HIPPOCRATES said that “nature itself is the best physician” and this could not be truer than in the small Swiss town of Bad Ragaz, where the mineral-rich thermal waters have been used for centuries to promote optimal health.
The waters were first discovered in 1242 but it wasn’t until the golden age of spa culture in the 19th century that a hotel and train station arrived at the town and it quickly became one of Switzerland’s most fashionable destinations. That hotel was the Grand Hotel Quellenhof which, today, is one of three hotels that make up the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz.
Tamina Therme thermal baths
The Helena Bath
The thermal waters are still central to the resort and one can enjoy them in either the stunning Rococo-style Helena bath, the outdoor garden bath, the sports bath (for more athletic types) and the expansive public pools at Tamina Therme. Children can even partake in the gorgeous kids pool.
The high mineral concentration of the water and the temperature of 36.5°C triggers a number of positive reactions in the heart, lungs, kidneys, nervous system and even hormone systems, contributing to improved wellbeing. The resort even boasts its own clinic with tailored residential wellbeing programmes for stays from three to 14 days.
And what is wellness without a happy tummy? The resort also holds six Michelin Stars, one Green Michelin Star and 76 Gault Millau Points from the prestigious European food guide. There are seven restaurants, three bars, a bistro, a café and a sushi takeaway, with renowned Swiss chefs Sven Wassmer and Andreas Caminada heading up their own fine dining restaurants.
Quellenhof lobby
My particular favourite was Zollstube in one of the oldest parts of the hotel with the atmosphere of an 1800s hunting lodge. All the meat, cheese and vegetables are sourced from the surrounding valleys and cooked into simple, traditional meals garnished with edible flowers from the garden. It felt like experiencing the old world Switzerland which still exists in countryside pockets such as this.
by Nicola Kavanagh
Double rooms at Quellenhof from £756