The Call of the Mountains

For other hotel guests, the mountains are the reason for their stay – perhaps including a quick shopping trip at Prada, Hermès or Gucci. But for me, the draw of the 2,000 square metre Kulm Spa is more irresistible than any ­designer frock, so I slip into my hotel slippers and make my way through the deceptively long hallways of the Kulm Hotel, straight to the ­exclusive Spa elevator. Upon ­arrival at the Spa, one is immediately greeted by a bird’s eye view of the impressive indoor swimming pool, as the treatment facilities and spa reception are located above the spa facilities. Airy, modern and ­deceptively minimalistic, the Kulm Spa has been designed according to a three-pillar wellness concept that unites «relaxation, detoxification and regeneration» – all while decelerating your body and mind. A plan I can absolutely get on board with, as it turns out. Wellbeing is key here, both in the indulgently large indoor pool and the slightly warmer open-air pool. Both treat you to a ­fantastic view of the Kulm gardens, and the surrounding Alpine  panorama. It’s blissfully quiet this time of the morning, and I make full use of the serene mood while happily making my rounds through pools, saunas, steam baths and (brr!) even the icy-cold Kneipp therapy pools. It’s so relaxing I forget to take pictures, much to my post-lockdown-physique’s relief.

Valmont of Switzerland has been setting standards in cell cosmetic expertise since 1985, but for the Kulm Hotel St. Moritz, it’s quite a new brand to offer their overwhelmingly international clientele. And somewhat surprisingly, as I’ve been a beauty editor for nearly 10 years, I was able to experience my very first Valmont facial in St. Moritz (see my «signature treatment tip»). I don’t want to drop any spoilers, but you may want to warn your significant other beforehand, as your unabashedly glowing complexion may cause extreme distraction later on. If organic beauty is more your thing, then the Kulm Spa offers a selection of facial treatments by Pharmos Natur, a certified organic brand that focuses on 100% ­natural Aloe Vera… and if my mountain-biking husband is to be believed, the Kulm Signature Massage is just what one’s well-used hiking or ­biking muscles need after a day spent up on the mountain peaks surrounding St. Moritz. Not that I’d ever need the excuse of outdoor exercise to enjoy an indulgent day wrapped in a terrycloth robe! All in all, my stay at the Kulm Hotel was an immersive ­experience, and a thoughtful lesson in what hospitality means in challenging times such as these. I ­reluctantly pack my bags and return to the hustle and bustle of Zurich. But I’m pretty certain my gorgeous ­complexion has «The Top of the World» written all over it.

Words Steffi Hidber