Switzerland is known for its stunning alpine landscapes, cultural heritage, environmental stewardship, strong economy and high quality of life. For locals and visitors alike, the country offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience personal well-being and natural beauty all around. From thermal baths to yoga studios, vineyards to ancient basilicas, Switzerland invites you to revitalize right on time, as the Swiss do, embracing both wellness and splendor throughout the country.

Photos by Kim Fuller

FIND SWISS WELLNESS + WINE IN VALAIS

Home to the iconic Matterhorn peak and its famous basecamp town of Zermatt, the Valais canton, or state, in southern Switzerland offers much more than just those celebrated landmarks.

Much like the thermal springs found throughout Colorado and the Rocky Mountains in the United States, the hot water that bubbles up from beneath the Swiss Alps has offered locals and visitors rejuvenation and healing for centuries. The thermal mineral water is known to relax muscles, stimulate circulation, alleviate joint pain and also offer community locales for families and friends to gather.

Up above the Valais valley floor are towering Swiss mountains, and right beneath them is the town of Leukerbad, where 3.9 million liters (over 1 million gallons) of thermal water bubble up daily from 65 springs, making it the largest deposit in Europe.

Thermal spas are a destination and pastime for Valaisans, and they all have different qualities. Walliser Alpentherme & SPA Leukerbad is a more intimate oasis where guests can peacefully soak beneath a mountain panorama. Leukerbad Therme is the largest thermal bath in the entire region with 10 bath areas, slides for families and a sauna. The indoor pool has a therapeutic circuit of underwater massage jets, and the natural stone grotto with an unfiltered thermal water and steam generator is great for a cleansing sweat.

In Leukerbad, Hotel Les Sources des Alpes has a quaint thermal spa with tremendous views of the towering cliffs of the Gemmi. Breakfast and dinner are wonderful in the hotel at La Malvoisie, and then enjoy an authentic Swiss lunch in town at Restaurant Lounge 1411.

Alongside the rich history of wellness in Valais is a deeply rooted lifestyle of viticulture. With 5,000 hectares (over 12,000 acres) of vineyards, Valais is the largest winemaking canton in Switzerland. The region boasts more than 55 different grape varieties, some very unique to the area, 80,000 plots of vineyards and 370 cellars, producing one-third of all Swiss wine.

Surprisingly, less than 2% of Swiss wine is exported. The Swiss are not shy in admitting that this is because they prefer to keep their wine to drink themselves. The domestic demand is such that there isn’t much left to send beyond Switzerland’s borders, so to enjoy Swiss wine means to plan a visit.

It’s no surprise that Swiss wine pairs beautifully with Raclette cheese and Swiss fondue, and a lunch of beefsteak tartar at Les Celliers de Sion with a cornalin red wine pairing cannot be topped.

Time spent in the Valais wine region can be based out of Hotel Bains de Saillon. There is a large thermal spa on property, and guests can also venture to the ruins of Saillon Castle and up to Bayard Tower in between soaks and wine tastings.

REJUVENATE AT LAKE LUCERNE + MOUNT RIJI

The beauty of exploring Switzerland lies in the stunning landscapes, of course, along with an impressive public transport network that’s all wrapped into the Swiss Travel Pass. From high-speed trains and historic cog railways to busses and boats, the pass is your ticket for travel. A train stops in the city of Lucerne, and it’s a lovely city to spend some time.

LIV lab is a beautiful, bright yoga studio in the heart of Lucerne. Owner and teacher Bianca Sissing took over the space in 2019. She explains how the Swiss value time for well-being as much as they like to work hard.

“Swiss people are so focused on work and productivity,” says Sissing. “So, they take time for things like spa and yoga to find relaxation.”

Class at LIV lab is a nice way to spend a morning in Lucerne, followed by a walk around the city. Don’t miss crossing
Chapel Bridge and strolling on the promenade along Lake Lucerne.

A number of villages are set along the lake and offer more serenity than the city. Vitznau sits on a peaceful bay at the foot of Mount Rigi and is one of the most sun-drenched spots on Lake Lucerne. The crown jewel of this village is the Hotel Vitznauerhof. It’s a magical spot, right on the water, offering spa and restaurant amenities to nourish body, mind and spirit. Get there from Lucerne by boat or bus, and plan to stay as many days as possible. As they say at the Vitznauerhof: “Life is better at the lake.”

You can’t stay in Vitznau without at least a full day to explore Mount Rigi. Take the historic Rigi train to Rigi Kulm and hike around up top, then down to Rigi Staffel for a hearty Swiss lunch at Restaurant Lok 7.

Before heading back down to Vitznau on the train, spend a couple of hours at Mineralbad & Spa Rigi Kaltbad soaking in sunshine and mineral waters as you overlook the mountains of central Switzerland. The baths on Rigi Kaltbad, designed by the renowned architect Mario Botta, offer moments of pure bliss at an elevation of nearly 5,000 feet.

SETTLE ON THE EDGE OF LAKE MAGGIORE + “THE MOUNT OF TRUTH”

Back on the train for a few hours with just a couple transfers and you’ll almost be to Italy, but the sweet village of Ascona in the canton of Ticino is certainly still Swiss. Often described as “the pearl of Lake Maggiore,” Ascona’s waterfront is a sunny riviera on the Piazza Giuseppe Motta. The slogan here is l’arte di vivere — “the art of living” — and it’s ever-apparent in the town’s rich culture, history and spiritual vibration.

Stroll past the elegant Baroque exteriors of Casa Serodine and the nearby parish church of Santi Pietro e Paolo, a
magnificent basilica built in the 16th century. Its prominent bell tower, known as the campanile, stands tall as the iconic symbol of Ascona.

From an overnight base at Seven Boutique Hotel, be sure to hike from Ascona to Monte Verità — the “Mount of Truth” — a site steeped in unique geomantic energy. In the early 20th century, a community led by Ida Hofmann and Henri Oedenkoven established a colony on this hill overlooking Ascona. They championed a novel way of life rooted in a profound connection with nature, embracing vegetarianism, outdoor living under the sun, nudism and theosophy.

Visitors interested in exploring the energy focal points around the Monte Verità can take solo or guided hikes through the captivating “Valley of Silence,” akin to a natural cathedral, and then ascend to the summit of Balladrum crag, revealing Celtic remnants and the revered “Madonna della Fontana,” a popular pilgrimage site centered around a natural spring.

While in the area, be sure to take a short boat ride to Isole di Brissago, the floating gardens, and the extra adventurous should navigate their way to Grotto America in the village of Ponte Brolla. It’s a quaint restaurant with contemporary twists on traditional local cuisine, set back into a cave while boasting a spacious open-air terrace.

If you’re craving a wellness getaway, or even just a reason to book that flight to Europe, Switzerland checks the best boxes. There is a direct flight from Denver to Zurich on Edelweiss Air, making a trip from the Rockies to the Swiss Alps smooth, convenient and fully worth your while.

Originally published in Winter + Spring 2023-24 issue of Well.