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Victoria-Jungfrau’s picturesque surroundings are matched by its impressive indoor facilities, including the new Sensai Spa |
The Swiss town of Interlaken, between the Thun and Brienz lakes, is surrounded by the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains. In between those mountains and lakes is the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, one of the iconic hotel resorts in Switzerland, and a must-visit for spa enthusiasts.
The classic hotel mixes modern style with a Belle Époque design. First opened in 1865, it has more than 100 suites and junior suites from which to choose. (Families should definitely book the Tower Suite, which has five rooms, two bathrooms and two terraces.) Of course, given the location, breathtaking views are to be expected, and guests can admire either the Jungfrau or Harder mountain (or both) from their rooms. For getting around town—or around the country—the hotel gives guests access to its fleet of Jaguars for one day of their stay. (Funky touch: The hotel is a popular filming spot for Bollywood pictures, and fans might spot their favorite actors in the lobby.)
At the heart of the hotel is its 60,000-square-foot wellness wing, which includes the Victoria-Jungfrau Spa, an ESPA treatment center and the world’s first Sensai Select Spa, which opened in January. This premier spa has six therapy rooms, including one created especially for its three-hour signature treatment. Only seven treatments are available, all of which begin with either a silk bath or silk footbath that uses warm water infused with a secret ingredient that reportedly improves the skin’s moisture retention.
For more traditional treatments, the ESPA offers the classics, and has 16 therapy suites. The Victoria-Jungfrau Spa, meanwhile, has a swimming pool, indoor and open-air whirlpools, a Clarins Beauty Center and a bio sauna with active light therapy.
Spa-focused clients will want to book one of the 10 Junior Suites in the wing, which gives them quick access to their treatments. (Comfy touch: Guests in these rooms are welcome to wear their bathrobes all throughout the wing.)
July and August are the peak months for visiting Interlaken, although the spas and other indoor activities are available year-round. The winter skiing season runs from Christmas through March. Agents can contact Managers Hans-Rudolf and Elisabeth Rütti (011-41-33-828-2828, [email protected]).