Swiss spas, clinics and more: all about wellness in Switzerland

Whether you’re looking for advanced longevity treatments, healing thermal springs, or adrenaline-fuelled adventures, Switzerland has it all. With a culture deeply rooted in wellbeing and a commitment to holistic health, it continues to set the gold standard in global wellness tourism. In fact, Switzerland’s wellness tourism market is predicted to grow 12 per cent between 2022 and 2030, to reach US$46.9 billion (HK$364.5 billion). 

Switzerland was recently named the world’s best wellness destination in the Cathay Members’ Choice Awards 2024 and with good reason. With its reputation for cutting-edge science, respect for nature and a deeply entrenched wellness culture, few countries are equipped to offer the wide range and high quality of wellness programmes in quite the same way. Here are some of our favourite wellness experiences that Switzerland has to offer. 

Swiss thermal baths and sauna rituals 

Switzerland’s wellness culture is deeply rooted in its thermal baths and saunas, where natural elements converge to soothe, restore, and rejuvenate. Mineral-rich hot springs can be found throughout the country at spa resorts; locals and tourists alike flock to indoor and outdoor pools to relax, de-stress, boost circulation and soothe aching muscles in healing waters.

If you want to combine relaxation with soothing interior design, visit the 7132 Therme hotel and spa in the municipality of Vals. Meticulously crafted from 60,000 slabs of Valser quartzite, their hot spring is an architectural marvel. With its interplay of light, stone and water, it’s a spectacularly soothing place to spend an afternoon.

Similarly, Bad Ragaz’s Tamina Therme and the iconic Badrutt’s Palace spa in St. Moritz offer transformative experiences, blending the therapeutic benefits of thermal waters with stunning alpine views.  

Once you’ve had a dip in the hot springs, it’s time to hit the sauna to detoxify, boost circulation and even improve your cognitive health. A highlight of the Swiss sauna experience is the multisensory Aufguss ritual, in which essential oils, lighting and music are used to create a soothing ambience, before an Aufgussmeister performs a rhythmic dance using towels to circulate the warm, aromatherapy-infused air. 

Swiss medical treatments

Switzerland is home to some of the most advanced medical wellness centres in the world, where cutting-edge science meets time-honoured healing traditions. Clinique La Prairie in Montreux is a pioneer in longevity, offering cellular therapy, genetic testing and personalised health programmes designed to optimise well-being and slow ageing. Its science-backed approach combines medical expertise with luxury, making it a world-renowned destination for preventive health. 

Chenot Palace Weggis , set on the shores of Lake Lucerne, specialises in holistic detox and regeneration, blending traditional Chinese medicine with state-of-the-art diagnostics to improve your long-term wellbeing. Its signature programmes focus on detoxifyng the body and enhancing vitality through tailored treatment methods. These centres exemplify Switzerland’s commitment to personalised, science-driven wellness, ensuring that guests receive targeted treatments to enhance both physical and mental well-being.

Embracing nature: outdoor wellness adventures

Switzerland’s natural beauty and fresh mountain air attracts adventure seekers galore. The country offers a variety of outdoor activities that foster both physical well-being and a deeper connection with nature. For those seeking a thrill, try paragliding for a breathtaking aerial perspective as you soar through the Alps. Companies like Paragliding Interlaken provide tandem flights with experienced pilots, so first-timers can also experience the thrill. 

For something a little closer to the ground, keen hikers should download the SwitzerlandMobility app. This free resource provides useful information on hundreds of trails that take you through valleys, vineyards, and lakeshores, offering ample opportunities for hiking, cycling and outdoor exploration. You can also book guided walks through the app. 

Wild swimming in Switzerland

You don’t need to fill an ice bath to take a cold plunge in Switzerland. Simply try your hand at wild swimming in one of the chilly glacier-fed lakes to invigorate body and mind. Popular wild swimming spots include Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, or any one of the picturesque mountain lakes along the Pizol Five Lakes Hike near Bad Ragaz. 

Swiss snowshoeing retreats

Snowshoeing – hiking across deep snow with the aid of special ski-like shoes – has exploded in popularity in recent years. Said to burn more calories than cross-country skiing, snowshoeing allows you to explore pristine snowy landscapes otherwise inaccessible during the winter. Swiss resorts have caught onto the trend and now offer snowshoeing retreats that combine invigorating excursions with relaxing activities to help you warm up and chill out after a day on the trails. Badrutt’s Palace in St. Moritz offers guided snowshoeing experiences through the pristine Engadine Alps, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the unspoiled beauty of the region. Afterwards, an indulgent spa treatment helps to soothe those aching muscles. 

For an eco-luxury experience, Whitepod in the Valais region offers a unique opportunity to snowshoe directly from its sustainable geodesic dome tents, designed to minimise environmental impact while maximising comfort. These stylish, energy-efficient pods blend seamlessly into the alpine landscape, offering an immersive stay in nature without compromising on luxury. After a day of adventure, Whitepod’s wellness offerings – including yoga, meditation, and hot tubs – provide the perfect balance of exhilaration and relaxation.

The Chedi Andermatt elevates the snowshoeing experience further by offering guided expeditions through untouched valleys and mountains, followed by restorative spa treatments at its world-class wellness facilities.   

Wellness in Zurich: a blend of luxury and tradition

You don’t have to venture into the countryside to experience Switzerland’s top-notch wellness offerings. If you're flying into Zurich with Cathay Pacific, be sure to explore the city’s urban spas and medical wellness centres.

The Dolder Grand hotel is home to an award-winning 4,000-square-metre spa with panoramic views of the city and lake. Book a day pass to take advantage of the incredible heat and water facilities.

For something unique, Hürlimann Bad , an old brewery turned thermal bath, features a stunning rooftop pool with breathtaking views of Zurich, while its subterranean pools have retained the brewery’s original raw stone arches to incredible effect. B2 Hotel, which is connected to Hürlimann Bad, offers stylish accommodations and an Instagram-worthy dining area housed in the original brewery. 

For a cutting-edge wellness experience, Ayun Clinic has a reputation for its early adoption of advanced wellness technologies, combining science with holistic therapies. The clinic offers a range of innovative treatments, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, cryotherapy, IV drips, hormonal balancing, nutritional counselling, and micronutrient testing.