The Oetker Collection has welcomed a tenth masterpiece hotel to its exquisite portfolio: The Woodward in Geneva. With only 26 accommodations, the newly opened all-suite hotel on Quai Wilson is located right on Lake Geneva, with awe-inspiring views of the water and the majestic Mont Blanc.
Dating back to 1901, the post-Haussmann-style building has undergone a meticulous reimagination by world-renowned architect and interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, along with BEA SA architects, to emerge with world-class dining experiences L’Atelier Robuchon and Le Jardinier, and wellness destination Club Woodward, which includes an extensive Guerlain Spa. The Woodward gives rise to a new class of hotels that feel more like an ultra-chic private home than a hotel, and is set to become an elegant social hub in Geneva, raising the bar in terms of gastronomy, design and wellness.
Timo Gruenert, CEO of Oetker Collection comments: “We are delighted to open the doors of The Woodward in a city as vibrant and significant as Geneva. This new jewel in the collection – our first hotel in Switzerland – strikes the perfect balance between delivering the warm, authentic hospitality for which our Masterpiece Hotels are loved, while hailing a new era for this class of intimate city hotels: the ‘grand boutique hotel’. Our company’s values of family spirit, elegance and genuine kindness will bring this iconic building to life once again and ensure guests will quickly feel at home on Lake Geneva.”
Christophe Aldunate, President of Bastion Management adds: “It gives us great pleasure to see The Woodward open its doors as part of Oetker Collection, an iconic brand that upholds the highest standards in hospitality and who we trust to be the custodians of this historic Geneva landmark, all while delivering an exceptional guest experience with modern flair and charm.”
HOME AWAY FROM HOME
The Woodward’s 26 spacious suites have been designed to the highest specification and, while each is different, they all share a harmonious neutral colour palette, contrasted by hues of blue. The colours brighten and deepen as the sunlight’s reflection on Lake Geneva shifts throughout the day. Every detail has been carefully considered to optimise space and streamline movement throughout the suites, curated to possess its own distinct character and individual design details, with signature flourishes including marble fireplaces and bookcases. Of the 26 suites, 21 offer a full lake view.
The jewels in the crown are the Presidential and Royal Suite. The President Suite has been designed in elegant ivory tones and offers panoramic views from every room with a private dining room and loggia. Meanwhile, the Royal Suite is reached by a private lift and designed to resemble a chic Parisian apartment.
The Woodward showcases a sense of modernity that accentuates the Belle Époque architecture of the listed 19th-century building. Simultaneously classic and contemporary; discreet and vibrant; inspired by the world and yet deeply rooted in Geneva’s history, The Woodward caters as much to an international clientele as it does to residents of the city.
Pierre-Yves Rochon comments: “What makes this hotel so unique is its location, with the unobstructed view of the lake, its 19th-century architecture and the spaciousness of its suites. The Woodward is very different from most contemporary hotels – I would sooner call it a prestigious residence.”
EXHILARATING GASTRONOMY
Following seven years as Executive Chef of Michelin-starred L’Atelier Robuchon in Taipei, and leading the restaurant’s openings in Miami, New York and Montreal, Chef Olivier Jean is at the helm of the kitchens at The Woodward. The hotel’s culinary experiences include L’Atelier Robuchon and Le Jardinier, both recipients of Michelin stars at their New York outposts.
L’Atelier Robuchon features an open kitchen concept, creating a theatrical dining experience for just 36 guests seated around a counter, as well as two semi-private dining rooms. Le Jardinier, meanwhile, offers guests a creative counterpart to Robuchon’s gastronomy – the restaurant’s first foray into Europe. Here, Chef Olivier Jean offers refined culinary creations that demonstrate the mastery of French cooking techniques with a focus on local suppliers and produce sourced no further than 150km away from the hotel’s kitchens. This ranges from cardoons and leeks from within Geneva, fish from the lake, vegetables from Gaia in Hermance and from the Cortois family, and Pata Negra ham from the Alcala brothers. Open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, the concept of embracing nature is reflected in the dining experience and décor, featuring many hues of green and housed within two glass-walled verandas overlooking the lake and surrounding Alps.
Executive Chef, Olivier Jean explains: “Genevans have an educated and demanding palate. They travel extensively and like to be surprised, but above all, they are looking for exceptional quality. To exceed their expectations, I’ve prepared a menu that highlights the very best local ingredients presented in a surprising way with innovative combinations and textures. I hope The Woodward becomes a must-visit for all epicureans.”
RELAX, RECHARGE, RESET
In keeping with Oetker Collection’s commitment to wellbeing, the Guerlain Spa at The Woodward is Geneva’s newest, finest wellness address. The Guerlain Spa – the first in Switzerland – has six treatment rooms, including one double room, elegantly equipped with white onyx sinks and Italian marble showers.
The extensive wellness menu presents a broad range of massages and treatments specially created for this most stylish address by the iconic French Maison. Open to hotel residents and select local members, Club Woodward spans over 1,200m2 and features the Guerlain Spa, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and the longest indoor swimming pool in Geneva. The wellness centre also includes a Jacuzzi, two steam rooms, two saunas, a snow shower, an ice bucket shower, and two Swedish baths.
EXPLORE GENEVA
Central to The Woodward’s identity is connecting its guests to a varied array of ways to explore Geneva and the region. This bustling, vibrant city offers visitors exciting options such as the market of Plainpalais, a burgeoning cocktail scene and the artisan workshops of Carouge. Watch aficionados should take note: the Patek Philippe Museum is considered one of the world’s finest horology museums displaying over five centuries of watchmaking history, to which The Woodward concierge can arrange private tours.
For those who prefer the outdoors, there are few more leisurely, relaxing ways to explore the region than sailing Lake Geneva and travelling to Montreux, stopping at Nyon, Évian-les-Bains and Lausanne. Airborne, The Woodward can arrange beautiful private hot air balloon tours to take in the majestic mountains up close and enjoy cheese fondue in the sky – or, for the most daring, even an adventure flight that reaches 5,000 metres, oxygen tanks included.
Geneva is also home to an incredible wine region, with two of Switzerland’s most prestigious Grand Cru appellations, Dezaley and Calamin, located in iconic Lavaux. Located in easy driving distance from Geneva, Lavaux’s spectacular terraced vineyards were established by monks during the 12th century, and accordingly, the region is today awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Lavaux is almost as well known for its hiking trails as it is for its wine, and The Woodward suggests the popular 10km route that takes in Chexbres, Saint-Saphorin, Rivaz and Epesses, stopping off to sample some of the delights in a traditional “pinte vaudoise”.
–
To find out more and book, visit The Woodward’s website.
Images courtesy The Woodward