The Dolder Grand Spa Terrace
When we were in Zurich this past summer we had the chance to visit The Dolder Grand, a spectacular hotel perched high above the city, juxtaposed between the bustling centre and the surrounding nature. The hotel itself, it completely magnificent — recently undergoing a massive $400 million renovation in 2008, since its overhaul it has been honoured with countless awards many of which have been for its spa. If staying at the Dolder isn’t a part of your itinerary (although we highly suggest it should), the least you can do is book yourself for an afternoon at the spa.
The spa is a stylish oasis and at over 42,000 square feet isn’t short of amenities either. The centre of the spa really revolves around the pool area. Inside is a gigantic infinity-pool, with recliners and floor to ceiling windows with views of the terrace and the city peeking from amongst the tree line. Perfect for outdoor bathing in the summer, the adjoining terrace features a whirlpool, which is also a run and dip destination come winter.
The women and men’s changerooms are separate, both with saunas, steambaths, kotatsu footbaths, aromapools, steampots, cold water basins and stand-up sunbeds. In the co-ed area by the pool you’ll also find another sauna and steambath. Another unique place to relax is the Japanese-style heated pebbles in the sunaburo.
The Sunaburo area
When it comes to treatment time, you’re invited to put your feet up in the plush relaxation lounge. Here you can read a magazine, sip herbal tea or fruit-infused water while you wait to be whisked away to one of the 21 treatment rooms. If you’re with a partner, the couples room is complete with mud bath, whirlpool, shower, lounge and TV. While the single treatment rooms aren’t as elaborate, during the summer the windows to the treatment room can be opened allowing both the fresh air and sounds of birds fill the room. Thanks to the surrounding nature, there is complete privacy even if the curtains are open.
La Prairie, Kerstin Florian, Kenzoki and Horst Kirchberger are the exclusive lines used by the spa. The spa menu itself offers treatments such as facials, massages and body rituals, such as scrubs, wraps and baths. If you start to get a little hungry, no worries, the spa offers a cafe with light meals, such as salad and soup, as well as refreshing juices and teas. Instead of trying to blow out your own hair, thankfully there is an onsite salon where you can book as little as a blowdry and as much as a cut and colour. We’re also fans of the exclusive Kérastase treatment room if you really want to leave with super gorgeous locks.
For guests who have more time than an afternoon, there is much more to experience from the spa including a workout room, and plenty of activities in both the summer and winter — from golf to tennis and skating. The Dolder Grand has literally thought of everything and more. We highly suggest you give this luxurious spa destination a visit next time you’re in Zurich.
Kurhausstrasse 65
8032 Zürich, Switzerland
thedoldergrand.com
