When you picture a holiday in Switzerland, chalets in the alps and cosy fireplaces tend to spring to mind. But the country’s wellness offerings go above and beyond a simple ski break.
From luxury spas to leading medical resorts, there’s something for every type of wellness traveller to enjoy. Struggling to narrow down your search? We’ve put together a list of some of our favourite luxury wellness retreats in Switzerland to help you on your way
Clinique la Prairie
Since opening its doors in 1931, Clinique la Prairie has developed a reputation as one of the best luxury wellness retreats in Switzerland and one of the world’s leading medical spas. Housed in the Alpine village of Verbier, the resort counts more than 50 doctors among its staff, ensuring wellness visitors receive the best care possible. Its five-night Revitalisation programmes are inclusive of accommodation, nutritious meals and limousine service, while the key aim of the programme is to boost your immune system, improve both physical and emotional wellbeing and to leave you feeling like your youthful self.
Grand Resort Bad Ragaz
Built around the ancient Tamina Gorge in the 200-year-old spa town of Ragaz, the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz is renowned as one of the top luxury wellness retreats in Switzerland.
A comprehensive medical health centre and spa, the retreat focuses on holistic healing using clinical, science-backed therapies in its 80,000-square-foot facility, the largest in Switzerland. Specialising in therapeutic thermal spa treatments, like thalassotherapy and beauty rituals using the natural detoxifying and purifying qualities of the thermal spring water.
Alpina Gstaad
Alpina Gstaad is a boutique luxury property overlooking a small ski village in Gstaad, Switzerland. With just 56 rooms and suites, intimacy and privacy are of the utmost importance here. The hotels on-site Six Senses spa offers a wide range of relaxing, restorative retreats. Its five-day Mountain Detox programme is inclusive of accommodation and select meals, numerous detoxifying massages and treatments, a pampering experience in the hotel’s traditional Hammam and a colonic cleanse.
La Reserve Geneva
This five-star hotel and spa on Lake Geneva is housed on 10-acres of private property, granting it a unique sense of privacy and intimacy despite its central location. Each month, it hosts yoga retreats led by acclaimed yoga teacher and life coach Jeff Grant. Two-night retreats are inclusive of accommodation, sound baths, yoga and meditation workshops and guided walks, all with the aim of providing relief from your daily stresses and pressures.
The Dolder Grand
Perched on a hill overlooking Zurich, The Dolder Grand is a regal looking property that has a history dating back over a century. Known to have been frequented by royals in the fifties and sixties, it has since undergone a large-scale restoration and reopened in 2008.
Today, it retains its old-world charm while proving itself to be an innovative facility, boasting a Michelin two-starred restaurant and a new wing designed by renowned pioneering architect Lord Norman Foster. The resort holds seasonal retreats ranging from restorative yoga to mindful running and more, with guest retreat leaders from around the world.
Tschuggen Grand Hotel
The Tschuggen Grand Hotel offers a range of spa and wellness-focused retreats, but its Spa Week retreat offers visitors a sampling of everything on offer. Seven-night retreats are inclusive of accommodation and select meals, a facial, massage, manicure and pedicure, and the piece-de-resistance: access to the Tschuggen Bergoase.
The resort’s 5,000-square-metre wellness facility was designed by acclaimed architect Mario Botta. Featuring glass sails flooded with light, dedicated relaxation spaces, an outdoor pool and terrace, plus access to a wide range of sport and fitness programming, you’re guaranteed to leave feeling restored.
By Amanda Sheppard