Geneva’s Crown Jewel: The Woodward
Alessio Minetto, General Manager of The Woodward, Geneva tells the story and shares the secrets behind Geneva’s lakeside home of haute living. Alessio Minetto has over 25 years of experience in the international luxury hotel industry. Heralding from Italy, he has worked and studied across three continents and eight countries. His career began at Hotel Danieli Venice, followed by Mandarin Oriental in Munich before joining the opening at Four Seasons George V in Paris. He has subsequently held management positions in some of the most prestigious establishments in the world. Alessio is married and has two children.
Can you tell us about The Woodward’s beginnings?
A little more than a century after its initial grand opening as Hôtel Bellevue, the building is returning to its original purpose and reopened as The Woodward on September 1st, 2021. Heads of State, Royalties and artists from around the world once gathered behind the neoclassical façade of this historic building constructed in 1901 by French architect François Durel.
Perpetuating its legacy, Bastion Management, the owning company, appointed the renowned architectural firm Pierre-Yves Rochon. The Masterpiece has been entirely renovated into 26 contemporary, refined and spacious suites while creating a home-away-from home feeling. It boasts an exceptional location on the shore of Leman’s Lake.
What is your favorite place to have coffee in the morning on property?
I particularly enjoy Le Jardinier where breakfast is served for our guests. The pastry basket by our talented pastry chef Titouan Claudet is not to be missed. Le Jardinier has two verandas with balconies and they offer magnificent views of the lake and the surrounding Alps. There is no better way to kick your day off.
Do you have any secret places around the hotel?
It would be our cigar lounge, located in the former bank’s vault. It’s called the “Fumoir Al Capone” and name refers to the to the “speakeasy” during the Prohibition time in the USA in the early 20`s. It is a very intimate space, which is only open to resident guests and The Woodward Fitness Club members. Our guests can enjoy their cigar and a wide selection of spirits recommended and served by our Woodward Bar team.
What are some examples of The Woodward’s social responsibility commitment?
The Woodward is consistent with the vision of the Oetker Collection, which is based on four pillars such as Human rights, Environmental Awareness, Responsible consumption, and Sustainable Community.
Our Green Committee, whose name is Greenward, made up of 10 employees representing each department of the hotel, meets regularly, organizing and initiating several activities. Our Spa Guerlain is committed to preserving biodiversity, innovating sustainably in full transparency, acting for the climate, creating a positive social impact while safeguarding the wonders of nature.
A key initiative we have in place is that Chef Olivier Jean favors local sourcing. He has carefully selected local producers respecting an ethical chart or applying the principles of sustainable agriculture. The eggs, for instance, come from a small farm less than 7 km from the hotel. We also offer our guests the opportunity to participate in our Giving Bag program and donate unwanted belongings to a charity through a partnership with Geneva Red Cross association.
These are only a few examples of what has already been put in place and we look forward to implementing more.
Where is the postcard shot on property?
The magnificent landscape from our lake-view Suites, overlooking French Alps, le “jet-d’eau”. Imagine enjoying breakfast or dinner with this breathtaking view either from the Suite or from Le Jardinier.
Can you tell us about the culinary concepts and what is your favorite dish?
L'Atelier Robuchon, the restaurant’s first Swiss location, is the hotel’s culinary crown jewel, dazzling Guests with an unparalleled performance and an unforgettable meal. The restaurant was awarded its first Michelin star in November 2022.
From their seats around a 36-person counter, guests can watch every move of Olivier Jean, Executive Chef, and his talented team. Le Jardinier offers cuisine that is both accessible and refined, according to the concept of Michelin-starred Chef Alain Verzeroli.
All seasons bring outstanding products and fragrances. I love to discover the local delicacies such as trout, arctic char, mushrooms, Swiss beef and lamb from the region, which are beautifully executed by Olivier Jean, Executive Chef, and his Team.
What is the one treatment not to miss at the spa?
The hotel’s 1,200 square metre spa includes the Guerlain Spa at The Woodward – it is the first Guerlain spa in Switzerland - and a 21-metre indoor swimming pool – the longest in Geneva. There is a state-of-the-art gym, two saunas, two steam-rooms, two Swedish baths and a hot tub. Guests are able to enjoy exclusive treatments by Guerlain across six wellness suites, including one for couples.
Not to be missed is the Guerlain tailor-made treatment, sustained by an approach that goes back more than 80 years. Infinite personalization, an extraordinary, highly specialized experience: fine combinations of Guerlain products, innovative gestures, rituals derived from know-how of the greatest Eastern and Western masters.
The treatment begins with a meeting, during which the Guerlain Beauty Expert discusses all subjects relating to wellness: including nutrition, physical activity, level of fatigue and stress. This exchange allows her to design perfect pairings for the face and body and meet specific needs rather than simply performing pre-established protocols. At any time, your treatment can be modified and adapted as you wish. Guerlain takes you far beyond the realm of just skincare.
What are you most proud of at The Woodward?
Since the opening, the sophisticated local market has honored us with their presence in our restaurants and spa while a discerning international clientele has enjoyed the Suites. The coordinated effort and continuous dedication of our Hoteliers has been instrumental in positioning The Woodward in the luxury arena.
What are you most excited about for 2023 and beyond?
The global outlook is very promising. We are thrilled to further enhance our value proposition with new projects, which will be disclosed shortly, that will enhance our guests’ experience. Still, we look forward to welcoming an international Clientele which has not been able to travel in the last months.
What do you want the Four Hundred member to know?
The Woodward is a true Masterpiece, a unique property in Geneva`s lakeside of haute living.
The Woodward’s lakefront location benefits from panoramic views of the water and the French Alps, including Mont Blanc, 21 suites present a full lake view and the remaining 5 offer its own unique character by way of individual design details and signature flourishes — from curated interiors and original artwork to gas fireplaces and fully equipped experience bars.
The Masterpiece is just 20 minutes by car from Geneva International Airport and a 10-minute drive from the Geneva Cornavin railway station. The hotel is located within close distance to the old town, Jardin Anglais and the Rue du Rhone shopping district.
For such a compact city, it has a truly impressive array of world-class cultural institutions. MAMCO is Switzerland’s largest contemporary gallery; the Musée d’Ethnographie has over 1,000 global diverse artefacts, and, of course, the Patek Philippe Museum is a real must for watch aficionados. A personal favorite of mine is the Musée Fondation Zoubov. It was originally built in 1723 for an affluent French-Huguenot refugee and later become the home to an Argentinian heiress and her aristocratic Russian husband. Together they collected over 525 classified pieces reflect the art, objects and furniture from 18th century Europe. The house itself is fascinating and akin to a living museum.
Geneva is a welcoming and surprising city where people enjoy a unique quality of life. It is a place where culture, international organizations, lakeside incredible spots, wide green parks come together with the medieval History, the Protestant Reformation and the most stunning innovations in science. A vibrant melting pot to be discovered and loved.
Contributor — Four Hundred by Design