Swiss Development Group Launches 51º Spa Residences

150 150 Daniel Fountain
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Swiss Development Group has commissioned visionary and award-winning architects and designers Michael Graves & Associates and Marc Michaels Interior Design to create 51º Spa Residences, the world’ first residence with in-home thermal spas direct from the source. Situated at the Northern head of the Leukerbad valley, overlooking the historic village, renowned architect Michael Graves vision for the luxury development pays homage to the iconic chalets of the 19th century golden age of mountaineering in Switzerland. Celebrating the serenity of the region and its famed thermal water, the extraordinary development appears to be carved out of the rock of the mountains and rise against the backdrop of the dramatic landscape. From a roughly massed base of boulders, the architecture rises into a staggered six story building encircled with private terraces and balconies created from reclaimed stone and timber complete with a slate roof.

51º Spa Residences offers owners the ultimate marriage of intricately crafted Old World luxury combined with a streamlined, contemporary design. Every residence is designed around a wood-beamed great room, the centrepiece of which is a massive open fireplace and key features include split-log walls, wide-plank floors and high beamed ceilings. Each residence is a symphony of today’s cleanest and purest materials – reclaimed oak, translucent white quartz, charcoal green slate and smoke-gray granite, taking inspiration from the natural surroundings.

Leukerbad’s famed thermal waters are central to the development and design. Each residence has its own personal spa facility with an indoor/outdoor soaking pool, steam room an indoor master bathtub, all of which have direct unlimited access to Leukerbad’s thermal spring. The Moon Bath, a Concetta stone slab tub, built into the oversized balconies provides residents with an unforgettable mountain experience with stunning views over the mountain range.

Phase 1 of 51º Spa Residences is expected to complete in late 2013.

Daniel Fountain / 15.08.2011

Editor, Hotel Designs

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Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

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Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
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During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
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