Switzerland Spas: Some Black Mud to Yodel About in the Alps

The spas and health resorts of Switzerland have changed dramatically since the middle of the last century. Back then, some had “inhalation rooms” complete with a daily supply of fresh cow dung to help bring relief from nervous tension.

Many of the Swiss spas centered around the thermal springs in the Alps have been known for more than 2,000 years. Roman legions stopped in for a little rest and recuperation at springs such as Baden, and many others in Europe as well. The Romans knew well the relaxant and healing powers of thermal springs.

Today Switzerland has 21 recognized spa areas, with more than 250 curative springs. Some of them, such as St. Moritz and Leukerbad, are among the world’s most famous. But their brochures are filled almost exclusively with photos of young men and women (especially the latter) taking the treatments.

For the Mature Traveler

However, when asked whether devotees of Swiss spas were of the young-and-restless generation, Willy Isler, West Coast director of the Swiss National Tourist Office, replied, “No, the Swiss spa vacation is definitely for the mature traveler.” Isler put the average age of the typical guest well into the 50s, even 60s.

“Actually, it’s closer to 70,” says Willy Maurer, a spa specialist who represents not only a quartet of Swiss spas but others in Europe, Israel and the United States.

“There are many fine spas worldwide,” Isler says, “but spas in Switzerland not only provide therapeutic vacations for those looking for physical or mental rejuvenation but we have entertainment, sports, culture and the magnificent Alpine scenery.

“Thermal springs of hot mineral water are particularly suitable for the relief and healing of ailments brought on by age.”

In most Swiss spas, hot packs of fango-- a black mud--and hayseed compresses are applied to the entire body, allowing their soothing properties to revitalize the skin. Indeed, brochures are dotted with lines that catch the eyes of mature travelers, like “helps stop the aging process,” “removes the effects of premature aging” and “retrieves well-being and vitality.”

In addition to the fango mud baths, there are also Swiss peat baths which consist of millions of little Alpine plants that help tighten the skin.

Some of the older, traditional spas still have the whey treatment, a coagulated sour milk reportedly good for several ailments. The brochures make no reference to the koumiss cure, a one-time Victorian Era spa treatment made of fermented mare’s milk.

Special Package Programs

According to Isler and Maurer, European spa vacations are ideal for mature travelers seeking health and fitness to go along with their sightseeing. Many of the Swiss spas represented by Maurer, the president of Health & Fitness Vacations, have special package programs ranging from four days to one, two or three weeks.

Choosing the correct spa is a highly personalized chore because of the many elements involved. One spa’s mineral waters in its thermal treatment can be much different from another’s, and have a different effect on the body. A doctor’s advice is suggested, although all major Swiss spas have complete medical facilities for physical checkups.

Choosing the right resort is time-consuming; a good travel agent can help. The Swiss National Tourist Office, at 250 Stockton St., San Francisco 94108, phone (415) 362-2260, also will assist with a brochure on all the spas as well as general information on touring.

“Mature travelers should be sure to ask for the ‘Season for Seniors’ brochure of the Swiss hotel association,” Isler says. “This gives discounts for men age 65 and older, and women age 62 and older, at 385 hotels in more than 150 Swiss cities and towns.”

More than 111 resort hotels in the major spa areas provide senior discounts, though at various times of the year. The best-known facilities are in Baden, Bad Ragaz, Lenk, Leukerbad and St. Moritz-Bad.

You can contact Willy Maurer at Health & Fitness Vacations, 2911 Grand Ave., Mayfair in the Grove, Miami 33133. Phone (305) 445-2525 or toll-free (800) FITNESS. Some travel agents may also have Maurer’s Health & Fitness Vacations brochures.