Latest news with #CransMontana
Vogue
3 days ago
- 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.
