Check-in

TLF Magazine April, 2013 TLF Magazine April, 2013

A MountainRETREAT

By Sonali Shah

Imagine waking up to a crisp zephyr and stepping out in the balcony to greet mountains laden with snow. When you check-in at Grand Resort Bad Ragaz in eastern Switzerland, this imagination takes form as reality. Transport yourself to Heidiland, where Johanna Spyri, known author of Heidi, relaxed over 150 years ago. Inspired by the beautiful landscapes she wrote 'Heidi,' her best-known novel. It is here, in Heidiland, in the tiny spa village of bad Ragaz, that Grand Resort enjoys an elite patronage.

The ultimate wellness resort for the rich and famous, Grand Resort is a sprawling property with two championship golf courses. Luxurious living apart, guests frequent Grand Resort to enjoy the salubrious waters of the Tamina gorge, which are routed to the resort. Since centuries, people have known the power of the healing water of Tamina, which is at a constant temperature of 36.5 degrees Celsius (same as that of our body). Grand Resort puts out pipes to draw the water from the gorge to the village, thereby making it accessible easily. Add a good dose of Swiss hospitality and service, and you have a resort from where you never want to check-out.

The resort comprises of two h o t e l s : G r a n d H o t e l Quellenhof and Spa Suites and Grand Hotel Hof Ragaz. Quellenhof is an all-suite hotel, of eight exclusive suites and 97 junior suites, including a fitting Royal Suite. All the suites open out to a balcony affording views of the Alps. But it was actually the Spa Suites that had floored me. The Penthouse Suite is spacious, including whirlpools, private sauna and steam rooms, an open fireplace, a walk-in closet, a fitness room and a piano in the living room, among other rooms. Did we mention the suite has a whirlpool on its terrace? To make the deal sweeter, the suite can be combined with a Spa Loft Superior to convert it into an expansive Penthouse Floor. Quellenhof offers other spa suites and spa lofts too.

Hof Ragaz, on the other hand, is a smaller hotel with 106 rooms in Comfort, Deluxe and Grand Deluxe categories. What makes Hof Ragaz precious is that some of the suites are housed in a protected, historic monument built in 1774, known as the Palais. The most booked are the Swan Room, Prince Suite and the Palais Suites.

Accommodation

Dine

Being spoi l t for choice would be an understatement, if one is examining the portfolio of restaurants and bars in Grand Resort. Including a Michelin Star restaurant, the resort houses eight restaurants serving global cuisine. The cigar lounge, Salon Davidoff, is a particularly interesting space to spend an evening in, in front of an open fireplace.

For MICE, Grand Resort has eight meeting rooms, their names inspired by famous personalities who loved Tamina's water, such as Victor Hugo, Johanna Spyri and Rainer Maria Rilke. With natural light and unobstructed views of the Alps, the rooms begin with a capacity of 20 people, and go up to 300.

WellnessExtravagance takes on a new meaning with The Lido at Grand Resort. We're talking a Swarovski crystal-embellished steam room and private spas with home theatres. 18 massage rooms offer a variety of therapies such as Vino, Thermo Stone and Gold Temptation, to mention a few. Despite the solariums, Finnish sauna and three large pools, the place where you want to make a beeline for is the relaxation area with its uber comfy water beds. If activity is your thing then you will fall in love with the state of the art fitness studio.

A more serious side to the resort is the Medical Health Centre. It is officially accredited as the Swiss Olympic Medical Centre in 2004. Over 20 specialist doctors, several consultants and therapists offer a whole gamut of treatments and services. From orthopedic surgery to infertility; cosmetic surgery to dentistry; a whole lot of other treatments is taken care of at the centre.

A more serious side to the resort is the Medical Health Centre. It is officially accredited as the Swiss Olympic Medical Centre in 2004—offering over 20 specialist doctors, several consultants and therapists.

The ultimate wellness resort for the rich and famous comes with two championship golf courses and the salubrious waters of the Tamina gorge.

For the perfect wellness holiday amid snowy peaks and impeccable service, fly to Grand Resort Bad Ragaz in Switzerland, and experience the magic of Tamina gorge.

Helenabad pool

Penthouse Suite Terrace

Andeer Private Spa

Steam bath with Swarovski crystals

The relaxation area

Grand Resort Bad Ragaz

Restaurant Bel Air

30 31

Page 3