Days of Rest in SWITZERLAND With a landscape of beautiful lakes and mountains and its plentiful spas, Switzerland promises a serene and relaxing stay. by Katie McElveen Photos Courtesy of Kulm Hotel St. Moritz
TRAVEL | PASSPORT One of the joys of stepping into a hotel suite in Maui, St. Barth’s or Cabo is that first glimpse of turquoise water that blazes in through the window. But in Switzerland? Not so much. Yet there it was. Courtesy of Lake St. Moritz, that gorgeous view of blue filled the window of my suite at St. Moritz’s Kulm Hotel. That it was unexpected made it all the better. Renovated in late 2015 by French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, Kulm Hotel’s suites are done in a muted palette of ivory and taupe that mixes textures— leather, tweed, crisp cotton—with soft patterns. The ceiling and part of each wall is paneled in Swiss stone pine, an aromatic local wood that adds a touch of rustic charm to the posh rooms. It’s also said to induce relaxation and deep sleep, a claim that, in my case, worked no matter what time I went to bed. If you need additional help, though, try relaxing in the extradeep soaking tub that beckons from the black marble bathroom, or use the pillow menu and order up just the right combination of down, feathers and herbs to bring on slumber. Taking revitalization to the next level, the spa is devoted to detoxifying and regenerating stressed-out minds and bodies. Like many spas in Europe, the steam, sauna and water areas can be used by hotel guests at no charge. Unlike many spas, however, this is more than a tiny steam chamber set next to a Jacuzzi; this is a collection of first-class amenities. The indoor pool set in a glass-walled conservatory is large enough for laps and overlooks the mountains. Outside, an open-air whirlpool is equipped with underwater chaise lounges, creating the perfect setting for intense relaxation. The whirlpool features therapeutic waterfalls and high-pressure jets set to massage various body parts. For even deeper relaxation, head to one of the varied steam rooms, saunas or specialty areas. I could barely tear myself away from the Infrared Cabin, which, with its narrow, high-backed chairs and blinking red lights resembled a torture chamber, but it was actually the opposite. As I sat, the high-tech scanners set into each seat sent perfectly calibrated heat waves into the stressed-out muscles along my spine, allowing them to release their death grip on my bones, joints and ligaments. The spa features a menu of treatments which utilize unique ingredients to relax, detoxify or revitalize. You can enjoy a peat mud wrap that will intensively purify as it boosts your body’s ability to fight allergens and rheumatic complaints. An orange peel scrub can smooth out cellulite. And alkaline salts, which are used in a number of treatments, can lead to firmer, more youthful skin. Don’t dismiss a simple massage, though. The Kulm’s well-trained, agile, strong therapists seem to know precisely where each knot is hiding and how to coax it into submission. After a day of intense rejuvination, you can enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine like veal and mushrooms in cream served alongside crunchy rösti potatoes at Chesa al Parc, the resort’s recreation of a Swiss mountain villa. Or head over to the Gourmet Restaurant Kronenstübli in the Grand Hotel Kronenhof, the Kulm’s sister property, for pressed duck and and nearly a dozen Champagnes to choose from. The biggest challenge is deciding when to visit. If you go during the summer, you can explore the mountains on foot or by bicycle, hike to a glacier for the ultimate Instagram moment, sail or kayak in the lake, and wander through the historic and picturesque village of St. Moritz. If you decide on a winter visit, you can enjoy some of the best skiing in Europe as well as the chance to ice skate on the frozen lake, watch an ice polo match, take a toboggan ride, or even take a shot at bobsledding. And while that view of blue from the lake won’t be there to welcome you come winter, you can always expect blue skies. After all, the sun shines on St. Moritz more than 320 days each year. DOWNTOWNMAGAZINENYC.COM | SPRING <strong>2017</strong> 67
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