Inhale all things chocolate in the city, clink wine glasses with teammates on a leisurely river boat, explore an ancient vineyard, and catch your breath as you stride from one mountain peak to another, 3,000m above sea level – all is possible on a single trip to versatile Switzerland
1. The Lindt Home of Chocolate, Zurich
There are no Oompa-Loompas in this chocolate factory, but the numerous displays and audio story points within The Lindt Home of Chocolate detailing the makings of chocolate from cocoa beans to tasty treat as well as free chocolate tasting stations will surely put a wide smile on any visitor’s face. Self-guided audio tours are available in multiple languages, including English, Mandarin, Japanese and Korean.
2. The Dolder Grand Spa, Zurich
Nestled in one of the most prestigious resorts in Zurich, The Dolder Grand Spa is a 4,000m² heaven-on-earth for people who appreciate the finer route to physical and mental wellness.
The multi-award-winning spa offers many facilities to refresh and rebuild its guests, but what stand out are the meditation room with its dome inlaid with mirror mosaic, the relaxation room with hanging lounge chairs, and the winter-white snow paradise.
Incentive groups can arrange to rent the spa exclusively from 22.30 to midnight, or make arrangements to hire the two luxurious spa suites for VIPs. The suites are each equipped with two treatment couches and a steam bath, whirlpool, snail shower, reclining area, balcony, fireplace, and TV. The spa manager can also customise facial and body treatments for guests at the event planner’s request.
3. Initium, Geneva
Steady hands and breath are needed at this watchmaking workshop conducted by Initium in Geneva. Workshops are designed to welcome all, as no prior knowledge of watchmaking is required. Groups of all sizes will find a suitable programme, from intimate sessions for 12 in the Initium workshop to large gatherings of up to 100 in a external venue.
4. CGN’s Lake Geneva cruise
Enjoy the sights along Lake Geneva – including the iconic Jet d’Eau – onboard the beautifully restored Italie diesel-powered paddle boat. The vessel was commissioned in 1908 and brought to new life in 2016, and now sails the length of Lake Geneva from Le Bouveret to Geneva and back throughout the months of April to October.
Italie can take 500 passengers at once, and welcomes full and partial charters. Catering can be arranged onboard.
Overall, CGN has a fleet of 19 boats and offers a variety of cruises from several ports across the country.
5. Clos de la République, Lavaux
The terraced vineyards of Lavaux, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, is a sight to behold. Layers after layers of terraces are set alongside majestic mountains and the reflection of the sky on Lake Geneva. The serenity of this destination is breathtaking, and strolls down narrow alleyways to discover beautiful winegrowers’ houses make a therapeutic activity.
Be sure to visit Clos de la République, a vineyard that dates back to the 16th century and is the oldest family business in Switzerland. The 35-hectare estate, which boasts stunning views of the Lavaux surroundings from its many outdoor spaces, welcomes private events of all kinds, from conferences to teambuildings. Wine tasting and catering can be arranged.
6. GoldenPass Express
Journey in style and comfort between Interlaken and Montreux, via Montbovon, Château-d’Oex and Gstaad, on the panoramic GoldenPass Express train.
As top achievers take in stunning views of the Swiss landscape, dish out regional delicacies to delight their bellies. For an even more exquisite experience, book the group into the Prestige travel class, which is located 40cm higher on the train deck than other travel class, promising passengers a better view from their enormous windows. Here, champagne and caviar can be arranged.
7. Glacier 3000, Ormont-Dessus
This mountain station, which sits 3,000 metres above sea level, boasts guaranteed snow year-round and makes a memorable reward for top achievers.
It is versatile, thanks to its selection of indoor venues (restaurant on the fourth floor and sun terrace on the second) that can accommodate private groups, as well as an array of outdoor activities that are great for bringing teams together. Planners can take their pick of dogsled rides, glacier walks, sledging and skiing.
Whatever the choice is, the one attraction not to be missed is the Peak Walk by Tissot Suspension Bridge, which connects two mountain peaks and presents a stunning view of the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau in good weather.
8. Chaplin’s World, Vevey
The world’s only attraction dedicated to the life of Charlie Chaplin is found in the town of Vevey, where the comic actor, filmmaker, and composer lived for almost three decades with his wife and children. Here in Chaplin’s World, interactive exhibits, his conserved home, and remake of his famous sets, take visitors deep into his work and life, showing a precious side of him as a playful family man.
Chaplin’s World features three areas – The Manoir (his home), The Studio (a cinema and iconic film sets), and The Park (where Chaplin used to stroll through for rest and inspiration). There are areas within that welcome private events. The cinema, for instance, can be hired for presentations and award ceremonies while Hollywood Boulevard in The Studio and Chaplin’s Table in The Manoir are creative options for banquets.
