Forbes: 5 Swiss Luxury Hotels with Outstanding Spas

Nel-Olivia Waga
November 10, 2015
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Bildschirmfoto 2015-11-07 um 09.09.35

http://www.forbes.com/sites/neloliviawaga/2015/11/06/the-art-of-relaxing-5-swiss-luxury-hotels-with-outstanding-spas/

Switzerland is not only known for its beautiful Alps, a culture of appreciation for the understated, but also for its quality of living. These components, when brought together in a hotel, paired with exceptional luxury, contemporary design and high-end service are the most key to create an outrageous holiday experience.

When it’s cold and windy outside, it’s the perfect occasion to cuddle up in front of a fire place, after having spent the day floating in spring water pools, balancing one’s body and soul at private yoga classes or massage rituals. November is my favorite month to indulge in some real quality time at luxury mountain resorts and their spas. The weather is often rainy and there is no distraction from outside activities or sightseeing tours. You can stay at the hotel all day and take advantage of the wide range of indoor activities it has to offer, without the fear of missing out on exploring the city.

Five of the top Swiss luxury resorts host exceptional spas which are not only a “Wow” for body and soul, but also for the eye.

The Dolder Grand Zurich

Top Five Swiss Luxury Resorts With Outstanding Spas

Architect Norman Foster and Luxury Spa Designer Sylvia Sepielli created a piece of art for relaxation by playing with Japanese simplicity, Swiss elements and reflections of light. The spa area features a black-tiled contemporary indoor pool area with a huge window front and long curved stone walls. The outdoor area, offers a heated whirlpool with stunning city views. Contrasts are set in the sauna area, such as Japanese Kotatsu footbaths and a Swiss snow paradise. Modern, energizing relaxation areas and a golden-mirrored meditation room invite you to stay all day – which many guests do.

The spa of the multi-award-winning luxury city-resort The Dolder Grand is not only a top choice for international guests, it’s a hotspot catering to sophisticated locals and an exclusive group of spa club members (who are selected by a committee).

Parkhotel Vitznau

Parkhotel Vitznau Pool Spa

When entering the modern luxury castle, the main hall welcomes you looking straight ahead on Lake Lucerne. This heavenly view continues at the spa. A 21m long and 9m wide heated infinity pool with surrounding lake and mountain landscape views make you melt and feel like being in heaven. The inside has a modern black and white color scheme, clear lines and shapes surround the wellness oasis. Another attraction is the huge saltwater aquarium that stretches from floor to ceiling and covers an entire wall. For these reasons the hotel is being particularly favored for weddings, honeymoons and romantic celebrations. The Parkhotel Vitznau offers an intimate Private Spa Suite with special treatments, of course.

The Alpina Gstaad

the alpina gstaad

Six Senses Spa. Three words that make a statement. The exclusive and limited brand is being discovered in the most beautiful and unique places of the world and is known for offering the highest quality of spa experience. In a luxury chalet atmosphere, surrounded by the Swiss Alps, The Alpina Gstaad hosts one of these Six Senses Spas, which offers customized treatments, special and rebalancing therapy programs, such as a “Tibetan Healing Retreat”. The mission of this therapy is to believe in the wholeness and interdependence of the body, mind and nature and the five elements of earth, fire, water, air and space as the common and fundamental principles shared by the body.

A dip into the heated outdoor pool while it’s snowing outside, makes you feel re-energized and reconnected with nature. The floating, salt and color therapy rooms are three of the 12 special rooms, that you should not miss out during your stay. After your spa day, you relax in heated water beds or in front of your suite’s own fireplace.

7132 Hotel Vals

Peter Zumthor Thermal Bath Vals

7132 is not only the post code of the Swiss municipality Vals – it is also the promise of a world where time does not exist. Those looking for tranquility and peace without compromise will find it at 7132 Hotel. 

In the quiet village with just 1,000 inhabitants, star architects of worldwide fame have created a monument of simplicity. Each room and suite of the hotel was designed by a Pritzker-Architecture-Prize winner. Same for the thermal bath of the hotel. Swiss architect Peter Zumthor has created a space, where minimalistic architecture sets a statement for peace and tranquility. The luxury lies in the simplicity of the structure and the spaciousness of the interior. Zumthor has used Valser quarzit, a local stone, for the spa and with it created a cavernous atmosphere in which time does not seem to exist. The overstimulation of everyday is the exact opposite of the 7132 and its minimalist feel. Here, the definition of wellness and health is: Have lots of time and to take time for yourself. Natural spring water is known for its healing effects. Health and nature are important factors for 7132. The hotel’s Michelin-starred chef creates healthy and delicious dishes with fresh seasonal herbs that are hand-picked daily at the hotel’s own gardens and fields. The spa menu contains medical therapies, massages and relaxing treatments but also offers “A walk in the park”.

The Chedi Andermatt

The Chedi Andermatt Spa

Asian luxury meets a Swiss ski resort. The Chedi Andermatt is GHM’s first Swiss property that opened its doors about two years ago for the first time. Renowned architect Jean-Michel Gathy created a cosy yet visually striking atmosphere paired with elegant design, while using warm woods and natural stone – with more than 190 fireplace elements throughout the hotel and spa. A breathtakingly designed 35m indoor pool with Alps views is the centerpiece of the 2400 square meter spa and wellness area. Fit, organic and bio are key. Yoga and Pilates classes, personal training sessions and a state-of-art techno gym specials will keep your heart, body and mind fit for the day. After, you can detox in a bio sauna or warm up in an organic sol steam bath or simply cozy up in a lounge and enjoy a warm organic tea.

HER/etiquette

Founded in 2014, re-launched in 2019 – by Nel-Olivia Waga. It is an international luxury lifestyle blog, that features stories under the aspect of a conscious mindset. It collaborates with leading brands and specialists who share the idea of generating a positive impact in the world. Based in Zurich and London, it covers local hotspots and global trends around sustainability, innovation, well-being, health, beauty, travel, time, art, business and charity.

Nel-Olivia Waga is the Founder & Publisher of HER/etiquette. She is a Brand Consultant, an Author and Entrepreneur, most passionate about well-being, travel, nature and art. Her work can regularly be seen in her column on FORBES. Her consultancy YMPACT LAB, creates innovative marketing projects for luxury brands based on passion, purpose and sustainable impact.

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This is our first step in contributing to the global movement of creating a more positive impact in the world – and in you.

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CONSCIOUS LUXURY

#ConsciousLuxury is the theme of HER/etiquette. We combine luxury lifestyle with consciousness. Each story we share, is underlined with values. The purpose and innovation of the brands we collaborate with, are as important to us, as their initiatives towards ethical craftsmanship, sustainability, holistic health and social responsibility.

This is our first step in contributing to the global movement of creating a more positive impact in the world – and in you.

PLANT TREES WITH US

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