Three times lucky - In Geneva

Sleeping when and for how long I want, having a club sandwich with crispy fries sent up to my room at midnight, and watching football on this huge retractable TV screen until my eyes burn. What’s more, I have the proud four square metres of the king-size bed all to myself – a majestic creation made from down and satin. Shoes off, I let myself fall onto the soft splendour of the bed, roll from left to right, stuff all the cushions behind my back and connect my smartphone to the Bluetooth speaker. Next up, I load my bossa nova playlist and then look at the wonderfully tidy, if not perfectionistically prepared surroundings, crowned by a bowl of fruit on the coffee table with the resplendently yellow Thai mango surrounded by glowing red strawberries and redcurrants.

Ah, the joys of being alone in a luxurious hotel! Who could resist the magic of a spacious marble bath with heavy terry towels and a glass of wonderfully fragrant salt crystals on the bath shelf? Outside, in the dressing room, there are two different bathrobes, one made of thick terry towelling, the other of light lined satin.

It never ceases to amaze me how often some people save money on themselves when they travel alone. The hotel becomes solely accommodation, comfort is put on the back burner, you don’t want to live there, all you want is a bed while you try to practise financial discipline with the single room key in your hand. ‘Single room’ – even the word sounds like an old Gameboy that has been forgotten in a dusty corner.

"Travelling alone as a solitary pleasure in the midst of togetherness."

To be honest, I see things completely differently. Particularly, when I’m travelling alone, I always book the largest, brightest, best-furnished suite possible, where I can feel like I’m in an elegant intermezzo and not in a tragicomedy where the main character isn’t in the right place at the right time. Once you’ve settled into your room, it’s time for the next highlight of the evening, the fine dining restaurant. You take a seat at a table, which actually has at least four places set for a group get-together and watch the hustle and bustle around you. Couples immersed in intimate moments of togetherness, business professionals engaging in strategic negotiations – and you?

You become the spectator of a theatre show in which only you play the leading role for yourself. Bridging the breaks between courses is one of the biggest challenges. What are you supposed to do? Lapse into a kind of meditative half-sleep with your gaze turned inwards? Fold your napkin into different shapes or read a novel? There are no hard and fast rules.

After dinner, it’s only a short walk to the bar. In the past, I’ve made the most wonderful acquaintances on such occasions: watch collectors, jungle researchers, urologists to name but a few. As carefree as I am, I order the ‘signature cocktail’, usually a helpful conversation opener about international customs and traditions.

Checking out the next morning? Tears run down my face – I wish I could have been my own guest a little longer. One of the greatest joys of travelling alone is the freedom of choice. No compromises, no discussions about whether a museum or the beach is on the agenda today – it’s just me and what I want!

Who would have thought that eating alone in a new restaurant could be such a liberating experience. You choose the restaurant, you choose the food and you savour every second as you sample culinary delights and maybe even try the best wine on the menu. And yes, sometimes you enjoy the looks from other guests who wonder why you’re alone while they’re luxuriating in cosy togetherness. 

Words Thomas garms