Peak Performace
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.
As a somewhat-pampered beauty editor who gets to enjoy spa and well-being on quite a high level, it would be easy to become a bit jaded when visiting a new spa. And admittedly, one of my main goals, both on my beauty website Hey Pretty and in my magazine features, is to actively focus on keeping a sense of wonder and delight alive. Destinations like the Tschuggen Grand Hotel make it clear to me that I’ve chosen the right line of work. This feeling is reinforced in me once again while I’m heading through the glass walkway that connects the historic hotel building with one of Arosa’s most recognisable buildings – the Tschuggen Bergoase.
‘Restoring time’s true value’ is one of the main intentions the Moving Mountains concept so vividly brings to life in all four Tschuggen Collection hotels. In my opinion, this goes for the Bergoase spa in particular. The iconic design, first unveiled in 2006, is immediately recognisable as one of Mario Botta’s most iconic creations, thanks to his beautiful light sails. These beautiful windows, which measure up to 13 metres in height, infuse the spa with sunlight by day, and turn into a multicolour art installation at night, perfectly showing just how visionary the Ticino-born architect really is.
Arranged over four floors and measuring an impressive 5,000 square metres, the Bergoase spa features soaring ceilings, pared-back features with granite, wood and glass that feel like taking a deep, calming breath. Here, holistic well-being is offered that aims not just to quickly soothe frayed nerves or tired skin, but to pre-sent opportunities for each guest to discover ways to ignite long-term changes in their daily lives. The spa concept is geared towards harmony of the body, mind and soul. And as simple as it might sound, it really is easier to understand in a setting that is both straight forward, but also incredibly close to the forces of nature surrounding it.
From the Swiss granite that is used copiously (and almost decadently) in the entire spa to the blue sky and wispy clouds that pass over the numerous skylights overhead: it’s honestly almost impossible not to be lulled into a sense of comfort and wellbeing, all the while feeling deeply connected to the elements of air, earth and water. And yes, even fire: to be found in the beautiful sauna area and in various quiet zones, situated all over the spa.
Located on its own, light-filled floor, the treatment area of the Bergoase offers a carefully edited range of beauty experiences that illustrate the Tschuggen’s Moving Mountains philosophy. You can also choose from various holistic massages and therapies, including Hydro Baths tailored to your current needs, detoxing rituals and workshops for breathwork, meditation and yoga. I’ve been lucky enough to have been able to enjoy the Bergoase spa both in winter, with snow gently falling on my head while I splish-splashed about in the heated outdoor pool, and in summer, when Arosa offers a wonderful escape from my hot hometown of Zurich.
I’ve gone swimming in the Untersee in Arosa on a balmy 22° C, and on a -12°C day (thanks to the invitation of hotel director Ingo Schlösser, who is a huge fan of ice bathing and convinced me to join him in the middle of winter!). And I can’t decide when I find Arosa, and the Tschuggen Grand Hotel, more delightful. What I do know, though, is that I’d like more time here.
Time to talk, to relax and to enjoy the calming energy architect Mario Botta may have created, but the surrounding Alpine forest sustains and deepens.
Words Steffi Hidber
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