Happy Friday! If you’ve been following me closely on IG Stories, then you’ll know that I went to Geneva about 2 weeks ago. One of the perks of living in Europe is that you can go almost anywhere on the continent for a quick weekend trip. Switzerland has always been on my list so I figured why not? Also, I absolutely adore travelling in Oct/Nov.

It’s the most underrated time of year for most places and so much more economical. It’s also a great time to explore the less beaten path.
Some prefer to create itineraries and have very detailed schedules when travelling, but I couldn’t be further from that. I really prefer to relax when I travel, and like to go with the flow. Truthfully, one of the maaaajor benefits of having the American Express Platinum Card is that I have access to Platinum Concierge service for when I need help abroad (or at home, haha).

*Michelin-star restaurants? Check.
*Kid-friendly hotels? Done.
*Contemporary museums that are open on Sunday and close to my hotel? No problem!

Seriously, there’s no better feeling than having your mind at ease when travelling, even if it’s just a weekend away.

Side Note: Since Switzerland is the land of Sovereignty, Chocolate, Fondue and Watches, the hotel I stayed at left chocolate all over the room after each service yaaasssss

Once I arrived in Geneva late on Friday night, I checked in and went straight to la la land – that’s the caveat with weekend trips. Sometimes after a long day at work and then a trip to the airport, you’re a bit sleepy. I was however, grateful to spend a couple of moments getting caught up on e-mails in the lounge at the airport, courtesy of my Amex Platinum Card of course!

Saturday was a bit of a blur. I really just spent time soaking up the scenery (oh my gosh the views!) and took a leisurely day. Many countries in Europe tend to slow down on the weekend and Geneva was no different. Vintage/Thrift/Flea Market shopping is my travel indulgence – I really enjoy checking out new spots and seeing a curated collection from a different point of view. It’s also a fantastic way to pick up souvenirs I’ll actually use! The
American Express Platinum Concierge gave me insight into vintage shops that were open, which was super helpful!

After all that shopping and roaming around the streets, I knew I wanted to indulge for dinner. This would be my only dinner in Geneva since I was leaving midday on Sunday – so I had to go big or go home. Coming from Toronto, I am the worst with making dinner reservations (well, I’m getting a bit better) but we’re kinda spoiled with being able to show up at a decent number of places and get a great table. Most of Europe however, does not work that way, haha! They live and breathe by reservations.

I called a divine Asian fusion restaurant and the hostess lovingly told me that there are only 2 seatings for 7:00pm and 9:15pm and both were fully sold out – damn! I always just assume that these things are incredibly finite haha, but I had an inclination to call Platinum Concierge to see what they could do – after a couple of minutes back and forth, the lovely associate said they’d call back with yay or nay.

After about 30mins – boom. A reservation at 9:30pm! But wait, I thought there were only two seatings and that they were fully booked? This is the magic of Platinum Concierge service my friends, and it’s available to all Platinum Cardmembers at anytime. I only managed to sneak one picture in, but the food was incredible, flavourful and filling (which is rare with Gastro food) and the service was on point! You know when the servers strike a balance of attentive yet not annoying? They mastered that!

After dinner, I was in the mood for a nightcap so I walked over to a Bar & Cigar Lounge where I even had the pleasure of seeing a dog… in the bar haha! If you head over to my Geneva highlight you’ll see it – lol! A glass of champagne (or 2) with a live band was the perfect way to end off the night.

The next morning, after a good rest – I headed upstairs to enjoy Sunday Brunch. I hate to sound like a broken record, but ugh SO GOOD. This brunch was phenomenal – I think the only thing they were missing was a shellfish option – a couple Oysters would be lovely right? Either way it was so tasty… Beef Carpaccio, Quiche Lorraine and Burrata Salad! What’s absolutely lovely about Switzerland is that it has 4 National Languages – French, Italian, German and Romansh so you really get a feel for its unique thread in everything, depending on which part of the country you are in.

I highly recommend visiting Geneva. I absolutely would return, but now my list of things to see has increased, so maybe a ski trip or summer trip will have to suffice. I can’t recommend the city enough – clean, safe, peaceful, and so much culture.