Column Kate Parkyn
Summer Holidays 2020 – Spotlight on Switzerland – Romantic couples getaway
All things considered, does anyone else feel that a little weekend away sounds amazing right now? This week we explore some luxurious options for a romantic couples getaway right here at home in Switzerland.
copyright Destination Gstaad
We start at the Gstaad Palace wellness & Spa hotel where you can escape from reality for a while and get the celebrity first class treatment you know you deserve. You could easily spend a whole day in the stunning 1,800m2 wellness facility alternately being pampered or gazing at surrounding incredible views of the majestic Swiss Alps. If you prefer not to mingle with other spa goers on your fabulous weekend or week away, you can reserve your own private spa area complete with sauna, steam bath and lounge corner, just for the 2 of you. Hmm…. What else could be better? Food of course and here you will be spoilt for choice with 5 restaurants along with several bars and a nightclub.
copyright Destination Gstaad
Another option for a special celebration or just because, is the luxury boutique hotel Ultima Gstaad where you will experience first class service and grand opulence all in a chalet style environment. With 11 ultra luxurious suites and 6 residences offering all the facilities of the hotel along with unparalleled privacy. If you are an art lover at all, this is an especially fun place to visit. The whole hotel was designed as a work of art combining traditional and modern influences, it is like staying at a first class gallery. From the Baccarat crystal chandelier, customised Schimmel grand piano and all glass elevator that greets you in the lobby, you know you are in for a special treat as soon as you arrive.
While you are here why not profit completely and book yourself a treatment at the in house “la prairie” spa. As a hotel guest you can of course access the spa facilities but how does a “Deep Aroma Soul Massage” or “Caviar” Massage” sound?, or a “Diamond Perfection Body Treatment”. Imagine how you must glow after spending a few hours here! I probably don’t need to mention that the Duchessa restaurant is the perfect place for a romantic dinner à deux or why not take in a film at the hotels private cinema?
Another lovely option in the area is the Ermitage Wellness & Spa Hotel. Here you will undoubtedly be seduced by the panoramic views, the eco-friendly salt water indoor-outdoor pool, the oasis of relaxation which is the “Banyan Lounge” featuring an infrared heat room for ultimate relaxation or if the weather does not play ball. They also have 10 saunas and steam rooms and a choice of 1001 massages and treatments! A few of the many treatments that I personally would stay here just to try are the “Pantai Luar” described as transporting you to exotic rainforests and back, or how about the Lomi Lomi, where the “scent of coconut oil will steal you away to white sandy beaches” … ahhhhh
And to finish a perfect day together why not indulge in a cocktail, grappa or G & T in the One Million Stars Bar by Swarovski where you will be serenaded each evening by a visiting pianist before enjoying the gastronomic delights of the Ermitage Stube Restaurant?
To help make life easier the hotel has a perfectly named “Indulgence for two” offer for 3 or 4 nights including some fabulous couples spa treatments, the wellness package, breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner and a bottle of champagne on arrival. Well that’s that sorted then!
What else to do in Gstaad? If you can tear yourself away from any of these properties and you fancy staying a couple of days or more, Gstaad is a hikers paradise with more than 300km of trails to explore. There is also the option of river rafting, canyoning or taking a tour by helicopter, light aircraft or hot air balloon! Also, did you know that Gstaad has Europe’s highest wake boarding facility?! Yes wake boarding! Normally available from July to October at the reservoir lake on the Hornberg although sadly, if you are planning a trip there this Summer, it looks as though they may not be able to open this year, however they have announced that they will be back in 2021.
copyright Destination Gstaad
Or, what about E biking with or without a guide? I have personally only recently discovered the delights of E Mountain Biking and I am totally converted. I must admit that previously I may have looked at people whizzing by on their battery assisted bikes and thought “Why” and now I know and can only apologise for my previous ignorance! All I can say is, book yourself a tour or just rent a couple of bikes for a few hours and you probably won’t want to give them back!
Finally if you happen to visit on Friday 24th July or Friday 14th August you can book a romantic gondola ride, including dinner and music! Apero, appetisers, main course and dessert will be enjoyed on this very unique evening in your own stylishly decorated gondola! It is necessary to reserve in advance as this is a very popular experience.
Couple in a gondola in Gstaad – copyright Destination Gstaad
It is safe to say that a visit to this beautiful region will not only have the benefit of re-charging your batteries but will hopefully also remind you of the value of date nights and time away together and definitely stay long in the memory for all the right reasons.
Featured image copyright Destination Gstaad
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
