Bad Ragaz: recharging leaders since 1242
From its ultra-luxurious accommodation to its top-notch healthcare, Switzerland’s incredible Grand Resort Bad Ragaz resort is the ideal place to come to heal mind, body and soul as Behiye Hassan discovers.
‘Wellness’ and ‘Switzerland’ have gone together in the public imagination for centuries: and this corner of the world deserves its rep, thanks to its thermal springs and therapeutic, mineral-rich waters; its long-standing tradition of health tourism, dating back to the 19th century, and its excellent healthcare system. Add to that, world-class spas, wholesome nutrition, and a lifestyle that places an emphasis on outdoor activities, and it’s easy to see why it’s a premiere destination for those seeking rejuvenation.
Chief among those incredible spa resorts is the legendary Bad Ragaz in the Swiss Alps. Legend records that in 1242, Benedictine monks exploring the enchanting Tamina gorge stumbled upon a fabled spring – one that miraculously gushed forth thermal waters at body temperature, 36.5°C. Over the years, this “blue gold” transformed the nearby village of Bad Ragaz (Bad is German for ‘bath’) into a spa destination, where the great and the good flocked to recharge their tired batteries for generations.
By 1869 its popularity culminated in the opening of the five-star Grand Hotel Quellenhof; and the Bad Ragaz continues to serve as a testament to the power of healing waters, and the eternal allure of transformation. Combined with its incredible levels of luxury, it’s a destination that allows leaders and creatives to focus on getting back to their full potential. Which is why Meet the Leader thought it would be a jolly good idea to pay it a visit.
FINE HOSPITALITY
To be frank: there’s nothing we didn’t like about this hotel. It’s called the Grand Resort with good reason, from the exceptional customer service to the otherworldly fine dining.
With its thermal spa, sprawling 36-hole golf course, casino, Michelin-starred restaurants, and, naturally, medical centre, the resort has undertaken a stunning transformation recently, further solidifying its exemplary reputation as a haven for comprehensive care.
Following a scenic journey by train to Sargans, the hotel picked us up from the station, and from there it was just a 10 min drive to the hotel… where we were immediately greeted by a stunning grand staircase, a mighty chandelier with 2,500 lights, and a fabulous heart-shaped floral display.
Our room 369 in the Quellenhof spa suites offered a similarly heavenly experience: a bathroom with gold-coloured flooring… and a bathtub with a TV. Plus a remote-controlled (for height-adjustment) king-sized bed, and a pillow menu – including an anti-ageing pillow with vitamin E, a pine pillow, beneficial for the heart, a cork pillow which promotes sleep, a cool-down pillow to create a cooling effect, and aromatherapy pillows with lavender and eucalyptus. Meanwhile, the balcony afforded a gorgeous view of the mountains and a tranquil pool area.
WONDER WELLNESS
Spa-wise, the hotel offers both a guest-only spa and a public spa, the Tamina Therme, accessible to non-guests for a fee. There’s also a very cute family spa for kids, inspired by the Swedish story Heidi, and a more intimate, private spa for two (but book ahead) plus the ‘Helena Bath’, an indoor swimming pool with Russian architectural influences.
The haki® Flow Deluxe spa treatment involves a dip in a cold-water pool (to get your circulation going), followed by a unique stretching and massaging experience, during which you’re tied by the ankles to the edge of the pool, allowing a therapist to pull and stretch you (fear not – your face is always above water, so you can breathe).
Ironically, this proves extremely relaxing: with earplugs enhancing the experience, falling asleep during the process is a perfectly acceptable response. Afterwards, another dip in the cold pool precedes a cozy session wrapped in warm blankets, heated pillows, and eye masks, and the application of Haki balm, before a breathing exercise to release stress. The experience concludes around 8am, just as the spa begins to fill up with other guests.
FINE FOOD
Breakfast in Olives d’or, located in the Hof Ragaz building, comes in the shape of an expansive buffet; while dinner at Olives d’or offers a delightful Mediterranean dining experience. Among the highlights: Mozzarella with basil and tomatoes drizzled with olive oil, followed by a delectable main course of Risotto with asparagus and morel mushrooms. A cream cheese tartlet provides a surprisingly sweet ending to the meal.
There’s a bar menu too, available from noon to midnight, which includes cakes, a refreshing Greek salad – and a true standout of a burger and fries. Particularly recommended is a non-alcoholic cocktail called The Verd, a vibrant concoction of snow peas, jasmine, and peach served in a martini glass.
A dinner in Zollstube, within the Palais Bad Ragaz, exuded authentic Swiss allure, from the rustic furnishings to the classic cheese fondue and Toblerone chocolate mousse; while a fine-dining experience at IGNIV involved a four-hour, seven-course sharing menu (standouts included the Eggs Royal with Swiss cheese and truffle served in an eggshell, and a refreshingly sour cream ice cream to cleanse the palate).
If the attention to detail, from the cutlery to the plates, elevated the experience, the non-alcoholic pairings for each course added a thoughtful touch – this isn’t standard in most places. Meanwhile during dinner at Verve by Sven, the ambiance was enhanced by low lighting and candles, as we dined on Dauphine potatoes with Truffle-Sbrinz cheese mayonnaise, and Cauliflower prepared in various ways. Both exceeded our expectations.
But then, this entire visit made for an astounding experience. In every corner of the Grand Resort, from the opulent Quellenhof spa suites to the relaxing Tamina Therme and the culinary delights, the pursuit of wellness and luxury is elevated to an art form here. Bad Ragaz is nothing short of transformative, a journey that leaves you feeling not just refreshed, but truly reborn.