― DESTINATION ―
― DESTINATION ―
HOTEL EXCEPTIONAL
The list of celebrities who have stayed in the historic suites is impressive: Emmanuel Macron, John Kerry, Charlie Chaplin, Coco Chanel, Max Linder, Sofia Loren, Al Pacino, Jane Birkin, Grace Kelly, Paul Newman, Keanu Reeves, Matt Dillon, Fanny Ardant – to name but a few.
The doors of the Beau-Rivage remained open continuously ever since it was founded in 1861, even during times of crisis and war – until March 2020, when it was forced to close because of the pandemic lockdown. After recovering from the initial shock of having to close, the managers quickly decided to make the most of the time to renovate the hotel’s Beau-Rivage wing, engaging major works that had originally been scheduled for three successive winters. They decided the hotel deserved the work of Pierre-Yves Rochon’s architecture firm, well-known for having renovated and produced some outstanding hotels – including a refit of the Palace wing of the establishment in 2014.
A PLACE IN HISTORY The Beau-Rivage has been the venue for a number of historic events. In 1923, the Treaty of Lausanne establishing the borders of the newly-established country of Turkey was negotiated and signed there. Over the years, the hotel has become a choice location for international meetings. The negotiations for the Iran nuclear deal were held there in spring 2015; John Kerry, US Secretary of State, stayed there for the occasion. The Malmaison Suite, the favourite suite of Heads of State and senior diplomats, also served as a beautiful setting during the G20 summit based in Evian in 2003. Today, the Beau- Rivage Palace is once again ready to welcome top-ranking delegations to its brand-new bedrooms and suites.
ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE
The latest renovation has invol- ved preserving the historic feel and architectural heritage whilst adding cutting-edge technology and smart home services. The challenge was to blend the atmos- phere of a home from home with contemporary flexibility: a room’s floor space can now range from 30sqm to as much as 250sqm or more, depending on the chosen configuration. The hotel’s collec- tions have played their part, too. The walls feature original works of art and period engravings and mirrors, all selected from the ho- tel’s reserve and painstakingly restored.
As the pandemic fades, the historic wing is as beautiful as ever. Far from seeking the ‘bling’ effect favoured by certain luxury hotels, the Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne aims to provide a haven of peace and quiet. That begins with its location: the hotel is set in four hectares of grounds overlooking Lake Geneva and the mountains, an outstanding setting. Decorator and interior architect Pierre-Yves Rochon drew inspiration from the range of surrounding colours when designing the room decor: shades of blue mirroring the sky and lake, beige echoing the flower beds, and almond green to match the hundred-year-old trees in the gardens. The result is amazing harmony and peace. THE PEARL OF LAKE GENEVA
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