What I learnt about wellness:
Submerging in cold water makes your whole body feel alive, but requires a lot of mental strength.
Embrace the moments of pure relaxation and don’t feel guilty if you spend some of your spa time having a nap or just letting your mind drift. It’s important to slow down.
Spend as much time in nature as possible and be present – journal, meditate and just breathe in fresh air. Despite the fact it was winter, I still loved being outdoors.
Getting comfortable being naked (Europeans love a nude spa) is great for self-acceptance. You’ll learn to love your body and feel more at ease with yourself.
A quick review:
Where? Lake Luzern in Switzerland, about an hour’s train journey from Zurich airport and really easy to get to!
Expensive? Yes very! If you want to make it a little cheaper consider staying in Luzern and getting a day spa pass instead of staying at the resort.
My rating: Luxurious and (almost) everything you want from a spa.
What was the highlight? Being in such a stunning setting, with the lake on one side and alpine mountains on the other.
What’s one thing that could be better? The spa could have had a little café so you could grab food in your dressing gown without needing to get changed and go to one of the restaurants. There are a few small snacks but I got pretty hungry during the day!
The detail
The Swiss are avid fans of wellness weekends and I was so excited to experience one of their luxury spas. I had my eye on the Burgenstock resort for a long time (the infinity pool was definitely a big draw) and it didn’t disappoint.
The trip starts with a boat ride across Lake Luzern to the resort, which I’d highly recommend doing if you can arrive in Luzern itself. It glides across the peaceful lake with your first glimpse of the mountains. Having spent so much of my childhood in Finland I’ve got a real love for lakes. They make me feel calm.
The funicular then takes you to the top of the mountain. The views are breathtaking and we were so grateful that it was such a clear sunny day.
The Burgenstock Resort has two spas; the Alpine Spa and the Waldhotel Spa. We were staying in the Waldhotel (it’s the cheapest hotel out of the 3), but went straight to the Alpine Spa to make the most of the sunny day. You have to pay the daily spa rate to use it if you’re not a guest of the Burgenstock Hotel or Palace Hotel, but it’s worth it! It’s one of the nicest spas I have ever been to.
Obviously the first thing we did was head to the infinity pool. And the views really were incredible. I loved sitting in the pool jacuzzis whilst the clouds come and go. It’s also nice to head out there as the sun is setting and the pool lights up.
We then headed to the sauna and steam rooms. We weren’t aware until we got there that this area was a ‘no swimsuit’ area. Being British, being nude doesn’t really come naturally, and despite my Finnish heritage I’m still not that comfortable being naked. But we decided to just go for it, and I even gave up the cloth I originally wrapped myself in. Being naked is liberating, and after a while I felt as ease. I honestly think we all need to spend more time being naked and getting comfortable with our bodies. It’s our most natural state.
The sauna had panoramic views over the trees and lake. I’ve never been to a sauna with such a beautiful view. I’d also highly recommend dipping in the cold water pools after a sauna or steam room. It felt invigorating (although tough at first) and I stepped out of the water feeling rejuvenated. I’ve heard a lot about cold water therapy, and I feel like I’ve only just scratched the surface with the benefits. There was one outdoor cold water pool which was almost unbearable to be in. It felt like my entire body was being pinpricked. But if I can train myself to be able to stand those kind of temperatures, I think the benefits will be so worth it. Mind over matter.
The Alpine Spa has so many areas to relax, with cosy fires, water beds and of course stunning views. There’s nothing I love more than being in my dressing gown and spending some time reading, drinking herbal tea and having a little nap. Although sometimes I feel guilty for ‘wasting’ my spa time doing nothing, I need to remind myself the reason I’m there is to relax and switch off, and sometimes doing nothing is just as important.
One final evening dip outside before we had dinner in the Spices restaurant. We didn’t make the healthiest choices considering we were at a health spa, but sometimes you need to enjoy yourself. The chicken tikka masala (basic I know) tasted amazing! The restaurant also has a lovely ambience and lake views, although wasted on us as a trip in January almost guarantees you’re eating dinner in the dark.
On day 2 we started our morning at the Alpine gym (I have way more motivation to work out when it’s in a gym with mountain views) and then spent our time at the Waldhotel Spa (free for us as we were guests at the hotel). Although a lot smaller than the Alpine Spa, it’s still well worth visiting.
Located on the other side of the hotel (not the lake side), you have the benefit of alpine mountain views, and in my opinion just as stunning as lake views. Although we were here in January, we actually spent a lot of time outdoors, either in the heated pool, or on the cabana, wrapped in our dressing gowns with the sun beaming down. I sat journaling, breathing in the fresh mountain air, feeling the sun on my face and I felt so present and content.
The Waldhotel spa also has saunas, a steam room and relaxation areas. And the best thing of all was almost having the entire spa to ourselves. We heard it tends to be quieter in January, so I’d recommend this time of year, but I can’t guarantee it would always be as quiet as we had it – COVID may have had a bit of an impact?
I really loved my stay here, and only wish I could have stayed longer to enjoy some more of the resort facilities and activities. I also imagine it’s very different in summer, as it’s the most perfect setting to make the most of the outdoors. Perhaps next time it’ll be a summer trip (heading back to the spa too of course!)
Comments