The numerous beautiful lakes, stunning mountain surroundings and an abundance of idyllic parks make it easy to find nature while visiting a Swiss city. Whether you are in the heart of a metropolis, or via a short journey to the incredible countryside, there is a vast range of relaxing activities available.
The Swiss certainly love their beauty treatments so it's no surprise to learn that day spas, urban spas and wellness centres are in plentiful supply. Labo Spa in Zürich is a great place for quick beauty treats for busy urbanites, or for something more holistic there is the Asia Spa set in a converted paper factory called Sihlcity. Here you can dip a toe into a jasmine footbath, enjoy a Himalayan salt sauna and then relax on a lovely rooftop lounge.
A short distance from Zürich is Lucerne, home to the famous Palace Luzern hotel. It's turn-of-the-century opulence contrasts with the modern facilities of its luxurious spa, which features state-of-the-art saunas, steam rooms and ice fountains. There's even a private spa for two where you can bob about in a huge bath covered in floating petals, or enjoy a massage with a specially blended Swiss alpine herb compress - a mixture of Swiss mountain thyme, peppermint, nettle and malve which is combined with nourishing oils.
The area around Lake Lucerne offers slightly less indulgent chill-out methods. Take a trip on a nostalgic paddle-steamer and enjoy the picture-postcard views of serene, green landscapes and historical sites. Or you can combine your boat ride with a trip up the nearby Mount Pilatus on the world's steepest cogwheel railway.
It may come as a surprise to know that Swiss cities have numerous beach-style hot spots that locals love to see and be seen at.
Geneva's lakeside Bain des Paquis is a popular public bathing area full of cosmopolitan attitude and style. Set on the right bank of Lake Geneva, off the Mont Blanc promenade, its large jetty with wooden decks offers glorious views of the city and there is a cheap and cheerful cafe. On 12-14 June the city hosts Bol d'Or, when hundreds of boats and yachts take to the waters of the lake for Europe's largest regatta in enclosed waters.
The lush lakeside park area of Vidy in Lausanne is as close as you get to a day at the seaside in Switzerland. On hot summer days Vidy is packed full of sunbathers lounging on the purpose-made "beaches" or cooking up lunch on a barbecue.
Mythenquai, on the shores of Lake Zürich, is just one of the city's 18 "beaches". As well as a large swimming area, it also offers massage, aerobics and a volleyball pitch. Alternatively, you may prefer to take a dip in the city's Limmat river.
Close to the border with Italy, Lugano also offers a number of swimming options: laid-back lidos such as Lido di Caslano and Al Lido, a beach-style lounge bar where you can enjoy breathtaking sunset views as you sip a cocktail with your feet in the sand.
