THE DOLDER GRAND
For a swish Swiss luxurious weekend away you should keep in mind the stunning and ultra chic Dolder Grand retreat in the hills above Zurich, Switzerland.
Zurich is a city that really hasn’t been on my radar as I always associated it with snow and ski… and since I don’t really do either, it took some good friends, Matthias Kaesweber and Anna Roost who invited me for the weekend just prior to ILTM in Cannes to change my mind. I am so happy they convinced me to make the trek and I can’t thank them enough as The Dolder Grand (as I happily discovered) is one of those grand European hotels you simply can’t miss.
The Dolder dates back to 1899 when it opened… but was completely restored to 20th century glamour in 2008 when it reopened after the famed Norman Foster redesigned the property into the breathtaking beauty she is today. While keeping the original facade, Norman Foster designed the most fabulous modern wings and sensational spa to compliment this grand old dame. I was lucky enough to have a beautiful Deluxe Junior Suite for two nights in the new Spa Wing which come standard with picture perfect sweeping views of the city and lake… it was true luxe all the way baby! The glamorous bathrooms are spa ready, as well as being ultra spoiling and the under floor heating was a ‘warm’ welcome. Yes, I can assure you the rooms are as handsome as my hosts.
Days were spent luxuriating in the 4,000 sq. metre spa where I had one of the best anti aging facial treatments I have ever had (I am a complete La Prairie product junkie now). The spa shop stocks Orlebar Brown swimmers if you have forgotten your own and the girls are looked after with a nice range of the addictive Melissa Odabash swim wear. (I have a very chic friend that can’t help but add to her expansive MO collection while she is in residence at The Dolder!) I didn’t dare leave without with a nice haul of La Prairie and the addictive Swiss Smile toothpaste did I?
After the spa we explored the city downtown and enjoyed a delicious lunch at Terrasse where “the seen and be seen” of Zurich meet in a beautiful large dining room with picture windows. Its central and the food is fabulous. Hot tip – run across to Sprungli afterwards for the best hot chocolate in the world!
As The Dolder is in the perfect location in the hills above Zurich, you can easily take the tram right from the hotel down into this charming lake-side city, making it the perfect location for your spa weekend away!
The Restaurant
Highlight of my stay? Well it would have to be our dinner at The Restaurant (which has been awarded two Michelin stars thank you very much!!) where chef Hieko Nieder personally created a twelve course degustation menu that took my breath away, this is real grown-up glamour (and I am glad I packed the tie!)
I am now a firm Zurich fan and truly in love with The Dolder Grand… I am sure you will be charmed by her magic too. Contact me right now to book and I can organise a spa credit and upgrade for you.
PS, I loved The Dolder Grand under snow but am assured she positively shimmers in the summer.
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