Wow, this is a cool room! That is how it sounds from the room next to us. It does not happen very often that our daughters are over enthusiastic about their sleeping quarters. But the teenage bedroom in the renewed Grand Resort Bad Ragaz in Switzerland is cool indeed. This is mainly due to the meter-large graffiti drawing above their beds, but the furniture in bright colors, the hughe ice bear and our very own picture also finish it off.
Now that’s a teddy :-)
We have the pleasure to be guests at the breathtaking Grand Resort Bad Ragaz for a second time. Our first visit was during the summer now it is the middle of winter. Although it more looks like spring on the day of arrival with 14 degrees Celsius. However, as often in the Alps, the weather changes in a heartbeat and the snowflakes drift down within hours of our arrival. The snowfall is enthusiastically greeted by an improvised, family snow dance.
This five-star retreat for optimal family relaxation is in the foothills of the Alps in Eastern Switzerland, just an hour's drive from Zurich. This is ‘Heidi-land’: an idyllic mountain landscape with lakes, waterfalls and alpine meadows. The author of the famous book about the events in the life of a 5-year-old girl in her paternal grandfather's care in the Swiss Alps, loved to celebrate her holidays here a century and a half ago.
Looking forward to dinner!
Settling in our family room we are totally happy. Although no matter which category of room you choose, everything is perfect! All rooms and suites overlook a breathtaking mountain landscape and are uniquely furnished with the latest technology. While there are abundant opportunities on offer for total relaxation, the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz offers ample options for all kind of activities.
In summer and winter, you can enjoy the fresh mountain air perfectly. Nordic walking on the Flumserberg, mountain biking on the Pizol Mountains, or simply playing mini golf in the resort. Want to gamble? There is even a casino on site, with poker, blackjack, and roulette. And on our way to dinner one night, we almost stumble upon a giant brass band; it appears to be carnaval.
Although we enjoy all the facilities in the resort enormously, we are keen to find out more about skiing. And that is certainly possible here. Between Bad Ragaz and Wangs, the Pizol mountain massif towers rise everything to a height of 2844 meters. The eponymous ski area under the glacier is in a unique natural landscape. The breathtaking views extend over the Alps from eastern Switzerland and Vorarlberg to Lake Constance. The Pizol at the beginning of the Rhine Valley of St. Gallen is nearby. Here, modern 8-person gondolas quickly transport guests to the versatile ski area. The area has 33.9 km of slopes and 4.5 km of ski routes for skiing and snowboarding. Winter sports enthusiasts have access to a total of 10 lifts.
The area therefore has slopes of all levels. Winter sports fans will find both wide slopes with a slight slope for recreational skiers and sporty slopes for ambitious skiers. A speed track, a competition course, a snow park and a fun slope complete the offer in the Pizol ski area. An air board course, a toboggan path up to 7 km long, winter hiking trails and snowshoe trails provide variety in addition to skiing and snowboarding.
As we return from a long day skiing, we long for some relaxation. Well, we are in the right spot. Hotel guests have free access to the versatile hot springs and saunas of Tamina Therme. The 6050 square meter thermal bath is a sensory source of energy for body, mind, and soul. The public thermal bath is not only one of the most traditional and best known in Switzerland, and an architectural masterpiece. The main pool is 50 meters by 25 meters and has jets located along the walls for soaking and massaging your back and joints. An arrow lights up when it is time to move to the next station so everyone gets a chance to get the benefits of allowing the jets to do their work. The water in the different pools is piped down from the mountain and is changed daily. There is extraordinarily little chlorine and the temperature is very pleasing. A fabulous place which we enjoy thoroughly.
The outdoorpool of the Tamine Therme
As much as we like the Tamina Therme it is only the beginning. What to think for example of the dedicated family spa? Our girls still remember and cherish their experience with the mermaid swimming in the children’s spa pool. The family spa also offers a baby pool with slide, all kinds of water games, a climbing wall, and its own relaxing room. This is an incredibly unique, one-in-a-kind facility you just have to experience.
Unfortunately, the historic Helena bath, dating from the 19th century, are off limits for children, but it you can, just go there to admire the beautiful art deco décor. And to top things of, there is also a garden pool for some outdoor swimming in the summer.
Besides the bewildering range of pools Grand Resort Bad Ragaz offers one of the most diverse sauna landscapes in Switzerland. Recuperate body and soul in this spacious sauna area which includes: a Finnish sauna, steam bath, a textile salt sauna bath and a sanarium as well. Cool off in the impressive ice grotto. You can also enjoy peace and relaxation in the winter garden lounge with views of the mountains.
To enjoy all this pampering, we suggest you book some time for your kids to stay and enjoy the dedicated kids villa. Yes, indeed, a whole villa geared up to offer every imaginal entertainment. You’ll find three stories and multiple rooms full of games, a climbing wall, PlayStations, their very own kid’s kitchen, beamers and screens, books, art materials, etc, etc. First-class care by qualified staff is there for children aged three and up. Whatever your kids decide to do - dancing, crafts, role playing, painting, baking, or playing games – you will probably have a hard time getting them to leave at the end of the day. And do not bother picking the kids up for lunch as in most cases they will pop up in the hotel’s kitchen to bake their very own dish (pizza in our case) under the supervision of one of the chefs.
Talking about food; the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz has a long-standing tradition of creating and serving outstanding cuisine. Seven restaurants, four bars, a bistro, a café, and a sushi takeaway offer the perfect meal or snack for every event and every taste. So, once again we enjoy delicious, culinary treats. In the Thai restaurant Namun, ice and snow seem far away when we indulge in delicious Saté, noodles with shrimp and mango ice cream to finish. And perhaps our biggest favorite is the Zollstube. A classic Swiss restaurant where you only go for one dish, namely the delicious cheese fondue. Tip for adults: take the one with champagne and truffle. Rarely eaten something so tasty.
WOW
# This resort is a place of holistic inspiration: top restaurants, bars, a sushi takeaway, several bistros. Numerous cultural events, concerts, two golf courses and a private casino provide exclusive and varied leisure options. The perfect place for a family vacation!
# Wonderful base to go for some skiing with your family. And afterwards: if you are looking for a place where you can detox your body and mind and feel good and eat well, this is the place to be; with its thermal water and naturally heated swimming pools, you only feel relaxed and pampered.
# Our cool family room is situated in Grand Hotel Hof Ragaz. All rooms and suites are spacious, comfortable, and very pleasant Breakfast is delicious with a great choice on offer.
Grand Resort Bad Ragaz can be booked through The Leading Hotels of the World, Swiss Deluxe Hotels and the Private Selection Hotels and Relais & Chateaux.