A youth hostel in the car-free glacier village of Saas-Fee, Switzerland, opened earlier this month, offering 1,900sq m (20,451sq ft) of wellness and sports facilities and declaring itself the first “wellness hostel” in the world.

The 168-bed dormitory facility, WellnessHostel 4000, is situated at the foot of the highest mountain on Swiss soil (4,545m, 14,911ft) called the Dom. It has already attracted a varied clientele, after only having been open for two weeks, including ski teams, mature holidaymakers and young people searching for cheap accommodation. Prices for beds at the hostel start at around 50CHF (US$53, €41, £32).

The alpine wellness facility, called the Aqua Allain leisure centre, features a Finnish sauna, bio sauna, herbal steambath, whirlpool, foot bath, hydromassage showers, an outdoor balcony overlooking the gorge, relaxation room, a phone/tablet-free area, a tea station and a 25m (82ft) indoor pool. There is an extensive massage programme on offer too, including lomi lomi nui, hot stone massage, anti-stress massage and foot reflexology.

The centre's gym features Nautilus equipment and personal trainers to put guests through their paces.

There is also a children’s pool, waterslide and outdoor terrace on-site, plus a bistro lounge and restaurant.

The Swiss village is surrounded by thirteen 4,000m (13,123ft) peaks, with 145km (90 miles) of ski pistes on offer, as well as three bike routes, plus hiking and climbing regions.