Column Kate Parkyn
Summer Holidays 2020 – Spotlight on Switzerland Part 2: Wellness and Relaxation
How do you feel about exploring Switzerland, at leisure and getting pampered along the way?
Hmm….I feel this doesn’t sound like the worst idea ever!
Imagine getting out and about, exploring our Summer wonderland, being one with nature, being as active as you want or don’t want and then getting to also experience the “flop” part of a “fly and flop” holiday, without even having to go to the airport. And just to clarify, by flop I mean that part where you just lie down and ……. Relax…… ahhh….
There are so many spectacular locations in Switzerland to feel at one with nature and more at ease with oneself that it can be hard to choose. Thank fully we are here to help ease this burden with a couple of suggestions that hopefully will inspire action and repose.
Feeling fabulous at Lake Thun
Boat at Interlaken Shirinh on Pixabay
Let’s start off in an extraordinary location right on the lake. And here it is possible to begin to slow down and breathe before even arriving at your hotel as the paddle steamer can deliver you straight from Thun train station directly to the hotel for your 7 nights of sheer joyous escapism. There are so many activities and facilities that it might be hard to know where to start. There are stunning indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna world with 7 (!) different saunas and steam baths, an indoor sports pool, fitness and relaxation rooms. Daily gymnastic classes are included as are guided hiking, cycling and water sports equipment rental. Are you beginning to wonder if 7 nights will be long enough?
If you can tear yourself away from the hotel there are also a myriad of excursions and experiences to discover nearby of course. Visit Oberhofen Castle with it’s magnificent gardens or St Beatus Caves where you can learn about a legendary dragon and a saint! Or why not try your luck and Pan for gold or visit the Swiss Gastronomy Museum dedicated to the restaurant and hotel trade as well as food and drink in general. Learn how to distinguish service à la française from service à la russe.
Oberhofen Castle Photo by Samuel Ferrara on Unsplash
Did you know that Lake Thun is one of Switzerland’s most popular Scuba diving spots? Water sport lovers may have to come back for a second week to fit in all that Interlaken has to offer including Kayaking, canoeing, boating, SUP, sailing, wake surfing, river rafting, and canyoning. You can also experience a thrill ride aboard Switzerland’s first commercial jet boat on the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz and maybe even take a drink from the lake!
Here you can really unwind from head to toe, improve your wellbeing and generally return feeling amazing!
Ayurveda in Ascona?
Lake Maggiore on Pixabay Metallier
Or maybe head a little further south and dedicate a few days or so to the mind, body and spirit balancing practice also known as the Mother of All Healing?
Thanks to the amazing array of verbena, rhododendron and camellia flower that still bloom year round on the shores of the lake, this magical place was originally known as Verbano and according to legend even the ruthless emperor Napoleon Bonaparte had a soft spot for the area and called it a “wellspring of happiness”.
Picture your self practising yoga and /or meditation in the morning and maybe do a spot of yachting in the evening. Or experience sunrise over the lake from your paddle board and head back for breakfast and one of your personalised Ayurvedic treatments.
Santa Caterina del Sasso Pascvii on Pixabay
The selection of local attractions will almost certainly increase your general feeling of well being as it would be hard, for example, to not feel pretty blissful and at peace whilst taking a boat trip to The Borromean Islands to discover the fabulous Palace and Italian gardens of Isola Bella. Maybe take the Hop-on Hop-off ferry and spend as much time as you like exploring or just sitting and soaking up the splendour of the surroundings and lake vistas.
Also not to be missed is the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso which is perched on a “balcony” overlooking the lake and is one of the most intriguing historical sites on Lake Maggiore. You can also take the Monte Mottarone Cable car for a different view point on the lake and life in general. In addition there is a different type of garden waiting to be discovered here, an Alpine garden with over 2,000 species of mountain plants at the half way stop!
It might moreover be inspiring to head for Cannero Riviera, one of the prettiest towns on Lake Maggiore, where the climate is the mildest on the lake and the lemon and orange trees survive the winter outdoors. There is a beautiful beach and 2 castle ruins to explore along with some great outdoor cafes and restaurants.
All in all it is difficult to imagine a more spectacular setting or perfect environment for total rejuvenation and relaxation of mind body and soul.
About the author:
Kate Parkyn runs a bespoke travel business with her husband Dave. Working to be an inspiration to her 2 children and passionate about family time, travel, adventure and all things outdoors, especially cycling, golf and yoga. She is an avid cook who loves to experiment and see how she can up the nutritional content of things we love to eat! Excited about providing her clients with first class customer service and the peace of mind that comes with knowing that everything is being taken care of. Contact her at 079 638 9752 CH and in UK: 01962 454 480 Email: go.supreme@notjusttravel.com, website https://gosupreme.notjusttravel.com/
