Tschuggen Bergoase Spa is located in a picturesque mountain setting 1,800m above sea level in Arosa, in the German-speaking Graubnden region of Switzerland. The spa, which cost 35 million Swiss Francs to build in 2006, is linked to the five-star Tschuggen Grand Hotel by a glass walkway. So, what are the top five things to do while you are there?
Appreciate the aesthetics
Once in the spa, you can start to appreciate the architecture of Switzerlands foremost architect, Mario Botta and luxuriate in the stunning simplicity of the interior design by Carlo Rampazzi. There are clean crisp lines and an excellent use of glass, granite and maple wood which combine at some points to look like a drawing by Maurits Cornelis Escher. Clever use of ambient lighting creates different moods throughout the day and after dark, treatments are delivered whilst clients look at the stars.
Take to the water
You can do this in more ways than one: fresh, crystal clear drinking water is piped into the spa for guests to enjoy in the relaxation area; and there are two pools (one indoor and one outdoor) and a whole host of other small pools and hydrotherapy options, not to mention the rain curtain and the opportunity to kneipp (walk) over natural stones through a knee-deep stream, passing through alternate ice cold and hot spots to stimulate the circulation.
Relax
There are numerous relaxation areas throughout the 5,000 sq m spa offering a range of pool side loungers, mountain views and a lounge area where you can drink the mountain water and enjoy some fresh fruit. In Summer, guests can enjoy a choice of four sun terraces.
Sauna
There is a mixed sauna and saunarium and a separate ladies only option. There is also a warning in case guests are tempted to run outside and plunge themselves into the snow: outside is a non-naked area! There is a steam room and ice and shower zone inside too.
Treatments
The pice de resistance are the private (two person) spa suites: there are two of these and also twelve individual treatment rooms, some furnished for specialised hydrotherapy treatments and all offering top of the range Kanebo, Clarins, Dermalogica and Thalgo products.
And, if all this is not enough, there is also a solarium, hairdressers, nail bar, boutique and restaurant, all of which are open to non-residents as well as those lucky enough to be staying at the Tschuggen Grand Hotel.
