were filmed. Plus, the town of Interlaken is also a pleasant two-hour train ride from Zurich airport, making this an ideal first stopover upon arrival.

While adventure sports like snowboarding or paragliding (which features prominently in the series) are popular here, a high octane activity that does not require much physical dexterity on the participant’s part is a jet boat ride by Outdoor Switzerland on Lake Brientz, one of two lakes that flank Interlaken. Much of the ride is calm – the boat glides along the lake’s mirror-still surface – so there is time to appreciate the imposing mountain peaks and impressive waterfalls. But every so often, the guide will floor the pedal, causing the boat to spin wildly in a 360-degree turn, for a neat boost of adrenaline. Tip: Ask your guide to point out the pier at the historic town of Iseltwald, where the pivotal piano scene of CLOY was filmed.

In Interlaken, the historic Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa – conveniently located in front of a paragliding landing field – is one of the best stays in the area with its classically designed rooms that offer great views of the mountain range.

Otherwise, the rustic Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof in the charming town of Grindelwald offers easy access to the nearby Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe at an elevation of 3,463m – no hiking necessary.

Take the new Eiger Express tricable gondola, which not only takes a speedy 15 minutes to get to the peak, it is also extremely stable even in windy conditions. For an extra-special ascent, consider the VIP package, which includes access to a lounge as well as a ride on a specially designed private gondola cabin with swivel armchairs for panoramic views and a celebratory glass of champagne.

Lausanne and Vevey: The Swiss Riviera

That swanky Riviera lifestyle awaits on a sojourn to the cities of Lausanne, Vevey and Montreux, located along the northeastern shore of Lac Leman (as French speakers call Lake Geneva).

Each city is known for something a little different – the annual Montreux Jazz Festival is held in Montreux; Vevey’s old town hosts the ancient Fete des Vignerons wine festival and Lausanne is the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee. Its excellent Olympic Museum, which has interactive exhibits as well as plenty of Olympics-related memorabilia, is well worth a visit especially since the Summer Olympics takes place in Paris this year.

Also make time to visit the picturesque, terraced vineyards of the Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that continues to produce light, crisp and fruity wines made from the local chasselas grapes.

The best way to commute is to hop on a historic Belle Epoque paddle steamboat. Featuring handcrafted interiors which have been restored to their former glory, there are restaurants and lounges within these elegant boats for a leisurely, multi-course meal, all in the name of slow travel.

You cannot beat staying at Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne, a 160-year-old grand European hotel with its own Guerlain Spa, some of the most aesthetically pleasing classically designed rooms and suites in the country as well as the two Michelin starred Anne-Sophie Pic restaurant, slated to reopen this September.

Or, for a bit of fashion history, sister hotel Lausanne Palace has a magnificent Coco Chanel suite, named for the designer who once lived there and which still houses several artefacts of hers, like a mini writing desk.

Geneva: A city of fine living

You know you are in Geneva when building rooftops are adorned with signs spelling out luxury Swiss watch brands like Rolex and Baume & Mercier. After all, this is the city that hosts the world's biggest watch fair, Watches and Wonders.

For weekend getaways or those travelling in larger groups, the Ultima Geneva Grand Villa, located about 20-minute drive from the city, is a swanky nine-room private residence complete with its own staff including a private chef and butler. Its impressive array of features includes outdoor pools, a hammam and screening room. There is even a cavernous underground entertainment centre that we hear is suitable for private parties.

Within the city centre, the all-suite Pierre-Yves Rochon-designed The Woodward stands out like a jewel. Its stunning light-filled Mont Blanc suites with a separate living room and a spacious bathroom are standouts, especially on a sunny day when the mountain can be viewed from across Lake Geneva.

The hotel also houses two-Michelin starred l’Atelier Robuchon. Helmed by executive chef Olivier Jean, who previously headed up the group’s Taipei outpost, expect familiar favourites like perfectly seared steaks and fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes as well as delightful seasonal fare.

Elsewhere, watch shopping is unparalleled but for an artisanal experience, assemble your own mechanical watch at watches and jewellery workshop Initium. Chocoholics will enjoy the city’s Choco Pass, which offers generous tastings (and discounts) at various local chocolatiers including modern chocolatier Giullaume Bichet and the family owned Canonica. And oenophiles can hop on a quaint tuk tuk ride by tour company Welo to visit nearby vineyards and sample some of the city’s finest wines fresh from the source.

Chur: Capital city of the Swiss Alps

Chur is the capital of the east Switzerland canton of Graubunden, known for the swish resort town of St. Moritz and health resort destination Davos, popularised as the location of the annual World Economic Forum.

It is also a hub of the Rhaetian Railway, which includes the iconic Glacier Express train that meanders through the Alps across 291 bridges and 91 tunnels. Its Excellence Class seats with oversized windows, are highly recommended for panoramic view. Like a business class flight, the cabin service includes multi-course meals with wine pairings.

To break up the long train journey, stay overnight in the lively university town of Chur. Here, you take a cableway ride from the city centre directly into the mountains. Alternatively, for an undeniably Swiss encounter, let loose and learn how to play the traditional Swiss Alphorn under the tutelage of local legend Werner Erb, an amiable musician with a gift for coaxing simple tunes out of even the most bemused novice.

Zurich: Switzerland’s largest city

Zurich, the country’s financial hub, is the ideal place to cap off a Swiss vacation, especially since it boasts a wealth of cultural attractions, including numerous museums.

The Zurich Opera House offers a lineup of performances while its atmospheric Old Town is home to the historic Grossmunster and Fraumunster churches, the latter featuring stunning stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall.

One museum worth visiting is the Kunsthaus Zurich, which houses an impressive but controversial collection of Impressionist art amassed by World War II arms dealer and industrialist Emil Georg Buhrle. Amid growing controversy, the exhibition was re-curated last November to offer detailed information on Buhrle’s background and the provenance of the artwork, making this an intriguing case study on how modern museums handle disputed artefacts within their collections.

Luxury shopping can be found along Banhofstrasse, the Champs Elysee of Switzerland. This is also where the original outpost of haute chocolatier Sprungli stands, and its decadent truffles are well worth the indulgence.

Luxury hotels are in abundance in this area: There is the newly opened Mandarin Oriental Savoy as well as the Park Hyatt Zurich, a mainstay for pampered travellers, whether for business or leisure.

For a vibrant contrast to the old town, head across the train tracks at Zurich’s main train station to trendy Zurich West, a former industrial area that has been revitalised with former factories and warehouses repurposed into trendy bars, restaurants, galleries and independent Swiss-owned shops.

How to get around Switzerland in style

As a country that prides itself on sustainability, most travellers use Switzerland’s excellent public transport system of trains, buses, trams and boats to get around.

SBB’s luggage transfer service for same day door-to-door luggage delivery is a godsend to avoid dragging huge suitcases through the train stations.

Like the Glacier Express, the GoldenPass Express train, which connects Interlaken to Montreux also has an extra-premium cabin. Its Prestige travel class features plush heated leather seats and are positioned at the front of the train on a slightly elevated platform for even better views. Order the cheese and charcuterie board – and good Swiss wine – and you are set.

The Airportr luggage transfer will pick up your luggage on your day of departure and get them checked in for your flight so you can skip the bag drop queue at the airport.