Quintessentially Concierge Services

There's Something In The Water

Verbier, Zermatt, St Moritz – been there, skied the slopes, and survived the apres ski. But what if, like me, you’re looking for something more from your next Alpine adventure, something new and undiscovered, where the atmosphere is as fresh as the powder atop the mountain.

Surely there cannot be such a place left in the Swiss Alps? Surely the winter sun jet set would have discovered such a treasure by now?

Well you’re wrong, allow me to introduce you to Leukerbad – Switzerland’s best kept secret. Located in the heart of the enchanting Valais mountain landscape, Leukerbad is the ideal retreat for those looking for the ultimate mountain experience regardless of the season.

I found myself winding along the picturesque road to Leukerbad just a few weeks a go – ever the optimist I was told there was still some snow to be found atop the higher peaks, so my ski bunny ensemble of Chanel goggles, sleek salopettes and faithful Redfoot zippy boots was packed and ready to go.

The first thing you notice about Leukerbad is the view, 360 degrees of stunning mountains and alpine greenery, with the picture perfect village caught in the middle.

Take the cable car up to the Torrent (vertigoans beware) and you will find yourself 2900m above sea level with a criss cross of blue and black runs at your disposal, as well as a small but perfectly formed mixture of mountain side restaurants for the sun worshippers and mulled wine enthusiasts to take advantage of.

With the sun out and the skiing a little rocky in places, I decided to check out the gargantuan network of unforgettable hiking trails in Leukerbad. A gentle hike on the Gemmi mountain was enough to satisfy my appetite for the natural beauty of the area, but for those feeling a little more adventurous there is a 950m descent from the Torrent to the village below, as well as Switzerland’s longest fixed rope climb on the majestic but slightly terrifying Dauberhorn – not for the faint hearted!



But to find the real magic of Leukerbad you have to look a little deeper below the surface, a few hundred feet to be exact, as that’s where the thermal springs that keep 3.9million litres of thermal water bubbling up to the village can be found.

When they say there’s something in the water here, they’re not lying – the mineral and healing powers in the water have attracted people to Leukerbad for centuries including some rather well known names including Charlie Chaplin, Pablo Picasso and Mark Twain.

I headed to the Burgerbad which has both indoor and outdoor pools at varying temperatures, including one rock carved grotto with waters of 51 degrees! For that extra touch of Quintessentially decadence, a floating banquet had been arranged complete with Champagne, croissants, fresh fruit and a selection of delicious local cheeses and bread, made even more spectacular by the mountains stretching around the pool.

And now to let you in on a little secret…

Taking its name from the unique temperature of the water, 51° Spa Residences from The Swiss Development Group will soon be launching in Leukerbad. Designed by renowned architects Michael Graves & Associates, with interiors from Marc Michaels Interior Design – 51° is set to become the premier destination in the Swiss Alps. The first residence to be supplied completely with thermal water from Leukerbad’s springs, I am just longing to step out onto my private balcony, where my very own outdoor thermal pool awaits me, along with an awe inspiring view of the mountains overhead.

A world renowned spa, hit-tech fitness area, screening room, international restaurants, private wine cave and a wine bar managed by none other than Quintessentially Wine, are just some of the incredible benefits available to everyone staying at 51°.

With a spectacular launch party planned for later this year, the beautiful and famous will soon be flocking to Leukerbad to test out the water at 51° for themselves – isn’t it about time that you joined them?