Relaxation and wellness in Switzerland: thermal resorts, sanatoriums and clinics
Few things are as relaxing, or as well suited to autumn and winter weather, as a visit to a thermal resort. In these “places of power”, warm mineral water gives your body a boost of health and your spirit fresh inspiration. Thermal resorts can restore your peace of mind, renew your skin and improve your overall well-being.
Where should you go when body and soul need rest and renewal? We explain in this article.
Switzerland: a mecca for spa and wellness travel
You will find thermal resorts and sanatoriums throughout Switzerland. For centuries, Switzerland has been known for its mineral-rich healing waters. They are usually found in wonderfully scenic locations, as the country lies in an environmentally pristine region of mountains, forests and clear lakes.
Switzerland is without doubt one of the favourite destinations for travellers who prefer a quality holiday in nature while keeping every comfort of luxury service.
Switzerland also offers its guests the very best in medical travel alongside classic tourism: treatment, rehabilitation and wellness in Switzerland are of the highest standard.
The thermal springs of Baden
Not to be confused with its namesake Baden-Baden in Germany. The spa town of Baden in Switzerland is a historic destination and one of the oldest spa resorts in Europe. The ancient Romans built the first baths in Baden after discovering the healing properties of its eighteen local sulphur springs.
The whole town of Baden is one large health spa.
There is a wide choice of ways to relax for every taste, from whirlpool and steam baths to a detox in the sauna or a cooling ice room.
Leukerbad — the largest spa resort on the slopes of the Alps
Leukerbad is a renowned Swiss resort in the heart of the Alps, offering 10 thermal baths with temperatures from 28°C to 43°C. Other facilities include a Japanese-style whirlpool, whirlpool baths and a cold-water pool. The spa uses water from its own private springs, which produce more than 3.9 million litres of hot, mineral-rich water every day.
Leukerbad is an ideal choice for a family holiday. The resort has many hotels and apartments for every budget.
Leukerbad is a charming small village in the canton of Valais. The region is famous for its hiking trails and Lake Daubensee. Once you have visited, you will want to return.
Bad Ragaz — the jewel of Switzerland’s thermal resorts
An hour’s drive from Zurich, one of Europe’s most famous wellness centres, Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, reopened in 2019 after renovation.
The historic Grand Hôtel Quellenhof is part of the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz complex: it is where the history of Swiss medical tourism began in 1869. The hotel has its own thermal spring. The public baths of the luxurious 8,000 m² Tamina Therme spa are a true architectural masterpiece.
The atmosphere is created by cherrywood furniture, marble mosaics, embossed leather and blown-glass lamps and chandeliers. The hotel has 267 rooms, including five suites. Guests have access to two golf courses and a casino.
In 2019 the resort received the prestigious World Spa & Wellness Award. The complex enjoys a unique location: within a 15-minute walk lies the area’s main natural attraction, the Tamina Gorge with its picturesque grottoes. And it is a quiet place: Bad Ragaz is visited mainly by discerning Swiss and German holidaymakers.
Gstaad — relaxation favoured by royalty
Gstaad, in the Swiss Alps in the canton of Bern, is perhaps best known as an exclusive ski resort favoured by royalty and other celebrities. It is also a place of healing springs and spas where you can indulge in true luxury.
Here you will find an eco-hotel and spa that combines contemporary design with Gstaad’s typical chalet style. It is best known for its Six Senses Spa. The name speaks for itself. You can enjoy every kind of massage, indoor and outdoor pools and spiritual healing sessions. Even in the bedrooms you will find pillows scented with essential oils and embroidered with the word “zen”.
Park Hotel Vitznau — a Swiss fairy tale
Park Hotel Vitznau is set on the most idyllic stretch of Lake Lucerne. It is one of the largest and most modern spa resorts in central Switzerland.
The 100-year-old building has been renovated to the latest standards to offer guests the very best in beautiful surroundings. You will find several saunas, a steam bath, an ice grotto and a heated outdoor pool with breathtaking views of Lake Lucerne.
The nearest airport is Zurich. From there, Vitznau is about an hour away by bus or train.
Beyond the resorts: childbirth and dentistry in Switzerland
Alongside wellness, medical travellers from all over the world come to Switzerland for services such as childbirth and aesthetic dentistry.
Switzerland is one of the most popular countries in Europe for pregnancy care and delivery. Giving birth in Switzerland means complete safety and expert handling of cases of any complexity. Switzerland’s beautiful nature and clean environment have a positive effect on the health and state of mind of the mother-to-be, helping her prepare for one of the most important moments of her life.
In Swiss clinics, expectant mothers receive comprehensive care and attention. Above all, Switzerland makes childbirth as comfortable as possible for the woman.
Why medical travellers should choose Switzerland: the standard of medicine and rehabilitation centres in Switzerland
As a place for treatment or rehabilitation, Switzerland is one of the most popular destinations in Europe.
Patients of Swiss clinics are assured of excellent service and have access to the most modern treatment methods, innovative technologies and the finest doctors in Western Europe.
Swiss clinics have professors and senior medical doctors on their staff. In Swiss clinics you will also find comfortable private rooms that feel more like suites in a five-star hotel.
According to international rankings compiled by Western media, Swiss medicine remains one of the most advanced healthcare systems in the world. Feedback from medical travellers from around the world confirms this.
