Lake Geneva: A Top Spa Destination by Leo Bear
Featured Hotel in Geneva
Le Richemond
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Lake Geneva has long been held as one of the world’s best spa destinations by virtue of its cutting edge treatments, professional therapists and top-of-the-range products, not to mention the region’s clean air, sunshine and green rolling hills backed by snowy alpine peaks. Recently, Lake Geneva has upped its glamour factor too, with hotels such as the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz opening the world’s first Swarovski crystal-encrusted steam room, and the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace adding a snazzy Freddie Mercury Suite to its plush corridors.
Nevertheless, there are plenty of resorts to choose from no matter what your budget is, from three-star chalet-style hotels to palatial award-winning destination spas.
But best of all, Lake Geneva has a wealth of other activities on offer so while you lock away your mobile phone and wrap yourself in a fluffy towelling dressing gown, the rest of the family can enjoy a break too.
There is an abundance of outdoor activities to get stuck in to, from swimming, hiking and cross-country cycling, to discovering the secrets of cheese and chocolate making. The lake itself is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts; and for a change of scenery, just a short train ride away are some of Switzerland’s prettiest towns including St Moritz and Gstaad.
Top Swiss Spa Resorts
Beau-Site Hotel
This three star hotel in Adelboden boasts spectacular views of the valley, the village and the surrounding mountains and is just two minutes from the town centre. Its spa offers sauna, steambaths, massages and oriental spa baths for soothing away any aches or pains.
Ferienart Resort & Spa
This five-star chalet-style resort in Saas Fee provides excellent service, outstanding cuisine and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. It has a great spa which offers Ayurvedic treatments, Hot Stone Therapy and has beautiful indoor pool. Why not treat your other half to a Rasul Bath for two?
Solis Cambrian Hotel & Spa
If it’s luxury you’re after, this hotel is the place. Nestled within the picture-perfect village of Adelboden, this world-class hideaway is a true Alpine sanctuary. Spa Solis is the perfect place to indulge yourself with a facial, massage or reflexology.
Chalet RoyAlp Hotel & Spa
This new resort opened at the tail end of last year and is built like a typical chalet in the village of Villars-sur-Ollon. Listed as one of the Leading Hotels in the World, it has a chic, contemporary feel inside and the spa impresses with an extensive treatment list and top-of-the-range Swiss products, Cellcosmet and Cellman.
Planning the Weekend
Friday
Visit Lausanne on the shores of Lake Geneva for a relaxed morning wandering the cobbled streets of the old town. Shopping is great here, there are plenty of gift shops and boutiques, and some cheap and cheerful traditional restaurants. In the afternoon, pop into the International Olympic Museum, which houses an excellent exhibition recounting the story of the Olympic movement and the Olympic Games.
Back at the hotel, treat yourself to some pampering with the Edelweiss Escape (90mins).
The treatment starts with an invigorating salt exfoliation to improve circulation, followed by an energy stone massage and wrap featuring edelweiss and citrus lotion, both high in antioxidants. Fully revitalised, head for the world-famous Harry’s bar within the hotel for a cocktail.
Saturday
Embrace your inner child with a visit to Callier Chocolate Factory
in Broc – just a short journey away by train. Here you can dip your finger in lots of different types of chocolate and learn the meaning of ‘proper’ tasting techniques. Back at the hotel, why not continue the deliciously naughty theme with a Choco Fango anti-ageing treatment (60mins)?
You’ll be enveloped in a decadent wrap and applied with lotion featuring cocoa (of course), polyphenol, natural ingredients to fight free radicals and shea butter, an active lipoid, which firms the skin. Dine in style at La Brasserie du Palace, the hotel’s authentic Parisian brasserie.
Sunday
On your last day, take a trip to Gstaad. It’s easy to get to by train or car and is well worth a visit. Not only is it breathtakingly beautiful, but you might find yourself rubbing shoulders with the likes of Paris Hilton and Roger Moore – both regular visitors. The main promenade is a car-free zone lined with designer shops, great for posing and browsing. For lunch, head for the world-famous Gstaad Palace Hotel and get a table on the grand terrace. In the afternoon, you could either check into the Gstaad Palace’s new 1,800 sqm Spa & Health Club, or take a cable car into the mountain peaks for an exhilarating hike.
Back at the Fairmont, you will have earned yourself some ‘Peace and Quiet’ – a relaxing Ayurvedic treatment (60 mins) whereby warm oil infused with herbs is dripped onto your forehead. The oil is then massaged into the head, hair, scalp, neck and shoulders.
Afterwards, try the Medskin Facial (90mins), which corrects and improves uneven colour, fine lines and hyperpigmentation with Signature Correcting Skincare products. The facial includes a glycolic peel and enzyme peel so you can be sure to return home with a glowing complexion.
Relax in one of our selections of spa hotels in Geneva or browse our entire collection of luxury hotels in Switzerland.