Travelle goes to Geneva with Jennifer Jump
Tell us little bit about yourself
As the product of expat parents from the UK & US, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to have been born and raised in Switzerland. I attended the international school of Geneva followed by studies in hospitality management, to later go onto specialising in luxury management and guest experience. I’ve always been passionate about the service industry and travel which is how I started my career at Aero in semi-private aviation. I love to discover new cultures and have a fascination for the different foods and customs countries have to offer.
What do we not know about Geneva that a female traveller would want to know about?
It’s SAFE. Switzerland is known for its safety and cleanliness which I think is incredibly important as a solo female traveller. Geneva is also extremely well connected with public transport making it super easy to get around independently or even go to other destinations such as mountain resorts or even cities like Paris and Milan (download the SBB & TPG apps).
It’s International, Geneva is the headquarters of many of the world's organisations attracting people from everywhere making it a stimulating environment. It’s a great city to meet people because it’s also a place of transit, most people you meet will speak multiple languages so it’s quite easy to communicate even if you don’t speak French!
Though we are usually behind North America in trends, Geneva is becoming a lot more innovative and offering a variation of activities, restaurants and bars which keep the city dynamic.
If you like luxury, The Geneva shopping scene around Rue du Rhone along the lake is great. They just opened a brand new Dior store which is a work of art in itself with its striking architectural building!
How would you describe the local street style? How much does it differ from what you’d wear in North America?
Geneva definitely has some French influence as people are effortlessly sophisticated. It’s more of a muted understated elegance. There's a great page on Instagram which depicts the style called Genevoisingeneva. I would say a big difference is that we have very defined seasons which means more diverse wardrobes and styles since we go from snow to swimming in the lake in summer! I would also say that athleisure is only starting to become acceptable as a street style now whereas in North America it’s considered the norm.
What is the general dress code for business meetings and events?
Since Switzerland is strongly rooted in hospitality schools , the standards are high, and you are expected to adhere to the classic corporate aesthetic in most business scenarios.
Where should we go for a girl’s night out in Geneva?
Eaux-Vives is a vibrant neighbourhood known for its bars and restaurants. It’s a great place as everything is centralised to a few streets making it walkable. There are a variety of cuisines & types of bars to choose from on the same street called Rue - Henri Blanvalet . My current favorite is the 21 which is great for “apéro” or after work drinks.
Another option would be to head into the old town and go to the bar La Clémence, they have great cocktails and the atmosphere is more casual and laid back.
If you want something more up-scale and with a view, head to the Metropole rooftop or Rooftop42 which are most enjoyable during the warmer months.
What is the best beauty souvenir that we should buy on our trip to Geneva?
I would say a Valmont face cream is a staple , or a watch if you really feel like treating yourself!
What are your favourite restaurants with healthy options?
For a quick on the go I would say el salad or gloo gloo Geneva. You can also head to the Confederation center food court as they offer a variety of delicious options which can be tailored to healthy.
What is the most popular activity in Geneva to stay fit while travelling?
Most people like to run since we are blessed with beautiful scenery. However, there are plenty of gyms and studios if you want a more intense workout. My current favourite is YogaFlame, they offer a range of classes at different times and are really tailored to sculpting the female body!
Where would you recommend that your best female friend stays while in town?
The Woodward in Geneva is relatively new and very central. It would be a great place as you can easily walk anywhere in the city. They have great gym and spa facilities and even open their memberships to locals which could be a great opportunity to meet people.
La Rèserve is less central but worthwhile if you're looking for a relaxing getaway. They have an incredible property which offers a different more countryside feel and their spa treatments are often raved about by locals.
