H Stories

While politicians flock to the Bundeshaus, our beauty expert is drawn to another one of the capital’s attractions, and she’s ready to cast her vote on Bern’s top spa at the Schweizerhof Hotel. Quiet, everybody, there’s a beauty session underway!

It’s a short, but transformative journey on the aerial walkway connecting the plush Tschuggen Grand Hotel to the Bergoase Spa with its iconic light sails. For you’re not leaving comfort behind – you’re on your way to experience wellness in a whole new way.

I swiftly glance at my watch to be sure. Yes, it has indeed been only 38 minutes since I shut off my laptop at home in Zurich’s Seefeld district, and the moment I find myself in now, checking in with the concierge at the Dolder Grand’s SPA. It’s only early afternoon, but I feel I’ve done enough work for today. Admittedly, this renders my spontaneously booked hometown beauty getaway that tiny bit more decadent. I have brought a book along in the hopes of some peace and quiet, but … would you like to join me instead?

You know the feeling you get when time seems to stand still, in the most beautiful way? That’s what arriving at the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof in your horse-drawn carriage feels like. And taking a spa break while the Matterhorn teases you behind its demure curtain of clouds just might be the best possible way to experience this timeless mountain getaway.

Summer at Le Grand Bellevue. There is literally no place else I’d like to be than here in Gstaad. My official task is clear: to discover the large, prize-winning spa of this quaint luxury hotel. But unofficially, I’m taking my job as mum to two teenaged daughters to the next level. I’ve brought the 16-year-old with me. And she’s taking to the luxe life a bit too quickly for my liking.

I sigh contentedly. Warm water bubbles up all around me as a soft, cool little snow flake falls on my head. I open my eyes and take in the amazing view from the Kulm Spa’s outdoor pool: Lake St. Moritz and the Piz Rosatsch are already bathed in sunlight, as the ­weather up here in the Engadine can change quickly. But that’s about all the drama I’ll experience during my stay at one of Switzerland’s most historic ­hotels. Come join me for an extraordinary, pine-scented spa experience in a truly breathtaking setting.

«100 hectares of pure­ happiness» is Castello del Sole’s tagline. And indeed, real happiness can be found on the 2500 square metre estate of this amazing hotel. Come join me for some truly ­beautifying downtime in one of the ­Ticino’s most unique spas. And yes, there will be wine.