The Best Thermal Spa Hotels in Europe

7132 Hotel in Switzerland

Courtesy of 7132 Hotel

Located 1,252 meters above sea level, the 7132 Hotel is situated near the entrance of Vals in the mountains of Grisons. Its monolithic building was constructed using raw concrete and more than 60,000 slabs of Vals quartzite. The property includes three spa suites, 12 spa deluxe rooms with en-suite steam rooms and a handful of double and single rooms. Additionally, the top floor is taken up by three penthouse suites designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. The associated 7132 thermal baths are accessible directly from the hotel’s spa area. For more than a century, bathers have been drawn to the mineralized water of the St. Peter spring, which has a temperature of 30°C at its source. The baths are divided into six pools, ranging from 14°C in the ice pool to 42°C in the fire pool. Guests can float under the open sky and enjoy the pools after dark on three designated nights a week. The spa has seven treatment rooms and a water massage room, and guests can enjoy a wide range of body and facials treatments, including the hot stone ritual using local quartzite rocks.
Read more: 10 Bucket List Hotels in Switzerland

Silica Hotel & Blue Lagoon in Iceland

Courtesy of Silica Hotel

The Silica Hotel, located in Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula, features luxury accommodations, terraces with views of the volcanic horizon and geothermal lagoons. The hotel was designed using esthetic choices that mimic the colors, patterns, textures and tones of the surrounding landscape. The property’s 35 double/twin rooms come in three types: Lava Deluxe, Mountain Deluxe and Silica Deluxe. Each room is bright and spacious with a veranda overlooking the terrain. The hotel is located near the Blue Lagoon, which was named by National Geographic as one of the 25 wonders of the world. In addition to the thermal baths, the lagoon features a sauna, steam room, in-water facilities for refreshments, a mask bar and a massage waterfall. Access to the Blue Lagoon is complementary with each booked room night, and the Silica Hotel has a private lagoon that is sourced from the same wellspring of mineral-rich, geothermal seawater as the Blue Lagoon.

Bagni di Pisa in Italy

Courtesy of Bagni di Pisa

Situated just a few miles from the historic city center of Pisa, Bagni di Pisa was built in the eighteenth century as the summer residence for the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Francis Stephen of Lorraine. Now, the property features 61 guest rooms, including 11 junior suites and nine standard suites. Thanks to skilled restoration work, the hotel features many original elements, including neo-classical accents, frescoes and marble flooring. Guests can enjoy thermal waters flowing from the depths of San Giuliano Terme. In addition to its indoor and outdoor pools, Bagni di Pisa has a wide range of thermal spa services, including mud treatments and massage therapy.

Castilla Termal Monasterio de Valbuena in Spain

Courtesy of Castilla Termal Monasterio de Valbuena

Situated in the Golden Mile of the Ribera del Duero, Hotel Castilla Termal Monasterio de Valbuena features the first five-star spa in Castilla y León. It is located in one of Europe’s best-preserved Cistercian monasteries from the twelfth century. The property has 79 rooms with 25 superior double rooms, 22 deluxe double rooms, 29 junior suites and three special suites. Hotel amenities include a spa, fitness center, organic vegetable garden and vineyard. The 2,000 square meter spa area features 16 treatment cabins, several thermal pools and a water contrast circuit. The spring water is 25°C and is rich in sodium, calcium and sulphate.

AQUA DOME Hotel – Tirol Therme Längenfeld in Austria

Courtesy of AQUA DOME

The AQUA DOME Hotel – Tirol Therme Längenfeld features more than 200 rooms and suites. The modern design of the property is inspired by the Ötztal region of western Austria. Reserved exclusively for hotel guests, the hotel’s premium spa is spread across two floors and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The thermal water originates from a deep reservoir located at a depth of 1,865 meters. The sodium-chloride-sulphate water comes from a spring with a temperature of 26.7°C (when it comes to the surface). The Ursprung spa dome is in the shape of a glass crystal and offers two indoor pools with water temperatures of 34°C and 36°C. The Talfrische outdoor spa contains three bowl-shaped pools, including a saltwater pool with underwater music and lights, a massage pool with a fountain of thermal water and a Jacuzzi pool.

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Choose Your Own Travel Adventure in Bath, England

From the Roman Baths to the Jane Austen Centre, choose your own travel adventure in Bath, England. Pick between the following categories to enjoy a charming weekend getaway in the UK.

• Spa – Historic or Modern?
• Snack Time – Pasties or Afternoon Tea? 
• Culture – Architecture or Literature?
• Happy Hour – Microbrewery or Beer House?

1st Choice: Roman Baths or Thermal Bath Spa?

Roman Baths

Courtesy of the Roman Baths in Bath, England

Just a 10-minute walk from the train station, the Roman Baths provide visitors with an awe-inspiring look at remains preserved from Roman Britain. An entrance fee provides access to original ancient Roman streets and ruins of the Temple of Sulis Minerva. Explore how ancient Romans lived and interacted with the local natural springs. Don’t miss the gilt bronze head of the goddess Sulis Minerva, one of the best-known objects of that time period. According to the Roman Baths Exhibition, the statue may well be an original object from the foundation of the site dating back to the later first century AD. The head is said to be from the cult statue of the goddess which would have stood within her Temple beside the Sacred Spring. From there she may have looked out across the Temple courtyard to the site of the great altar, the site of sacrifice, which stood at the heart of that sacred space. Visitors can learn about this artifact and more while touring the exhibition with the help of a handheld audio guide included in the cost of admission.

Thermae Bath Spa

Courtesy of Thermae Bath Spa

Bath is well-known for its long-standing association with health and wellness due to the purported healing powers of its natural thermal springs. According to local legend, the source of Bath’s mineral-rich water remains a mystery. However, research suggests that the rainwater enters the carboniferous limestone in the Avon Valley. Bathing in the natural springs has been an important part of Bath’s history and local culture since they were discovered in 863 BC. This mystical water has been used for bathing by the Celts, Romans, Saxons and Georgians.

Located in the heart of the city, Thermae Bath Spa offers visitors a modern spa experience with an open-air rooftop pool, indoor pool, saunas, steam rooms and spa treatments. According to Thermae, the waters contain over 42 different minerals, including sulphate, calcium and chloride. All baths contain natural thermal waters and are kept at the optimum bathing temperature of 33.5 degrees C (92 degrees F). The spa provides visitors with robes and flip-flops for optimal comfort.

2nd Choice: Pasties or Afternoon Tea?

Pasties from the Cornish Bakery

Photo by the Cornish Bakery

The southwest region of England is known for its delicious handheld savory pies called pasties. This portable lunch is perfect for travelers on the go. A traditional Cornish pasty includes diced beef, potatoes, turnips and onions. This mixture creates the filling of a half-moon pie crust pocket. Cornish pasties became common in the 19th century when tin mining was booming and workers wanted hardy self-contained meals. Today, the pasty business is alive and well, and Bath has an abundance of shops claiming to have the ‘world’s best.’ For a tasty snack in Bath, check out the Cornish Bakery, a regional bakery chain with a location near Bath Abbey.

Afternoon Tea at the Pump Room

Courtesy of the Pump Room

The Pump Room is an elegant treat for visitors looking to have a memorable dining experience during their stay in Bath. Located next to the Roman Baths, the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. According to the Pump Room, the original property was completed in 1705 and then upgraded in 1790. Now, the restaurant uses the natural springs to heat the building and neighboring Roman Baths during the winter months. While there, ask for a taste of the hot spa water at the fountain. Be sure to book your reservations in advance, since availability can be limited during the peak season.

3rd Choice: Architecture or Literature?

Museum of Bath Architecture

Photo by C. McCain

Architecture walks in Bath can be a great way to see the local sites. The city was transformed in the early 1700s when Bath-based architects were commissioned by city leaders to make improvements. A number of crescents, or curved sections of Georgian-style townhomes, were built throughout the city, including the world’s first crescent, Royal, built between 1767 and 1775 by John Wood the Younger. This picturesque spot has been used as a location for Hollywood films, such as Persuasion and The Duchess. Other well-known crescents include Camden, Norfolk, Lansdown, Cavendish, Widcombe and Somerset Place. Don’t miss Circus, a crescent designed by John Wood the Elder, which consists of curved townhomes said to be based on the dimensions of Stonehenge. Learn more by visiting the Museum of Bath Architecture, which includes a 1:500 scale model of Bath from a bird’s-eye view.

The Jane Austen Centre

Photo by C. McCain

“I really believe I shall always be talking of Bath, when I am home again – I do like it so very much.” – Jane Austen (1775-1817)

A visit to Bath can feel like entering one of Jane Austen’s classic novels, appropriately so, since the beloved author called this city home from 1801 to 1806. During that time, Bath was considered to be the most famous resort town in all of England. Austen’s Northanger Abbey and Persuasion were published posthumously in 1818, and both novels were set mainly in Bath and reflect the author’s lifestyle as a resident.

The Jane Austen Centre offers visitors the chance to explore the life of Jane Austen and her time in Bath, as well as the city’s cultural influences detected in her books, characters and personal life. The centre is located at No. 40 Gay Street, a place similar to the house a couple of doors down where Austen lived for a few months following her father’s death in 1805. Enthusiastic exhibition guides welcome visitors in traditional Regency outfits. Visit the centre to learn more about the famous author who never saw her name published.

4th Choice: Graze Microbrewery or Bath Brew House?

Graze Restaurant and Microbrewery

Courtesy of Visit Bath

A travel adventure in Bath would not be complete without sampling the local beer. Located near the Bath Spa train station, Graze Restaurant and Microbrewery offers refreshing beer and gastropub cuisine. Order a pint of Sulis, an English lager named after the city’s thermal springs, from the spacious upstairs bar. Weather permitting, enjoy the outdoor patio with views of Bath’s 19th-century railway station originally designed by the acclaimed English engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel (1806–1859).

Bath Brew House

Complete with its very own microbrewery, the Bath Brew House is located on James St. West in the heart of Bath’s city centre. This lively watering hole features brewery tours, pub food, televised sports, live music, pub quiz, beer garden, ping pong and more. In addition to the craft beer, don’t miss the chance to try their BBQ ribs or fish and chips.

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10 Bucket List Hotels in Switzerland

Waldhaus Flims in Flims

Courtesy of Waldhaus Flims

Courtesy of Waldhaus Flims

Waldhaus Flims’ storied heritage dates back to 1869 when two Chur natives were granted permission from the municipality of Flims and Laax to build a spa. A hotel soon followed, and now, the property includes three guest houses and four gourmet restaurants. The spa is the property’s centerpiece with an indoor pool situated inside a glass cube and a heated outdoor pool equipped with bubble loungers and massage jets. As seen in Sorrentino’s 2015 film Youth, the spa area is stunning and seems to fit in perfectly with its natural surroundings. Waldhaus Flims is also known for its park, which includes glass-covered pavilions, sun terraces, open meadows, walking paths and mountain views. The hotel museum, located under the pavilion, features curated artifacts from the Belle Époque era, as well as items from Graubünden’s past. Guests can also find a trove of quartz crystals housed in underground hotel passages.

Bürgenstock Hotel and Alpine Spa in Lucerne

Courtesy of Bürgenstock Hotel and Alpine Spa

Courtesy of Bürgenstock Hotel and Alpine Spa

First opened in 1873, the Bürgenstock Resort and Alpine Spa is set on a forested ridge 500 metres above Lake Lucerne. Known for being the location where Audrey Hepburn married Mel Ferrer in 1954, this property offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Alpine landscape, including Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus. With 102 guest rooms and suites, the Bürgenstock Hotel offers top-notch accommodations, beautiful architecture and plenty of fine dining options. Guests can take a dip in the Infinity Edge pool, unwind in the Alpine Spa or play a round of golf. The hotel’s funicular provides a fun and convenient way to travel between the rooms and the lake.

Suvretta House in St. Moritz

Courtesy of Suvretta House

Courtesy of Suvretta House

In 1911, pioneering hotelier Anton Sebastian Bon had a vision for a grand property in the mountains near St. Mortiz. After joining forces with local architect Karl Koller, Bon’s dream became a reality. Known as the ‘winter palace,’ this five-star hotel has 181 guest rooms and suites with spectacular views of Mount Suvretta and the Corviglia ski domain. Suvretta House’s health, fitness and spa area is spread out over 17,00 square metres and includes a Finnarium, Sanarium, Vaporium and Caldarium. Guests can swim in the 25-metre pool overlooking the mountains of the Upper Engadine or relax in the open-air whirlpool heated year-round. Guests can end their day with a visit to Grand Restaurant (14 points Gault Millau) where head chef Fabrizio Zanetti serves French cuisine using locally sourced ingredients.

Baur au Lac in Zürich

Courtesy of Baur au Lac

Courtesy of Baur au Lac

Baur au Lac has been delivering first-class service and accommodations for more than 175 years. Set in its own park on the banks of the Schanzengraben Canal, the hotel overlooks Lake Zürich and the Alps, and it’s just a short walk from the Paradeplatz financial district and the Bahnhofstrasse shopping district. The property includes 119 guest rooms and suites, as well as fine dining options. The onsite restaurant Pavilion by Laurent Eperon (2 Michelin stars and 18 Gault Millau points) is set in a beautiful space with a rotunda designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon. In addition to its exquisite, award-winning cuisine, Pavilion is known for its wine service. Head sommelier Marc Almert was named Best Sommelier in the World at a 2019 ceremony in Antwerp held by the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale. Other onsite restaurants and bars include Le Hall, Terrasse and Baur’s.

The Chedi Andermatt in Andermatt

Courtesy of The Chedi Andermatt

Courtesy of The Chedi Andermatt

Built by architect Jean-Michel Gathy, the Chedi Andermatt sits 1,447 metres above sea level in the mountain village of Andermatt. Its design concept combines Asian aesthetics with Alpine elegance. The hotel features 123 guest rooms and suites, five restaurants and bars and a 2,400 square-metre spa. Its natural surroundings include waterfalls, alpine lakes and over 180 kilometres of pistes – perfect for skiers, hikers and mountain bikers. The new link-up between Andermatt, Sedrun and Disentis has created the largest ski area in central Switzerland, which makes the hotel perfect for a ski-in/ski-out experience. Enjoy a traditional Japanese Bento lunch at The Japanese by the Chedi Andermatt at Mount Gütsch where Michelin-star awarded executive chef Dietmar Sawyere serves up sushi, sashimi, tempura and more.

Hotel Les Trois Rois in Basel

Courtesy of Hotel Les Trois Rois

Courtesy of Hotel Les Trois Rois

Hotel Les Trois Rois is situated on the banks of the Rhine River in the heart of Basel, Switzerland’s third most populated city. The hotel’s central location is ideal for exploring the city’s museums, galleries and theatres. Hotel Les Trois Rois is known for being one of the oldest city hotels in Europe. Today, its motto is “rich in history, young at heart” – a refreshing concept for a luxury property. In addition to its 101 guest rooms and suites, the hotel offers excellent dining options. Onsite restaurants and bars include Cheval Blanc by chef Peter Knogl (3 Michelin stars and 19 Gault Millau points), Brasserie Les Trois Rois by chef Urs Gschwend (14 Gault Millau points), Italian restaurant Chez Donati (13 Gault Millau points), Bar Les Trois Rois and Salon du Cigare.

The Waldhaus Sils Hotel in Sils im Engadin

Courtesy of the Waldhaus Sils Hotel

Courtesy of the Waldhaus Sils Hotel

The Waldhaus Sils Hotel, located in Engadine near St. Moritz, has been attracting travelers, artists, writers and philosophers for more than a century. Albert Einstein, Friedrich Nietzsche, Marc Chagall and Gerhard Richter are just a few notable guests who have experienced the beauty, charm and tranquility of this Alpine retreat. The Waldhaus Sils Hotel offers elegant accommodations, delicious food and luxury spa treatments. Additionally, the property exudes character that seems fitting for its heritage. For example, guests can tour the hotel museum located in an old bakery re-designed by artist Giuseppe Reichmuth or listen to a restored Welte-Mignon roll piano from 1910. Even the hotel’s master clock is wound by hand each morning, a tradition established in 1908. These small nods to the past make for a memorable stay.

The Alpina Gstaad in Gstaad

Courtesy of Alpina Gstaad

Courtesy of Alpina Gstaad

The Alpina Gstaad is set on five acres of land in Saanenland located in the heart of the Bernese Alps. Since its inception, this luxury property has been committed to sustainable practices with a mix of ecological power and hydroelectric strategies, including sensor-driven air conditioning units and heating systems partially heated with reclaimed energy. The Alpina Gstaad features 56 guest rooms and suites – all with balconies, a spa with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, wine-tasting room, private cinema, cigar lounge and ballroom. Guests can choose from three on-site restaurants: Restaurant Sommet (1 Michelin star and 18 Gault Millau points) serving contemporary cuisine, Megu (1 Michelin star and 15 Gault Millau points) serving Japanese cuisine or Swiss Stübli serving traditional local cuisine.

Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva

Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva

Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva

When the Hotel des Bergues opened in 1834, it was one of the largest and most impressive hotels in Switzerland. The hotel’s convenient location offers access to Lake Geneva, Old Town, Quartier des Banques, Grand Theatre and more. This historic neo-classical building includes 115 guest rooms and suites – all with classic Louis Philippe-style furnishings and marble bathrooms. Suites on the sixth floor pay tribute to contemporary Swiss chalets and feature large fireplaces and comfortable furnishings. The most significant restoration took place in 2005 under the creative direction of Pierre-Yves Rochon. The Spa Mont Blanc offers a deluxe experience complete with an authentic Moroccan hammam and marble steam room. Onsite restaurant Il Lago (1 Michelin star) offers a seasonal, northern Italy-inspired menu by executive chef Massimiliano Sena.

The Dolder Grand in Zürich

Courtesy of the Dolder Grand

Courtesy of the Dolder Grand

The 10 Bucket List Hotels in Switzerland would not be complete without mentioning the Dolder Grand, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World and Swiss Deluxe Hotels. This property has 175 guest rooms and suites, an award-winning restaurant, lavish spa services and a sprawling fine art collection. Its elevated location in Zürich provides guests with stunning views of the city, lake and mountains.

The Dolder Grand’s extensive art collection is worth noting. Over 100 works of art adorn the property’s interior walls and exterior gardens. Artists on view include Andy Warhol, Salvador Dalí, Fernando Botero, Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely, among others. Guests are offered iPad art tours to help navigate the collection.

A stay at the Dolder Grand would not be complete without a visit to the spa. The Aqua Zone houses a large swimming pool with views of its natural surroundings, outdoor whirlpools, sanarium, steam bath and snow paradise. Guests can relax with Japanese-style warm pebbles of the sunaburo. Separated for men and women, sections of the spa are equipped with a sauna, steam bath, kotatsu foot bath, aroma pool, steam pot, cold-water basin and solarium.

Lastly, don’t miss The Restaurant in the Dolder Grand by executive chef Heiko Nieder. The Restaurant (2 Michelin stars and 19 Gault Millau points) serves seasonal, innovative gourmet cuisine. The amuse-bouche lunch menu offers the chance to try a selection of Nieder’s creations. In the evening, The Restaurant offers 6- or 10-course menus with options for vegetarian alternatives. The cuisine is known for reflecting Nieder’s enjoyment for experimentation. Previous dishes have included lobster with strawberries, beetroot, tarragon and mustard and rabbit with herbs, miso, mushrooms and green tomato.

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Built in 2010, Tambo del Inka is a Marriott property that was brought to life by Peruvian architect Bernardo Fort-Brescia and his firm Arquitectonica. According to the hotel, from inception, the property has been a leader in sustainability and responsible luxury. Tambo del Inka was the first and only Peruvian hotel to receive the prestigious LEED certification in 2011. This internationally recognized, third-party certification speaks to the hotel’s design and its construction and operation as a high-performance green building. This designation highlights their commitment to areas of environmental impact with high marks for sustainable site development, water efficiency, energy savings, material use, indoor environmental quality and technological innovation. Tambo del Inka even has its own water treatment plant to filter water throughout the resort and grounds.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into the lobby, or main hall, a space that feels like a modern Peruvian hunting lodge with an impressive stone fireplace that seems to anchor the expansive room to the earth. During check-in, guests are greeted warmly with coca tea, a local remedy for helping the body adjust to high altitudes – fitting given the roughly 3,000 metres between the floor and sea level.

Courtesy of Tambo del Inka

Tambo del Inka’s interior design is headed up by the Argentinian firm Caparra Entelman. Decorative accents in the lobby include quipus, vases, baskets and masks – all gigantic in size making the massive space feel even bigger. Works by local artisans are on display throughout the room, some even dating back to the Incas. Large wooden columns rise up from the floor to support the ceiling, which gives the subtle impression that trees are growing up through the building. The main hall’s furniture, fabrics and rugs mix rich red tones with soothing beige tones to reflect the natural landscape. It’s as if the resort opened its doors and let the Sacred Valley inside.

Past the lobby, there are 3 floors of accommodations including 128 rooms divided between eastern and western wings. The rooms offer contemporary amenities like marble bathrooms, high speed internet, soundproof windows and walk-in closets. The property has 12 suites that feature private balconies with outdoor seating areas.

Courtesy of Tambo del Inka

Tambo del Inka’s spa is an excellent place to unwind after a long day of traveling or sightseeing. The spa offers beautiful views of the river and surrounding mountains. The space is equipped with a sauna, steam bath and gym, as well as a heated swimming pool (half outside), a hydro therapy area and treatment rooms. Try one of the signature treatments like a coca leaf facial.

Courtesy of Tambo del Inka

After the spa, guests can enjoy a locally-sourced seasonal menu in the hotel’s main dining room, Hawa Restaurant. The food includes traditional Peruvian and Novo Andean dishes, such as lomo saltado, or stir fried tenderloin strips, and cuy laqueado, or glazed Guinea pig. According to the hotel, a nearby organic garden produces 90% of the vegetables used in the kitchen.

Food enthusiasts will want to reserve space for one of the resort’s special dining experiences, such as the farm to table outing where guests harvest, prepare and cook a healthy meal with the help of a chef. Guests can also opt to cook a meal using a traditional Andean oven, a regional method that goes back centuries.

Courtesy of Tambo del Inka

Tambo del Inka offers the perfect jumping off point for exploring historic sites and local culture. The hotel has its own train station for starting the epic journey to Machu Picchu. This privately owned station was built to accommodate a 1920s-style train, which includes a dining car and a panoramic observation bar car. It is strongly recommended to purchase tickets well in advance.

In addition to Machu Picchu, guests can easily plan day trips to other notable sites, including the Urubamba Market, Maras Salt Mines, Moray Archaeological Complex and Inkariy Museum. Tambo del Inka can arrange tours to places like the Sacsayhuamán ruins, Písac village and Ollantaytambo archaeological site. The hotel can also organize outdoor activities, such as mountain biking, rafting and lakeside picnics.

Machu Picchu, Courtesy of Tambo del Inka

Tambo del Inka is the ultimate bucket list resort and spa. Inspired by the land on which it sits, this property seamlessly incorporates Peru’s rich cultural heritage into every aspect of its operation. Tambo del Inka goes above and beyond the call of duty to offer its guests an authentic experience. From the organic garden to the train station and water treatment plant, it’s the extra achievements, joined with thoughtful amenities, comfortable rooms and professional staff, that make this resort and spa truly memorable. Tambo del Inka values luxury, personality and sustainability – a winning combination for the world traveler. Click here to make a reservation.

Where to Stay Near Machu Picchu

Hotel Information
Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa – Valle Sagrado
Address: Avenida Ferrocarril S/N, Sacred Valley, Urubamba, 08661 Peru
Toll-Free Reservation Center: +015186500

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The Best Way to Enjoy the Summer in Zurich

Photo by Ricardo Perret © Zürich Tourism

Where should I swim in Zurich?

Check out Flussbad Unterer Letten, a popular swimming spot located in the Wipkingen neighborhood. Originally built in 1909 by architects Fissler and Friedrich, this spot is the oldest riverside bathing facility in the city of Zürich. After jumping into the water, swimmers let themselves be carried downstream by the current. It is good fun to watch the swimmers float along with the water until they end up back on land. Then, they walk back upstream and do it all over again.

After sundown, many of the city’s bathing areas along the river and lake transform into open-air bars, offering cocktails, snacks and entertainment. Cultural events and outdoor film screenings attract large crowds throughout the summer. Local residents and visitors mingle together to enjoy the warm weather and fresh air.

Photo by Caroline Minjolle, © Zürich Tourism

Where should I stay in Zurich?

A summer guide for things to do in Zurich would not be complete if hotels were not mentioned. The Dolder Grand, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World and Swiss Deluxe Hotels, should be on everyone’s hotel bucket list. The property has 175 luxurious rooms and suites, exquisite cuisine, a lavish spa and notable art collection. Its elevated location provides guests with stunning views of Zürich, the lake and the Alps.

Courtesy of the Dolder Grand, Photo by Zeljko Gataric

Make time to visit the Dolder Grand Spa. The Aqua Zone houses a large swimming pool with views of its natural surroundings, a reclining area with outdoor whirlpools, sanarium, steam bath and a snow paradise for cooling off. Guests experience relaxation Japanese-style in the wonderfully warm pebbles of the sunaburo. Two separate areas, the ladies’ and gentlemen’s spa, each offer a sauna, steam bath, kotatsu foot bath, aroma pool, steam pot, cold-water basin and solarium.

Courtesy of the Dolder Grand, photo by Heinz Unger

Baur au Lac also offers a world-class hotel experience in Zürich. This property has been delivering first-class service and accommodations for more than 170 years. Located on the banks of the Schanzengraben canal, this hotel is centrally located near the Bahnhofstrasse shopping district. Guests can enjoy a private park on the lake shore, which is ideal for a summer getaway.

Courtesy of Baur au Lac, photo by David Biedert

Where should I eat in Zurich?

The Restaurant in the Dolder Grand has an impeccable reputation. Headed by executive chef Heiko Nieder, it boasts 19 GaultMillau points and two Michelin stars. The Restaurant serves fresh and innovative gourmet cuisine. The menu reflects Nieder’s enjoyment of experimentation with dishes like Breton lobster with strawberries, beetroot, tarragon and mustard.

Don’t miss the Baur au Lac’s Restaurant Pavilion, a beautiful dining space with a rotunda designed by architect Pierre-Yves Rochon. The head chef, Laurent Eperon, and his team were recently honored with a second Michelin star. This restaurant was also recently recognized for its wine service. Marc Almert, head sommelier, was named Best Sommelier in the World at a ceremony in Antwerp held by the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale. This is contemporary fine dining at its best with a fresh take on classic haute cuisine like wild turbot with lemon eucalyptus, smoked sturgeon, caviar and mussels.

Courtesy of Baur au Lac, photo by David Biedert

For a taste of traditional Swiss cuisine, head out for a night-on-the-town. Zurich’s food scene is buzzing with over 2,000 restaurants ranging from food markets to traditional guild houses. Check out Zunfthaus zur Zimmerleuten and Kronenhalle for local specialties, such as Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, a local dish made with veal, white wine and cream, and rösti, flat cakes of pan-fried grated potatoes. Other classic dishes include fondue and raclette.

Kronenhalle, Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, Photo by Elisabeth Real, © Zürich Tourism

What should I pack for Zurich?

It is important to be prepared when planning a trip to Zurich, especially if it is a summer weekend away with water activities on the itinerary. In addition to the summer essentials, such as swimwear, sunglasses and sun hat, it is a good idea to pack a few water-friendly items that will come in handy while enjoying the outdoors. Check out these must-have summer travel items.

Kindle Paperwhite – Waterproof , 6″ High-Resolution Display, 8GB
Price:   £119.99

A waterproof reader, like the Kindle Paperwhite, is perfect for lounging around at the lake or spa. With over 5 million titles available for download, there are plenty of books to choose from while on vacation. Now with Audible, this item pairs with Bluetooth headphones or speakers, so sunbathers can enjoy a hands-free literary experience.

Speedo Unisex-Adult Goggles
Price:   £12.65 – £39.26Swim goggles, like Speedo’s Futura Biofuse Flexiseal, are a must have for a swim in Lake Zürich. With super-soft flexible seals, these goggles are super comfort and dry on the inside. The gel-like skin ensures stability on the face, and the wide vision lenses are designed to enhance peripheral vision.

ipow Waterproof Pouch Bag Case
Price:   £8.45

A waterproof pouch, like the one from ipow, is the smartest thing anyone can pack when planning a water or beach-related vacation. Keep your personal items safe and secure while floating along River Limmat. This bag is also great for the spa’s steam room and sauna. With three zip-lock seals, phones and credit cards stay dry and protected.

If you enjoyed The Best Way to Enjoy Summer in Zurich, check out other articles about traveling in Europe.

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The Best Ryokan in Japan | KAI Hakone Review

Once there, KAI Hakone offers a luxury retreat with traditional and modern touches effortlessly blended together. From the restaurant to the hot spring baths, this hotel offers a truly memorable stay while visiting the Japanese countryside.

Courtesy of KAI Hakone

KAI Hakone, a Hoshino Resort, is a boutique hot spring property located on the banks of a mountain stream just off the Hakone Kyukaido. The first thing guests notice when they step inside the lobby is the calming esthetic expertly executed by their design team. Built in 1987 and renovated by Hoshino Resorts in 2012, the property is a shining example of a traditional, yet luxurious, Japanese inn, or ryokan. Influenced by Japanese heritage, the décor, wall color and use of natural materials connects the space to the local community of Hakone and its unique landscape.

Courtesy of KAI Hakone

Past the lobby building, a beautiful corridor of bamboo leads guests to their rooms. The property has 32 guest rooms (24 Japanese-style and eight Western-style). With its low sofa and bed, the Japanese-style room combines the living space with the bedroom creating an open and tranquil feeling upon entry. The rooms feature contemporary furnishings made by master artisans who practice a style of parquetry traditionally found in Hakone. Guests are provided a Japanese robe, or yukata, for their stay that allows for ultimate comfort.

Courtesy of KAI Hakone

Once settled, guests are invited to experience a relaxing hot spring bath, or onsen. Hakone is home to natural hot springs in the volcanic caldera of Mount Hakone, including Sengokuhara, Gora, Kojiri and Hakone Yumoto. KAI Hakone accesses the springs from Yumoto, which is considered a premier spring and gateway to Hakone.

Courtesy of KAI Hakone

The property’s infinity hot spring blends in well with its natural surroundings, which offers partially open-air views that change with the season. The antique cedar bathtub is filled with the bubbling hot spring water known to be gentle on the skin. First-time guests should be aware of the house rules before enjoying the bath, which is separated by gender. Do not forget to shower before taking a dip and keep all textiles out of the water.

The dining experience at KAI Hakone is another excellent reason to plan a visit. Traditional dinner and breakfast services are included in a room reservation. It was said that a special cuisine was developed in this region using ingredients obtained from the nearby mountains and sea. Inspired by this history, the property’s restaurant offers a seasonal, regionally-sourced menu. The special multi-course dinner, or kaiseki, features a beef hotpot, or meiji gyunabe, which is an original dish from the Meiji Era (1868–1912) when the people of Japan first started eating beef. With each course, guests are introduced to new flavors, unique textures and beautiful presentations. The dining room is set up so that most tables are separated by paper-thin walls, which creates a private and quiet space for dining. The service is impeccable from beginning to end.

Courtesy of KAI Hakone

KAI Hakone offers a selection of activities designed to introduce guests to the regional culture. Guests have access to a workshop that explores the secret to parquetry, a craft that is known for its colorful patterns created using the area’s diverse tree population. Other activities include tea sessions, storytelling and other crafting workshops. There is also an on-site library featuring historical information about Hakone.

Courtesy of KAI Hakone

From fine dining to natural hot spring baths, this property is as unique and beautiful as its surroundings. It is the perfect weekend getaway from Tokyo. The calming Zen-inspired atmosphere and superb service offer guests the chance to truly relax while away from home. The property effortlessly combines authentic Japanese touches with modern conveniences. KAI Hakone sets a new standard for natural elegance, because sometimes less is so much more.

The Best Ryokan in Japan

KAI Hakone Japan
Address: 230 Yumotochaya, Hakonemachi, Ashigarashimo, Kanagawa 250-0312
Telephone: +81-(0)50-3786-1144 (Reservation Center)
Website

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