Win a palatial break in Switzerland

Regal joie de vivre meets authentic charm and the best of regional cuisine in the Villars Alpine Resort in western Switzerland’s Villars-sur-Ollon, making a dreamy base for a four-day retreat for two

The canton of Vaud, framed by the Alps and glimmering Lake Geneva, represents the pinnacle of Swiss hospitality. It’s a place where forward-thinking producers and a thriving dining scene look to the region’s natural larder for inspiration and where the great outdoors takes first place year-round. Historic towns, sun-soaked lakeside promenades, golden vineyards and snow-capped mountain peaks beckon for exploration – and we’re offering our winner a chance to experience it all in 2023.

For three nights, our winner and their guest will be able to immerse themselves in regal elegance 1,258m above sea level, in the meticulously-renovated Villars Palace. It’s one of three hotels making up the Villars Alpine Resort in Villars-sur-Ollon, a picturesque village in the heart of the Alpes Vaudoises. Here, 99 rooms and suites channel the 150-year-old heritage while delivering all the creature comforts, with wooden touches, stone-grey hues and striking panoramas over the mountains.

Beyond, wander the art galleries, spend an evening in the theatre, admire the Dents du Midi and Mont Blanc massifs from the heated outdoor pool or catch the ski lift to the slopes of Bretaye. From spring, visitors can tee off at Golf Club Villars, embark on hiking trails and join a mountain biking excursion. A five-course feast inspired by nature awaits at restaurant 1913 on your return, with top wines matched to the likes of wild boar with pear jelly and Arctic char with roasted artichokes – all included in your prize. Local pours are at the forefront of the menu at cosy Villars Lodge, and the winners will be able to sample some of the best, paired with Swiss cheeses, at an exclusive tasting.

In between it all, traverse the region and beyond with your four-day, first-class Swiss Travel Pass that grants access to public transport nationwide, plus mountain excursions and free admission to over 500 museums. Whether you opt for trips to chocolate factories, medieval fortresses or snowy peaks, you’re set for a holiday to remember. myswitzerland.com

Click here to return to the competition page and enter.

The prize

The winner will receive a three-night stay for two in a Chambre Supérieure Montagne room at Villars Palace, Villars-sur-Ollon, including breakfast, plus a five-course, wine-matched dinner for two at 1913 – Restaurant du Palace, and a tasting of Swiss cheese and wine at Villars Lodge hotel. The prize includes a pair of return flights to Switzerland from the UK or Ireland with SWISS, and two first-class Swiss Travel Passes, granting unlimited access to national public transport for four days.

The competition closes at 5pm on 31 January 2023 and the prize must be redeemed by 31 December 2023. The winner must be over 18. Full T&Cs can be found here.