press trip
This weekend took me to the Hôtel des Horlogers nach Le Brassus, a picturesque village in the Vallée de Joux, which is world-famous for its watchmaking tradition. As soon as I entered the hotel, I sensed that this is not just about luxury, but about a deeper connection to time, nature and oneself.
From the impressive architecture and culinary highlights to a very special wellness experience in the Alpeor Spa, my stay was an invitation to escape the everyday and savour the moment.
The Hôtel des Horlogers – an architectural masterpiece
Even from the outside, the Hôtel des Horlogers is an absolute eye-catcher. The architecture, designed by the Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), looks like an extension of the landscape. The terraced levels seem to literally grow out of the hills of the Vallée de Joux. The building blends in so harmoniously with nature that you almost forget it was created by human hands.
The interiors are warm and inviting, with wood, stone and large glass fronts that set the scene for the surrounding landscape. It is a place where modernity and sustainability meet, creating a sense of timeless elegance.
My room – a retreat with a view
My room was perfect for a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The decor is simple but full of thoughtful details: warm wood tones, soft fabrics and a design that is both functional and cosy. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the snow-covered landscape – a sight that gently woke me up in the morning and allowed me to relax in the evening.
I was particularly impressed by the small, loving details: the sustainable care products with herbs from the region, the exquisite books on the shelf and a welcome gift in the form of aperitif biscuits and tea to take home.
Culinary delights at Brasserie Le Gogant – enjoyment from early to late
The cuisine at the Hôtel des Horlogers in the Brasserie Le Gogant is an experience in itself – from regional breakfast specialities to refined dishes that capture the flavours of the Vallée de Joux.
Breakfast – the perfect start to the day
Breakfast was a feast for all the senses: freshly baked bread, regional cheeses, local cold meats and homemade jams. My personal highlight was the croissants with homemade jams and regional butter.
Lunch – An autumnal highlight
For lunch, I opted for a real treat: braised shoulder of venison, accompanied by a sweet and sour relish, a delicate mushroom tuile and an intense game sauce. This was served with perfectly cooked potatoes, which rounded off the dish harmoniously. Every bite was an experience – tender meat, perfectly balanced flavours and a sauce that captured the autumnal flavours of the region.
Dinner – Two evenings, two unforgettable culinary journeys
On the first evening, I opted for a menu that delighted me with its elegance and fine regional flavours:
Appetiser: A delicate smörrebröd-style trout carpaccio, enhanced with cottage cheese from Hauser Molkerei, fir caviar and pickled vegetables. The combination of freshness, acidity and creaminess was a perfect start.
Main course: Free-range chicken stuffed with braised drumsticks and served with wild mushrooms, a strong poultry sauce and a touch of cream – a dish that completely won me over with its warmth and autumnal flavours.
Dessert: A refreshing blueberry sorbet that brought the evening to a light and fruity close.
On the second evening, I chose the Discovery menu, which offered a delicious variety and gave me a deep insight into the creativity of the kitchen:
First course: a creamy risotto that scored with intense flavours and prepared the palate perfectly for the following courses.
Second course: A cleverly prepared egg with wild mushrooms, which fascinated with its texture and earthy flavour.
Main course: Pork fillet, tender as butter and accompanied by homemade spaetzle – a savoury highlight that reflected the rustic charm of the region.
Dessert: The finale was an elaborate chocolate patisserie that impressed with its intense chocolate flavour and delicate workmanship.
Each evening was unique in its own way and reflected the variety and sophistication of the cuisine at the Hôtel des Horlogers. A real treat for all the senses!
Wellness at the Alpeor Spa – deep relaxation for body and mind
One of my personal highlights was a visit to the Alpeor Spa. The spa area is small but nice and offers everything you need for a relaxing break.
Sauna and steam bath – rest and regeneration
After a day of exploring – be it a walk through the snow-covered landscape or simply relaxing in the room – the sauna was the perfect place to let your mind wander. The soothing warmth eased tension and the panoramic windows in the relaxation area offered a marvellous view of the winter scenery. The steam bath was also a blessing, especially for the respiratory tract on the cold days.
Facial treatment – radiant and relaxed
A very special moment was my facial treatment, which was carried out with the luxurious products from Alpeor. The treatment began with a gentle cleansing and refreshing exfoliation, followed by a revitalising mask. While this took effect, I enjoyed a soothing facial massage that not only pampered my skin but also my senses. At the end, my skin felt refreshed, soft and radiant – a gift to myself.
Relaxation area – simply switch off
After my treatment, I took a break in the relaxation room. The comfortable loungers, the soft background music and the view of the snow-covered forests ensured that I completely forgot about the time.
Fitness and exercise in the hotel
To balance out all the delicious food, I visited the hotel’s own gym, which is modernly equipped and flooded with light. It had everything you need for an effective workout, from cardio machines to free weights. The view of the surrounding nature was particularly motivating – training with this view is twice as much fun!
Further highlights at the Hôtel des Horlogers
The Hôtel des Horlogers offers not only exceptional architecture and closeness to nature, but also a variety of culinary experiences. In addition to the main restaurant, where I dined on both evenings, there is also the cosy Bar des Horlogers, which is perfect for an aperitif or a relaxed end to the day. Here you can enjoy not only fine wines and creative cocktails, but also a warm, inviting atmosphere with a view of the Vallée de Joux.
Another highlight is La Table des Horlogers, which is known for its exclusive fine dining experiences and offers special menus on advance reservation – perfect for gourmets looking for something special.
My conclusion – a place that will be remembered
The Hôtel des Horlogers is more than just a hotel. It is a place where time stands still, where luxury and nature go hand in hand and where you can completely let yourself go. Whether it’s the impressive architecture, the warm hospitality or the unforgettable moments in the spa – this weekend showed me how wonderful it is to simply take time for yourself. I even saw wild chamois in the forest on the way home.
I’m already looking forward to coming back – perhaps in summer, when the green meadows and Lac de Joux invite me to new adventures. But until then, I’m left with the memory of a weekend full of enjoyment, relaxation and lots of time for myself.
