The Bellevue Palace

The Bellevue Palace in Bern attract's the Swiss capital's most discerning visitors; we were told during our tour of the presidential suite how ever President had stayed in the hotel over the years (apart from Barack Obama), and as the most luxurious five-star hotel in the city it made the perfect base from which to explore the capital. 

We let out an audible gasp when we reached our hotel room, towering over the river valleys, the balcony boasted unparalleled views of the countryside surrounding the city, with chalets sprinkled across the hills. From the larger than life floral display in the grand lobby to the entire wall decorated with gin bottles (full ones at that!), the style is grand palace meets Soho House, and as well as a fine afternoon tea, there is also a smaller much more cosy long bar where the cocktails are the best in the city (so we decided!). The area is packed with sofas and small table sections that give a welcoming club feeling; the perfect setting for enjoying some Swiss wine & charcuterie.

Just steps away, the Federal Palace of Switzerland became a light show spectacle; unlike anything we'd seen before, the opulent building was transformed into a burning building, or melting mansion, all by projectors beaming from across the square. If you're heading to the Swiss Capital between now and Christmas, it's an experience not to be missed!

SHOP THE LOOK

Plaid Dress by Superdry   |   Faux Fur Stole by Monsoon   |   Watch by Caravelle   |   Boots by Russell & Bromley   

We stayed at The Bellevue Palace in Bern, with flights from London Southend via SkyWork airlines.

xoxo

Falling for Bern

The last time I visited Bern, I was probably about 14 (I'll no doubt get a text from mum if this is in fact not correct!) and most definitely more interested in where my next Trolli Burger or Milka bar was coming from rather than being on the lookout for great food and cute little boutiques, so this trip was an eye-opener. I saw Bern for the first time, and, I think I fell a little bit in love with the city!

There was something so familiar about Bern, each corner we turned revealed another adorable cafe or view of chalets nestled onto the mountain side; the locals were all so friendly and eager to show off their city, and there is something so elegant about the Swiss. We were invited to a Matin�e concert performance in the Old Town's Konzerttheater - an experience that transported me back to a time when  we didn't need technology or fancy pyrotechnics to be entertained. A hefty city guide is on it's way for you, but until then, here's the outfit that I wore for our second day of exploring the beautiful city...

Gilet by Topshop   |   Roll Neck by Topshop   |   Skirt by ASOS   |   Fur Headband by Superdry   |   Bag by Mulberry    |   Boots by Russell & Bromley   

How would you dress for a day exploring the city?

xoxo

Bern Old Town

Last weekend I was invited to Bern, Switzerland, to discover the Art & Culture within the Swiss Capital - a trip I quickly accepted as not only would I be able to indulge in my Swiss Chocolate cravings, but also discover more to the city that I'd always seen glimpses of during ski holidays when I was younger, but never properly explored.

A capital city is usually a bustling city, larger than life with an unmistakable buzz and mayhem, but not in Switzerland. Bern is tiny, it has an unmistakeable Swiss charm - imagine Farrow & Ball green-grey buildings, sleepy clock towers and cobbled streets, wrapped up by the River Aare. In fact with a population of just 180,000 the streets are never busy, you'd never guess that it's the Swiss capital. Despite its cosy size, Bern lacks nothing in character - with majestic views of the Bernese Alps and boasting former inhabitants such as Albert Einstein and Paul Klee.

We spent the first day exploring the Old Town, wandering the wide scobbled streets lined with beautiful shuttered buildings - we could almost have slipped back a few centuries as we watched the sparkling fountains (including a rather disturbing one of an ogre snacking on a baby.) and explored the inner workings of a clock tower. 

SHOP THE LOOK

Our city walk took us riverside to the Nydegg Bridge, where we passed Bern's famous brown bears in there B�ren Park, before we climbed up to the Rosengarten. When I posted a snap that I was in Bern up on my Instagram, Swiss locals were quick to recommend the restaurant which overlooks the city, surrounded by a rose garden with more than 200 varieties of the flower. We enjoyed a three course lunch while overlooking the silhouetting city's spires and glassy green river.

WHAT I WORE

Jacket by Lipsy   |   Jumper by Jaeger   |   Leggings by Millie Mackintosh   |   Boots by Emu   |   Bag by Mulberry   |   Headband by Superdry   |   Glasses by Ray Ban   |   

Have you ever visited Bern? Let me know your favourite spots in the city!

xoxo