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A Palatial VisitBy Caroline M. Jackson
From Zurich Airport, a one-hour train journey took us to the bustling city of Lucerne. From the station, we trundled our cases past the modernist Culture & Convention Center, over the Seebrucke bridge and along the shore of glacial-green Lake Lucerne.
Minutes later, we were gazing at the façade of the Belle Epoque style Palace Luzern with its green copper cupolas, dormer windows and wrought iron balconies.
Cake or no cake, by now our heads were drooping with
exhaustion, so after our passport numbers were notated by the concierge, we were
glad to be escorted to our spacious bedroom.
After a good night’s sleep we headed for the buffet breakfast in the restaurant Les Artistes. The wide selection included muesli, yogurts, local cheeses
and hard-boiled eggs kept warm in a silver platter of colored sand. Satiated, it
was time for a short stroll along the promenade which is lined with manicured
chestnut trees.
A sudden shower of rain speeded us back to the Palace Spa where we each opted for two-hour treatments. Ensconced in a fluffy white terry towel robe, I headed for the Relaxation Room. Situated on the upper floor, I lay on a caramel-striped
chaise lounge overlooking shimmering Lake Lucerne. Muted classical music played
in the background and already I could feel the tension of 20 hours of
Trans-Atlantic travel melting into a distant memory.
As our schedule only allowed us a couple of hours, we
decided to take a leisurely stroll through the medieval Old Town. First on our
list was the famous Kapellbrucke (Chapel Bridge).
In one of the squares we perched on the edge of a medieval fountain to enjoy a delectable Swiss patisserie. I pondered on the fact that less than 24 hours had elapsed since our arrival. Best of all I had realized a dream and my night in a palace would be forever etched in my memory bank. Where we stayed: Contacts: http://www.the–best-of-lake-lucerne.ch Switzerland Tourism: http://MySwitzerland.com Swiss Rail: http://www.sbb.ch/en Images by Hamish M. Jackson |
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TM
I’ve always had a yen to spend a night in a palace. I knew
that it was unlikely that the Queen of England would invite me to Buckingham
Palace, so my husband and I opted for the next best thing with a visit to the
Palace Luzern in Central Switzerland.
Unsure of which entrance to take, we took the nearest one
and found ourselves in a regal foyer with Ionic pillars, jumbo chandeliers and
magnificent tapestries. None of these accoutrements were unusual for a palace
but the unique piece de resistance was a gigantic four tier cake dominating the
entrance. Apparently our arrival coincided with the hotel’s centennial
celebrations.
The first thing I did was walk over
to the balcony to check out the view. I was not disappointed. Our room
overlooked Lake Lucerne with its surrounding panorama of snowcapped mountains.
A gift from an Italian princess, they were planted to provide
shade for ladies on hot summer days.
But I was not to remain in
this prone position for long. My designated masseuse soon appeared and escorted
me to the treatment room. After a gentle footbath, I was instructed to lie on a
massage table. One look at my bloodshot eyes, and a couple of soothing
cucumber-sized compresses were plunked on my now closed eyes. Now for the real
thing. For the next hour, every muscle was massaged with ESPA natural essential
oils all the way from the soles of my feet to the top of my head. Why oh why had
I had my hair professionally styled before departure? Now I looked like a
porcupine. But no matter, my scalp was tingling and I felt like a million
dollars. Feeling rejuvenated, it was now time to round off our day with a little
local sightseeing. 
Luzern is compact and lends itself to a self-guided walking
tour. We tarried by the quayside and watched the comings and goings of the lake
steamers which zigzag across the lake calling in at villages. Some passengers
were headed for my favorite spot, the tranquil lakeside resort of Weggis while
others were setting out on a half-day trip to the top of Mount Pilatus.
This covered wooden footbridge
spans the Reuss River and was awash with tourists who were stopping to
photograph the overhead paintings. From here we meandered along narrow alleys
then past 15th century houses their facades painted with colorful frescoes.