Blessed with numerous thermal springs and known for its tradition of lifestyle, wellness, health, and beauty care, Switzerland is the ideal country to pamper yourself in. Once we are over the pandemic we all currently have to live through — with its severe restrictions, which often include the closure of gyms, beauty salons, and hotels with spas — we’ll all crave some serious indulgence to recover, and Switzerland is the place to go.
The Romans already knew about Switzerland’s thermal baths and springs, therefore some of the spas we are telling you about have been popular for centuries. Others are new and more modern, but all, in addition to the latest treatments in luxurious surroundings, are located in the most spectacular regions of Switzerland. What could be better than combining health and wellness with excursions to mountains, valleys, and picturesque towns and landscapes? Throw in some great architecture, a glass or two of the famous Swiss wines paired with some equally famous cheeses, and the spas we have chosen for you represent the ultimate in luxury, health, and soul-soothing nature.
1. Atrium Hotel Blume In Baden
Located on the left bank of the River Limmat, just 16 miles northwest of Zurich, the town of Baden has been known for its healing springs for 2000 years. The Romans already knew about the benefits of the hot sulfur springs, no less than 18 of them, in this location that has the highest concentration of minerals in the water in all of Switzerland. The family-owned Atrium Hotel Blume, which has been in operation since 1421, offers you a great variety of treatments making use of the healing waters in an atmosphere that is very welcoming but not super luxurious like some of the others we’ll talk about later. A little treat for instance for couples is a candlelight dinner in the Roman Bath. A brand new thermal spa, hotel, and facility, designed by renowned architect Mario Botta, is currently under construction and will bring a new Baden Thermal experience to visitors.
Enjoy the lovely medieval town of the canton Aargau in this German-speaking part of Switzerland, which will surprise you with such very different places as the hangman’s house and the casino.
The nearest international airport is in Zurich from where frequent trains and buses run the short distance to Baden.
2. The Alpina Gstaad
Gstaad in the Swiss Alps in canton Bern may be best known as an exclusive ski resort favored by royalty and other celebrities, but it’s also a place with healing springs and a spa where you can pamper yourself in utter luxury. The Alpina Gstaad is an eco-friendly hotel and spa, combining contemporary design with the typical Gstaad chalet style. What it’s best known for is the Six Senses Spa. The name is already self-explanatory. You can enjoy all kinds of massages, indoor and outdoor pools, beauty treatments, and spiritual healing sessions. This even extends to your bedroom, where you’ll find essential oil cushions and Zen messages on your pillow.
If you come in winter, you can ski; come in the summer and there are plenty of hikes, and at any time, you have the view of the majestic Alps.
3. The Chedi Andermatt
Located in the center of the Saint Gotthard Massif, the small village of Andermatt sits at a distance of approximately 75 miles from Zurich, surrounded by woods and mountains. If you want to experience Asian healing The Chedi Andermatt is the ideal spa for you. Opened in 2013, this luxury hotel and spa combines pure Zen with contemporary design and Swiss hospitality. Indulge in the Hydrotherapy Oasis with hot pools, Asian massages, the latest beauty treatments, and saunas. Swing by the extremely stylish Tasoni fashion boutique before your next session or venture out to explore the village or go for a relaxing walk.
4. Mineralbad And Spa Rigi Kaltbad
It doesn’t get more spectacular than a spa located on a mountain top — Mount Rigi, overlooking Lake Lucerne. Maybe that’s why people have come to Rigi Kaltbad for over 600 years. The spa has several parts: a mineral spa with indoor and outdoor pools and herbal steam baths and a crystal spa where you float in warm water, looking up through the skylights. The healing waters come from the Three Sisters Spring and well.
The Mineralbad is not a hotel, but they have partnered with next-door Hotel Rigi Kaltbad, so you can stay there and just go across. It’s not easy to reach Rigi Kaltbad, but a great adventure all by itself. From Lucerne, make your way to Weggis and then take the Rigi Cablecar. From the top station, it’s an easy walk to Rigi Kaltbad, the spa, and the hotel.
5. The Dolder Grand Zurich
The Dolder Grand Hotel in Zurich is already a legend. Now, after four years of intense renovation lead by Sir Norman Foster, the 43,000 square feet of spa surpass themselves. An oasis of relaxation and rejuvenation awaits you, with an extensive indoor pool, whirlpools, saunas, and an ice room. The latest beauty treatments and massages round out the picture of perfect pampering, all with views over Lake Zurich and green forests The hotel’s limousines will take you on the 10-minute ride into Zurich for some serious shopping and sightseeing, and the exquisite restaurant looks after your stomach and palate. For art lovers, there is an art collection to admire including a statue by Botero. Just bear in mind that all that luxury comes at a stiff price.
6. Leukerbad-Therme Leukerbad
Leukerbad is the largest spa resort in Switzerland with 10 thermal baths, and it’s also the most family-friendly. It’s located in the canton Valois, the French-speaking part of the country. Leukerbad, Loeche des Bains in French, is easily reached by train or bus from Geneva. On offer are Japanese-style hot baths, whirlpools, and massages. The nearest hotel is Hotel Viktoria Leukerbad which partners with the spa. It’s a rather simple but very clean family-owned hotel in the Swiss chalet style but they just love kids, which is why we have included it here. It’s the perfect pick if you want to pamper the family.
7. 7132 Hotel Vals
For even more pampering in luxury, make your way to Vals, deep in the Vals valley in the canton Graubuenden. The village is small, but its fame for healing waters comes from springs, called Valser springs, which come straight out of the earth and land in the fabulous 7132 Hotel and Spa. In case you wondered, the hotel’s name comes from the postcode of Vals. The marvelous contemporary architecture, created by Peter Zumthor, will catch your eye first. Next is the spa, which follows a holistic spa concept. Indoor pools, outdoor pools, whirlpools, massages, you name it. The special 7132 Therme offers numerous treatments. If you want more privacy, there is even a wing with private spa suites. From every room and angle, you’ll have a fantastic view of the mountains and the quaint village.
In addition, Michelin star chef Mitja Birlo prepares elegant and healthy meals from as many local ingredients as possible, paired with the finest wines. The luxury doesn’t end here.
The nearest airports to Vals are Zurich or Milan at a distance of between 4 and 5 hours by car, train, or bus. The pampered guests of 7132 though can make use of the hotel’s helicopter or limousines! They will even arrange flights over the Alps, or you can go and explore Vals and admire the old houses in the square, roofed with stone tiles made from Vals quartzite, the same unique material used for the hotel and spa.
8. Park Hotel Vitznau
Located at the most idyllic part of Lake Lucerne, the Park Hotel Vitznau is one of the largest and most modern spa resorts in central Switzerland. The 100-year-old building has been renovated to the highest, most modern standard to offer guests the very best in beautiful surroundings. You’ll find several saunas, a steam bath, an ice grotto, and a heated infinity outdoor pool with eye-catching views of Lake Lucerne.
The nearest airport is in Zurich. From there, you’ll reach Vitznau in approximately one hour via bus or train. Vitzau is a popular holiday resort at the foot of the Rigi mountain. Why not explore the village or take a trip up to the mountain on the Rigi train.
Fun Fact: In times past, visitors had to be carried up in sedan chairs.
Pro Tips
Nudity in the spas’ saunas, which is quite common in neighboring Germany, is not permitted in any of the resorts in Switzerland. When planning your trip, bear in mind that Switzerland is expensive and so are the spas. The currency is the Swiss Franc.
Going to Switzerland? Read up on 5 Reasons To Spend 72 Hours In Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland, plus How To Spend A Day In Basel.