Festive Season 2023/2024

Unknown

“Christmas is a time to reflect, to be grateful and to share love with others. May this time of contemplation fill us with happiness and warmth.”

Dear Guests

Once again, the season of togetherness, love and sharing is upon us. Therefore, I am even more delighted to present this year’s festive programme to you. Just like every year, we put a lot of time, ideas and thought into planning these magical moments, which means you can once more look forward to special happenings at the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz this winter. Join us and let’s celebrate the most wonderful time of the year together.

Delicious cuisine is as much a part of Christmas as the festively adorned trees in our living rooms, and you can rest assured that a delightful assortment of treats awaits you at the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz. Our chefs have come up with flamboyant buffets, exquisite multi-course menus and the finest surprise dinners for you. We hope you’ll be able to join us for our Christmas Eve celebration; after all, gathering together to sing some of our favorite carols and enjoy a few festive refreshments remains a cherished tradition at our resort. The magic of Christmas will be followed by exciting New Year’s Eve events, and we’re looking forward to ringing in the New Year with you in the spirit of “Tour de Suisse –feel the magic of Switzerland”. Of course, our youngest guests have not been overlooked. With a fun-filled kids’ programme and a New Year’s Eve party especially for the little ones, 2023 is guaranteed to go out with a bang. And don’t worry: however lively the celebrations, there will still be plenty of time to relax, take a breather and unwind. Our thermal spa offers relaxation for body, mind and soul, while the local region is the perfect place to take long walks and enjoy the great outdoors.

Soon, when there is a hint of magic in the air and we feel that special atmosphere the festive season brings, it will be time to pause and reflect on what really matters. This is a time to share precious moments with your loved ones and create memories that will last a lifetime. In this spirit, I wish you health and happiness for the holidays and look forward to welcoming you at the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz soon.

Milos Colovic General Manager of the Grand Hotels

Swiss Christmas magic

A decorated Christmas tree, glittering festive lights and exchanging presents are likely some of the most familiar traditions. But apart from the common customs, every country in the world has developed its own Christmas traditions over the years – and Switzerland is no exception.

ADVENT WINDOWS

Similar to an Advent calendar, where a door is opened every day, Advent windows can be found in villages and small towns across Switzerland. In each village, 24 residents decorate one or several windows in a Christmas theme. Between 1 and 24 December, villagers “open” one of the decorated windows each day. Each window remains covered up until the big reveal. In the evening, residents gather together to open the window and admire the Christmas decorations. Beverages are also offered in some villages to mark the occasion.

The spirit of Christmas lies in all the traditions and customs that make the holidays magical.

SAMICHLAUS

Samichlaus is the name of Saint Nicholas in German-speaking Switzerland. In the French-speaking cantons, he is known as Père Noël or Saint Nicolas. The Italian-speaking regions know him as San Nicola, and he is Son Niclau in Rhaeto-Romanic. Whatever name he goes by, the man with the long, white beard will pay a visit to children’s houses across the country on 6 December, accompanied by “Schmutzli” or “Butzli”. Children who behaved well during the year and recite a Christmas poem will receive treats from Samichlaus, including tangerines, chocolate, nuts and gingerbread.

CHLAUSJAGEN

Every year, Küssnacht am Rigi hosts a special event called “Chlausjagen”, one of the most ancient St. Nicholas traditions throughout Europe. Late in the evening of 5 December, thousands of visitors gather in the streets of Küssnacht to watch the unique spectacle. All the streetlights in the village are turned off for the occasion. “Geisselchlepfer” appear, brandishing their long whips and driving the procession forward. They are closely followed by the real highlight: the “Iffelen”. Up to 200 of them parade through the streets, mesmerizing the crowd with their luminous headdresses. The “Iffelen” look like stained-glass church windows, and their remarkable headdresses range from 50 centimetres to two metres tall. The images on the “Iffelen” vary slightly, but they always depict Samichlaus in some form. The “Iffelen” are followed by Samichlaus, who is accompanied by a large number of torchbearers and several “Schmutzlis”. St. Nicholas and his entourage are followed by musicians playing the wonderful St. Nicholas melody. At the end of the procession, “Klausjäger” (or St. Nicholas hunters) get up to all sorts of mischief. They follow St. Nicholas through the streets, ringing their cowbells loud enough for the entire village to hear.

© Alexander Dietz, Merlischachen

Advent at the Grand Resort

“LICHTERFEIER"

25 November 2023, 6 pm at the Hof Bar

In keeping with tradition, we will be ushering in the festive season with a ceremonious switching on of the magical Christmas lights at the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz. We would like to invite you to a get-together at the Hof Bar with mulled wine, punch and Schenkeli pastries.

ELIAS BERNET BAND

20 December 2023,

5 pm in the Green Salon, Grand Hotel Quellenhof

This band takes its listeners on a varied, extremely entertaining and often hilariously fast-paced journey. As Elias’ virtuoso fingers dance over the keys of the piano and the Hammond organ, feet, hips, shoulders and neck twitch as if they were being commanded to dance without any will of their own.

ALINA BRUNNER

21 to 22 December 2023, 3 pm and 5 pm in the lobby, Grand Hotel Quellenhof

Every year, the young dancer and choreographer Alina Brunner comes up with an enthralling dance show to fill the halls of the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz with the magic of free-flowing dance.

FURTHER EVENTS

You can find the current event overview on our website at resortragaz.ch/events or by scanning the following QR code:

Things to do during the Advent and Christmas season

CHECKLIST:

“THE PERFECT ADVENT SEASON”

Sweeten the run-up to Christmas with these ideas

□ Get in the mood for Advent with Christmas carols

□ Recharge your batteries with a visit to a thermal spa

□ Bake your favorite cookies

□ Write Christmas cards for your loved ones

□ Visit a sparkling Christmas market

□ Enjoy a hot chocolate or delicious mulled wine

□ Book an appointment with your hairdresser and get glam for Christmas

□ Choose a gorgeous outfit for effortless seasonal style

□ Take a long walk

□ Think of others and make a donation

□ Treat yourself to a deep-tissue massage

□ And, of course, snack on cookies

Staying active in winter

Can you still jog in winter?

Of course you can! Sports scientist

Dr. Matthias Fenzl reveals how.

It is a well-known fact that there is no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing – which is why Dr. Matthias Fenzl recommends layering up your clothes: “You should be shivering a bit before you get started”, he says. We lose most heat through our head and hands, so headgear and running gloves are essential. A windproof jacket, thermal underwear and a pair of running shoes that can cope with the wintry conditions complete your sports outfit. “Before you really get going, you need to activate your circulation with a 15-minute warm-up.”

Make sure you breathe through your nose when running outdoors in winter. “This is particularly important when the outside temperature is below freezing”, says the sports scientist. Breathing through your nose warms the air and moistens the mucous membrane of the nose, helping to prevent severe irritation of the respiratory tract. “However, you should avoid intensive training sessions in sub-zero temperatures and when breathing through your nose.” Instead, the expert recommends more manageable – and, as a result, longer – jogs lasting 60 to 90 minutes. If you are interested in trying alternative sports in winter, you could try snowshoe hikes or cross-country runs in snow-covered terrain. “Afterwards, a 15-minute cool-down is recommended, whatever the activity.”

Matthias also stresses how important it is not to let your temperature drop after exercising: “Start with a lukewarm shower and gradually increase the temperature to stimulate the blood flow to the skin and promote your body’s regeneration.” Beverages like hydrating drinks and warm, unsweetened teas help to effectively replenish your body's fluid balance. Additionally, consider applying warming ointments to any tense or overworked muscle areas to enhance your relaxation post-exercise. Bring on the winter!

INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE DIAGNOSTICS

The winter months are an excellent time to work on your basic fitness so you can start next summer in perfect shape. Speak to our team of experts from the Swiss Olympic Medical Center (SOMC) about a personalized consultation.

You can find detailed information on our services at medizin-badragaz.ch/en/somc

The Christmas tree

Choosing, putting up and decorating a Christmas tree is one of the highlights of Christmas for most of us.

BRING CHRISTMAS TO YOUR ROOM

For those who can’t imagine Christmas without a tree, we offer the perfect solution: a Christmas tree for your room! Choose either a Christmas tree already adorned with beautiful decorations or one you can decorate yourself. Roll on Christmas!

Christmas tree up to 150 cm * CHF 600.–

Only with fairy lights; to decorate yourself CHF 450.–

Christmas tree 150 to 170 cm * CHF 700.–

Only with fairy lights; to decorate yourself CHF 550.–

Christmas tree 180 cm and taller * CHF 800.–

Only with fairy lights; to decorate yourself CHF 650.–

Small potted Christmas tree approx. 100 cm ** CHF 140.–

* Available for orders until 10 December 2023

** Available for unlimited orders until 15 October 2023, after that only by arrangement with the florist

Book your room and Christmas tree at resortragaz.ch/en

Whether for religious reasons, to put everyone in a festive mood or because it has become a tradition over the years, twinkling Christmas lights and a dazzling array of magnificently decorated fir trees are also a tradition here at the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz. In celebration of the most wonderful time of the year, we switch on the Christmas lights at the resort one week before the first Sunday of the Advent season – so our halls and the park have ample time to shine in all their Christmas splendor.

CHRISTMAS TREES IN THE PARK

The work on the exterior alone takes a whole two weeks. The highlight of the outdoor lighting is the two decorated sequoia trees in the park. They are over 39 metres tall and between 120 and 150 years old. The taller of the two giant sequoias is 41.6 metres tall, which probably makes it the tallest Christmas tree in Europe. One of the highest mobile lifting platforms in Switzerland is used to decorate the two magnificent trees. The lights remain on the trees all year round and are repaired annually when the park is decorated.

A total of 150,000 lights are used to adorn the exterior of the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz. This translates to around 15 kilometres of fairy lights. It should be noted that there are around 30,000 lights on a single sequoia tree: a truly dazzling spectacle. To help the environment, we changed the lighting used on the sequoia trees to LED lights in 2011, reducing their power consumption from 48 kW to just 2.3 kW.

Sven’s holiday recommendation

ROAST DUCK WITH CRANBERRIES AND MOUNTAIN JUNIPER

Duck 1 duck breast

Salt

Cranberries

200 g fresh cranberries

80 g sugar

Duck gravy

2 kg duck carcasses

400 g onions

1/2 garlic clove

Oil for frying

5 L water

1 bay leaf

Salt

Duck garum sauce

180 g duck gravy

20 g char garum

28 g porcini oil

Plus dried juniper powder

Caramelize the duck breast, skin side down, in a frying pan until brown and then cook on a rack in the oven at 120 to 140 degrees until its core temperature reaches 54 degrees (use a meat thermometer). Keep warm and allow to rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

Mix the cranberries with the sugar and blend in the food processor, using the flat beater, until the sugar has dissolved completely.

Rinse the carcasses thoroughly with cold water and roast in the oven on a baking sheet at 180 degrees fan for one hour. In the meantime, thinly slice the onions, peel the garlic cloves and caramelize both in a pan with a little oil until brown. Drain the fat from the duck carcasses and then infuse everything with the water and the bay leaf. Leave to steep overnight in the steamer, covered, at 90 degrees steam. The next day, strain the gravy and reduce it in a clean saucepan until you achieve the desired taste. Season with a pinch of salt

Flavor the gravy with the garum and emulsify the porcini oil using a hand blender.

To finish: Cut the duck breast into eight even slices, salt lightly and press the skin side into the juniper powder. Make sure that not too much powder sticks to the skin. Place two slices on each plate, spread some cold raw cranberry jam on top and pour on a tablespoon of sauce.

SVEN WASSMER

3 Michelin stars & 1 Michelin Green star, 18 GaultMillau points

Carefully selected ingredients, innovation and seasonal products form the basis of Sven Wassmer’s philosophy. At Memories, his signature restaurant, he brings this philosophy to every dish – clear and minimalist, he turns new Swiss alpine cuisine into an authentic experience that is deeply in tune with nature.

“This creation is inspired by classic game dishes and reduced to the core elements: meat, sauce and a side dish with notes of fruitiness and sourness.”

24 December

CHRISTMAS PARTY

From 6.15 pm Green Salon, Grand Hotel Quellenhof

In keeping with tradition, we come together on Christmas Eve to sing a selection of our favorite carols. We will ring in the most wonderful time of the year accompanied by live music and an address by the management team of the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz. Afterwards, we cordially invite you to a Christmas aperitif.

DINNER

verve by sven

Smoked salmon from the Grisons Alps

Horseradish ∙ Herb salad ***

Clear soup ∙ Pot roast ravioli

***

Sautéed pike-perch

Beurre blanc ∙ Sauerkraut ∙ Shoestring potatoes

***

Baked saddle of veal

Parsnips ∙ Raw cranberry jam

***

Baileys mousse

Figs ∙ Caramel

Five-course menu CHF 145.–(also available as a three- or four-course menu)

Restaurant Olives d’Or

Mini lobster cocktail with avocado and vanilla

*** Traditional cream of veal soup

***

Grilled turbot fillet with white pelati sauce, cuttlefish spaghetti and softened cherry tomatoes

***

Muscovy duck with orange sauce, quark spaetzli and braised red cabbage with chestnuts

***

Cinnamon panna cotta with apple compote and marzipan ice cream

Restaurant Zollstube

Homemade guinea fowl terrine with red pepper and kohlrabi apple tartare

***

Fillet of perch with almonds on leaf spinach and parsley potatoes

***

Medium-rare beef tenderloin steak with dried pear cream

Witch’s polenta and oven-baked squash

***

Tirggel biscuit parfait with honey foam and pear ragout

Four-course menu CHF 95.–(also available as a three-course menu)

IGNIV

Five-course menu CHF 145.–(also available as a three- or four-course menu)

Four-course menu CHF 278.–Additional three surprise elements CHF 98.–

25 December

CHRISTMAS BUFFET

12.30 pm to 2.30 pm at the Restaurant Olives d’Or

A champagne aperitif and a variety of exquisite culinary delights await you at the Christmas buffet at the Restaurant Olives d’Or. The ultimate indulgence in a stylish setting.

CHF 156.– per person

For reservations, please call +41 81 303 30 35 or e-mail us at restaurants@resortragaz.ch

CAKE BUFFET

12 pm to 5 pm

Lobby, Grand Hotel Quellenhof Cakes, tarts and other treats: Tempt your taste buds with our sweet works of art as you enjoy the sound of the crackling fireplace. The sweetest way to enjoy a bit of downtime with a nice cup of tea or one of our coffee specialities.

OONA CAVIAR TASTING

4.30 pm to 7.30 pm

Lobby, Grand Hotel Quellenhof

An exclusive Christmas experience: Pure, natural and sustainable, Oona is the first Swiss caviar from sturgeons reared in naturally warm mountain spring water. Taste three different varieties of Oona caviar. With the varieties No. 102, No. 103 and Carat 500 g, you will experience the finest nuances of flavor and the caviar’s unmistakable character.

CHF 29.– for one serving of Oona caviar with blini

CHF 39.– for one serving of Oona caviar with blini and a glass of Ruinart Brut champagne

DINNER

verve by sven

Roast beef

Mushrooms ∙ Belper Knolle cheese

***

Cream of porcini soup ∙ Chives

***

Sea bass ∙ Fennel

Tarragon ∙ Saffron aioli

***

Seared corn-fed duckling breast

Sliced bread dumplings ∙ Parsnips

Pumpkin puree

***

Spiced milk chocolate mousse

Cranberry ice cream

Five-course menu CHF 145.–(also available as a three- or four-course menu)

Restaurant Olives d’Or

Chef’s foie gras terrine with Waldorf salad and dried fruit chutney with hazelnut brioche

***

Champagne agrumi soup with croutons

***

Pike-perch fillet with crayfish on garden herb risotto with pine nuts

***

Fillet of veal with pistachio stuffing and Perigord sauce

Homemade tagliatelle and glazed baby carrots ***

Spiced chocolate mousse with pickled oranges

Five-course menu CHF 145.–(also available as a three- or four-course menu)

IGNIV

Four-course menu CHF 278.–

Additional three surprise elements CHF 98.–

CHRISTMAS LUNCH WITH A LIVE COOKING STATION

12.30 pm to 2.30 pm

verve by sven

Experience perfectly honed craftsmanship: During the Christmas lunch at verve by sven, you’re invited to witness the culinary artistry of our chefs in full swing. Dishes will be served verve-style – authentic and in harmony with nature.

From snacks like pumpkin mousse and butterfried chicken to a live cooking station, all the way to the highlight of the lunch: blackened sea bass fillet, Angus roast beef or lemonand-cream-cheese ravioli. For dessert, you can choose between chocolate crémeux or an exquisite selection from the Jumi cheese dairy.

CHF 146.– per person

For reservations, please call +41 81 303 30 35 or e-mail us at restaurants@resortragaz.ch

CAKE BUFFET

12 pm to 5 pm

Lobby, Grand Hotel Hof Ragaz

Cakes, tarts and other treats: Tempt your taste buds with our sweet works of art as you enjoy the sounds of the crackling fireplace. The sweetest way to enjoy a bit of downtime with a nice cup of tea or one of our coffee specialities.

EDDY BAUMGARTNER

5 pm

Green Salon, Grand Hotel Quellenhof

With his friendly demeanour and brilliant playing style, Eddy Baumgartner not only brings a smile to the faces of members of the audience, but also provides wonderful musical entertainment.

DINNER

verve by sven

Char rillettes ∙ sourdough bread

dill dip ∙ crème fraîche

***

Cream of braised pumpkin soup

Styrian pumpkin seed oil

***

Poached codfish

grilled beetroot ∙ horseradish foam

***

Medium-rare roast venison loin and pepper

pizokel (buckwheat dumplings) ∙ red cabbage

glazed chestnuts

***

Pistachio cake ∙ dried apricot ice cream ∙ Chantilly cream

Restaurant Olives d’Or

Fresh salmon carpaccio with pink peppercorns and char roe

***

Saffron foam soup with Culatello ham

***

Fillet of sole over parsnip puree with marinated roasted pumpkin and chervil sauce

***

Chateaubriand with balsamic gravy

risotto al Barolo and grilled vegetables

***

Chestnut cake with mulled wine jelly and vanilla crumble

Five-course menu CHF 145.–(also available as a three- or four-course menu)

IGNIV

Five-course menu CHF 145.–(also available as a three- or four-course menu)

ENJOY TIME AS A COUPLE

Experience deep relaxation for two at our exclusive couple’s massage room. What makes it so special? The room boasts exceptional tranquility, is devoid of natural light and does not have a single corner. According to our therapists, this creates a unique ambience – for deep relaxation of body and mind. Equipped with infrared technology, the waterbeds allow you and your partner to enjoy the deepest tranquillity after your couple’s aroma massage.

Price for two CHF 490.– for 70 minutes

For bookings, please call us on +41 81 303 30 50 or send us an e-mail at spa@resortragaz.ch

Four-course menu CHF 278.–Additional three surprise elements CHF 98.–

Experiences & cultural events

SNOWSHOE HIKING

Individually guided snowshoe tours take you to the most beautiful winter wonderland spots in the Heidiland holiday region. Try something new this winter and immerse yourself in unspoiled nature for a few hours on a half-day guided snowshoe tour, where you can truly experience winter in a snowcovered landscape, far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

A ROMANTIC HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDE

Discover the Heidiland holiday region on a relaxing horse-drawn carriage ride. You can choose between a short, two-hour round trip in the morning or a half-day or day trip. Particular highlights include the Heidi round trip, the Buendner Herrschaft trip, the trip to the Tamina gorge and the fondue carriage during the winter months. Horse-drawn carriage rides can be booked all year round.

STRETCHING & BALLET WORKSHOP

27/28/29 December 2023, 10 am to 12 pm

Music salon of the Palais Ragaz

Leap into the magical world of ballet and discover your inner dancer. This workshop is perfect for everyone who is interested in the fundamentals of ballet and will allow you to improve your flexibility and unlock the elegance that lies within you.

Workshop instructor: Alina Brunner

SKI DAY WITH FRANCO CAVEGN

Experience a day of skiing with former professional alpine skier Franco Cavegn on the slopes in St. Moritz. We will transport you via helicopter directly to the slopes of the Corviglia ski resort in St. Moritz. You can expect a day of personal coaching, training and lunch at Salastrains. Here, the chef will personally welcome you and serve a well-balanced meal in a tranquil and relaxed setting.

YOGA & SINGING RETREAT

30 to 31 December 2023

Grand Resort Bad Ragaz

This two-day retreat is the perfect opportunity to recharge your batteries before the start of the new year. Immerse yourself in a world of silence, sound, vibration and movement, and rediscover your inner harmony.

Retreat instructors: Christa & Seraina

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

The idyllic area around Bad Ragaz radiates peace and harmony – and cross-country skiing is the perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors at this time of year. The Heidiland holiday region offers a variety of cross-country skiing trails for beginners as well as advanced and professional skiers.

The concierge team will be happy to provide you with further information about the experiences, the workshop and the retreat. Simply send us an e-mail at concierge@resortragaz.ch or call us on +41 81 303 20 10

Superfoods for winter

Chock-full of micronutrients, superfoods are the perfect choice for the colder months.

Especially during winter, vitamin C is among the essential elements that contribute to fortifying our immune systems. The vitamins, minerals, trace elements and phytochemicals contained in superfoods directly influence the body’s microbiome, which is responsible for producing nutrients, strengthening the immune system and promoting digestion. To stop harmful viruses and bacteria from passing through the intestines into the bloodstream, we need to strengthen the intestinal mucous membrane. This means that in order for our immune systems to remain robust during the winter months, we must provide them with the necessary nutrients. That’s why it’s important to regularly incorporate local superfoods into our diets – especially in winter.

WALNUTS

Not only do walnuts keep us feeling full for longer, they are also native to Switzerland. This makes them a valuable source of nutrients in the winter months. Just a small portion every day is enough to provide the body with important fats and reduce cholesterol by 12 %. Women should aim to eat 60 g of raw, unsulphured walnuts every day, while men should eat 90 g. Make sure that the walnuts are unsulphured, since sulphured foods can cause a strong imbalance in our microbiomes by encouraging the growth of bacteria that produce toxic substances in the gut.

HONEY

Honey is the ultimate superfood, and all those exotic varieties are no match for local Swiss honey. It fights bacteria, viruses and fungi, helps us sleep and strengthens the immune system – the list of health benefits is practically endless. However, it’s important to remember one fundamental rule: quality counts! Contact a local beekeeper and ask for pure, natural honey. You only need the tiniest amounts of this liquid gold, because too much of a good thing can also cause your blood sugar to spike unnecessarily – and that’s something we want to avoid at all costs.

BLACK ELDERBERRY

We’re all familiar with Elderflower whether enjoyed as a delightful beverage, a tea to help fend off colds or a delectable dessert. However, the elderberry has plenty to offer as well. There’s good reason why black elderberry juice was the main ingredient in the “immune-boosting drink” favoured by the Olympic athletes at Sochi. These dark little berries contain natural compounds that have an antibacterial effect and strengthen the immune system. You can buy black elderberry juice at the chemist’s or simply make it at home yourself. The advantage of making your own elderberry juice is that you can control how much sugar goes into it. We recommend leaving the sugar out entirely, or only using a little bit. As a rule of thumb, the sugar content should never exceed 10 % of the total weight.

31 December

Swiss traditions and timeless glamour – an elegant way to ring in the new year

NEW YEAR’S EVE PROGRAMME

Embark on a “Tour de Suisse – feel the magic of Switzerland” adventure on New Year’s Eve. We invite you to partake in a dazzling spectacle with a touch of modern Swissness this New Year’s Eve. Throughout the evening, you will be introduced to traditions and rituals from different regions of Switzerland, celebrating the incredible diversity of our home country. As the clock strikes midnight, the highlight of the evening will unfold in the park: an awe-inspiring fire show.

“TOUR DE SUISSE” NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA

This year, we will be serving a gala menu at the Kursaal that puts a modern spin on Swiss classics. As you dine at Swiss-themed tables and enjoy the company of your fellow guests, talented artists will entertain you with a captivating dinner show. An evening that will enchant your senses in many ways.

Dress code: elegant evening attire

Setting: The evening will be a gala dinner. This means you will be seated with other guests at large gala tables, providing you with the opportunity for sparkling conversation. However, the tables also offer plenty of privacy.

Regardless of which dinner you choose on New Year’s Eve, your evening will include the champagne apéritif at 7 pm at the Quellenhof Bar and the spectacular fire show in the park.

Gala menu in the verve by sven Kursaal

Oona caviar asparagus sauce ∙ egg yolk ∙ chives

***

Marinated Swiss salmon buttermilk ∙ horseradish ∙ trout roe

***

Papet vaudois

leek essence ∙ potato-and-saucisson ravioli ***

Tempura-battered perch from Raron saffron from Fläsch ∙ kohlrabi

***

Apricot sorbet with apricots from Valais persipan

***

Medium-rare Wagyu entrecôte “Suure Mocke”

(braised roast beef) ∙ rösti ∙ croquettes ∙ celeriac

***

“Tour de Suisse”

***

“Midnight Snack”

Cheese fondue

Eight-course menu CHF 650.– including a dinner show in the Kursaal and New Year’s Eve programme

GALA BUFFET

This year will also see the chefs at Restaurant Olives d’Or prepare a splendid gala buffet for your enjoyment. Ring in the new year with a variety of culinary delights in a stylish atmosphere, surrounded by your nearest and dearest.

Dress code: elegant evening attire

Gala buffet in the Restaurant Olives d’Or

Classics such as filled half lobster, goose-liver terrine and beef tartar

Delicacies such as smoked salmon, air-dried Grisons beef and vitello tonnato

Japanese specialities such as sushi, tempura shrimps and spring rolls

***

Oven-roasted fillet of beef with Béarnaise sauce creamy risotto with white truffle and vegetables

***

Classics such as crème brûlée, duo of chocolate mousse and tiramisu

Home-made tartlets and pastries such as Swiss custard slices, apple strudel and éclairs

Cheese selection of hard, soft and blue cheese with fruit bread

Gala buffet CHF 410.–including New Year’s Eve programme

NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER

Restaurant NAMUN

YAM MIE KROB

Salad with crunchy noodles and king prawns with sweet chilli ***

TOM YAM GAI

Thai soup with chicken and cucumber ***

PIEW WAM PHA

Fillet of sole in a panko crumb with sweet and sour sauce ***

NUEA RAD PHAD PHED

Fillet of beef with chilli sauce steamed rice and vegetables ***

KHANOM WAN

A selection from our large dessert buffet

Five-course menu CHF 155.–including New Year’s Eve programme

Memories

Nine-course New Year’s Eve menu “Sven’s Classics” with wine pairing CHF 1,280.–including New Year’s Eve programme

IGNIV

Four-course sharing dinner CHF 440.–including New Year’s Eve programme

Restaurant Zollstube

Beef tartar with poached quail egg from Engadine and Belper Knolle cheese

***

Sauteed pike-perch fillet with herbed beurre blanc on barley risotto and roasted baby carrots ***

Veal fillet with truffle filling Grisons air-dried beef croquettes and vegetables ***

Warm almond cake with plum foam and vanilla ice cream

Four-course menu CHF 125.–including New Year’s Eve programme

All-you-can-eat fondue chinoise CHF 95.–including New Year’s Eve programme

All-you-can-eat fondue bourguignonne CHF 95.–including New Year’s Eve programme

A BIG PARTY FOR LITTLE GUESTS

6 pm to 11 pm

Johanna Spyri Saal

Just for kids: we’re throwing a New Year’s Eve party for the little ones, including a children’s buffet and lots of fun, games and dancing.

CHF 110.– per child, including the children’s buffet

1

January

CAKE BUFFET

12 pm to 5 pm

Lobby, Grand Hotel Quellenhof Cakes, tarts and other treats: Tempt your taste buds with our sweet works of art as you enjoy the sounds of the crackling fireplace. The sweetest way to enjoy a bit of downtime with a nice cup of tea or one of our coffee specialities.

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL IN THE PRIVATE SPA

Add a touch of magic to the festive season with an unforgettable stay in our Private Spa. Enjoy a break for two in the enchanting ambience of our 100-squaremetre spa complex with a whirlpool, steam bath and sauna. Treat yourself to exclusive relaxation with a couple’s aroma massage that brings peace and tranquillity to body and mind. The offer includes a bottle of Dom Pérignon, fresh juices and a two-course meal from the verve by sven health and lifestyle restaurant in the spa’s own dining area.

Valid from 20 December 2023 to 8 January 2024

Price for two people for three hours including a 50-minute couple’s aroma massage CHF 995.–

NEW YEAR’S DINNER

verve by sven

Veal tartar ∙ egg yolk ∙ mushrooms

***

Poultry essence ∙ crepe roulade

***

Halibut ∙ caviar ∙ beurre blanc

spinach ∙ chives

***

Roasted medium-rare Angus beef entrecôte

winter truffle gravy ∙ cabbage ∙ celeriac

***

“Charlotte Royal”

sponge ∙ raspberry roulade ∙ pineapple sorbet

Five-course menu CHF 145.–

(also available as a three- or four-course menu)

Restaurant Olives d’Or

Beef carpaccio with egg-yolk cream and truffle

***

Small bouillabaisse

***

Confit of char fillet with olive-oil potato puree and caviar crème fraîche

braised leek

***

Veal top loin with Pommery mustard sauce

home-made pasta and baked cauliflower

***

Spekulatius biscuit parfait with candied almonds and cherry chutney

Five-course menu CHF 145.–(also available as a three- or four-course menu)

6 January

ORTHODOX CHRISTMAS DINNER CELEBRATION

verve by sven

Smoked trout mousse with Oona caviar ∙ marinated beetroot ∙ dill ∙ buttermilk

***

Home-made ravioli with braised beef filling ∙ white truffle

***

Albula mountain potato soup crème fraîche ∙ lovage

***

Medium-rare flat iron steak ∙ dumpling of scrambled egg ∙ charred braised onion ∙ root vegetable puree

***

Poached pear ∙ hazelnut ∙ chocolate ∙ caramel

Five-course menu CHF 145.–(also available as a three- or four-course menu)

Restaurant Olives d’Or

Puff pastry with smoked sturgeon and caviar

***

Beetroot stock with sauerkraut and beef

***

Traditional lobster thermidor

***

“Tournedos Rossini”

Byron potatoes and bacon-wrapped green beans

***

Mandarin orange tiramisu with pecan ice cream

Five-course menu CHF 145.–(also available as a three- or four-course menu)

Tips for a healthy start to the new year

We often see the start of a new year as an opportunity to start making healthier decisions.

However, in order for this healthy lifestyle to stick, it’s important to make gradual changes. A healthier lifestyle means forming new habits, and this takes time. Remember, every step counts if it’s a step in the right direction.

MOVE MORE EVERY DAY

GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP

Make sure you’re getting enough rest. Sleep in particular has a lasting impact on our energy levels. When we get too little sleep, our cognitive ability, mood and vitality suffer. That’s why, it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough sleep every night. To set yourself up for a good night’s rest, avoid coffee after 4 pm and put away your mobile phone at 8 pm.

STAY PRESENT IN THE MOMENT

In our everyday lives, we tend to spend too much time thinking about what comes next. This causes us to feel stress. Breathing exercises can help us to pause for a moment and focus on the here and now. Breathe in for six seconds, hold your breath for four seconds, then exhale slowly and steadily for 12 seconds. Repeat this exercise several times.

As the saying goes, “If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it”. Many of us struggle to find the time to get regular exercise, but even small changes can help us integrate more movement into our everyday lives. Take the stairs instead of the lift, go outside for some fresh air during your lunch break and meet friends for a long walk rather than for coffee.

SET YOURSELF UP TO SUCCEED

While changing your lifestyle as quickly as possible might seem the most efficient option, this is often not the case. It’s important to form new habits in order to make long-term changes, and this process takes time. That’s why you should set realistic targets for yourself, including smaller intermediate goals. Once you’ve reached a milestone, celebrate your success. This will motivate you to stick with it and keep your eyes on the prize.

Warming treatments

Warmth guarantees relaxation and wellbeing. It’s also one of the oldest healing methods in existence. We all need to keep warm in winter, and Anne-Cathrin Löffler, Deputy Spa Director at the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, recommends the following four warming treatments.

SWISS BACKRELAX TREATMENT

60 minutes, CHF 210.–

With a gentle body exfoliation and a soothing back massage, the Swiss Backrelax treatment counteracts stress and promotes total relaxation. This is followed by a warming algaemagnesium pack to stimulate blood circulation and firm the connective tissue. “Heat has numerous positive health aspects. It regulates blood circulation, releases deep tension and relieves pain. This is exactly what we try to encourage with the Swiss Backrelax treatment”, says Anne-Cathrin.

BIODYNAMIC LIFTING FROM TEAM DR. JOSEPH

90 minutes, CHF 240.–

This holistic, intensive treatment offers immediate results and maximum effect. Pamper your skin with high-tech natural products that are tailored to your skin’s needs and a warm, bioenergetic floral compress massage.

Anne-Cathrin Löffler, Deputy Spa Director

HOT SEA SHELL

60 minutes, CHF 195.–

The clam shells filled with lava minerals create a long-lasting, pleasant warmth throughout the body. The highly effective massage technique, which goes deep into the muscles, counteracts tension and promotes general wellbeing.

“Due to the warmth and the special shape of the shells, touch is felt more intensively and tension is released effectively and in a targeted manner, even in difficult places”, Anne-Cathrin notes. And there’s no need to worry: the shells are polished smooth, so they feel pleasant against the skin.

ENERGISING HERBAL COMPRESS

60 minutes, CHF 195.–

The all-natural, warm herbal compresses are moved over the body using gentle pressure and a tapping technique. Apart from facilitating heat transfer, they also have a gentle exfoliating effect on the skin. This leads to an enhancement in blood circulation and a revitalization of the metabolism. The scent of the finest essential oils helps to relieve stress and give you new vitality.

“With the help of soft compresses, the warm massage experience has an activating and regenerative effect on the muscles and musculoskeletal system and improves circulation”, says the beauty expert.

Children’s programme

DECEMBER

Monday, 18 December 2023

Morning: Star crafts

Afternoon: Christmas ornament crafts

Tuesday, 19 December 2023

Morning: Create your own Olaf from Frozen

Afternoon: Christmas card crafts

Wednesday, 20 December 2023

Morning: Reading Christmas stories

Afternoon: Fairy door crafts

Thursday, 21 December 2023

Morning: Make your own hot chocolate

Afternoon: Lantern crafts

Friday, 22 December 2023

Morning: Make your own Christmas gifts

Afternoon: Winter treasure hunt

Saturday, 23 December 2023

Morning: Winter walk

Afternoon: Christmas movies

Sunday, 24 December 2023

Morning: Bake your own Christmas biscuits

Afternoon: Horse-drawn carriage ride

Monday, 25 December 2023

Morning: Build your own snowman

Afternoon: Christmas elf crafts

Tuesday, 26 December 2023

Morning: Painting with salt

Afternoon: Pompom crafts

Wednesday, 27 December 2023

Morning: Make your own chocolate bark

Afternoon: Penguin crafts

Thursday, 28 December 2023

Morning: Winter fun and games in the garden

Afternoon: Salt-dough crafts

Friday, 29 December 2023

Morning: Snowflake crafts

Afternoon: Winter walk

Saturday, 30 December 2023

Morning: Mask crafts

Afternoon: Rocket crafts

KIDS’ NEW YEAR’S

EVE SPECIAL

Sunday, 31 December 2023

Morning: Make your own party hat 6 pm to 11 pm: Fun, games and dancing including a children’s buffet*

JANUARY

Monday, 1 January 2024

Morning: New Years greeting cards

Afternoon: Mix your own fruit juice

Tuesday, 2 January 2024

Morning: Polar bear crafts

Afternoon: Snowflake crafts

Wednesday, 3 January 2024

Morning: Make your own snow sculptures

Afternoon: Decorate your own candles

Thursday, 4 January 2024

Morning: Snow globe crafts

Afternoon: Winter walk

Friday, 5 January 2024

Morning: Painting with salt

Afternoon: Papercutting

Saturday, 6 January 2024

Morning: Baking wintry treats

Afternoon: Movie afternoon

Sunday, 7 January 2024

Morning: Christmas crafts

Afternoon: Orthodox Christmas

FAMILY SPA SPECIAL

25 December 2023 to 9 January 2024, 5 pm to 6 pm

Jump in! Our young guests can play games, dance and make a big splash during an hour of supervised fun in the water.

No registration required – free of charge

WELLNESS FOR KIDS

All morning activities begin at 9.30 am, and afternoon activities begin at 1 pm.

The Children’s Villa offers games, fun and entertainment for children ages 3 and up. During the day, children are looked after by qualified carers in a child-friendly environment.

* Activities marked with a star are subject to a small additional fee.

Afternoon activities may change depending on the snow and weather conditions.

Information about treatments for children, swimming classes for babies and children as well as mermaid swimming is available at the thermal spa reception or by phone on +41 81 303 30 50

Our family spa is open daily from 8 am to 8 pm.

Opening hours

RESTAURANTS

MEDICAL HEALTH CENTER

THERMAL SPA

TAMINA THERME – THERMAL SPA

Entry to the Tamina Therme is free of charge for hotel guests. You can check the current capacity of the thermal spa anytime at taminatherme.ch

GRAND RESORT BAD RAGAZ AG

7310 Bad Ragaz

Switzerland

Tel. +41 81 303 30 30

reservation@resortragaz.ch

www.resortragaz.ch

THE TRUE SOURCE OF HEALTH & VITALITY. SINCE 1242.