This post is sponsored by FRHI Hotels & Resorts. It’s important that the hotels I stay in have healthy options on their in-room dining and restaurant menus. And, I may even choose a hotel based on its wellness offerings. Swissôtel, a group of luxury hotels and resorts globally, has a motto of “Live It Well,” reflecting the brand’s focus on health and well-being.

Before my workout today, I whipped up their recipe for a Bircher Drink, which is basically a healthy, lactose-free bircher muesli smoothie that is perfect for breakfast or a snack. It took just a few minutes to make and I tackled bootcamp with ease during a time of day that I’m usually sluggish. It’s how Swissôtel wants its guests to feel… energized, productive and happy.

Swissôtel’s Vitality

Healthy smoothies and juices from Swissotel's Vitality program.

As you may have guessed, Swissôtel has Swiss roots. It’s a country where people live with vitality through eating well in addition to hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities. This is the basis behind Swissôtel’s Vitality Program to ensure guests feel as good while traveling as they do at home.

Healthy, Delicious Food and Drink

Wouldn’t you love to have this at a hotel buffet?

Healthy dining from the Vitality offerings at Swissotel

In addition to in-room cards with a series of hotel room exercises, jogging maps, and other fitness accessories available for guest use, food and drink menus certainly reflect the Vitality philosophy.

Swissôtel’s Vitality dishes include lactose-free, gluten-free, and nut-free options in addition to a nutritional breakdown. I dare say the food looks fantastic. I love the colors and presentation.

Healthy menu choices from the Swissotel Vitality menu.

Food can make or break a hotel stay for me. I like to sample local cuisine on property and off, but during the times I need to balance a little excess (local wine, cheese and sweets are certainly up my alley) a smoothie, fresh juice or tasty salad is definitely in order.

Bircher Drink: Like A Bircher Muesli Smoothie

Bircher muesli is a perfect example of a dish I first tasted during travels in Hong Kong, of all places. Now, I order it wherever I go and am a huge fan of making overnight oat combinations at home that are similar in taste.

A delicious bircher muesli smoothie recipe courtesy of Swissotel

When I saw Swissôtel’s Bircher Drink recipe and had to try it. I skipped the honey because the banana I used was extra ripe. The recipe does not call for ice but you could add it, if you like.

Recipe: Healthy Bircher Drink Recipe from Swissotel

Ingredients

200ml soy milk
1/2 banana
10ml honey
7 bar spoons oat flakes (7 tsp of oatmeal)
1-2 bar spoons pine nuts (1-2 tsp)
banana chips for garnish

Instructions

Place all in a blender with the exception of the banana chips, which are used for garnish.
I would say that you could add a cup of ice if you wanted to slow sip a smoothie.

Notes

Recipe is courtesy of Swissotel

Juicing for Every Type of Holiday

In addition to the delicious Bircher Drink, a variety of juice options grace their menus. The other thing that I absolutely love is this infographic regarding different fresh juice combinations to help keep travelers healthy.

If given the option, I’ll order a fresh green juice with my breakfast especially after a long haul flight when I have jet lag. It does help.

The good news is that those with a juicer can make these tasty drinks at home any time.

How do you stay healthy while traveling?

Katie Dillon is the managing editor of La Jolla Mom. She helps readers plan San Diego vacations through her hotel expertise (that stems from living in a Four Seasons hotel) and local connections. Readers have access to exclusive discounts on theme park tickets (like Disneyland and San Diego Zoo) and perks at luxury hotels worldwide through her. She also shares insider tips for visiting major cities worldwide, like Hong Kong, London, Paris, and Shanghai, that her family has either lived in or visits regularly (or both).