Water therapy for the soul: seven sublime spas in Valais

The thermal waters in these inviting pools originates from the St. Laurent spring, whose water gushes at a temperature of 51°C from the earth. The indoor and outdoor pool (at a very pleasant 36°C) features a variety of equipment to make bathing even more enjoyable, such as neck showers, underwater massage jets, air bubble beds and rows of seats. The complex also offers guests a herbal sanarium, infusion sauna, stone bath and much more, all with a traditional Valais atmosphere to put you at ease.

Say hello to this new wellness gem in car-free (and therefore peaceful) Saas-Fee. This fully renovated five-star hotel is a glorious Alpine retreat for rest and relaxation, featuring a spa that measures over 2,100 m² with a pool, selection of saunas, steam bath, fitness centre and much more. Therapy rooms offer massages, treatments, baths and wraps for when you need pampering, and if you’re craving some exercise in the fresh air, there’s ice climbing, skiing, snowshoe tours and hiking. When it’s time to eat, enjoy market-fresh cuisine in three different culinary styles: Mediterranean, modern and traditional.

Switzerland isn’t exactly short on hot springs, but Lavey boasts one of the hottest. The thermal water comes out of the spring at an incredible 69°C, allowing bathers to enjoy the salubrious effects. Lose yourself in an oasis of wellbeing, thanks to Jacuzzis, massage pools, swan-neck jets, mushroom fountains, waterfalls, a rapids course and bubbling water beds. And to balance out the calm and healthy atmosphere, there are plenty of aquatic activities and luxurious treats waiting to be discovered.

The four-star Alpenhof spa area offers a mightily impressive range of facilities: large indoor pool, indoor-outdoor whirlpool, blockhouse sauna, steam baths, tropical shower, beauty salon with ‘Cleopatra bath’, cosmetic salon, pool bar, relax rooms, ‘Relax and Wellness’ day packages... This is truly a wellness temple.

There are plenty of reasons to visit these seriously relaxing baths, even including the journey there, which begins with a ride across the beautiful Rhone valley, eventually continuing up to the famous thermal site at Ovronnaz, set an impressive 1,400 metres above sea level. The centre is fully dedicated to hydrotherapy and wellbeing, and is known around Valais (and further afield) for its invigorating climate. There are three 32-35°C thermal pools to enjoy (two are open-air), alongside hammams, a sauna, a fitness centre, opportunities for physiotherapy and shiatsu massage, cosmetic treatments and many more enticing features.

With features like a herbal bath, sauna, outdoor atrium, mountain crystal blossom steam bath and relaxation room (complete with waterbeds), this tranquil and stylish four-star venue feels like the ultimate Alpine refuge. And if you’re after a beauty or body treatment, there are plenty available, with Alpine products being used throughout – try a warm stone massage for something different, or if you’d prefer a couples treatment with your partner, try the ‘vino’ or ‘hot chocolate’ treatments for something truly indulgent.

There’s something for everyone at these open-air thermal baths, including Europe’s longest Alpine thermal waterslide (measuring a mighty 182-metres-longs), which will be loved by the kids and thrill-seekers of all age. The thermal pool (where the water is a delightfully warm 34-37°C) boasts numerous underwater massage jets, but if you’re looking for an adrenaline hit rather than relaxation, you can leap – daredevil-style – from rocks above the sports pool into the water. The thermal baths consist of 16 different basins across both indoor and outdoor areas, and there are also beautifully kept gardens with terraces that invite you to relax and soak up the sun – the perfect way to round-off a wellness session.