THE illustrious Grand Resort Bad Ragaz –“bad” translates from German into as “bath”in English – is an opulent, world-renowned health and wellness retreat. Set beneath the velvet green Heidiland Mountains in eastern Switzerland, the resort has been welcoming visitors since 1840.
With a local and international portfolio of guests including royalty and high profile athletes, clientele are attracted by the therapeutic thermal waters that flow directly from the local Tamina Gorge.
Bad Ragaz Historic Pool
They also flock to experience the resort’s Michelin-starred cuisine, famous tailor-made health programmes and now, the opportunity to embark on one of the NewYou Method® experiences. This collection of treatment plans follows six key elements of good living that brings balance and calm into daily life. Prior to arrival, I completed a comprehensive medical questionnaire and selected the Back To Sports programme.
Bad Ragaz outdoor pool
My first consultation in the Swiss Olympic medical centre is with the white-coated head physician, Dr Christian Schlegel, who undertakes a physical examination.
This is followed by a session of cognitive therapy in the recuperation gym by Juergen “the magician”, who advises me how “to train my brain to train my body”, which immediately improves my balance and body manipulation.
Bad Ragaz Spa Suite
Appointments with a physio, personal trainer, masseuse and dietician follow during the week, punctuated by daily swims in the body temperature thermal pool, with its minerals leaving my hair silky soft and my complexion crystal clear.
The special mention treatment has to be the private sunrise Haki Flow massage, an indulgent experience in one of the thermal pools. My muscles are manipulated and my vertebrae are coaxed (pain-free) by a therapist, who holds me for 60-minutes afloat in the water, after which I feel as if I have been stretched into a new body and my mind has been rejuvenated.
Bad Ragaz Grand Hotel Quellenhof suite
We are staying in a glitzy suite at the recently renovated Grand Hotel Quellenhoff, tastefully furnished in neutral shades with sticcatos of textured glass and velvet. My marble wrapped bathroom is remarkably spacious, with a separate shower area, a sunken bathtub, and two sinks at either end. The balcony allows view across the surrounding mountains and the two other hotels on the complex.
These include the family-orientated cosy Grand Hotel Hof Ragaz – adjacent to the kids club – and the ultracontemporary white-walled Spa Suites, where 36.5 degree thermal water pours from every bathroom tap.
Bad Ragaz Garden Pool
Culinery offerings include the opportunity to splurge at the two-starred Michelin restaurant, Moments by Sven Wassmer, offering a six, nine or 12-course tasting menu. I have pole position beside the open kitchen to watch the chefs prepare each plate under the watchful eye of the omni-present Sven.
Featuring seasonal and local fare, each course is accompanied by specially paired wines, with the sommelier even managing to offer non-alcoholic pairings.
Bad Ragaz Michelin-starred cuisine
Wassmer’s other Michelin-starred all-day dining restaurant, Verve, features a healthy eating choice of dishes with an emphasis on sustainable sourcing and fair trade.
It’s the perfect spot to indulge in my daily a la carte breakfast served on the terrace, overlooking the garden swimming pool with the surrounding backdrop view of the sun-kissed Alps.
Bad Ragaz Verve Restaurant
With a refreshed spirit and a relaxed mind, I prepare myself for my departure. I am equipped with an achievable health and fitness plan, so thankfully, leaving here means never actually having to say goodbye to Grand Resort Bad Ragaz.
by Amanda Bernstein
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