When you want to take a breather and is aiming for seclusion, simplicity and stunning surroundings, the Emerald Lake Lodge is the best place to do it.  It is located at the Yoho National Park in Canada. Majestic mountain views and breathtaking lakeside scenario could only mean, Emerald Lake Lodge offers nature at its very best.

The Emerald Lake was discovered back in 1882 when a railroad was being constructed around the area and so by 1902, the original lodge was built and since then, the said Lodge expanded and there were a lot of improvement and enhancement made not only on the lodge itself but also to the roads leading to it.

By 1986, it has become an exclusive luxury destination may it be for vacation or business purposes.

It has been a perfect setting for those who want a laidback, quiet vacation.  The Lodge management intentionally did not place televisions and internet portals in the rooms as to preserve the kind of serene surroundings the Lodge offers. However, to those who cannot do without them, guests can still access them on the Game Room on the Main Lodge.

The good thing about Emerald Lake Lodge is that it is beautiful all year round, may it be summer or winter.  You can do several activities such as white water rafting, canoeing, fishing, hiking, and rock climbing during summer while you can enjoy x-country skiing, snowshoeing, downhill skiing, snowmobiling, waterfall ice climbing, toboganning, ice skating, ice fishing and dog sledding during winter.

This amazing place is only 2 and half hours away from Calgary International Airport.  Take a look at this map for graphic details and for rates and special packages, click this link to view them.

Photo Credit: crmr

If you are looking for a luxurious lakeside resort, there is nothing compared to the Palafitte Hotel at Lake Neuchatel in Switzerland.

Lake Neuchatel is regarded as the largest lake which is completely inside the boundaries of Switzerland.  It is the home of the Palafitte Hotel.  It is a truly modern, state-of-the-art hotel where their junior suites are built literally on the lake itself supported by stilts or columns.  This was made possible through the hotel’s partnership with a tech company like Siemens Corporation.

It was in Spring 2002 when they started to operate and one that has an ambience of serene, relax, laidback lakeside feel to it.  Although it has a very unique setting, it boasts of a five star standard of excellence.

All in all it has 40 junior suites of which a unit can accommodate 1 to 3 persons. Each suite has its own private terrace overlooking the water and has a direct entry to the lake itself.  All of them aside from the bedroom and bathroom has an office area.

One of the main pleasures of staying in the lakeside hotel is the chance to wine and dine in their own private quarters while in the middle of the lake.  However, the hotel’s restaurant and bar are also first class. A guest is entitled on a 24/7 room service which includes secretarial, valet, security and transportation services.

It may sound so far or out of reach since it’s a lakeside resort, however, it is located in Monruz which is very accessible to travelers and tourists.  Check this link for air, road or train options in going there.

Photo Credit @ Palafitte