La Réserve is one of Geneva’s most emblematic hotels. Celebrated for its location on the shores of Lake Geneva, it is also renowned for its Nescens spa, expert in anti-aging treatments. Pascal Languillon, Director of Luxe Wellness Club, had the opportunity to discover the charms of this establishment like no other and tell us all about his all-too-short stay.
A surprising hotel: the spirit of an African lodge on the shores of Lake Geneva
La Réserve Genève is the only 5-star hotel in the city to be located both in a park and on the shores of Lake Geneva. Its quiet location just a stone’s throw from the city center is an undeniable asset. The first establishment in Michel Reybier ‘s “La Réserve” collection (see also La Réserve Ramatuelle), it’s the size of the property that also surprises, with 73 rooms and 29 suites, a vast spa, two swimming pools and three restaurants !
I was lucky enough to discover this mythical hotel during a short stay in April 2022. Unfortunately, the weather was rainy and I wasn’t able to take advantage of the beautiful outdoor spaces. Below, I’ll focus on the interior and what I’ve personally been able to test.
Jacques Garcia’s decor is surprising : with its leopard-print carpets and glass birds perched on lamps, you might think you’re in an African lodge. I have to admit that some of the decor is not to my personal taste, especially the carpets, but I have learned that the hotel, which is about twenty years old, will undergo a complete renovation next year. I have no doubt that the new decor will bring a nice new look to the establishment.
I stayed in a magnificent Lake View Suite, which in addition to the bedroom has a large living room, a huge bathroom and a terrace overlooking the park with the lake in the background. The hotel’s rooms are warm and elegant, with beautiful leathers, thick curtains and velvet armchairs. What I appreciated most of all was the extreme comfort of the bed and its quilted footboard.
Please note that room rates include free access to the minibar, a Nespresso machine, a boat shuttle to the city during the summer period, and certain sports offers…
The Nescens spa: wellness cures
The Nescens Spa is one of the property’s major assets. At 1,850 square meters, it’s the largest in Geneva. It features 17 treatment rooms, a magnificent indoor pool, a large fitness area and, of course, a sauna and steam room. Its partnership with Clinique Nescens enables it to offer cutting-edge anti-aging cures and treatments delivered under medical supervision.
The spa’s decoration is quite unique, with jellyfish-shaped lamps scattered throughout, giving the whole a warm feel.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have the time during my first stay to try out a Nescens cure, but I did have the pleasure of enjoying a delicious massage from a highly experienced masseuse of Thai origin. The massage was at once detoxifying, draining and stimulating, targeting the smallest muscular and energetic pathways to release blockages.
A wellness cure begins with a consultation with the doctor in charge of the program. With him, we carry out a general mapping of our lifestyle at the start of the treatment, by interpreting the results of our biological check-up.
This is followed by an osteopathic consultation and a consultation with a nutritionist. Whether you want to lose weight or gain muscle mass, it will determine the right diet and give you the steps to follow to get there.
Dietetic meals are served in the spa’s Café Lauren. In agreement with a dietician, a personalized health menu is concocted under the supervision of the chef. For example, I was able to try the delicious “Roasted prawns with coconut and lemongrass, seasonal vegetables” and “Crabmeat nems, passion vinaigrette”, two deliciously fragrant recipes.
Dinner at the Loti restaurant was also delicious, in a pleasant setting that also hosts breakfasts.
Our feeling
The strength of Hotel La Réserve lies in its unspoilt setting, just a stone’s throw from the city center. Its Nescens spa is one of the finest in Switzerland, and the wellness programs are particularly well designed. An essential address.
Luxe Wellness Club
Book La Réserve Genève
Take advantage of our expertise in wellness stays and contact us for a personalized quote for La Réserve Genève .
Benefit from an exclusive Luxe Wellness Club advantage when you book: free breakfast and a room upgrade subject to availability.
Rates : From around €750 euros per night in a Deluxe room.
The Nescens better-aging 7-day program costs €4,900 excluding accommodation. The 4-day better-aging program costs €3,200 excluding accommodation. Choose a 14-day retreat for €9,500.
Call us on +41 22 501 75 16 for Switzerland, on +1 (646) 980 6652 for the USA, on +33 1 85 73 22 14 for France, and on +44 20 4577 3258 for the UK.
