St. Moritz may be famous as a winter ski destination, but the origins of its popularity lie in summer spa holidays and the legendary Kulm Hotel St. Moritz is delighted to be returning to its roots with the launch of the CHF12 million (approx £8 million) Kulm Spa St. Moritz, covering 2,000 sq m.St. Moritz owes its original fame to its healing spas, dating back almost 3,500 years. In the 19th century, St. Moritz became popular among the British, who made the long journey over the high mountain passes to spend the summer enjoying a little bit of R&R in the crisp, therapeutic mountain air and glorious sunshine.
It was only in 1864 that St. Moritz became a popular winter destination, too. The then owner of the Kulm Hotel St. Moritz, Johannes Badrutt, initiated winter holidays to the resort by laying a bet with his last departing summer guests that the local weather would be so good even in December that they could sun themselves on the hotel’s terrace; if not, he would cover the cost of their vacation himself. He won the bet and within two years, the hotel was fully booked with guests staying through the winter.
From 14 December 2012, the Kulm Hotel St. Moritz will combine the two factors that have made the resort famous over the years – well-being and skiing – and open the doors of the Kulm Spa St. Moritz. Its location immediately sets the Kulm Spa St. Moritz apart, with its panoramic views over Lake St. Moritz and the Engadine Valley, which will now be enjoyed from an outdoor heated pool with water jet features, a 20m-indoor pool area, Jacuzzi pool, relaxation room, 13 treatment rooms including the private spa suite.
The philosophy of the Kulm Spa St. Moritz will be based on a three-pillar concept – Relaxation, Detox/Purification and Regeneration – which can be enjoyed individually or in combination to cater to each individual guest’s needs.
Calming spa treatments, such as the signature Kulm Massage, aromatherapy, manicures and pedicures, will come under the Relaxation theme, while Detox/Purification will offer deep-reaching body treatments, such as wraps, and facials, and Regeneration will be all about rejuvenating the body through nutrition, personal fitness sessions and lymphatic drainage treatments. All of the new spa treatments will focus on incorporating the five senses, with a view to transporting guests away from their fast-paced daily lives and returning them to inner harmony.
There will be a large private spa suite for two people seeking to enjoy quality time together, such as a newly-married couple or a mother and daughter; in addition to use of their own steam bath, bio sauna, double water-jet bathtub, heated waterbed and lounge, these guests will receive Champagne and healthy nibbles. Spa treatments designed specifically for both men and teenagers will also be available.
Most of the spa treatments in the Kulm Spa St. Moritz will use organic products, some of them from the Alps. For example, Alpienne lotions made from wild Alpine plants will be used for massages and Niance, a new Swiss beauty brand using Edelweiss, will be applied during facials. Similarly, the interior of the Kulm Spa St. Moritz will reflect its location, with walls clad in natural materials from the Engadine region, such as pale grey granite and larch and white spruce woods. The end result will give guests the feeling of being at one with the Kulm Spa St. Moritz’s natural environment.
