Latest news with #CransMontana
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
A round in the clouds: Playing golf in the Swiss Alps at the utterly breathtaking Crans-sur-Sierre
Put simply, there is not a more picturesque golf course on planet Earth than Crans-sur-Sierre, the world-renowned course nestled in the beautiful Swiss Alps. Tucked away in the resort town of Crans-Montana, the course is a slice of alpine heaven located two hours east of Geneva. Perched at 1,500 metres above sea level, it is the home of the Omega European Masters – one of the oldest and most prestigious tournaments on the European Tour. From Seve Ballesteros to Rory McIlroy, legends of the game have walked the pristine fairways and marvelled at the soaring views. And when you arrive, you'll understand why. This is a golfing cathedral like no other. The Matterhorn and Mont Blanc both loom in the distance, and the Valais Alps cast long shadows across emerald fairways. The question I am constantly asked - does your golf ball really fly further in the mountain air? You betcha! And yes, it is incredibly fun. The course, originally laid out in 1906, was redesigned by the great Severiano Ballesteros in the late 1990s. His influence is everywhere: bold bunkering, cunning doglegs, and greens that humble the world's greatest players. We arrived in the weeks leading up to the Omega Masters and it was in exquisite condition. Each hole offers a picture postcard view, with rolling vineyards, Swiss chalets and snow-capped summits. Standing on the first tee, summoned our courage, ignored the crowds and banged tee shots down the par five opener. And we were off! The course was everything we had hoped and dreamed: fast fairways, gorgeous greens and soft sand. It is impossible to overstate the dramatic panoramic views on offer. Arguably, the most iconic hole is the 303-yard driveable par four 7th. We walked onto the tee box and our jaws hit the floor as we gazed at the mountains of the Alps and the Rhone Valley below. It is one of the most photographed sights in European golf and we drank it in while supping on cold buggy beers. Two tee shots went left, one went right, and one found the putting surface. Cue an ecstatic roar from our group that felt like it echoed down the valley. The natural amphitheatre setting around the green at the par three 13th hole was another where we just stood and gawped. With water left, bunkers long, and rows of seats behind the green - where crowds flock for the Omega Masters - we hit tee shots, twirled clubs and played for the imaginary galleries. A golfer in full flow watches his ball sail down the narrow 6th hole - a risk-reward 296-yard par four The practice facilities are immaculate at Crans-sur-Sierre with incredible views of the Valais Alps Crans-sur-Sierre is considered one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world - it is not hard to see why Water features throughout the course - a beautiful sight but it can be treacherous for wayward strikes Water protects the famous 18th green, and Swiss chalets and hotels line the edge of the course The ball really does fly further for anyone lucky enough to come and play at 1,500m above sea level Golfers can relax, enjoying food and drinks on the terrace overlooking the famous 18th green Under sapphire skies we roared with laughter, raced buggies and bounded along the fairways, carefree and exhilarated. The round had everything; elevated tee boxes, meandering fairways with rolling slopes and pine trees guarding the rough. At one point, much to our horror, an errant tee-shot even hit a fellow golfer on another fairway. He dusted himself off, shook hands and, fortunately for us, saw the funny side... As our day drew to a close we stood on the famous 18th tee. The Alps frame the horizon in the distance and we heaved drives and headed back towards home. A nerve-wracking approach shot lay in wait over water and onto the green in front of throngs of spectators and golfers drinking on the clubhouse terrace. It was a fittingly dramatic end to our mountain adventure and we sank our putts and embraced. Off the course the facilities are every bit as luxurious as the surroundings. The driving range, putting greens and locker rooms were all first class and the friendly staff made us feel more like tour pros than weekend warriors. The clubhouse is a blend of alpine charm and modern chic, with panoramic terraces perfect for those well-earned post-round drinks. It would have been rude not to indulge. We found the perfect spot and dined al fresco, watching the groups come in after us. We laughed at the day's events and toasted a truly unforgettable experience at the world's most beautiful golf course. We'll be back. One day.
Condé Nast Traveler
26-06-2025
- Health
- Condé Nast Traveler
Six Senses Douro Valley Is Pioneering a New Perimenopause Program
In a nutshell 'Men have had extensive hormonal research done, but females are still playing catch up,' said Anna Bjurstam, the Head of Six Senses Spas and Wellness. As such she and her team have spent the last few years developing an effective program focussing on hormone balance, diet, exercise, sleep habits, bio and other metrics. Experts in the field—including Mindy Pelz who literally wrote the book on the importance of fasting in female health—oversee the program and according to Bjurstam, all practitioners will go through a certification on female health. Though it was piloted at Six Senses Douro Valley and is currently available at Six Senses Kanuhura in the Maldives, Six Senses Crans-Montana, Six Senses Ninha Van Bay, and Six Senses Rome, it will soon roll out across the entire Six Senses portfolio and guests can choose between three, five, and seven-day programs. Before arrival The program is designed to have you hit the ground running so much of the screenings happen before arrival. I had a series of calls with experts, including Javier Suarez, the property's Director of Wellness and Joana Barretos, a physiotherapist and female health expert at home in New York in the weeks leading up to my visit. I will admit that I can be skeptical of short-term, intense wellness retreats—the all-in-approach over 72 hours that doesn't replicate your life at home makes me dubious that the results will last, and I was here because I needed to make new habits that would work with my real life. I appreciated talking with Javier, who, after asking me to identify the key points I wanted to explore (trouble sleeping, weight gain, eating habits) told me to be me. 'If you drink at home, don't deprive yourself of a drink here,' he said. 'You have to eat the fries.' I submitted a questionnaire before my call with Joana, which allowed her to talk me through my symptoms and discuss my goals. For me, it was education so that I could effectively combat the fluctuations in weight, moodiness, fatigue, and more in my day to day life. We discussed my cycle, my diet, and my mental energy in recent months. I told her what exercise I preferred and did at home (a hard pass on yoga and pilates, which is often what these retreats seem to offer. I need a gym.). Three days before my arrival, a program was sent to my inbox.
Vogue
03-06-2025
- Health
- Vogue
Six Senses Crans-Montana
Welcome to the second iteration of Vogue's global spa guide, an index of the 100 best spas in the world, built from the expertise of our global editors and trusted contributors. There is a lot to choose from in the world of wellness, and no matter how far you're planning to travel—from a subway ride to a transatlantic flight—we want to make sure it's worth the journey. Whatever your path, let us be your guide. Why go here? Crans-Montana may be lesser known than some of its Swiss Alpine neighbors—but it's the lack of that glitzy, see-and-be-seen vibe in towns like Gstaad and St. Moritz that lends it a unique, laid-back charm. (This corner of the Alps is where Europeans go for seriously great skiing, with 140 kilometers of pistes catering to every level of ability.) So when the Six Senses brand announced they were launching a new property in the town, nestled in the peaks of the French-speaking canton of Valais, the interest of luxury travel obsessives was piqued. And while the hotel certainly doesn't disappoint on the skiing front—there's a ski-in, ski-out entrance and a rental shop within the property itself—the spa is an equally dazzling crown jewel. Spread across two floors and 2,000 square meters, its wide-ranging offering encompasses everything from ancient Alpine healing to the latest in biohacking technology; the latter is offered in a labyrinthine room with gadgets spanning everything from lymphatic drainage systems to full-body LED light therapy machines to compression boots, best enjoyed in tandem with a massage lounger that is timed to the subconsciously soothing binaural beats that are pumped through a pair of headphones. It's a wonderland for those looking to try the latest and most outré advances within the ever-evolving world of wellness. What's the vibe? The brand new hotel may have opened just two years ago, but it has the warm, inviting feeling of a classic Swiss ski institution. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted in the subterranean welcome area—and invited to select one of the traditional bells hanging on the wall to ring and mark your intention for the week ahead—before being whizzed up to the floor-to-ceiling glass windows of the lobby, through which you can see the steam rising off the outdoor pool. The rooms and suites are a masterclass in sleek Alpine style, with larch and oak wood paneling, artfully dimmed lighting, and enormous quartzite stone-clad bathrooms with tubs for a post-ski soak—and every single one has a terrace from which you can enjoy the sweeping views across the valley. (Also worth noting? The impressive array of dining options, which range from an excellent Japanese restaurant Byakko to healthier riffs on Swiss classics at the rustic Wild Cabin—don't miss the Sunday brunch at the latter, with its heaving platters of locally produced cold cuts and cheeses.) But back to the spa: The centerpiece is a gorgeously designed indoor pool area that features thousands of shimmering light rods hanging from the ceiling like minimalist stalactites, and a glass gate that opens up for you to swim through to the great outdoors; surrounding it are loungers and cabana-style private areas to sip freshly brewed blends of detox herbal teas or fruit- and herb-infused waters from the health bar next door. Head deeper into the rabbit warren of corridors, and you'll find an array of saunas—everything from Finnish to Himalayan salt—which form part of a thermodynamic circuit that also includes a hammam and a cold plunge. The hardest part? Deciding which order to do it all in. The history? The wellness-focused hospitality brand Six Senses has been going since the '90s, but their Crans-Montana outpost marks their first attempt at a ski-spa concept. The brand's illustrious reputation and history means that the wellness offering here comes with some serious bona fides, and they've clearly taken great delight in translating their signature treatments for hardcore skiers. What should you try? If you're visiting for more than a few days, it's worth signing up for one of their robust rest and recovery packages, which begin with a 60-minute high-tech wellness screening and conclude with a check-in at the end to see how things have improved throughout your stay. Other highlights included a signature deep tissue massage, which began with a consultation in which the therapist decided hot stones along my wrists and forearms would be the perfect salve for soreness after clinging too tightly to my ski poles the day before, and a facial using products from Dr. Burgener Switzerland that settled down my ruddy complexion from the icy winds of the mountain. It's the perfect place to retreat that also offers the opportunity to get active in the great outdoors. How environmentally friendly is it? In general, Six Senses is known for taking their environmental responsibilities seriously, and as the hotel is a recent build, there are myriad ways in which they've strived to reduce its impact. Within the spa, the pools use UV filters to reduce the need for chemical treatment, while it was constructed using almost entirely natural, local materials. Oh, and the entire place is powered using Swiss hydroelectricity and heated using a carbon-neutral wooden pellet system. What else do we need to know? Make sure to book in at the charming Alchemy Bar, where a local holistic wellness therapist will guide you through the process of making your own face masks and scrubs, selecting your favorite essential oils to make it. (Given I was in the Alps, I felt it was only appropriate to put some pine essence into mine.) Perfect for a post-dinner soak in your private tub. John Athimaritis Who can go? The Six Senses Crans-Montana spa is free for hotel guests, though day passes are available for visitors for a fee.
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Travel + Leisure
29-05-2025
- Health
- Travel + Leisure
I Hiked the Alps in Comfy Teva Sandals—and Now I'm Eyeing These 12 Similar Pairs, From $30
Flip-flop culture is part of my DNA. As an Aussie, I was basically born to wear what we call thongs 365 days a year, whether I'm at the beach, park, or pub. As a frequent traveler who now spends all her summers in Europe, I pull out all my flip-flops and sandals and romp around cities like Zurich, Berlin, and Paris in open-toe shoes as soon as the sun peeks out. But I don't limit my sandal-loving lifestyle to just day trips around cities either: I also take hiking sandals on mountain hikes and run around some of Europe's famous national parks. Packing these adventure-ready, comfortable sandals is an incredibly useful trick when traveling. Lightweight and easily packable, these shoes are durable for mixed weather conditions and super comfortable—sometimes just as comfy as sneakers. On my last trip around the Swiss Alps in Crans-Montana, I packed my Teva Women's Aventrail Shoes after reading that a pro-mountaineer tested them out on the Appalachian Trail. I was curious if they would withstand mild hikes in the Swiss Alps—and I wasn't disappointed. $145 at Zappos $145 at Crans-Montana has more than 320 kilometers (or just under 200 miles) of well-marked trails; I comfortably conquered many of them, including those with steep inclines, blister-free in these Teva sandals. Similar to a trail running shoe in terms of support and responsiveness, the sandal is very secure on your foot because of the special W strapping system, which offers multiple adjustable straps for ultimate customization to get the best fit. A durable spider rubber outsole provides superior grip for traction even on wet, slippery, or uneven terrain. $145 at Zappos $145 at Clearly, these Teva hiking sandals took my love for this type of adventure footwear to another level. Now, read on for 11 more pairs of comfortable hiking sandals to pack for city escapes, outdoor adventures, and beyond from Hoka, Merrell, Keen, and more, starting at $30. If you're working with a budget, these lightweight sandals are a good pick and have a soft, contoured footbed ideal for stability and comfort (especially if you have flat feet), even if you walk in them all day. There is also a grippy sole that helps with traction on wet or rugged terrain without fear of slipping. Basically, if you love Hoka running shoes, you are going to love these comfortable, highly supportive sandals. They're made with the same famous Hoka cushioning, so you know you will be comfortable in them, but there are additional add-ons like a deep heel cup for foot-cradling comfort, a quick-release strap, and a speed buckle to help you slip them on and off efficiently. This Keen sandal has an eye-catching design that is more than just nice to look at. These shoes are highly durable and have a breathable mesh lining designed to limit the amount of odor-causing bacterial growth—so you can wear them over and over again on your next trip. $77 at Zappos $80 at These cushy Merrell sandals have everything you want in a hiking shoe: the foam midsoles are lightweight and provide long-lasting comfort, while the outer soles have added durability thanks to the recycled rubber. Wear them on wet or dry surfaces without worrying about slipping. The simple design also makes them a versatile shoe for taking on walking tours, sightseeing, and even going out to eat. Adjustable straps make these Chaco sandals easy to take on and off, but reviewers also rave about the comfort level of these hiking sandals, thanks to contoured footbeds. Shoppers say they're comfortable while walking for miles in them, and some mention wearing them for trail running and stepping over large boulders when outdoors. They'll also dry quickly, making them ideal for wet terrain too. $90 at Zappos $90 at Another favorite of mine from Teva are these sandal-like shoes that allow your feet to breathe during summer activities. They can also be used for water adventures like kite-surfing, wake-boarding, and even fishing (as I did with these sandal-shoes in Indonesia). I found them to be very comfortable and loved the easy-to-use hook-and-loop closure that allowed me to take them off quickly. When I was in Spain last month, everyone was wearing the local brand Camper—so I decided to do the same. One of the more stylish hiking sandals out there, the Camper Oruga Up Sandal is made of recycled material and is easy to take off because of the hook-and-loop system. The slightly elevated-looking style of the high platform makes it a versatile shoe to have for the trails and exploring cities. A hiking sandal that mimics a flip-flop but with much more comfort, the Bedrock Sandal is relatively flat for a minimalist footbed, but it still gives a lot of support for longer walks. Wear them hiking on gravel or grass, or put them on for kayaking or other water sports as they're designed to get wet and dry fast. $80 at Amazon $80 at REI $80 at This is one of the classic models Teva is known for, but with extra perks like quick-dry webbing and an EVA-foam midsole for added cushioning. Your foot will also feel stable hiking or walking over slippery rocks because of its special Durabrasion rubber outsole, which offers grippy traction. $110 at REI $110 at Another great sandal-looking sneaker is this Merrell Maipo Explorer shoe, with breathable mesh linings and an elastic heel pull tab to allow for easy on-and-off action, perfect for kayaking, walking, or hiking outdoors. The dual-directional grooves in the midsoles improve the ground connection, so you feel more stable when walking, too. Probably the most stylish sandal-shoe you can purchase that will also look good when walking around a city is the Keen Uneek Sneaker Sandal. It's comfortable because of its slightly snug fit, which means the sandal locks your foot in place nicely. The bungee cord and lace-lock toggle allow for instant security when you put your foot in, and the soft microfiber linings provide additional comfort for all-day wear. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
