Geneva is home to chocolate, cheese, high price tag watches and is now also a hot wellness spot. Who knew?

We took a trip to the tiny city in the corner of Switzerland to experience the best of both worlds, indulging in the ultimate ‘Detox to Retox’ mini-break. 

Day 1

Begin the trip by checking into the four star Hôtel Bristol in the heart of the city on Rue du Mont-Blanc. This grand hotel exudes calm and relaxation, with staff on hand to oblige guests every whim. 

Retox – Before heading out into the city, take a seat for lunch with a glass of wine at the hotel’s Côté Square restaurant where the head chef, Bruno Marchal, specialises in traditional yet quirky dishes that are a feast for both the eyes and the stomach. 

Detox – With a full belly, it’s time to head out for the first detox activity. Having booked the trip with the local tourism board, head off on your e-bike ride from Cornavin to Satigny. Start the ride in an urban setting, cycling below the sycamore trees before carrying on through the parkland and wooded landscape. Soon you’ll reach Geneva’s wine-growing regions at the foot of the French Jura. At the end of the 12km jaunt you’ll be feeling relaxed and mindful having ridden through the scenic countryside. Head back to the hotel for a spot of r’n’r and a quick spruce up before heading out to dinner. 

Retox – A short walk from the hotel is the Restaurant de l’Hôtel-De-Ville, serving up traditional fondue that any cheese lover will adore. Tuck into the most delicious traditional dish in town with a glass of crisp Swiss, yes Swiss, white wine for the perfect indulgent way to end the evening in the city. 

Day 2

Detox – After a light breakfast at the hotel, head out on a guided city tour of the Old Town and Carouge. With your guide giving you a comprehensive rundown of all the must-see and lesser-known sights including the Jet d’Eau, the Old Town and many more, you’ll leave Geneva with a true understanding of the history of the city and it’s heritage. 

Retox – After the tour pop over to Chez Marcel for a delicious brunch of avocado, eggs, pancakes and smoothies. But don’t eat too much, because a sweet treat is coming up next.

Retox – Continue on the retox journey by indulging your sweet tooth with chocolate tasting at Sweetzerland just opposite Hôtel Bristol. Made using the finest grand crus cocoas, sourced from Venezuela, the Ivory Coast and beyond these luxury chocolates don’t come cheap but are worth the investment and make a lovely gift for those who couldn’t join you in Geneva.

Detox – Once your food had gone down, head to the hotel spa to make use of the complimentary facilities or even book yourself in for a relaxing treatment before heading off for the final indulgent meal of the day. 

Retox – For supper, pay a visit to Café des Négociants. Head chef Philippe Chevrier is the most renown Genevan chef creating delicious dishes that you’ll be salivating over long after you’ve returned home from your trip.

Day 3 

Fill up on the hotels delicious continental breakfast to ready yourself for the day ahead before heading into town. 

Detox – This may sound strange, but take a ride on the ferris wheel based over the bridge from the hotel.  The panoramic view and quiet at the top of the wheel present the perfect opportunity to reflect on the trip, and be mindful of the experiences of the past two days, plus a great photo opportunity. 

Detox – Hop of the wheel and head back over the bridge and along the lake to take a dip in the vast expanse, joining the locals in a chilly bathe before heading back to the hotel to pack and scrub up before heading off home.

Info

Flights from London to Geneva with easyJet from £35 one-way.

The Geneva Pass, which will buy you free access to more than 50 attractions and grant you free use of public transport throughout your stay can be bought from Geneva Tourism website from 26 CHF for a one day pass to 45CHF for 72hours