So you’re visiting Geneva, strolling through the winding streets of the Old town, digesting that roesti you just had at the Café du Bourg de Four… and then it starts raining. It happens. You start wishing you were in the tropics somewhere instead. Little did you know (until now) that you were just steps away from the Balima Day Spa, a small, rustic spa specializing in massages and Balinese rituals.
As soon as you walk in, you feel you’ve stepped through the looking glass, where the charm of Old Town Geneva meets the tropics of Bali. The Spa offers a menu of options to choose from at average prices, as well as its own line of aromatherapy oils. If you've chosen the Bali Santai massage, you’ll be given the choice of what scent you’d like massaged into your skin – can’t go wrong, they all smell lovely and a host with a soft touch will explain which ones energize you, and which ones will send you off to sleep. Either way, you’ll be in la la land by the time the masseuse is done.
What I find particularly nice about Balima (other than the good massage and the charming staff) is that you get the rare opportunity to see the inside of one of these buildings in the old town. Newly renovated, with complete respect for historical standards, the massive wooden beams might make you think, for just a minute, you are indeed halfway to Bali.
Find your way with 109 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Geneva's theatre scene would just not be the same without "Galpon Theatre"! 20 years later, it's still managed by its founder. It's so cosy & familiar!
by
"Entre Homard et Cote" Geneva is where I'd go for a burger or lobster rolls, served with potato wedges and salad. You’ll be licking your fingers clean...
by
The "World's Longest Bench" is a spot I'd highly recommend for its promenade with a view that depicts all the charms of Geneva in a single sitting.
by
"China Garden" is a jewel of a Chinese restaurant hidden in Geneva. It's so well hidden that even many locals don't know its existence, but it's amazing...
by
"The Hamburger Foundation" in Geneva is a local burger restaurant that's just quality. It has my favorite American culinary culture with Swiss quality!
by
Geneva's food trucks exist in 10 different (rotating) locations and each one offers different types of food from around the worl!
by
"Pont des Bergues" in Geneva is right where Lec Leman ends and the river Rhone starts. It's my own magical place -- I always come here to make wishes...
by
"Cave Valaisanne" in Geneva is definitely my pick for sampling 'Swiss food'. This should be your top pick for fondue, raclette, rosti & anything 'typical'.
by
"Pharmacie des Eaux-Vives" in Geneva is not just a regular pharmacy -- come here for expert advice on aromatherapy, homeopathy, floral elixirs & much more!
by
109 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 109 Insider Tips