The year 2020 was not only marked by worry and misfortune. There is something positive in everything, and humans are full of ideas and surprises: When travel is restricted, they create a “Staycation,” a chance to escape daily life at “home” and do something good for themselves. And what could be better than SPA and wellness holidays to break free from the grey routine?
When the pandemic “clipped their wings,” Luxembourgers also had to rethink how they could take their breaks. No more trips to the other end of the world — now it’s all about small but exquisite getaways: a spa weekend less than two hours from the capital, a quick massage during lunch break… The Grand Duchy has nothing to hide from its European competitors when it comes to Covid-friendly excursions!
Why wander far?
The fact is: The health crisis – and even before that, global warming – have sounded the alarm bell regarding overconsumption of travel and airplanes as a mode of transport. Local tourism is now en vogue, a perfect solution for city dwellers seeking relaxation. Diana Lodomez, owner and manager of Château d’Urspelt in the north of the country, confirms this: “The Covid pandemic was a blessing for northern Luxembourg. Luxembourgers have rediscovered this beautiful region of the country and our domain. Previously, we mainly had foreign customers, but this has fundamentally changed since 2020. Our guests come from the Grand Duchy and the Greater Region. Their priorities are well-being and relaxation. With our brand-new Nuxe SPA and the many hiking possibilities around the castle, we fulfill their wishes and provide encouragement and new energy. I am delighted to contribute to making people feel better. This current challenge must teach us one thing above all: Humans are always at the centre; they are the most important of all. This has become our philosophy.”
Forest and Water!
Hotel, gastronomic restaurant, SPA, and surrounding nature, that is indeed the perfect blend for an everyday escape in today’s world. People want to treat themselves as often as possible. “The pandemic has presented our society with a challenge by taking away some of our social interactions and everyday joys like travel or dining out. More than ever, our customers want to indulge. We have noticed a high demand for advice on our skincare products, as well as for the hair care products of our new brand Hair Rituel by Sisley. The concept of well-being is consistently the focal point in our interactions with guests who want to treat themselves and be pampered,” explains Martin Bizouard, General Manager of Sisley BeLux, eagerly anticipating the opening of a new Sisley SPA at Maison de la Beauté in Luxembourg. Luxembourg has some aces up its sleeve when it comes to wellness: A blessing in these gloomy times.
“Between lockdown, various restrictions, and curfew, I spend my time only working and sleeping. I want to take a breather, see something different. It took us less than 1.5 hours to get here, and I feel like I’m in a completely different country,” confesses Manuela, 43 years old, whom we meet by the crackling fireplace at the Nuxe SPA of Château d’Urspelt, holding a cup of detox tea. The wellness area of the four-star hotel in the north of the country, opened at the end of 2020, has quickly proven to be a significant asset for the establishment. The Cosy Spa, designed in close collaboration with the Parisian cosmetics brand, invites relaxation with its 800 m2. In addition to traditional saunas, steam baths, and whirlpools, there are also more unique offerings such as the floating pool, completely shielded from all external stimuli, allowing for true relaxation. The highlight, without a doubt, is the fantastic cave-shaped swimming pool, where one literally immerses into another world. Both establishments have also jointly developed a one-and-a-half-hour massage that harmoniously rounds off this journey into weightless well-being. When you feel completely relaxed, it’s time to enjoy the menu in your room, changed monthly according to the season and the tastes of regular guests!
Another dream destination in a green natural paradise is Hotel Leweck in Lipperscheid. Located in the heart of the Ösling, this family-run hotel has also adapted to the health crisis. It offers guests a two-day package with an overnight stay, access to the SPA, and an à la carte dinner served in the Covid-safe room. Currently, only the beautiful outdoor pool with a clear view of the forest and the three saunas are accessible, along with the Beauty Form salon offering a lovely range of treatments and relaxation massages. Also noteworthy is the hotel’s collaboration with an osteopath, whose practice is directly connected to the hotel. So why fly to Dubai when all senses can be wonderfully catered for in your own country?
Even in the East, they know the recipe for happiness. The ingredients are quite simple. “We have created new offers to help overcome this health crisis; our SPA provides added value and allows us to achieve good revenue despite everything,” explains Lucien Houdremont, owner of Hotel-Spa Saint-Nicolas on the banks of the Moselle in Remich. Previously, the SPA was open to all guests stopping by for lunch. However, this very sunny SPA with a pool shielded from view is now only accessible to overnight guests. Thanks to various package deals, guests can discover the SPA with its range of treatments and/or enjoy a refined six-course menu in their room.
Journey to the Heart
For true travel sceptics, the capital city is recommended. We were impressed by the “Eat&Sleep” & Spa offer at Hotel Royal, which immediately captivated us with a clever idea: Dinner is served in an adjacent room, ensuring no one intrudes on the privacy of the cosy bedroom. The wellness package includes a pool and sauna, which, due to Covid regulations, must be reserved in advance.
La Clairière 
Leweck 
Saint Nicolas
Author: Sarah Braun
