When thinking of the Swiss alpine ski town, Davos, common associations are often the globally-renowned World Economic Forum, or perhaps panoramic vistas of the snow-covered mountain tops, being enjoyed by skiers and snowboarders alike. However, Davos in the summer season offers a refreshing perspective on vacations in an unspoilt setting, creating an ideal alternative summer break.
Providing a delightful mix of warm weather, fresh mountain air and exquisite scenery, average temperatures from June to August range between 20-25 degrees centigrade,which are enhanced by the high altitude mountain air, making it feel warmer still. There are also an abundance of ways to fill time in the natural oasis of Davos, with an offering comparable to any tropical paradise one might normally associate with the summer.
Cycling is a popular sport for locals and visitors alike; and biking along trail roads, road cycling through the idyllic valleys and BMXing in the Davos Klosters Adventure Park are all popular ways to spend time. Many hotels also operate guided tours via bike, which are a popular way to pair wellness with history, whilst taking in the vistas of Davos.
One of Davos highlights is Lake Davos, a pristine body of clear water, popular with water sports enthusiasts or adventure seekers, with river rafting, paddle boarding, windsurfing, swimming and wakeboarding all available. For those looking for more relaxed activities, there is a range of independent eateries and coffee houses along the shore, perfect for absorbing the wider landscape and atmosphere.
Hiking is a popular pastime in Davos during the summer, which is impossible in the winter due to heavy snowfall. The encircling mountains provide excellent vantage points from which to see the best vistas that Switzerland has to offer. The four mountains shouldering Davos maintain their snow-caps all year round, providing the perfect backdrop for picturesque family photos. Keen horticulturalists will relish the opportunity to wander through the alpine botanical garden which can be found on Schatzalp. The garden holds over 800 species of plant and adds to the overall serenity of the town.
Due to its high altitude, the town is further renowned for being a wellness destination, after physician Dr. Alexander Spengler identified its unusual microclimate to be good for the lungs in the 1880s, sparking the Swiss Alps’ reputation as a wellness hotspot. The resort has been popular with notable names for this reason since then, including Robert Louis Stevenson, Arthur Conan Doyle and artist Ernst Ludwig Kirchner.
The high-profile nature of the town has continued to attract wellness concepts which fuse health and luxury, including the Eau-là-là Wellness and Pleasure Pool Centre, which is in the resort centre and contains both adventure pools and a wellness oasis. There’s a steam bath, two solariums, a Finish sauna and an open-air whirlpool.
Another award-winning spa provider in the area is the Rock Spa at Hard Rock Hotel Davos, which offers hydrotherapy pools, steam baths and saunas, along with rhythmic massages, facials and manicures, all designed with immersive relaxation in mind. Additional amenities include beauty treatments, a yoga studio, a fitness centre and an experience shower. The hotel also has a restaurant and rooftop bar, ideal for grabbing some post-workout food and a drink.
For those looking to purchase a second home, the Hard Rock Hotel recently launched a unique collection of serviced apartments, with access to all the hotel’s amenities and allowing purchasers to enjoy everything Davos has to offer from a central location, close to the main shopping and entertainment hub, the Promenade.
The homes are completed to the highest specification, designed by globally renowned architecture firm Woods Bagot. The stunning apartments vary from one to three bedrooms and boast attractive Crittal-styled mirror walls, large bathrooms, modern kitchens and balconies. The interiors of The Residences have been designed to capitalise on both the natural beauty of the Swiss Alps, but also represent the rich business heritage of the city.
The Residences at The Hard Rock Hotel offer a comprehensive experience for guests, whether looking for relaxation, adventure, or business travel, where owners can have the peace of mind of a secure ‘lock up and leave’ investment which will be rented out and managed by the hotel, providing additional income.
Davos really is a place for everyone to enjoy year-round, with a whole palette of experience to enjoy while making the most of the fresh air and mild temperatures.