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Graubünden

In recent years, the leafy valleys of Graubünden have grabbed the imagination of wellness tourists seeking something bold, exciting and new.

Snow trails of Diavolezza

Here, a world away from traffic congestion, parking woes, tooting horns and spewing fumes, the ethos of tranquillity reigns supreme. Calming dips can be enjoyed in the sensual warm waters of spas in a wide variety of guises, from old-style bathhouse buildings and modern wellness centres to some of Europe’s most stunning, sumptuously appointed architect-designed iconic landmark structures.

Restful Alpine Splendour

Set in the peaceful Schanfigg Valley at an altitude of around 1,800m (5,905ft) above sea level, Arosa benefits from an imposing mountainscape dominated by dramatic frosted peaks. A famous Alpine health resort since 1877 because of its pure air and sheltered, sunny location, Arosa is free from transit traffic and is accessible by the Swiss railroad from Chur or by car along 365 hairpin bends and through several mountain tunnels.

Arosa is home to the gorgeous, deluxe Bergoase Spa at the Tschuggen Grand Hotel (see page 35), designed by highly regarded Swiss architect Mario Botta. This spa is every inch the Alpine oasis. Built from white granite and rich, honeyed woods, this mountain paradise makes spectacular use of reflecting light and water. Splash around in the Arosa rock grotto, relax in the whirlpool or luxuriate in a high-tech sauna before cooling down after an afternoon on the sun terrace with a bracing ice shower and chill-out session. Choose therapies à la carte or opt for a short-stay package, such as the three-day H2O Deluxe in a private suite with sauna, steam bath and whirlpool.

Famous throughout Switzerland for its moonlight skiing in winter, the resort town of Diavolezza is reached by cable car at a height of 2,978m (9,770ft) from Val Bernina in the Bernina Pass Valley. With good snow conditions lasting well into May, Diavolezza is popular with Europe’s skiing in-crowd, who revel in the gasp-inducing panorama of death-defying ravines, snow-capped peaks and rugged mountain trails. Off-piste, the Berghaus Diavolezza provides a sanctuary of relaxation and has the highest-altitude whirlpool bath in Europe, set at 3,000m (9,842ft) above sea level. Deep, warm waters offer heavenly respite for glacier hikers and mountain climbers who relish the Swiss-style rest and relaxation, complete with roaring fires and a restorative massage.

3 things you must not miss

1 Glitz of St Moritz Join the moneyed elite at horse racing and polo competitions on the scenic flower-trimmed shores of the beautiful Lake St Moritz. www.engadin.stmoritz.ch/stmoritz

2 Chur This may be Switzerland’s oldest city but it is host to lively cultural events and nightlife. Go on a walking tour of the historic Old Town. www.churtourismus.ch

3 Swiss Grand Canyon Delve into Graubünden’s Rhine Gorge for a spectacular hike with dramatic views along woodland and gorge trails. www.graubuenden.ch

Wonderful views from the Bergoase Spa.

Holistic Mountain Pampering

After finding fame through its naturally healing carbonated mineral springs, the plush resort of St Moritz has established itself with Europe’s well heeled as a firm fixture on the Swiss wellness circuit. The Medizinisches Therapiezentrum Heilbad St Moritz draws on local curative elements, spa traditions and lots of medical know-how. Dozens of treatments centre on the resort’s therapeutic waters, with others created using the area’s nutrient-rich Alpine moor mud. For smooth, soft skin try the Alpine Herb Therapy – a tantalizing body treatment using local healing plants that helps to reactivate the metabolism, tones and cleanses, and balances pH levels. Active Alpine pursuits form a part of the spa’s wellness ethos, with trails offering rugged hikes through stunning scenery.

The region’s ultimate mountain wellness experience can be found at the chic, contemporary resort of Therme Vals, where natural thermal waters and eye-popping architecture make this undoubtedly Switzerland’s most visually distinctive spa. This impressive masterpiece is an extraordinary cutting-edge design built from 60,000 layered pure quartz pieces with illuminated light effects. Greenish in colour, in order to fully harmonize with the mountain landscape, Therme Vals evokes a mystical, moody magnificence that is positively ethereal. This iconic structure is designated a protected monument and architect Peter Zumthor has won many awards for his unique design. Signature therapies utilize healing minerals in numerous different baths together with lymphatic massages and sensuous spring-water showers.

INFORMATION

BERGOASE SPA,TSCHUGGEN GRAND HOTEL t +41 81 378 99 99

w www.tschuggen.ch

Prepare to be wowed by an array of pampering packages together with a sizeable menu of ‘pick and mix’ therapies, such as an aroma oil massage (CHF 140).

BERGHAUS DIAVOLEZZA t +41 81 839 39 00 w www.engadin.stmoritz.ch

Take a break from gruelling glacier hikes to relax in Europe’s highest-altitude whirlpool bath (check website for opening times).CHF 25 for day guests, including towel and robe.

MEDIZINISCHES THERAPIEZENTRUM HEILBAD ST MORITZ t +41 81 833 30 62 w www.heilbad-stmoritz.ch

Drawing on aromatic Alpine botanicals for its sumptuous therapies, the herbal massages are out of this world (from CHF98).

THERME VALS t +41 81 926 80 80 w www.therme-vals.ch

An 80-minute exfoliation and thalasso bath treatment at this uber-stylish wellness temple costs CHF 138.

Ancient waters in the ultra-modern Therme Vals.