With temperatures rising in the UAE and across the Middle East, The Dolder Grand in Zurich offers a perfect escape from the heat of summer and the hectic pace of life – whether as a destination in its own right or as part of an extended European itinerary.
Set on a wooded hillside with a grandstand view of Lake Zurich, just a few minutes from the heart of one of the world’s loveliest cities, it is a rare gem, combining the sophistication of urban culture with the peace and beauty of a mountain retreat.
The Dolder Grand in Zurich
Surrounded by idyllic private grounds at the edge of a forest, with four highly regarded restaurants and a world-leading spa, The Dolder Grand is a complete resort – as well as a quintessential city hotel. A notable gourmet destination, it is also a stylish social hub for both local residents and international travellers.
The architecture is as spectacular as the setting, with the historic heart of the hotel – a fairy-tale 19th-century castle – flanked by two contemporary wings designed by renowned architect Sir Norman Foster to follow the contours of the hillside and capture the dazzling views.
Inside, where old and new are deftly balanced, the walls are hung with a museum-quality collection of art – supplemented by sculptures set at strategic viewpoints outdoors. And within this extraordinary setting, the ambience is relaxed and deeply comfortable; there’s a feeling of ease, a sense of privacy, and the service is seamless and intuitive.
Retreat into Wellness
With the clean Swiss air and the silence of the surrounding Adlisberg forest, The Dolder Grand is a wonderful proposition for a summer spa retreat – whether seeking a simple relax-and-revive break or a more in-depth medically-based wellness intervention.
The spa is centred on a spectacular black-granite-lined swimming pool, with a 12m-high ceiling and full-height wall of glass; on the terrace outside is a large spa pool (three sections; three different water temperatures) with an infinity edge that spills over into the magnificent view of lake and Alps.
Indoors, there are separate spa areas for men and women, a sauna, hammam, snow-room, a Japanese-style sunaburo and a beautifully designed meditation walk that ends beneath a mirrored dome.
The 20 treatment rooms are on a separate level, providing total seclusion and a vast array of wellness and beauty therapies. Naturally, there is a superbly equipped gym, with trainers on hand to offer instruction and, heading outdoors, trails through the forest offer hiking and mountain-biking amid beautiful scenery.
Based on the Dolder Grand Life Balance philosophy, spa programmes can be tailor-made for each guest’s entire stay, focusing on relaxation, beauty, vitality and detox, according to their specific needs.
Medical Wellness services are offered by highly respected Swiss specialists in the fields of internal medicine, sports medicine, dermatology, plastic and reconstructive surgery and psychosocial counselling.
Summer Destination for Families
A sophisticated and stylish destination for couples or solo travellers, The Dolder Grand is also an ideal summer destination for families – a magical environment for a relaxed and memorable holiday.
Among the 175 rooms and suites, some have been specially designed to accommodate families with young children, while a variety of interconnected rooms can be joined to create larger suites.
On sunny days – warm but never too hot in Zurich – the Lido-style outdoor pool, tennis courts and mini-golf course that adjoin the hotel offer boundless scope for fresh-air activity surrounded by nature.
For children more serious about developing sporting skills, the hotel concierges can arrange instructors to give private lessons and, for those with a more adventurous spirit, they can arrange excursions on the lake with kayaking and other water sports.
Urban Delights
With such a complete offer of wellness, dining and outdoor sporting activities, it could be tempting never to venture beyond the hotel – but that would mean missing the cultural richness of the city, not to mention the excellent shopping.
Zurich’s galleries and museums
Art lovers could fill several days just on discovering Zurich’s rich array of galleries and museums – from the world-famous Kunsthaus to the vibrant grassroots art scene in the former industrial area of Zurich West, by way of countless galleries dealing in modern paintings, photography and design.
Zurich Opera is among the best in the world, the Tonhalle Orchestra is one of Europe’s leading ensembles, and the Schauspielhaus presents an exciting programme of classical and avant-garde theatre and dance.
Bahnhofstrasse
Barely 15 minutes’ drive from the Dolder Grand, Bahnhofstrasse is justly celebrated as one of the world’s most elegant shopping destinations.
Almost traffic-free, except for the trams that ply the route, it’s lined with boutiques of the finest international fashion, jewellery and watchmaking brands. Those seeking beautifully crafted objects of distinctive style will discover local designers and makers with one-of-a-kind boutiques in the streets around Bahnhofstrasse.
In a setting that epitomises modern luxury, with its ease, style and refined sophistication, and a remarkable location where the city joins the countryside, The Dolder Grand is a summer destination like no other.
Press Release
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
