Once your removals to Switzerland are complete and you have settled in to your new home, you might like to look at taking a short holiday. At this time Switzerland may well be new to you, so there’s no need to go abroad. Instead you could spend the time getting to know your way around some of the country’s most exclusive resorts and spas and give yourself some well deserved rest and relaxation.
If you are looking for an upmarket, relaxing or sporting holiday, then a move to Switzerland has brought you to the right place. There are plenty of places where you will be able to unwind completely, with a view to returning to work fully refreshed and revitalised. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the most luxurious holiday destinations Switzerland has to offer.
Hamiltons Removals deliver top quality removals to Switzerland to both domestic and commercial clients. With us, you can rest assured that your belongings will arrive at your new home or business having been moved with the greatest of care and attention to detail.
For domestic or commercial removals to Switzerland– contact us today to find out more about our services.
Meanwhile, read on for some ideas on where to go for sumptuous break if you are planning an indulgent holiday
Exclusive Ski Resorts
If you are looking for the ultimate in luxury accommodation, you are spoiled for choice in Switzerland. Here is a selection of the finest hotels the country has to offer:
The Kempinski Grand Hotel - St. Moritz
Offering 5 star accommodation in the heart of St Moritz, all luxury rooms and suites come with state-of-the-art entertainment systems, free internet, 24 hour room service, phone with voice-mail, complimentary daily newspaper, minibar, safe, complimentary bottled water, a laundry and dry-cleaning service and a pillow menu. Dining at the Restaurant Les Saisons is superb and the service offered by everyone from concierge to waiting staff is just as you would expect from this world-class chain.
The Kulm Hotel - St. Moritz
The Kulm Hotel in St. Moritz is another 5 star ski resort situated in the heart of St. Moritz. Offering stunning views over Lake St. Moritz combined with a refined elegance cultivated over many years, The Kulm oozes charm as it effortlessly combines state-of-the-art modernity with classical decor and tradition. Of course, the skiing is superb but for those who don’t get on with skiing, there’s a host of other pastimes including golf, with a nine-hole course on site, hiking, walking, snowshoe hiking and horse-riding.
Badrutts Palace Hotel - St. Moritz
Badrutts Palace Hotel has been described as “La Creme de la Creme of St. Moritz” and with good reason. It often plays host to royalty, to stars of stage and screen, and to sporting personalities. Here, traditional hospitality and discrete service combine to deliver a first class hotel experience and the understandably high expectations of the guests are surpassed with seeming consummate ease. The Badrutt is sophistication itself; it is the champagne lifestyle at high altitude and a place where exclusivity meets style and grace.
Exclusive Spas
Clinique La Prarie - Clarens-Montreux
Clinique La Prarie is a health spa in the true sense of the words. Theirs is a holistic approach to physical and mental well being. They offer everything from full medicals to dentistry. Their beauty spa treatments include face, full body, hand and foot treatments, aromatic baths, floating beds, chromotherm, affusion massage, steam baths and saunas. There are yoga sessions and a very well equipped fitness and personal training area. Currently under refurbishment (2013), the clinic is set to offer still greater levels of comfort alongside its excellent treatment programmes.
Dolder Grand Spa - Zurich
Open daily from 7am to 10pm, the spa at The Dolder Grand is something to write home about. The usual range of relaxing treatments are on offer here: facials, massages, manicures, pedicures etc. but they also offer a detoxing relaxation ritual and a meditation walk. Must tries here are the outdoor Jacuzzi and the stone beds, which are large tubs filled with tiny stones; surprisingly, they make you feel like you are sleeping on a cloud. A visit here is a total disconnect from the hustle and bustle of life and a reconnection to that which is important, inner peace and tranquillity.
Lausanne Palace and Spa - Lausanne
The CBE Concept Spa at the Lausanne Palace offers a Spa Suite. This gives you and one other the opportunity to enjoy a totally private spa experience. For 3 hours, two people can have exclusive use of all the facilities on offer including the sauna and hammam, the circular copper bath and relaxation area. You are greeted with a welcome juice drink and can each have a care treatment to either the face or body, and lunch is served afterwards with fresh juice and coffee.
Exclusive Hotels
Gstaad Palace - Gstaad
The Gstaad is exclusive and glamorous. With six different restaurants and bars and rooms and suites that leave you wanting for nothing, it is a hotel experience to rival the best in the world. Like The Lausanne Palace, it too has a wonderful spa. An added attraction at The Gstaad is The Walig Hut, your own private hideaway in the mountains. Built in 1786 and originally a farmers lodge, there are very few of them left now. The Gstaad’s Walig has been sympathetically updated and now provides high-quality mountainside accommodation for a family of four.
Grand Hotel Zermatterhof - Zermatt
Offering breathtaking views of the Matterhorn from most of its rooms and suites, the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof offers a mix of accommodation from very comfortable single and double rooms to elegant junior and luxury suites. All rooms have been individually decorated and are equipped with telephone, radio, cable TV, DVD, internet access, minibar and safe, and some rooms have a fireplace and a Jacuzzi bath. The Alpine Spa features a large pool, hot tub, sauna, steam bath and an ice-grotto. There are various treatment rooms and a private spa for couples. The staff are almost old-fashioned in their politeness and the service here is, as you would expect, top class.
About Hamiltons
Professional Removals to Switzerland – Hamiltons has provided a high quality removals service to destinations throughout the UK, Europe and the wider world for more than 20 years. If you are looking to source a removals company to take care of your removals to Switzerland, contact us today for your free removals quotation.
Monday, 9 September 2013
Thursday, 5 September 2013
Removals to Switzerland: Animals Native to Switzerland
Whatever your reasons for seeking removals to Switzerland, you will benefit on arrival from the country's beautiful scenery, which is home to a wide range of animals and birds including Eurasian Lynxes, Polecats and Wolves. Here we look at some of the animals you are likely to come across in the Swiss countryside, where you’re most likely to see them and what you should do if you meet one.
Hamiltons Removals have been offering removals to Switzerland for over 20 years. We pride ourselves on our customer service record and our ability to provide a high quality service that takes the stress out of your move.
For your peace of mind and to assure you that your removals to Switzerland could not be in safer hands, we have put the following memberships, accreditations and qualifications in place:
British Association of Removers (BAR) registered
FAIM accredited
Members of The Road Haulage Association (RHA)
BS EN ISO 9001:2000 registered
Click on the following link to find out more about our professional removals to Switzerland service
Meanwhile, read on to find out more about the animals native to Switzerland.
Red Squirrel - Sciurus vulgaris
Red squirrel numbers are declining throughout northern Europe as they are being displaced by greys. For your best chance of seeing one, head off into the woods around Arosa in Grisons to the east of Switzerland or to the cantons of Ticino, Uri, Glarus and St. Gallen. You will most likely spot them up in the branches of the evergreen and deciduous trees or foraging for nuts and berries, green shoots, leaves and tree bark. Red Squirrels are not considered dangerous, but as with every wild animal it is best that you observe them from a distance.
Snow Vole - Chionomys nivalis
Snow voles live high up in the mountains of Switzerland, anywhere between 1,000 and 4,000 metres. They live amongst rock crevices and boulders, a difficult terrain which they are able to navigate with ease, keeping them safe from predators. They feast on the roots of various alpine plants, digging tunnels with numerous exits, a nest chamber and storeroom. Snow voles present no danger to humans and since they live at high altitude, and unlike their lowland cousins they are not considered pests.
Brown Long-Eared Bat - Plecotus auritus
The best place to see a brown long-eared bat is on an envelope. In 2012 it was voted Swiss “animal of the year” and it now features on the 100 Ct stamp. In real life though, they are that bit more elusive, operating mainly at night. Their main diet is moths which they catch using echo location as they fly over open areas such as grasslands and alpine meadows.
Eurasian Lynx – Lynx lynx
Europe’s third largest predator, the Lynx, was at one time extinct in Switzerland but successful re-introduction has seen their numbers steadily increase. It has a short body, long legs and large feet with sharp retractile claws, the ideal combination if your days are spent hunting in trees and over rocks. It has been said that lynx are totally harmless to humans but known as the “Tiger of the North” they are still wild cats, so proceed with caution if you should you happen to see one.
Beaver - Castor fiber
Beavers are the second-largest rodent in the world after the capybara, and the Swiss authorities are doing all they can to encourage growth in their numbers. Beavers were once extinct in Switzerland but thanks to conservation efforts by Pro Natura, the country's leading conservation agency, they now number 700-800 and rising. The best places to look for Beavers are in and around Switzerland’s many rivers and waterways.
Grey Wolf - Canis lupus
Previously extinct in Switzerland, the grey wolf is making a bit of a comeback, albeit slowly. In 2009 it was estimated that there were around a dozen wolves in the country so your chances of seeing one in the wild are very slim. If you are moving to Valais in western Switzerland or to Lucerne in the centre, you may be in luck though. If you do see a wolf, do not run, wolves are coursing predators, running will just encourage them to chase.
European Polecat - Mustela putorius
Polecats are widely dispersed in Switzerland, enjoying mixed forest locations. They are usually dark brown in colour with pale under-sides. They are shorter and more compact than their cousins, the mink and weasel, and have a more powerful skull and jaw. Their diet consists of small rodents, birds, amphibians and reptiles, and they have perfected the rather macabre art of crippling their prey before storing it to eat later. They are not known to be dangerous to humans and are for the most part quiet shy creatures.
Mountain Hare - Lepus timidus
Another one to be commemorated on a Swiss stamp, the mountain hare has been given a face value of 50+10 centimes. To see them gambolling on a Swiss mountainside, though, is worth a lot more than that. The mountain hare’s winter coat is spectacularly white allowing it to blend in well in snowy conditions and it has adapted to these conditions in its diet too. They are quire happy grazing on twigs and tree bark when snow and ice cover the ground.
Red Deer - Cervus elaphus
Although red deer were extinct in Switzerland over 100 years ago, they were re-introduced and are now flourishing. One of the largest of the deer species, they can usually be found in lowland forest settings and in herds numbering 30-40 or so. To catch sight of them in numbers, head for the slopes of the Engadine, Val Müstair, and Vinschgau when the rutting season has finished around mid to late October.
Wild Ibex - Capra ibex
The Ibex was hunted to near extinction in parts of Switzerland. Upon re-introduction, they were given protected status and since then have been doing rather well. Pro Natura named the Ibex "animal of the year" in 2006, 100 years after its reintroduction into Switzerland. Back then their numbers were reduced to just a few dozen throughout the world. Nowadays, the result of breeding and conservation projects, there are more than 14,000 in Switzerland alone.
Marmot - Marmota marmota
Found in the Swiss Alps at anywhere between 2500 and 10,000 feet, Marmots use their strong front claws to burrow through frost hardened soil and build their underground hotels. Over time they will create a complex series of tunnels with rooms off to house their growing family. Nine months of the year is spent hibernating in preparation for their mating season which follows immediately afterwards. You will often see them standing guard, watching for predators or on the hunt for grasses, herbs, grain, insects, spiders and worms.
About Hamitons Removals
Hamiltons Removals are an experienced, professional removals company with a reputation for excellent customer service. We treat your belongings with the utmost care, wrapping, packing, storing and transporting them to your new home. Call us today using the free phone number 0845 003 8259 or click the link below to access our website.
High Quality Removals to Switzerland – click here to find out more about our removals to France service or click here for a free European removals quote.
Hamiltons Removals have been offering removals to Switzerland for over 20 years. We pride ourselves on our customer service record and our ability to provide a high quality service that takes the stress out of your move.
For your peace of mind and to assure you that your removals to Switzerland could not be in safer hands, we have put the following memberships, accreditations and qualifications in place:
British Association of Removers (BAR) registered
FAIM accredited
Members of The Road Haulage Association (RHA)
BS EN ISO 9001:2000 registered
Click on the following link to find out more about our professional removals to Switzerland service
Meanwhile, read on to find out more about the animals native to Switzerland.
Red Squirrel - Sciurus vulgaris
Red squirrel numbers are declining throughout northern Europe as they are being displaced by greys. For your best chance of seeing one, head off into the woods around Arosa in Grisons to the east of Switzerland or to the cantons of Ticino, Uri, Glarus and St. Gallen. You will most likely spot them up in the branches of the evergreen and deciduous trees or foraging for nuts and berries, green shoots, leaves and tree bark. Red Squirrels are not considered dangerous, but as with every wild animal it is best that you observe them from a distance.
Snow Vole - Chionomys nivalis
Snow voles live high up in the mountains of Switzerland, anywhere between 1,000 and 4,000 metres. They live amongst rock crevices and boulders, a difficult terrain which they are able to navigate with ease, keeping them safe from predators. They feast on the roots of various alpine plants, digging tunnels with numerous exits, a nest chamber and storeroom. Snow voles present no danger to humans and since they live at high altitude, and unlike their lowland cousins they are not considered pests.
Brown Long-Eared Bat - Plecotus auritus
The best place to see a brown long-eared bat is on an envelope. In 2012 it was voted Swiss “animal of the year” and it now features on the 100 Ct stamp. In real life though, they are that bit more elusive, operating mainly at night. Their main diet is moths which they catch using echo location as they fly over open areas such as grasslands and alpine meadows.
Eurasian Lynx – Lynx lynx
Europe’s third largest predator, the Lynx, was at one time extinct in Switzerland but successful re-introduction has seen their numbers steadily increase. It has a short body, long legs and large feet with sharp retractile claws, the ideal combination if your days are spent hunting in trees and over rocks. It has been said that lynx are totally harmless to humans but known as the “Tiger of the North” they are still wild cats, so proceed with caution if you should you happen to see one.
Beaver - Castor fiber
Beavers are the second-largest rodent in the world after the capybara, and the Swiss authorities are doing all they can to encourage growth in their numbers. Beavers were once extinct in Switzerland but thanks to conservation efforts by Pro Natura, the country's leading conservation agency, they now number 700-800 and rising. The best places to look for Beavers are in and around Switzerland’s many rivers and waterways.
Grey Wolf - Canis lupus
Previously extinct in Switzerland, the grey wolf is making a bit of a comeback, albeit slowly. In 2009 it was estimated that there were around a dozen wolves in the country so your chances of seeing one in the wild are very slim. If you are moving to Valais in western Switzerland or to Lucerne in the centre, you may be in luck though. If you do see a wolf, do not run, wolves are coursing predators, running will just encourage them to chase.
European Polecat - Mustela putorius
Polecats are widely dispersed in Switzerland, enjoying mixed forest locations. They are usually dark brown in colour with pale under-sides. They are shorter and more compact than their cousins, the mink and weasel, and have a more powerful skull and jaw. Their diet consists of small rodents, birds, amphibians and reptiles, and they have perfected the rather macabre art of crippling their prey before storing it to eat later. They are not known to be dangerous to humans and are for the most part quiet shy creatures.
Mountain Hare - Lepus timidus
Another one to be commemorated on a Swiss stamp, the mountain hare has been given a face value of 50+10 centimes. To see them gambolling on a Swiss mountainside, though, is worth a lot more than that. The mountain hare’s winter coat is spectacularly white allowing it to blend in well in snowy conditions and it has adapted to these conditions in its diet too. They are quire happy grazing on twigs and tree bark when snow and ice cover the ground.
Red Deer - Cervus elaphus
Although red deer were extinct in Switzerland over 100 years ago, they were re-introduced and are now flourishing. One of the largest of the deer species, they can usually be found in lowland forest settings and in herds numbering 30-40 or so. To catch sight of them in numbers, head for the slopes of the Engadine, Val Müstair, and Vinschgau when the rutting season has finished around mid to late October.
Wild Ibex - Capra ibex
The Ibex was hunted to near extinction in parts of Switzerland. Upon re-introduction, they were given protected status and since then have been doing rather well. Pro Natura named the Ibex "animal of the year" in 2006, 100 years after its reintroduction into Switzerland. Back then their numbers were reduced to just a few dozen throughout the world. Nowadays, the result of breeding and conservation projects, there are more than 14,000 in Switzerland alone.
Marmot - Marmota marmota
Found in the Swiss Alps at anywhere between 2500 and 10,000 feet, Marmots use their strong front claws to burrow through frost hardened soil and build their underground hotels. Over time they will create a complex series of tunnels with rooms off to house their growing family. Nine months of the year is spent hibernating in preparation for their mating season which follows immediately afterwards. You will often see them standing guard, watching for predators or on the hunt for grasses, herbs, grain, insects, spiders and worms.
About Hamitons Removals
Hamiltons Removals are an experienced, professional removals company with a reputation for excellent customer service. We treat your belongings with the utmost care, wrapping, packing, storing and transporting them to your new home. Call us today using the free phone number 0845 003 8259 or click the link below to access our website.
High Quality Removals to Switzerland – click here to find out more about our removals to France service or click here for a free European removals quote.
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