As promised in my recent article “Spas on ski holidays”, I’ve put together a selection of thermal spas where you can lay back and let the natural minerals work wonders on your poor tired body.
The curative affects of thermal spas were discovered in the 17th century by the Romans and then became extremely popular with the aristocratic and “high-society” families in the early 20th century. Since then, the healing properties have been proved to cure all kinds of ailments from skin complaints to obesity.
The small thermal resort of
La Léchère
(a 20 minute drive from the well-known ski resort of
Valmorel) first became popular at the beginning of the 20th century. The sulphated, calcareous and hyper-thermal water is over 10,000 years old and has long been used for many treatments and general well-being. The new thermal park has been beautifully designed incorporating many trees and flowers creating a haven of relaxation, peace and tranquility
In
Monetier-les-Bains
(a 10 minute drive from the great ski resort of
Serre-Chevalier) you will find Les Grands Bains - a wonderful complex which has been designed to allow visitors of all ages to enjoy the natural thermal springs of Monetier. Here there is a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where you have the choice of the indoor infinity pool (over 300 m²), with underwater massage jets, bubble beds, water fountains and Jacuzzi or the outside pool with its stunning views.
The traditional spa town of St Gervais in France is perfectly located only 45 minutes from Geneva between Megève and Chamonix - making it an interesting option for skiers who want to get away from the crowds in the larger ski resorts. Here you can also make the most of the town’s thermal spa “Les Thermes” which is situated in the beautiful “Parc Thermal” in the lower village of Le Fayet.
Today the spa town of
Brides Les Bains
(which has a gondola lift linking to the lower slopes of
Meribel
in the 3 Valleys) offers a large range of treatments dedicated to well-being and relaxation. Its story goes back a long way, as far back as the 16th and 17th centuries, when the archbishops of Moûtiers regularly visited the town to benefit from the curative properties of the thermal waters of the area. The medical practitioners at that time prescribed drinking vast quantities of these waters – up to 60 glasses per day! This town soon began to attract international personalities such as Queen Elizabeth of Spain, Countess Montgoméry and the Baron of Rothschild as well as members of important Russian, American and English families.
Thankfully today you don't have to be royalty OR be rich to come here and enjoy some wonderful pampering after a hard day up on the slopes.
Most thermal spa centres are now open to the general public after undergoing makeovers to get rid of the medical feel that made most of us stay away! Many remain open in the evenings so skiers and families can relax after a day on the slopes – there really is nothing better to ease those tired, overworked muscles than laying back in naturally hot, bubbling water. Check for family or group tariffs and book in advance if you’d like extra treatments or massages.
Prices vary a lot from one spa to another, so check in advance to avoid any nasty surprises!
Enjoy! Feel free to leave a comment or join us on
Facebook
and share your thoughts.
As promised in my recent article “Spas on ski holidays”, I’ve put together a selection of thermal spas where you can lay back and let the natural minerals work wonders on your poor tired body.
The curative affects of thermal spas were discovered in the 17th century by the Romans and then became extremely popular with the aristocratic and “high-society” families in the early 20th century. Since then, the healing properties have been proved to cure all kinds of ailments from skin complaints to obesity.
The small thermal resort of
La Léchère
(a 20 minute drive from the well-known ski resort of
Valmorel) first became popular at the beginning of the 20th century. The sulphated, calcareous and hyper-thermal water is over 10,000 years old and has long been used for many treatments and general well-being. The new thermal park has been beautifully designed incorporating many trees and flowers creating a haven of relaxation, peace and tranquility
In
Monetier-les-Bains
(a 10 minute drive from the great ski resort of
Serre-Chevalier) you will find Les Grands Bains - a wonderful complex which has been designed to allow visitors of all ages to enjoy the natural thermal springs of Monetier. Here there is a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where you have the choice of the indoor infinity pool (over 300 m²), with underwater massage jets, bubble beds, water fountains and Jacuzzi or the outside pool with its stunning views.
The traditional spa town of St Gervais in France is perfectly located only 45 minutes from Geneva between Megève and Chamonix - making it an interesting option for skiers who want to get away from the crowds in the larger ski resorts. Here you can also make the most of the town’s thermal spa “Les Thermes” which is situated in the beautiful “Parc Thermal” in the lower village of Le Fayet.
Today the spa town of
Brides Les Bains
(which has a gondola lift linking to the lower slopes of
Meribel
in the 3 Valleys) offers a large range of treatments dedicated to well-being and relaxation. Its story goes back a long way, as far back as the 16th and 17th centuries, when the archbishops of Moûtiers regularly visited the town to benefit from the curative properties of the thermal waters of the area. The medical practitioners at that time prescribed drinking vast quantities of these waters – up to 60 glasses per day! This town soon began to attract international personalities such as Queen Elizabeth of Spain, Countess Montgoméry and the Baron of Rothschild as well as members of important Russian, American and English families.
Thankfully today you don't have to be royalty OR be rich to come here and enjoy some wonderful pampering after a hard day up on the slopes.
Most thermal spa centres are now open to the general public after undergoing makeovers to get rid of the medical feel that made most of us stay away! Many remain open in the evenings so skiers and families can relax after a day on the slopes – there really is nothing better to ease those tired, overworked muscles than laying back in naturally hot, bubbling water. Check for family or group tariffs and book in advance if you’d like extra treatments or massages.
Prices vary a lot from one spa to another, so check in advance to avoid any nasty surprises!
Enjoy! Feel free to leave a comment or join us on
Facebook
and share your thoughts.
Being lucky enough to have parents who were crazy about skiing, my love for the mountains started when I was 4 years old on our first family ski holiday to Austrian ski resort of Obergurl. One ski holiday a year was never enough and tears rolled down my face as I looked out the back window of the car on the drive down the valley on the way home!
