QC Spa of Wonders (Pré Saint Didier, Italy)

QC Spa of Wonders is a day spa in northern Italy offering indoor and outdoor relaxation in a gorgeous mountain setting!

QC Spa of Wonders complex of buildings with forested mountainside in background and hot tub in front.

QC Spa is a chain of day spas throughout Western Europe. Happily, there’s one located near Courmayeur, Italy, making it a perfect side trip while taking a rest day on the Tour du Mont Blanc between Stage 4 and Stage 5.

A range of experiences is available at the spa, including massages, thermal pools, salt rooms, sauna, and relaxation rooms. You should book ahead, because admissions are timed.

People using in-ground hot tub with view of clouds rolling up nearby mountainside.

You'll get the use of a towel, bathrobe, and slippers with your admission.

When you select your package, you can also add in a lunch or a snack break, or (in the evening) an aperitif.

Getting to QC Spa from Courmayeur

It took us about 20 minutes on the city bus to get from Courmayeur to Pré Saint Didier.

We bought our bus tickets in the ticket office (next to the wonderful Pizzeria La Remisa), but we saw others simply paying by tapping their card on the bus card reader.

From the bus stop in Pré Saint Didier, it's about a 10-minute walk up to the spa.

Cobbled street ascending hillside town with mountain in background. — Walking Through Pré Saint Didier

The bus stop that will get you headed back to Courmayeur at the end of the day is across the street and down the road slightly from the one where you'll get dropped off, so pay attention to your GPS directions!

Outdoor Amenities at QC

Outside the spa, there were multiple hot tubs with various temperatures and jet strengths.

In-ground hot tub with mountainside view.

There were also two saunas and a cold plunge (“bain du courage,” or bath of courage).

Cold plunge tub outside wooden building at QC Spa of Wonders. — Cold Plunge Bath

Indoor Amenities at QC Spa of Wonders

The day we visited, the forecast called for rain all day long, and I was concerned that there wouldn’t be enough to do inside.

Folded-up lounge chairs on lawn of QC Spa of Wonders.

The weather ended up cooperating more than we anticipated, but I shouldn’t have been worried. There’s a lot to do inside!

View through window of outdoor in-ground hot tub and surrounding forest.

There are additional jet pools, foot baths and relaxation rooms.

While wandering around, we saw rooms filled with lavender, Himalayan salt, or cozy chairs.

Room with wooden bench seating, low lighting, and stalks of lavender on center table. — Lavender Room

Room with Himalayan salt feature and signs declaring it a silent zone. — Salt Chamber

White wicker hanging basket chairs with cushions. — Salon des Nuages ("Cloud Lounge")

There were also additional saunas inside. My favorite feature was the Kneipp Path, which features alternating hot plunge/cold plunge walking paths.

Hot plunge and cold plunge walking path at QC Spa of Wonders, featuring two narrow channels of water accessed by steps. — Kneipp Path

Food at QC Spa

When we visited in the morning, we had the option of paying for a lunch package.

The "wellness break" price point includes a buffet with cold cuts, cheese, and fruit. The full "wellness lunch" also includes your choice of a first and second course.

Menu for lunch or break at QC Spa of Wonders.

It ended up being a really well done buffet.

Food on buffet display with hanging lamps and decorative flowers.

Water, coffee, and a glass of wine or beer are part of these packages.

Plates of cheeses and meats and two glasses of beer.

Had we been visiting in the evening, we could have booked the Aperitivo, which includes sparkling wine and several fancy snacks.

Possible Downsides at QC

I saw a few negative reviews before our visit that I think have some merit.

First, the spa was fairly crowded. However, while we visited it never felt so crowded that I couldn’t find somewhere to relax. We visited on a Thursday, so it might be more crowded on a weekend.

Also, the food is served at a specific time and place (not in an easy to locate series of bars), and it can be difficult to find your way around if you’re bad with directions.

I also noticed that (as with most spas), there are no clocks around, and yet it’s complicated to carry your phone since you don’t want it to get wet. If you lose track of time, you may miss your meal. (Perhaps a water-safe pouch for your phone is the best idea; I’m not sure.)

All that said, we found the employees to be helpful and none of the above issues affected our visit.

We had a really enjoyable visit at QC Spa of Wonders, and felt ready to get back on the trail the next day. A few days later, we met a woman who was planning on visiting her favorite spa in Milan after the trail, and it was one of the QC locations.

This is definitely a great spot for relaxing after a long day (or days!) camping on the TMB.