Last month, Fionnuala from the ReEvention team was lucky enough to attend the Switzerland Meeting Trophy – touring the finest hotels and events venues in the Lake Geneva Region whilst representing Team GB in a heated competition. It’s no secret that this beautiful region is ideal for travel incentives and grand conferences & conventions, featuring the perfect balance of breathtaking natural scenery and all the comforts of luxury venues and cultural experiences.
We’ve caught up with Fionnuala to hear all the details of her experience and to learn more about this fantastic travel and events destination:
Wednesday / Thursday
I arrived the day before the competition officially started and enjoyed a stay in Hotel Cornavin in Geneva city centre on Wednesday evening.
The next morning, we wandered down to take in views of stunning Lake Geneva after breakfast.
Later on, we jumped on a train headed east and caught up with the rest of Team GB whilst taking in stunning views of the lake against the backdrop of the Swiss Alps. In Villars-sur-Ollon, we checked into the VIU Hotel Villars and had some time to settle into our rooms before joining all the teams for dinner at Chalet RoyAlp Hôtel & Spa. The VIU Hotel Villars is spacious and serene: featuring modern stylish rooms, a brand new spa with a therapeutic heated pool, and excellent views of Alps.
Friday
After an early rise taking in the views on my balcony, we headed further up the mountain by cog wheel train to enjoy a picturesque continental breakfast. We were greeted at the restaurant by Swiss alphorn players and fantastic views of the surrounding peaks. Once our coffees had been consumed, it was time to officially begin the Switzerland Meeting Trophy!
Highlights of the Rally Stop that morning included cable car rides up to the Grand Chamossaire peak, discovering my long-lost talent for crossbow, and a hilarious cow milking challenge. After collecting our points, we descended the mountain and were greeted by a fleet of electric cars provided so we could drive ourselves to a picnic and site visit at the incredible Château de Chillon – a 10th century island castle located on the eastern shores of Lake Geneva
which is perfectly located for a unique gala dinner with the option for delegates to arrive in from nearby Montreaux on boats.
We then headed on to the cultural hub of Montreux, completing another Rally Stop and exploring this beautiful city before checking in at Fairmont Le Montreux Palace.
The Fairmont Le Montreux Palace pulls out all the stops. Known for its top-notch hospitality, this stunning luxury hotel boasts 236 tastefully decorated rooms, 15 meeting rooms and ballrooms, and numerous bars, restaurants and cafes accounting for your every need and want.
That evening we were treated to dinner at the “Manoir de Ban” on the former country estate of the Chaplin family. Chaplin’s World Museum is an impressive space dedicated to Charlie Chaplin and his life’s work and makes for a great interactive event space and dinner venue.
Saturday
On Saturday morning, we had a very pleasant breakfast on the terrace of Le Montreux Palace overlooking the blue Lake Geneva water before setting off for Lausanne via car.
Once arrived, we completed the third Rally Stop at the Olympic Museum, touring both the Museum and neighbouring Beau-Rivage Palace – a historical luxury five-star hotel which is registered in the Swiss Inventory of Cultural Property of National and Regional Significance. I was especially interested in the Palace’s magnificent Sandoz Ballroom. This 600-capacity space was built in 1908 and has hosted some impressive occasions, including negotiations for the Treaty of Lausanne.
That afternoon, we relaxed at the lovely Lacustre restaurant and enjoyed cocktails and brunch on its 360° panoramic terrace which features great views of boats arriving and departing from Lausanne. And before we knew it, it was off to Geneva again for the fourth and final Rally Stop!
I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the Old Town in Geneva with its many cobblestone streets, small squares and historic buildings. I was privileged to complete a watch assembly challenge with a master Swiss watch maker at Initium – a company which offers full and half-day programs so students can experience the watch making process for themselves.
After a refreshing pint and a thrilling pedalo race, it was time to wrap up the weekend with dinner and award ceremony at the Kiosque des Bastions. Although we enjoyed an amazing dinner al fresco, this restaurant & bar also showcases a gorgeous inside space and is ideally located in the picturesque Parc des Bastions in Geneva city centre.
Team GB came a respectable fourth in the Meeting Trophy with team North America taking home the well-deserved gold.
Overall, I was hugely impressed with entire Lake Geneva region – the amazingly clean Lake Geneva and breath-taking surrounding Alps are the perfect backdrop for unique and classy events and travel opportunities at the many top-tier hotels and venues.
I would like to extend a massive thank you to my hosts who looked after us so well: Switzerland Tourism and especially the amazing Team GB leaders, Selina Staeger and Alex Herrmann.
If you'd like more information about this one-of-a-kind destination, get in touch - we'd love to tell you all about it.
