Switzerland is on the radar of our clients in both winter and summer. Travel Designer Filip Pačes swapped his skis for trekking boots, to explore Switzerland during the long July bank holiday destination.
His destination was 7132 Therme Vals, a hotel-spa complex in Vals, above the only thermal springs in Graubünden canton.
Filip discovered a unique combination of architecture and design, fabulous alpine scenery and a spectacular spa. This created an immersive atmosphere and a unique holiday that’s close to home.
This is Filip’s trip report.
Why 7132 Therme Vals?
“My girlfriend Ema is an architect and when planning a holiday in Switzerland we couldn’t skip Vals, even if we only stopped at the spa.
Time feels like it has stopped in Vals and tourism hasn’t impacted the village. It’s a distinctive destination, where you won’t find ostentatious or superfluous luxury.
This is a destination of beautiful nature, views, and a very authentic village. And two incredibly unique places to stay. If you love contemporary architecture and design, Vals is one of the best destinations you can drive to from the Czech Republic.
Prague to Vals took us around eight hours of driving. Bodensee is cool along the way, as you cross four countries in an hour – Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Consider stopping in Vaduz, which is like definitive Liechtenstein. It’s great if you like alpine driving too: stay at Grand Hotel Bagni Nuovi and you can drive the famous Stelvio Pass at dawn, before it gets busy.
Architecture lovers can also consider stopping in Bregenz to see Kunsthaus Bregenz by Peter Zumthor.
Unique Design Accommodation to Discover in Therme Vals
There are two different accommodations to consider at 7132 Hotel Vals: 7132 Hotel 5* and the House of Architects.
These both have access to the magnificent thermal baths designed by Peter Zumthor.
Among their shared dining options is a two Michelin-starred restaurant 7132 Silver, that emphasises local ingredients, and 7132 Red which uses the best global ingredients.
Introducing 7132 Hotel 5*
In addition to the basic rooms and spa suites, 7132 Hotel 5* features three penthouse suites by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma.
7132 Hotel Vals only has 22 rooms and the penthouse suites include complimentary helicopter transfer from the nearest airport.
These penthouse suites are an ideal option for our clients who don’t want to drive to Switzerland, or as an addition to a Switzerland trip that is not passing through Vals.
7132 Hotel 5* offers a very cool Once in a Lifetime package that I believe is just right for our clients. It’s a combination of helicopter transfer, two nights in a penthouse suite, spa privatisation for 90 minutes, and an eight-course dinner at 7132 Silver.
Introducing House of Architects
House of Architects has 73 rooms of identical 20 sqm dimensions. The concept is deliberately minimalist, emphasising your perception of the surrounding nature.
Rooms at the House of Architects are designed by four world-famous architects: Peter Zumthor, Tadao Ando, Kengo Kuma and Thom Mayne. So you don’t pick by room size, but pick based on the architect you prefer.
A lack of distractions evokes a sense of relaxation and zen here, with just the sound of cow and sheep bells for company.
Forget television, minibar and other standard conveniences you expect. We stayed in a room designed by Tadao Ando, enjoying his signature Japanese minimalism style.
Room choice depends on your architect preferences, but I do recommend asking for the sixth or seventh floors. These higher floors have the best views and are closest to the spa.
The Stunning Thermal Baths
Along with the architecture and design, the incredible spa is the main attraction at Therme Vals. It was an unforgettable experience.
The spa is very inconspicuous from the outside, almost hidden, a stone cave set into the landscape.
Peter Zumthor won the Pritzker Prize for this spa completed in 1996, the highest architectural award globally.
The building is dominated by its views and a green roof which you can walk upon.
Once you enter, no photography or loud talking is allowed. The focus is on relaxation and rest, with no distractions or influences from everyday life.
Inside the spa we found nothing unnecessary, only a minimal interior so pleasing to the eye.
The perception of light and shadow, with the emphasis on human senses – touch, sound, smell, feel and visual effects – is heightened.
On Wednesdays the spa offers midnight bathing from 23:00 to 01:00, definitely an experience worth considering when planning a holiday in Switzerland.
Exploring In and Around Vals
Vals is a perfect launch point for both nearby walks and more demanding hikes. Everything is within each reach and there is no need to travel by car.
The cable car is free for visitors in summer and there are many opportunities for walking and cycling circuits.
We enjoyed the Panorama Trail to Zervreilasee, a lake and dam surrounded by mountains. We took the cable car from Vals to Gadastatt, then a beautiful and gentle two-hour hike past mountain streams.
Returning from the lake it started raining like crazy – we ended up hitchhiking back to Vals with a worker returning from the dam, through the Rotenberg Tunnel. Not luxury travel design but certainly a memorable experience!
Vals expertly maintains the facade of a traditional Swiss mountain village. You’ll find picturesque chalets, slate roofs and clean air.
Planning a Holiday in Switzerland
I recommend staying two to three nights in Therme Vals.
This is an ideal stopover destination on route to or from the Italian lakes, Geneva, Zurich, or on a road trip to the south of France.
Vals can also be combined with a holiday at one of major ski resorts in the Alps. Arosa and Andermatt are both around 1.5 hours by car – you could try the new Chedi Andermatt.
St. Moritz and Davos are both around two hours by car.
Vals is relaxing, beautiful, unique, and an absolute treasure for anyone interested in contemporary architecture and design.
