THE RESORT EVERYTHING YOU THOUGHT SWITZERLAND SHOULD BE

A few thoughts come to mind when one hears the name of this famous country: chocolate, fine watches, impenetrable banks. While we do enjoy all of them (in moderation of course), our European adventure brought us to the spectacular Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, where we were treated to a splendid stay in the newly re-introduced hotel, which just completed a fantastic renovation and is quickly becoming a smash hit with world travelers who want to enjoy this charming corner of Europe.

The best part of traveling throughout the old continent is the extensive railroad system that can take you from one country to the next in style and comfort. The clear advantage of this is that one gets to enjoy the scenery without being rushed through an airport. About an hour-long trip from Zurich, the jaunt, alongside the most beautiful lake, allowed us to truly appreciate the natural beauty of the Swiss countryside. However, the beauty of the train ride would pale in comparison to how stunning this property was. Nothing compares to European hotels. Fom the unparalleled views of the Alps to the architecture, everything is designed to ensure a memorable trip.

The recent renovations, completed this past July, feature 98 all-suites that are as luxurious as they are beautiful. If that wasn’t fabulous enough, we were assigned the wonderful Fynn, butler extraordinaire, who made sure that all our needs were thoughtfully met. Commonly known as the best wellness resort in Europe (keep reading to see why), there are so many wonderful things that play an integral part in a stay at the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, making it challenging to pick a single highlight.

Incredible attention to detail has been paid to showcase the best in design, starting with the lobby, where the lighting has been singled out in creating a space that captures visitors from the moment they set foot in the hotel. A fifty-foot chandelier spanning the height of four floors is made of 2,500 clear and blue spheres that, when all put together, call to mind a flowing waterfall, which continues to reinforce the influence that water has on the place. We were fortunate to experience their one-of-a- kind, newly renovated King Suite, and let us tell you that it is the epitome of luxury; any visitor will agree that it secures the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz a front and center spot amongst the premiere luxury destinations in Europe.

Everyone knows that no grand hotel is complete without a superior culinary experience, and acclaimed chef Sven Wassmer’s two fantastic restaurants at the resort check that box (Verve and Memories). Our tasting menu at Memories was unforgettable! Fine dining with an emphasis on Alpine cuisine, where food and service come together to create a delectable experience. Following our meal, we came to the foregone conclusion that a Michelin star (or two) is in its not-too-distant future.

While feasting on the sumptuous meal presented to us at just about every venue in the hotel was somewhat of a no-brainer, we certainly made sure to allocate all the time needed to delight in the resort’s core amenity, its famous wellness facilities.

“THE WATER AT THE THE GRAND RESORT BAD RAGAZ IS RUMORED TO HAVE MAGICAL POWERS”

No trip would be complete without a visit to what is probably the best spa in the world (we are biased). Travelers come from far and wide to experience the healing powers of the waters coming from Tamina Gorge, discovered by hunters in the early Middle Ages (1242 to be exact). Monks from the nearby Benedictine monastery were the first to recognize this thermal source as a source of rejuvenation with a consistent and delightful 36.5°C, which is body temperature. Referred to as an “elixir of life,” the thermal water and its magical properties are the star of what is a one-of-a-kind wellness oasis for the relaxation and regeneration of mind, body, and soul.

Coming to Switzerland was an experience that we won’t soon forget, and we are looking forward to going back in the winter to see for ourselves what the tallest Christmas tree in Europe, featured here on the property, looks like!