La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich | Switzerland
A Belle Époque Landmark Reimagined as Philippe Starck’s Imaginary Yacht Club
Why DNA Hotels Loves It
● Philippe Starck transforms a 1909 lakeside grand hotel into an imaginative yacht club where heritage, craftsmanship, and playful luxury coexist.
● Original architectural elements are carefully revealed rather than concealed, creating a dialogue between Belle Époque elegance and contemporary design.
● With just 40 rooms, two exceptional restaurants, and uninterrupted views of Lake Zürich, it feels intimate despite its grand setting.
A Grand Hotel Sets Sail Again
Standing on the shores of Lake Zürich since 1909, the former Eden au Lac has long been one of the city’s architectural icons. Under Michel Reybier Hospitality, the landmark has been completely reimagined by Philippe Starck, who resisted restoring it to nostalgic perfection. Instead, he stripped the building back to its structural essence, exposing brickwork, timber floors, marble, and historic details before introducing an entirely new narrative inspired by an imaginary yacht club. History remains visible. Imagination takes over.
Philippe Starck’s Yacht Club
Starck describes the concept as “an imaginary yacht club by the lake.” Rich red timber recalls the hull of a classic sailing boat, while leather, brushed steel, blown glass, polished marble, mirrors, vintage nautical paintings, forgotten oars, half-hull boat models, and maritime objects create an atmosphere that is theatrical without ever becoming literal. Throughout the hotel, playful references reward curious guests while preserving the quiet elegance expected from a grand lakeside address. The design feels bold. Yet surprisingly restrained.
Cabins Overlooking the Lake
The hotel’s 40 guestrooms and suites continue the nautical story with remarkable subtlety. Natural colours, rattan, exposed brick, soft materials, bespoke furnishings, and carefully framed lake views create spaces that resemble refined sailors’ cabins rather than traditional luxury suites. Many rooms feature balconies or terraces overlooking the water, while thoughtful details—from nautical charts to vintage postcards—extend Starck’s narrative without overwhelming the interiors. The lake remains. The true centrepiece.
Dining Above and Beside the Water
The social life of the hotel unfolds across two distinctive restaurants. On the ground floor, Eden Kitchen & Bar serves contemporary Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in a relaxed setting where large windows blur the boundary between interior and lakeside promenade. Above, beneath the spectacular dome, La Muña combines Peruvian and Japanese influences with panoramic views across Zürich, the lake, and the Alps, creating one of the city’s most memorable dining destinations. Every space invites. Guests to linger.
A Different Vision of Luxury
Despite its heritage, La Réserve Eden au Lac feels refreshingly contemporary. Its position beside the Opera House and Lake Zürich places the city’s cultural landmarks within easy walking distance, yet the hotel maintains the atmosphere of an exclusive private club. It is luxurious without ceremony, elegant without stiffness, and imaginative without losing sight of comfort. Grand hospitality. With a playful spirit.
Why It Works
La Réserve Eden au Lac Zürich succeeds because Philippe Starck never competes with the building’s history—he rewrites it. By revealing the original architecture and layering it with an imaginative nautical world, he transforms a Belle Époque landmark into something entirely unexpected. It is both grand hotel and design manifesto, proving that luxury can be sophisticated, surprising, and full of personality all at once.
