If there’s one thing I love, it’s a hot and balmy summer escape. But I’ve always felt left out of the fun as a non-skiier when my friends and co-workers have jet off to far-off mountains to carve their way down the slopes, get lost amongst the snow and warm up with a toasty mulled wine. It’s hardly fair that they should get all the fun just because any attempt I make at snow sports will result in a trip to the hospital for myself and anyone else in my general vicinity.
So, when the opportunity arose to indulge in a dreamy weekend away to the Swiss mountains for an escape filled with wellness treatments, food designed to make you glow inside and out, and plenty of snow to go around, I could hardly say no.
Where to stay? Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa
Tucked into the valley between the Emmental and (intimidating) Bernese Oberland Alps lies the hub of Interlaken, a bustling stop for those seeking snow and summertime adventure among pristine mountain landscapes. And its crowning glory? The historic Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa. With a 150-year history, the merging of two historic hotels to create Victoria-Jungfrau has resulted in a five-star experience where luxury hospitality meets state-of-the-art wellness.
With over 200 rooms offering jaw-dropping panoramic views, including the iconic Jungfrau summit, a stay at the hotel is like stepping back in time, with Belle Époque architecture and an energy that catapults you into a state of zen. The rooms are decadent and spacious, and if you manage to score a spot at the front with a balcony, you can wake up watching snow settle on the peaks of Jungfrau and watch as the clouds and fog roll through the valley, or even catch some rays with a coffee if you’re lucky enough to get some sun.
Claire Menary
Claire Menary
I managed to sneak a glimpse inside the coveted Tower Suite (which you can book for around £6,400 a night), and it’s a whole new level of luxury. It features a dining area, bar space, king-sized bed and an adjoining Junior Suite for even more room to spread out. Its wow factor, however, is the private terrace set within the hotel’s dome, offering 360-degree views and a setting you’d never want to leave. That said, whichever room you book, you’re guaranteed to want to extend your stay…
What are the hotel’s wellness offerings?
This is where the hotel truly shines. You’ll want at least an entire day to explore Spa Nescens, the hotel’s 5,500 m² wellness hub and a dedicated oasis of holistic wellbeing. Spend a few hours getting pruny in the 20 m pool or outdoor hot tub, where you can watch paragliders leap and glide off the mountain ahead of you. Or sweat out last night’s wine tasting in a traditional Finnish steam bath or sauna. Unplug and finally read that novel you’ve been carting around as you relax between treatments, overlooking the mountains, then finish off with a dip in the pool. Don’t forget to get your sweat on: head over to the fitness club to make use of the impressive gym, squash and tennis courts, or even sign up for a session with fully qualified instructors who can help you stretch and squat to your heart’s content.
Claire Menary
Treat your mind and body to a decadent wellness treatment to heal all ailments.
Claire Menary
And take a dip in toasty waters as you overlook snowy mountain peaks.
You’d be remiss, however, not to treat yourself to some of the treatments on offer. I was spoiled rotten and left the spa feeling lighter than air. First, I bubbled away like soup during a Hydro Relax Therapy, followed by an invigorating scrub, before finishing with a Better Ageing massage that left my sore, aching muscles feeling brand new. And while I may only (!) be 28 — before I hear any scoffs from the audience (I’m looking at you, dear reader) — after two decades of dance training, chronic muscle aches, osteoarthritis and sun damage from the Australian sun, my body needed this.
Following this, I retreated to the Spa Bistro (in a bathrobe, obvi) for a delicious vegetarian, locally sourced lunch designed to supplement your wellness journey. This included mouthwatering, fresh lentil caviar (better than the original, if you ask me) and delightful ravioli in a clear, flavourful broth. I offset this with a Yuzu Spritz, but hey, I never said I was perfect. I then headed back to the spa for a Better Ageing facial with an incredibly knowledgeable therapist who explained every step along the way — and was thrilled to show me the frankly lit-from-within glow I left with.
Where to eat?
The good news is you hardly have to leave the hotel in order to indulge in some seriously unforgettable meals. There’s the aforementioned Spa Bistro, which is the perfect lunchtime booking between spa trips, and you can enjoy Swiss food at its finest at La Terrasse Brasserie, which is also where the delicious breakfast buffet is hosted.
Don’t forget to start your night with a tipple at the hotel bar, soundtracked by live piano and take up a game of pool against your spa partner.
Ristorante e Pizzeria Sapori
You don’t have to travel all the way to Italy to enjoy some authentic cuisine; simply trot over to the right side of the hotel for a meal at Ristorante e Pizzeria Sapori. From fresh seafood to rich and creamy homemade pasta, however, the looming pizza oven at the restraunts center is enough to convince you to order a Diavola or Quattro Stagioni.
Radius by Stefan Beer
If there is one spot not to be missed, it is undoubtedly Radius by Stefan Beer. Boasting both a Michelin and Green Michelin Star, this eco-friendly and expertly curated dining experience holds the spot as one of my top meals ever. Creative, almost completely locally sourced and most importantly, delish, a reservation at Radius is not to be missed. As suggested by the name, everything on your plate is sourced from within a 50-kilometre radius of the hotel, down to the herbs and spices.
Courtesy of Isabelle Knevett
Courtesy of Isabelle Knevett
Chef Stefan Beer even came out to talk us through each of the courses, walking us through the sourcing process, discussing the vendors, farmers and artisans he worked with in order to curate such a gastronomic journey, all while the staff provided expert pairing advice when it came to wines for each course.
What else is there to do?
While it’s tempting to spend your entire stay cocooned in the hotel, flitting between spa sessions and room service, one thing you absolutely shouldn’t skip on a winter escape is a day in the mountains. We hopped on the train from Interlaken Ost and glided through snow-dusted forests to Grindelwald, where frosted streets and postcard-perfect views delivered one of the most breathtaking landscapes I’ve ever seen.
Just 30 minutes from Interlaken, Grindelwald is the kind of place out of a storybook. Wander past boutique shops before warming up with a hot chocolate, a slice of cake or a long and lazy lunch at one of the town’s many cafés. We even met a fellow hotel guest en route to the legendary Jungfrau summit, now firmly pinned to our to-do list for next time (because yes, there will be a next time).
Courtesy of Isabelle Knevett
For a less ski-heavy snow adventure, make your way up the mountains to the magical town of Grindlewald.
Beyond the village, the surrounding region offers plenty of scenic walks and hikes. From the panoramic views at Harder Kulm to tranquil trails tracing the shores of Thunersee and Brienzersee, proving that whether wrapped in snow or bathed in summer sun, this corner of Switzerland is always worth the journey.
You can book yourself a stay at Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa from £643 a night or even enjoy a daypass to the spa from £104.
More winter stays
