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Vol 5, No 16
The Best of Switzerland in Seven Fantastic Days
 
 
Check out our DGAE Library featuring:

Insider reviews of unique experiences from VIP supercar tours of Italy, treks to see the Polar Bears, safaris in Africa, Cuba by private jet and previews of top suites and villas at hotels and resorts across the USA, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brasil, Cambodia, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, England, Fiji, France, French Polynesia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Maldives, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Oman, Panama, Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Seychelles, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, South Africa, Switzerland, Tahiti, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, Vietnam, plus on the high seas aboard Regent Seven Seas Explorer, Seaboard Encore, Crystal Esprit, Crystal Mozart, Crystal Symphony, Norwegian Breakaway, Celebrity Edge, and Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas

VIP Switzerland


Switzerland is one of my favorite countries, and despite its diminutive size, there is so much to do and see outside its principle cities of Geneva and Zurich.

Recently I read a report from Barrett Hollo, a luxury travel advisor at SmartFlyer, that chronicled her recent one week stay in the land of chocolate, cheese and watches.

In this issue, Brarrett kindly allowed me to share the itinerary with you that is either great on its own or a nice tag-on to a business. 

I hope all of your travels are amazing!

All the best,

Doug Gollan

Founder/Editor
dougollan@dgamazingexperiences.com



 
Find The Best Private Aviation Solutions For You 
On-Demand Charter. Jet Cards. Fractional Ownership. 

Subscribe today and we can help you and your team make sure you and your company are finding the best private aviation solutions for your unique flying needs. 

What you get:


– Best Charter Brokers Guide – A curated guide to on-demand charter brokers that identifies 84 brokers and floating fleet operators that exceed industry standards.

– Jet Card Comparisons Guide – Comparison by 65+ variables of over 300 Jet Card programs, including sourcing standards for aircraft and pilots, service areas, Wifi availability, hourly rates, and hidden charges.

– Quick Compare Flight Pricing – A comparison of Jet Card pricing for over 150 national fixed-rate jet card programs. It calculates hourly rates plus daily and segment minimums, taxes, taxi time, memberships fees, peak day surcharges, fuel surcharges, and deicing so users can contrast fully loaded flight costs in second.  

–  Aircraft Performance Guide – Compare over 150 private jet types by range, speed, seating capacity, baggage and cabin space, including cabin height.

— VIP Jet Card Decider — Our personal service available to help you figure out which solutions and providers are right for you and your company.
 



Table of Contents 

A.     Private Aviation Headlines
B.     Before You Buy Reports - Jets, Yachts, Villas
C.     The Ultimate Restaurant Guide for Private Jet Travelers
The Best of Switzerland in Seven Fantastic Days
1.    Overview
2.    The Trip
3.    VIP Contact
4.     Executive Security Reports
5.     Jet Card Insider Reports
6.     Best Of DG Amazing Experiences Library



A.  Private Aviation Headlines

1.  Private jet charter broker Victor sued for $30 million in RICO lawsuit
2.  Top executives exit at fast-growing Dumont Group
3.  Vista Global is launching XO as a new brand replacing JetSmarter and XOJET
4.  PrivateFly offers transcon fixed flight rates at $29,000
5.  Tradewind Aviation is launching a fixed-rate jet card on its PC-12 fleet
6.  Are people tracking your private jet flights? What can you do to protect your privacy?
7.   Flexjet partners with GE to enhance safety
8.   Flexjet unveils extensive luxury and lifestyle partnerships
9.   How not to get burned when you join a private aviation program
10.  NetJets, Flexjet, VistaJet - Comparing the branded large cabin options
11.  Is NetJets worth the price?  




Jet Card Buyer’s Tips

1.  Buyer’s Tip #1  Know the company behind your program
2.  Buyer’s Tip #2  Fixed rates or dynamic pricing?
3.  Buyer’s Tip #3  Do I need guaranteed availability?
4.  Buyer’s Tip #4  Make sure your program’s Primary Service Area matches your flight
5.  Buyer’s Tip #5  What you need to know about Peak Days
6.  Buyer’s Tip #6  Roundtrip and one-way pricing




B.  Before You Buy Reports

1.  Before you charter a superyacht
2.  Before you rent a villa
3.  Before you charter a private jet
4.  Before you buy a jet card

Partner Focus:
Los Cabos Villa Spotlight 


Casa Fryzer is one of the most unique homes in Los Cabos. The sheer size of the contoured infinity swimming pool with swim-up bar and inset lounging areas is simply astounding. Indoors, you will find a home theater, wine cellar, office with a pool table, an ocean-view fitness room and Wi-Fi throughout the home. The interiors of Casa Fryzer are elegant and modern. Six bedrooms accommodate up to 12 guests and children are welcome. Each of the bedrooms includes an en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, and satellite television. Two suites have direct access to their own expansive outdoor space with private spa. Housekeeping, security, a manager and a butler are included with your reservation. Located in the private resort community of Villas Del Mar this home has welcomed many high profile guests, from celebrity entertainers and royalty to Fortune 500 CEOs, looking for the privacy and anonymity that cannot be found at traditional resorts. For more information, click this link or call +1 949.388.8590 ext. 200.



C.  The Ultimate Restaurant Guide for Private Jet Travelers

With the help of our friends, we’ve curated a list of 143 restaurants in 60 cities around-the-world that each has memorable views, cuisine to match, and are all located on the top floors or rooftops of leading hotels. 



In other words, if you are on a tight schedule, don’t worry about fighting traffic. Dinner (or lunch) is just an elevator ride away, like your private jet, saving you time. For the entire list, click here.
 

Visit Switzerland Like a VVIP 
 
 
1. Overview

If you travel to Switzerland on business, there’s a good chance you are visiting Geneva, Zurich or maybe even Basel. 

Although it’s a bit smaller than Vermont and New Hampshire combined, there are few places that offer more beautiful views of lakes, mountains, and medieval cities combined with five-star hotels and fine dining. 

It’s also a great venue to ride its scenic and punctual trains, or drive its highways an mountain roads, either in a rented sports car or even motorcycles.
 
Recently, I came across a very interesting itinerary put together by Barrett Hollo, a luxury travel advisor with SmartFlyer. I thought was a great seven day trip for anyone who has already done the country’s two main cities or wants to add onto it and get some highlights of one of my favorite places to visit. 

The trip is good for families, friends or a romantic getaway, or as Hollow puts it, “Tick off the Swiss bucket list you didn't even know you had.” You might want to come back.
 
2. The Trip  
 
Day 1
 
Upon your arrival in Geneva, you’ll be whisked to your private transfer to Lausanne, about 30 minutes, also the home to the Olympic Committee headquarters and Olympic Museum, as well as a history that’s rich with art and traditional cuisine.


 
Arrive at the Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa, fresh from a $100 million renovation completed in 2017.
 
Penthouse Suite

 
Comprising three bedrooms (both pictured above), a modern open plan living area, a kitchen, a fitness area and a wellness space, this family-friendly 3,740 sq. ft. suite is situated on the top (6th) floor of the Garden wing situated in the Royal Savoy gardens. Enjoy stunning mountain and lake views. You may not want to leave - or you will definitely end up coming back.
 
Afternoon
 
Pop up to the Sky Lounge with its 360 degrees panoramic views over Lausanne, the Lavaux region, Lake Geneva and the Alps, tor lunch. After, meet your VIP guide and head to Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
 
Here, you’ll enjoy wine tasting which is a special treat since Switzerland only exports about 10% of their wines, so you’ll be able to experience some amazing vintages you can’t find back home. Soak in the views from the vineyards with the lake and mountains all-in-one. It’s truly breathtaking.
 
Dine at La Brasserie du Royal in the hotel, what Michelin calls “a truly chic dining experience.” The red book says, “The brasserie, with its menu created by Marc Haeberlin, is highly enticing, featuring dishes such as pâté royal en croûte, goose foie gras, and a mousseline of crayfish from Lake Geneva. The many dishes (sole, veal ribs, etc) carved and prepared at your table add a final flourish to the dining room.”
 
Day Two
 
Today, prepare yourself to experience some of the best culinary treats of Switzerland. Board the “Chocolate Train” of the Golden Pass Services which leads to Gruyères, before your final stop at La Maison Cailler Chocolate Factory.



During this journey in the nostalgic panoramic carriages reminiscent of the “Belle-Epoque,” coffee and croissants will be served to accompany the Alpine views. After approximately an hour-and-half in your first-class train, you’ll arrive to the Gruyères cheese factory.
 
Your guide will help you explore the cheese factory where you’ll learn about the process from start to finish. Of course, you’ll be tasting along the way; even those who don’t consume dairy will be able to participate since the cheeses are lactose-free!
 
After some free time to discover the surrounding village and its castle, it’s lunchtime. Finish up and continue to Broc, where the chocolate factory is located. After another 90-minutes or so on the train, you’ll arrive at the Cailler-Nestlé chocolate factory for a guided tour and tasting. On the way back to Montreux, enjoy the charming Swiss countryside.
 
After freshening up, a car will be waiting to take you to the village of Crissier about 10 minutes drive for dinner at Restaurant de l'Hôtel de Ville (below), one of only three restaurants in the country to win the top honor of three stars for consecutive years.


 
“Chef Franck Giovannini has returned to take up the reins at this extraordinary restaurant. In charge of an impressive team (no fewer than 25 chefs!), he conjures up masterful dishes which perpetuate tradition coupled with constant attention to detail and exceptional service,” says Michelin.
 
Day Three
 
This morning, it’s time to make the journey from Lausanne to Bern, Switzerland’s capital city. You have the option to either take the scenic train or why not drive – SmartFlyer can arrange exotic car rentals, so perhaps a red Ferrari. It’s your choice. The “Swiss Traveling Bellboy Service” transfers your luggage to your next hotel so you don’t have to worry about luggage.
 
Schweizerhof Hotel & Spa
 
The one-bedroom 1,320 sq. ft. Presidential Suite can have up to three connecting rooms added if you are traveling with family. A fully separate dining room seats up to eight.


 
Afternoon
 
Once you check-in and get settled, it’s time to acquaint yourself with Bern. While this city is often overshadowed by nearby Interlaken, we love setting up a home base in Bern for a more authentic Swiss experience with less crowds. We suggest a walking tour of the city, starting with traversing the Old Town, which extends from the loop of the river Aare, across the “Moränenhügel,” westwards to the site of the medieval fortifications. Continue with a visit to the western city gate and tour the Clock Tower. Here, you will enjoy a unique view over the rooftops and streets of Bern. Discover ancient technology and benefit from the performance of the clockwork figures (which begin four minutes before the top of every hour) and workings of the astronomical clock.



Head back to Schweizerhof Hotel, located directly next to the train station, for an evening of relaxation. If you’re up for it, take advantage of the spa for which the hotel has been known for decades. They offer jacuzzi pools, a hammam, sauna ,and five treatment rooms. The hotel gym is also open 24/7 if you need to squeeze in a workout!
 
End the day with dinner at Jack’s Brasserie, recipient of Wine Spectator’s Best Award of Excellence and five stars from the Swiss Wine List Award.  The schnitzel here is a must-try, and for those who love a good celebrity connection, check out the plaques across the restaurant noting famous faces who’ve also dined at Jack’s.
 
Day Four
 
Using Bern as your base, today you’ll take a day trip to Interlaken, located in the Bernese Oberland on an alluvial plain between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Overlooked by the three mighty mountains, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, it’s the starting point for numerous activities. 


 
Nowhere else is the view of the mountains and lakes of the Oberland more beautiful than high above Interlaken. So, if you’re feeling adventurous, consider hang gliding! Tandem flights are available with an experienced hang-glider pilot. The hang-gliding season is a bit longer than the paragliding season – lasting from April to November.


 
Alternatively, if you want to keep your feet on solid ground, head to Jungfraujoch, considered the ‘Top of Europe.’ Located at the highest railway station in Europe, you can visit the Ice Palace and the Sphinx Terraces. The Aletsch Glacier is another sight here worth taking in as it’s the largest river of ice in Europe. Then return for a stroll through the mountaineering village of Grindelwald before heading back to Bern.
 
Day Five
 
Today, take a deep dive into the art of making cheese. En route to the Bürgenstock Resort, you’ll be taking a detour through the Emmental region. You’ll see up close how cheese is made in the countryside during your stop at Show Dairy in Affoltern.

Burgenstock Hotel & Resort

 
Once arriving at Bürgenstock, you’ll want to soak up the incredible views of this recently renovated property. Explore the expansive, car-free resort that includes a 100,000-sq. ft. spa, a healthy living center, 12 restaurants, numerous boutiques, and a 9-hole golf course. 



After nine years of refurbishments, the hotel is even grander than ever, despite its fame dating back to 1873. Be sure to check out the legendary Alpine Spa, along with its sweeping views of the mountains and lake below. Settle in for an apéro and dinner at The Oak Grill.

In terms of where to stay, there are four distinct hotel choices within the resort, however, the urban, chic Burgenstock Hotel & Resort features floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of Lake Lucerne and is a good choice for the first stay. Of course, there is also the grand dame Palace Hotel and even a 12-room authentic Swiss chalet.



The Burgenstock's 2-bedroom Presidential Suite (above) includes an 1,800 sq. ft. panoramic terrace, there’s a double-sided fireplace, the master bath has floor to ceiling lake views, there’s a grand piano, and the dining room can seat up to 14 guests.

Day Six
 
Enjoy breakfast at leisure as you prep for a day of touring. You’ll take the funicular from the hotel down to the lake where you’ll catch a boat to reach the historical city of Lucerne, which has been preserved and carefully developed for centuries. 


See the Chapel Bridge and take a leisurely walk through a maze of small streets and bridges dominated by countless historical towers, fountains and frescoed buildings. After your walking tour, relax for lunch in the city center. If you’re in need of a pick-me-up, we love Amore Mio for some gelato or hot chocolate!

If you are an enthusiast of watches, your guide can take you for a VIP visit to the three-floor Bucherer boutique, the world’s busiest retailer of timepieces. As you select your purchase, it is put on a conveyor system that brings it to the check-out on the ground floor. Busses of Japanese and Chinese visitors pull in like clockwork leaving 50 minutes later often with multiple purchases. If your company is involved at all with logistics or customer service, it’s an educational experience.


 
Once you’ve had your fill of the city, take Bürgenstock’s very own boat back across Lake Lucerne. When you’re back at the resort, you can gear up for another chocolate tasting. 

This evening, relish in dinner at Spices Kitchen whose Asian fusion is sure to be a highlight. Michelin gushes, "The aromas that waft out of the large show kitchen here are sure to get your taste buds tingling with their promise of pan-Asian delights from Japanese to Chinese, Thai and Indian dishes, all authentic and made using the very best ingredients. There's also a stunning view!"
 
Day Seven
 
Choose to relax at the spa or head out for one last adventure. You can take a cruise on crystal-clear Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad where you’ll ascend by the steepest rack railway in the world to Pilatus Kulm. 

Once on top, you’ll have time to walk up to the vista point to admire the breathtaking panorama over the Swiss Alps and Lucerne. Then, descend by aerial cable car to Fraekmuentegg, change to smaller cable cars and sweep over pine forests and mountain meadows to the village of Kriens for your private transfer back to the hotel.
 
If you’re looking to stay closer to Bürgenstock, take a short hike to the Hammetschwand Elevator, the tallest elevator in Europe. Or, even go for a round of golf while you take in the mountains. Be sure to enjoy Alpine Golf Restaurant right by the links for lunch during the summer season. 



For a dinner to remember, conclude your adventure at Salon1903 where Marc Haeberlin who trained at his family’s three-star Michelin restaurant L’ Auberge de L’Ill in Alsace will whip up exclusive specialties from Switzerland and the neighboring countries. 
 
Day Eight
 
Buochs Airport (LSZC) is 15 minutes from the resort with a 6,500 ft. runway can take private jets up to the Gulfstream G650, GlobalExpress, Challenger 605 and similar types. You can also transfer via helicopter to Zurich Airport if you are flying commercially.

3. VIP Contact

Barrett Hollo, a luxury travel advisor at SmartFlyer via email at barrett@smartflyer.com or smartflyer.com.





4. Executive Security Reports

1.   What you should consider before you get behind the wheel in Cuba
2.   Preventing a robbery while traveling
3.   How to survive a terrorist attack
4.   Seven ways your flight crew can improve security
5.   Six travel security scenarios you should be prepared for 
6.   Family travel safety and security advice
7.   Four trends in executive travel security



5. Jet Card Insider Program Reviews

1.   Air Partner
2.   Airstream Jets
3.   Flexjet
4.   DashJet
5.   Delta Private Jets (new)
6.   JetSuite (updated)
7.   Jet Aviation
8.   Jet Linx Aviation
9.   Magellan Jets
10. NetJets
11. Private Jet Services (PJS) Group
12. Prive Jets 
13. ProspAir 
14. Sentient Jet (Updated)
15. StraightLine Private Air
16. Wholesale Jet Club
17. Wheels Up (New)
18. XOJET



6. Our Most Popular Special Reports

If you are looking for more ideas and inspiration, check out some of our most popular Special Reports below...

Seven hot superyachts for charter this Summer
 

We checked in with Northrop & Johnson’s top brokers to find out which superyachts are hot for the charter market this summer, and in our report are eight picks for both Europe and North America. For each superyacht, you’ll find a summary of length, builder, launch and renovation dates, capacity for guests, number of cabins, range of rates, where each boat will be based for the winter season, minimum charter length, captain as well as a list of toys. Read more...
 
Crystal Esprit is perfect for groups up to 64
 

Crystal Esprit sits in the wide gap between chartering a superyacht and even the smaller luxury cruise ships that take 200-300 passengers. There are 91 crew and 62 guests, and the passenger areas are spread across four decks. 

Explore hidden harbors and out of the way island beaches, swim to shore, splash out on wave runners, water toys and your own private submarine. Crystal Esprit is a 5-star floating resort for just 62 guests. You even can charter the entire yacht for celebrations or meetings. Read more…




 
Tour Italy Like a VVIP By Super Car
 

1000 All’ Ora combines its insider auto industry connections with the best of Italian luxury experiences. They arrange everything from hotels to restaurant reservations, sourcing the specific supercar types you want and accompany your group providing VVIP service. 

They will also video your experience, including filming by drones, providing you with a memorable look back at your adventure. They arrange factory tours and behind the scenes visits to wineries, ateliers and museums. Below is a sample four-day itinerary, but in the end, they will do whatever you want, wherever you want in Italy. Read more…
 
Takeovers in The Bahamas, Costa Rica and Panama


Sometimes you want to take over the entire place. In this issue we look at three private resorts, visiting The Bahamas, Costa Rica, and Panama. Each provides the privacy and personalized service that comes with your own residence, but offers more than a typical villa, and is perfect for friends, family and special events such as wedding and even corporate retreats. Read more
 
A billionaire’s private island resort in Fiji


Laucala Island in Fiji was once the playground of publishing mogul Malcolm Forbes. Now owned by Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz, it is a private island resort with just 25 oversized villas bringing together high luxury and South Pacific romance in a playground of soft adventure, and even an 18-hole golf course. Each villa is different, designed with an eye to traditional Fijian style and all come with private pools set amidst the palms of coconut plantations, white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons and lush green mountains. Read more…
 
Why Waikiki is back as a luxury destination
 

Waikiki is back as a destination for luxury travelers. The Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach has joined the Halekulani, Royal Hawaiian, and Trump International as 5-star options. But the real change is that both Waikiki and Honolulu have become a destination fit for foodies, adding to the increasing quotient of luxury shopping. Most importantly, and often overlooked, a quick drive to the other side of Oahu and you will find deserted beaches, hiking, biking and all sorts of soft adventure on par with Hawaii’s outer islands.  Read more...
 
Five stunning villas in Los Cabos
 

Located next to One&Only Palmilla, Del Mar Los Cabos is a luxury gated. Expansive homes up to 12,000 sq. ft. are built to the highest standards of construction, and you have your own butler and private chef. Elegant Mexico handles all pre-arrival planning and concierge services. You get your own golf cart, Club Ninety-Six beach club and kids club access, Club Espiritu fitness club and spa, Offsite activity coordination services, in-residence spa services, 24-hour gated security, and 24-hour emergency medical response are all included. Read more...



 
Luxury on the Bund in Shanghai


If you are visiting on leisure or have extra time, or this is your first time coming to Shanghai, The Peninsula should be at the top of your consideration set. It also has a board meeting room with stunning views of The Bund on the west bank Huangpu River. The area is notable for its beautiful waterfront buildings, many of which have been restored. If you are doing a product launch, there is some nice rooftop space, indoors and outside. Read more…
 
Fine and Fun Skyscraper Dining in Bangkok


lebua at State Tower in Bangkok has become the epicenter of Thailand’s move to award-winning internationalizing, with 2-star Michelin restaurant Mezzaluna, Breeze, Sirocco, and soon Chef’s Table under the direction Vincent Thierry of the 3-star Michelin Caprice in Hong Kong. Of course, the nightlife is not restricted to restaurants with a multitude of specialty bars from The Flute A Perrier Jouet and Alfresco 64, a Chivas bar, lebua No. 3, with its caviar shooters and of course the bar that launched a worldwide trend, Skybar (pictured left). Read more...
 
Views of the lake in Geneva
 

In the center of Geneva, convenient to private banks and the United Nations, Hotel D'Angleterre is a hotel with a view of Lake Leman, both from its top suites and fine dining restaurant. Part of the Red Carnation group of boutique luxury hotels, each suite and room has its own unique decor. Don’t forget to check out its new cigar lounge. Read more...




About DG Amazing Experiences
 
My name is Doug Gollan. I am a strong advocate of the private aviation industry.  You can read my frequent coverage of private jets and luxury travel at Forbes.com.
 
I’ve chosen you to receive DG Amazing Experiences because I believe you share my passion for both business aviation and the best travel and luxury experiences in the world.
  
DG Amazing Experiences is your e-newsletter guide to the best places and experiences for private jet travelers like yourself. The content is personally selected by me with the help of some of the smartest and best travel advisors in the world. My goal is to give you a look ahead at what's new, what's hot, and the best of the best. To make it easy for you, the stories are short but detailed, and I provide plentiful links to additional, relevant information.

If you are looking for private aviation solutions from on-demand charter to jet cards, fractional and even full ownership, please visit our sister website Private Jet Card Comparisons to access our buyer’s guide to over 250 jet card programs and our exclusive on-demand charter guide. Our VIP assistance program can help you decide which solutions are optimal for you.

Copyright © 2019 DG Amazing Experiences, All rights reserved.


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