Four Seasons Geneva Launches New Al Fresco Activities

Travellers can now make the most of Switzerland’s warm spring climate with a restorative wildflower walk and an al fresco picnic in some of the area’s most scenic spots.

Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva has launched two new al fresco activities that make the most of the wonderful alpine spring climate.

At this time of year, meadows are carpeted in wildflowers, cows graze on green mountain pastures and woodlands burst to life, offering wonderful scenery and the chance for guests to make the most of Switzerland’s great outdoors.

Invigorating Wildflower Walk

Accompanied by an experienced Spa coach, nature lovers can reconnect with the great outdoors on a revitalising walk along the shores of Lake Geneva, taking in delightful views of the water and the surrounding mountains.

Once the snow has begun to melt and the days are warmer, guests will be able to enjoy walks along pretty mountain paths, soaking up Switzerland’s wonderful alpine scenery and spotting local flora and fauna.

Guests will have the unique opportunity to combine physical exercise with an educational hike, learning how to recognize edible alpine flowers and how to use them in cooking.

Local forager Jamel Zegrir will join guests for part of the walk, helping identify wild plants, sharing tips on ethics, etiquette and law, and explaining how to recognise poisonous lookalikes.

Salad burnet is a common sight, with its ferny foliage and crimson flower heads, while woodruff – a white flowered plant with whorled leaves ­– carpets the floor of beech woods.

Among the most scenic sights are narcissi blooms, gentle white flowers that blanket meadows in a white cloak. Known as "snow of May," they are one of the country’s natural wonders.

Other varieties of edible plants guests are likely to spot are stars of Bethlehem, hogweed, chamomile, milk thistle, wild asparagus and wild garlic.

Picnic with a View

The concierge team of Four Seasons Hotel Geneva has selected some of the most scenic picnic spots in the area for guests to enjoy a romantic tête-à-tête or a fun family moment.

To make the experience even more special, Michelin-starred Chef Massimiliano Sena of Il Lago has put together a delicious picnic basket filled with Swiss and Italian delicacies.

Michelin-starred Il Lago is renowned for offering guests a convivial dining experience, with exquisite Italian dishes prepared following age-old recipes.

The picnic includes a refreshing summer salad made with spinach, prawns, avocado and Amalfi lemon; a selection of pizzettas/focaccias; bresaola with Parmesan shavings and rocket salad; vitello tonnato, a dish of cold, sliced veal served with a creamy tuna-based sauce; and a selection of artisanal cheeses sourced from local producers.

To round off the meal is a fruit salad with fresh berries and a seasonal tart. Guests can pair their food with a bottle of white, rosé or red wine of their choice (available at an additional cost).

Salvatore Salerno, Director and Chef Sommelier of Il Lago Restaurant, recommends Sauvignon Domaine des Curiades 2020, Luberon rosé Famille Perrin 2020 and Bolgheri Poggio ai Ginepri 2019.

Guests can enjoy hand-crafted picnic treats in one of Geneva’s most scenic spots, customising the experience to their liking.

Parc de la Perle du Lac - Ideally located on the shores of Lake Geneva, Parc de la Perle du Lac is conveniently located a five-minute bike ride from the Hotel.

It’s one of the city’s most wooded parks, with delightful promenades offering lovely lake views. Its Jardin de la Perle slopes gently towards the lake, making it a wonderful spot to enjoy a picnic looking out towards Mont Blanc, which looms over the lake.

The nearby Botanical Gardens are worth a visit, home to more than 16,000 species of flora.

Parc La Grange - Renowned for its dramatic lake views, this delightful green space offers a quiet spot to enjoy an al fresco meal.

The park houses Geneva’s largest rose garden, a beautifully manicured spot home to 10,000 roses from 200 species, an alpine garden, orangeries, and an iconic 18th century villa with a lovely terrace looking out onto the park and the lake.

In summer, plays and musical performances take place in the park’s two theatres.

Mount Salève - Dubbed "the balcony of Geneva," Mount Salève offers sweeping views of Geneva and Mont Blanc.

Offering more than 250 kilometres (155 miles) of mountain paths, it attracts climbers, mountain bikers and paragliders keen to enjoy exhilarating outdoor adventures, as well as hikers who come to soak up the panorama while enjoying a breath of fresh air.

Guests can hike up to their preferred location and enjoy a picnic in one of the many secluded scenic spots.

Picnic baskets start at CHF 85 per person and must be ordered 24 hours in advance through the Hotel’s room service. Available starting May 16, 2022.