Breaking through the icy surface of Lake St Moritz is proving to be an issue.
It’s around 9am and my hair has a crystallised coating as it’s -6C outside. For several days, I’ve been dreading the thought of submerging myself in the freezing waters – worried about the pain, the possibility of a heart attack from cold water shock, mud between my toes and fishes swimming around my feet.
But I’ve been told this is the star attraction in a winter destination that shimmers as brightly as the frost sparkling on trees.
Wearing a robe, swimming costume, woolly hat, gloves and hiking boots, I’ve trekked 300m around this beautiful lake surrounded by soaring snowy mountains, woods and the town of St Moritz along one bank.
Bracing myself, I don wetsuit shoes, ditch the robe and clamber down to the water’s edge. And then I’m in, up to my knees.
While it’s incredibly cold, I’m surprised not to feel any pain. Kneeling down further, the water now up to my shoulders, I keep my hands out and arms stretched. Alex – my butler at the nearby Carlton Hotel – reminds me to breathe and focus on the surrounding nature. My mind clears and I am calm. I notice how clear the lake is as I spot the pebbles under my feet.
Before I know it, I’ve been in for 90 seconds (the maximum time for beginners). I hop out with renewed vigour as I feel a hot adrenaline rush burst through my body.
Synonymous with celebrities and millionaires, St Moritz kickstarted winter tourism in Switzerland 150 years ago. Since then, the town with its trademark sun logo has hosted two Olympic games and developed into a thriving ski resort where being seen is as important as the winter sports.
Originally built for Tsar Nicholas II as a summer residence, the 111-year-old Carlton Hotel embodies the glitz and glamour of the destination.
St Moritz map:
Everything here is about unwinding and connecting with nature. All 60 opulent rooms and suites are south-facing with bewitching views of the lake and peaks of the Engadin Valley.
Still brimming with endorphins, I head straight to the Carlton’s deluxe spa to defrost in its warm, bubbling indoor/outdoor pool.
As I get in, there is an immense tingle from my feet to my…
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