Travelling to Bad Ragaz from Zurich airport couldn’t have been easier. Despite a slightly temperamental Tom Tom sat-nav – the man in the box having some difficulty connecting to his friends in the sky – it was down the main road from Zurich, take the Bad Ragaz exit, then look for the hotel on the right – not difficult to miss as it consists of two Grand Hotels, a tower of Spa Suites, a spa and medical centre, a public therme and a golf course. With California Sequoia trees (more of those later) growing on the front lawn.  Again, easy to spot!

We stayed at the Spa Suites and checking into the Hotel lobby (at the Grand Hotel Quellenhof in Bad Ragaz ) our first impressions were “big and grand,” “Swiss and swish” – a chocolate box palace in extensive, manicured gardens.

Grand Resort Bad Ragaz

The Spa Suites are gorgeous and completely contemporary, full of the latest technology (definitely not for the technophobe!). Every suite has everything – from B&O flat screen TV’s, Nespresso coffee machine, adjustable air filled individual mattresses (Cassandra said she felt like Goldilocks – filling her mattress with more and less air, until it was “just right”!), white leather furniture and a lighting system for all moods (romance, reading, spa-ing). PLUS a bathing area with jaccuzi bath, Swedish sauna and steam room/shower. And we’re not even at the hotel spa centre!

Grand Resort Bad Ragaz

As we arrived a bit late, we decided to go to the public Tamina Therme – a modern, light and airy mineral water swimming complex with different temperature pools and steam and sauna experiences that is right next door and open a bit later than the hotel’s spa. Great for just lounging in the waters and full of health afficionados – even on a Saturday evening.

I should say at this point that the rain was not dampening our enthusiasm. July had been one of the hottest months – gorgeous blue skies in a perfect Alpine setting (apparently!). But August had kicked off with a steady drizzle being the key metrological highlight. We were not dismayed (much) and accepted that we were here to blog where no one had blogged before!

So here we are in Bad Ragaz  and wow! – what a place – more of that next time.

In geographical terms, Switzerland is about the same size as Wales or West Virginia; while in terms of population (around 8 million), it’s no bigger than London or New York City.  It is a land of contrasts and surprises – lakes and mountains, skiing and walking, banking and engineering, watches and clocks, cheeses and wines. It has 26 cantons, each with their own parliament, constitution and judiciary. It has 4 languages, its own currency and has never been part of the EU.

Switzerland Spa: Grand Hotel Bad Ragaz

It also has a burgeoning spa and wellness industry, among Switzerland Spas there are famous names like Clinic La Prairie, Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa and new kid on the block Tschuggen Bergoase. So what makes Swiss spas tick? We took a few days this summer to find out!

Travelling from the UK, Switzerland is an easy place to get to. We flew into Zurich, hired a car and decided to head for the hills to get a feel for the Swiss Alpine spa scene. We were targeting the east of the country – adjacent to Austria, Lichtenstein and Italy and home to some famous ski resorts including Arosa, Davos, Klosters and St Moritz. We singled out a number of key destination spas in Switzerland  – not necessarily in the glamour hot spots – but ones that would give a feel for the spa industry in this part of the country.

First stop Bad Ragaz, a charming town 62 miles south-east of Zurich and home to the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz. Very fancy, very 5 Star, very Leading Hotels of the World and very much the subject of my next blog!

Would I like a spa treatment for Father’s Day? You Bet!

Do I remember the first time I went to a spa? Hmm…. yes I do. I was unprepared and apprehensive – I simply had no idea what to expect!

But  don’t be a sissy and forgo what could be a life changing experience (honest!) – here’s some advice for the manly spa novice:

Naked… or not! This seems like a big issue – but (trust me) it’s not. You get changed in the changing room and put on a soft gown and slippers. Sometimes there are paper briefs or shorts to wear. Your therapist will tell you what to do (face up/down) and the usual rules are: the therapist leaves the room, you take off your robe and watch/jewelry, you get on the treatment table under the blanket, the therapist returns and off you go! The staff are all trained in draping the towel around your body so your naughty bits are always covered. So… just relax and go with the flow!

Male or female therapist? Your call – who would you feel more comfortable with (the spa doesn’t  really care – all the therapists are trained). Best massage I’ve ever had was by a bloke; some of the deepest massages I’ve ever had were by women. Bottom line – you choose. If you have a particular preference tell the spa before you arrive. Same goes for things like tender parts of your body (injuries or operations) – the therapist should ask before the treatment  but if they don’t – tell them! And if you are not keen on deep tissue massages (they can be ouchy!)… tell them! They want you to enjoy the treatment as much as you do.

After the treatment … your therapist will tell you the treatment is finished and will wait outside for you. This is not a signal for a snooze! But you can take your time getting ready. Your therapist will take you to a relaxation area – well worth it as it enhances the de-stress/chill-out experience – and will usually offer tea or water.

Tipping!  Is not mandatory – but if the treatment and the service was good, it’s usual to tip the therapist personally or add something to the bill when you leave. Around 10% is common in Europe; usually a little more in the US (up to 15%).

Ask questions … about the treatment and the product used on your body if you are curious. The spa will usually tell you what products were used and you have the opportunity to buy some for the home if you want. Don’t feel obliged to buy (you’re not!) and don’t be shy to ask for samples. My pet hate is NOT being told what products were used – I don’t expect a hard sell but I do like to be informed!

And finally … I hope this helps because visiting a spa is a great experience at so many levels – it’s de-stressing and relaxing; it’s invigorating and refreshing; and it’s fun! And, who knows … it just might change your life. That’s not bad for a Father’s Day pressy!

Not long ago, I had the pleasure of visiting Hawaii (the Big Island), one of my most favourite locations on this fine earth we dwell upon.  It’s one of those places that make you feel in touch with every spiritual and physical aspect of your being.  You can’t help but feel engaged and switched on to everything around you because it’s all simply so stunning – from the smells that fill the air to the soaring vistas that greet your eyes to the glorious sunshine that warms your bones and the turquoise water that soothes your skin.

In between visiting pristine sandy beaches (both black and white); snorkelling clear, untroubled waters and exploring the history of Hawaii, I had the pleasure of visiting Body Temple Boot Camp.  Discovered by my travel companion and truly amazing friend, Caroline, the camp is located on the eastern tip of the island (an area where few tourists are found but where there’s plenty to see – including the village that the Kilauea volcano trampled through not too many years ago), and is run by raw-food author and former natural body building competitor, Kieba Blacklidge. This article is a great introduction to Kieba’s raw food methods.

This trip was just a taster of what could come from being under the tutalege of “crazy coach” Kieba – and it was fantastic!  After sleeping in our eco-cabin to the sounds of birds in the trees and waking to roosters crowing, we ate our “raw” breakfast – yummy porridge full of healthful things and surprisingly edible; then an hour or so of weight training in Kieba’s gym which is designed as part of the landscape so you won’t miss out on any of the Hawaiian beauty by being shut in doors; then to the nearby Olympic size pool for laps.  Because we weren’t doing a real boot camp experience – Kieba let us off the raw diet thing and gave us the freedom to choose from the dozens of lovely eateries in nearby Pahua.   (She’s not too tough!  I had some of the best Mexican food I’ve had in a long time – and guiltily sipped a margarita in the evening!).

Now we want to find a week to spend with Kieba to train for our next big thing – whatever that might be!

Nothing really beats a spa celebration (a growing trend we are seeing here at SpaFinder), especially when the champagne is flowing and the  ambiance literally forces you to “chillax”.  I was lucky enough to visit The Sanctuary in Covent Garden last week for just such a day.  It did the trick – leaving me feeling ultra spoilt and extremely pampered by the best-known day spa in all of the UK – and, why shouldn’t I be? – it was my birthday after all!

The famous swing at The Sanctuary

One of my best friends was also celebrating her birthday so she joined in the fun. It wouldn’t have been the same on my own.  The Sanctuary is very much about sharing the experience.  From the hot tub (our first stop) to the Koi Lounge, where you can lay together in double loungers, gossiping, eating and drinking and watching the biggest, most beautiful koi frolick in their indoor pool.

Anyone who’s been there will know that The Sanctuary is a perfect place for a girlie get-together – whether it’s a big bash in the evening for a hen party, a low-key mum-daughter spa day or just a few friends looking to chill out.  Since it’s an all-female spa, the atmosphere is unique and, I must say, welcomed.  I’ve been to many spas in my day and there was something special about the female camaraderie here – whether you’re on your own or in a group.  It really changes everything…women are just different when they’re not around men!

I had two treatments – a body scrub that was particularly amazing, but both were far too short!  I wished they’d gone on much longer than the 30 minutes I had booked.  Note to self: must always book full hour treatments, especially when I return for my next visit to The Sanctuary!

If you’re anywhere near London, I would strongly suggest and immediate visit to the newly opened So SPA at the Sofitel St. James.  Housed in a glorious building, the So SPA is uniquely French and uniquely good.  They has somehow transformed an old bank into an oasis of relaxation and beauty – and have done a remarkable job of saving all the “listed” features (marble, bank doors, vaulted ceilings) and making it all somehow feel light and airy.  This is a serious 5-star experience – small but perfectly formed. Expect to be taken care of in a way that will make you want to come back again and again.  I loved the French macaroon and tea upon arrival and the way that you felt like you were the only one there – but not in a “where is everyone?” kind of way…in a well-managed way where you knew other clients  were there but that you wouldn’t necessarily be running into one another.

I treated myself to the “Ko Bi Do” facial, an anti-ageing facial by the French spa company, Cinq Monde. Oo la la! Loved it.  And because So SPA was running a SpaFinder special deal – the Ko Bi Do, plus a free manicure, I got a perfect OPI manicure for the holidays and saved £45!

It’s almost time to head home…Grossetto to Pisa to catch our flight back to London.

But that’s after we stay at Bagni di Pisa Medical Spa Resort – the last stop on our Tuscany spa sojourn. Bagni di Pisa is right on trend with its combining of medical and spa tourism. Its wellness center is overseen by medical doctors and surgeons and guests can opt for one-off aesthetic/holistic treatments or weeklong wellness programmes.

Situated in the centre of San Giuliano, this a beautiful building is rich in Italian architecture – you can just glmpse the leaning tower of Pisa in the near distance. There’s a secluded swimming pool and an extensive spa area – with plans in place to add another spa ‘wing’ to the property. A unique feature was a small natural spa in a cave, with a deep stone bath and hot hammam bed to relax and have your troubles soak away into the rock of Mount San Giuliano.

The massage here combined several disciplines to create a treatment that was unique and gloriously relaxing. The quality of the experience was superb and not to be forgotten.

The hotel room was stunning – and classically Italian – high ceilings with frescoes, beautiful Italian furniture, a great big comfortable bed ( in fact all the properties we stayed in had great beds and bedding – and we’re fussy)!

It was a perfect end to a hugely enjoyable experience – both the visit to Tuscany and the spa properties where we had the pleasure of staying. Without question, these are some of the best spas in Europe in one of the most glorious natural settings in the world.

By this point in the trip, we were completely smitten by Tuscany… and this was reinforced by a stop-over in Pitigliano. This was like stepping back into the Middle Ages – it’s a fairy tale town built on high tufa cliffs (for protection) and can trace a long history from pre-historic Etruscan times, through the Roman Empire, Medieval Meremma, and the Renaissance. It also has a famous Jewish ghetto – originally established at the beginning of the 15^th century – and earning the town the nickname ‘Little Jerusalem’!

A very stunning and singularly original spot – as was our destination – Terme di Saturnia. This is another very authentic spa hotel and wellness centre based around a mineral spring. The hot, sulphurous water bubbles relentlessly into the crater-like bottom of the large pool – the smell and the cleansing water make this a unique experience. Add in a luxury hotel, an extensive spa and wellness facility together with an innovative ‘spa in a spa concept’ (The Black Rose Spa strikingly styled in black stone and grey and purple trim – intended for longer and more expensive treatments) plus a championship golf course – there’s not much missing!

Our room was classically decorated, the spa treatments were both rewarding and professionally executed, the staff could not have been more helpful – we loved the fitness director (and her gym) just as much as the sommelier who helped us out trying a selection of local wines! Brilliant.

Another drive through the beautiful Tuscan countryside to San Casciano dei Bagni and we arrive at Fonteverde – one of the most famous Italian spas and a consistent award winner, including ‘Best Spa in Italy’ in last year’s SpaFinder Readers’ Choice Awards!

This hot spot had to be on our itinerary.

Spread over 5 acres and featuring seven thermal pools, Fonteverde is an unforgettable place. The hotel is 5-star luxury, the facilities at poolside are elegant and understated. There is a choice of hot and cool thermal water to laze in. The outdoor dining was exceptional. And the range of spa treatments extensive and tailored to you as an individual.

I experienced a full body massage – all that driving! – and had a microdermabrasion facial over our two-night stay. I was relaxed and positively glowed during the time spent chilling out around the pool. Sadly, I wasn’t able to get an appointment with Fonteverde’s star therapist, Dipu. His unique massages are much sought after and need to be booked up to two months in advance! A tip for any visit to Fonteverde is to book ahead!

Another exclusive feature is their Bioaquam circuit – an indoor/outdoor thermal pool experience with surprising hydromassages from geysers, beds and armchairs. And as this is a bookable ‘treatment’ the pools are never crowded – a real bonus.

Overall this was one of the best spas I have ever been to – and if and when I need a getaway-from-it-all relaxing spa (not too far from the UK) this would be high on the list.

Tuscany … so much to see! We are doing this Tuscan spa adventure in bite-sized spa chunks – so no Florence, or Siena…. this time! Heading due south we stop off at San Gimignano, see Siena from a distance, and arrive at our destination – Borgo la Bagnaia in good time. This was a small traditional Italian village set on a low-rise hilltop surrounding a typical manor house – which has all been converted into a 5-star resort. The rooms and suites are in cream coloured buildings – all within easy walk of the reception/restaurant and the outdoor pool. The mood is relaxed, the decor eclectic with a distinct Asian influence, and the rooms are cool and spacious.

This is a substantial estate with a Robert Trent Jones Jnr. championship golf course currently in construction (opening late summer 2010) and the Buddha Spa at the end of the long, sweeping drive. The spa is a converted estate building with a purpose built interior with a warm water pool and jacuzzi, hot and cold water areas and treatment rooms. Outside is a mid-sized warm mineral water pool and waterfall, the thermal waters coming from a nearby spring on the estate.

The atmosphere is quiet and relaxing and the white uniformed therapists are professional and quietly attentive. There is a strong sense of chill-out at Borgo la Bagnaia – guests leaving their day to day worries behind as they relax into the rhythm of the Tuscan country. Timeless and resonant of days-gone-by. A natural antidote to the pressures of modern living.

Spa Health Check: Good hotel and spa and the opening of the panoramic golf course will add hugely to its appeal. Amazing potential as a spa and golf resort.