Rejuvenate, de-stress at these Alpine spas

By Patti Pietschmann, Travel Diva

The Hotel Belvédère-- a turn of the century gem meets contemporary wellness retreat dating back to 1876, boasts breathtaking views of the Engadine mountains. It provides 81 rooms and suites and the Spa Vita Nova with a wide range of massages and beauty treatments.

Historic hotels

GuardaVal,  a charming 400-year-old Engadine house with just 36 individually designed rooms, spoils you at its  Spa Vita Nova.

Valbella Resort, in the Lenzerheide high valley, has a focus on environmental sustainability. There are three separate buildings with 130 rooms. Each feature  cozy sun terraces and restorative views of the Grison Mountains. Pampering happens at   its  five-story Tor da Lenn Spa. The facility features  saunas, steam baths, Kneipp pools, indoor lap pool, fitness center and an open-air rooftop plunge pool.

AROSA’S Alpine air that cures  
In 1889 Dr. Ewart, a chest physician, published an article titled “Arosa - an Alpine Health Resort.\” acknowledging the curative powers of Arosa's pristine air. Today, visitors still flock to this quaint small town that nestles  amid picturesque mountains and crystal-clear lakes for this very reason.

The historic Waldhotel Arosa  dates back to  the 20th century when it was a sanatorium. The 120-room hotel houses a  a stylish spa focusing on wellness and  “Jungle Showers.” There is also an adults only wing,  Spa Salus, with an indoor pool,  herb sanitarium, sauna, steam rooms and high tech gym. Treatments use local products like the Alpine Rituals with Mountain Honey that applies a warming beeswax pack on the back, followed by a full body massage with honey-ginger oil.

Here's to a healthy, happy year ahead. Be safe, wear a mask, keep your distance and practice prudence.