After almost four years of conversion and restoration works, and spending a staggering USD 365 Million, the Dolder Grand, in Zurich, Switzerland celebrated its grand re-opening. Originally a “Curhaus” – health spa – the hotel has been transformed into a luxury-class city resort with 173 luxurious rooms and suites, and a 4000 square-metre spa area. CityPulse takes a look
Zurich welcomes the return of one of its landmarks. April saw the beginning of the five-star hotel’s soft-opening phase after its closure for conversion in 2004. The Dolder Grand occupies a unique elevated position, set between the city and the surrounding woodland, and guests enjoy superb facilities, including tennis courts and a golf course. Leading London architects Foster and Partners have combined the historic main building, dating from 1899, with the innovations of modern architecture. Two new wings, the Spa Wing and the Golf Wing, curve around the fully restored main building in a fusion of past and future. The Dolder Grand positions itself as a top-ranking international luxury hotel and is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World and the Swiss Deluxe Hotels.
The Dolder Grand offers guests all the amenities of a luxury-class city resort. The 173 rooms and suites range from single rooms to deluxe rooms. Double room rates start at USD 780 per night. Four top suites aim to cater for individual extravagance. The largest of the top suites is the Maestro, housed in the tower of the historic Main Building. A stay here, on two floors covering 400 square metres, is bound to be a memorable experience. The rates for top suites are from USD 4,760 to USD 12,810 per night. The rooms and suites reflect the Dolder symbiosis of tradition and modernity. Interior architects United Designers, also from London, shaped the new living spaces.
In the Main Building, their refined, eclectic configurations instil a sense of history, while the two wings epitomize the spirit of the modern age. Features classified as historic monuments, such as the Stone Hall in the Main Building and six of the bedrooms, have been faithfully restored to their original splendour.
The inspiring wellness facilities of the Dolder Grand Spa cover an area of 4,000 square metres. European and Japanese influences have shaped this unique complex, created by the famed American spa consultant Sylvia Sepielli. It comprises of a pool with panoramic views, separate ladies’ and gentlemen’s spas, a state of the art gym, movement and mind-body studios, as well as 19 treatment rooms and two spa suites for exclusive, private relaxation.
The Dolder Grand offers a top-quality wining and dining experience combined with first-class service. The Restaurant offers fine dining, and the sophisticated Garden Restaurant has an unrestricted view of Zurich, the lake and the Alps; the menus consists of a wide variety of European-influenced dishes.
Suites
Each of the Dolder Grand’s four Top Suites is an expression of individual extravagance. The harmonious interior designs, one different from another, create an exclusive ambience in all four suites. Of all the many illustrious guests who have graced the Dolder Grand with their presence, four have served as inspiration for the interior design, interpreted by London-based United Designers. The rates for top suites are from US $ 5,200 to US $ 14,000 a night.
Maestro Suite
Inspired by the maestro himself, Herbert von Karajan, conductor. Classical music influences classical architecture: at the highest point in the tower of the Dolder Grand’s main building is the Maestro Suite. This extraordinary twotier, top-class suite offers occupants some 400 square metres (4,300 square feet) of living space. Each of the two bedrooms has its own luxurious bathroom finished in pale marble, and in addition to the whirlpool and steam shower, one of them also features a sauna. The classically appointed dining room is situated in the circular tower room and can be served from the en suite kitchen. The library is ideal for reading or working in peace and quiet.
On the upper floor, the comfortable tower room is the perfect place to relax. Here, the spire’s dark red timberwork has been restored to its original state on the basis of historical documentation. Subtly coloured sofas and chaises longues, together with a bar and fireplace, complete the distinctive club style.
The large balcony looking out from the tower room is the Dolder Grand’s highest viewpoint.
For modern outdoor living, the Maestro Suite offers another highlight: the private lounge style terrace provides breathtaking views of the city of Zurich, the lake and the Alps.
Carezza Suite Inspired by Alberto Giacometti, Swiss artist and sculptor. Exceptional elegance on the top floor of the Spa Wing: the outstanding feature of the Carezza Suite (230 square metres, 2,460 square feet) is its sculpturally inspired fittings and furnishings. All the furniture and lighting is organic in shape, suggestive of works of art.
This Top Suite has two bedrooms, each with a bathroom finished in beige-coloured marble, and in addition to the whirlpool and steam shower, one of them also features a sauna.
Directly adjacent is a quiet zone with lounge style chairs. In the spacious living room, large light-coloured leather sofas and a modern fireplace are ideal for relaxation.
The avant garde TV lounge is located in a separate room. The integrated dining area can be served from the en suite kitchen. The ceiling-to-floor windows create an almost limitless sensation of space. Another highlight is the terrace: running round the entire suite, it offers a fabulous panorama view of the city of Zurich, the lake and the Alps.
Masina Suite Inspired by Giulietta Masina, actress and wife of Federico Fellini. A touch of the glamour of the world and cinema of the 1950s: the Masina Suite (170 square metres, 1,790 square feet) on the top floor of the Spa Wing has a distinctive Italian interior.
This Top Suite has two separate bedrooms, each with a bathroom in dark green marble, while one of them also features a sauna and steam shower in addition to the whirlpool. At the centre of the generously sized living room is an elegant, light-coloured Fendi sofa, and the large flat-screen TV is ideal for watching films.
Apart from this the suite offers another attractive facility in the shape of a billiard table. The dining area can be served from the en suite kitchen. The ceiling-to-floor windows create an almost limitless sensation of space, which is extended by the view from the terrace overlooking high treetops and the lake below.
Suite 100 Inspired by the Rolling Stones (The 100 Club, London). The Rolling Stones are the personification of rock and roll at its best.
The most surprising feature of Suite 100 (170 square metres, 1,770 square feet) on the top floor of the Spa Wing is its unconventional extravagance.
The mood of the interior is set by retro-style furniture and a predominantly black and pink décor redolent of the Swinging Sixties. This Top Suite has one bedroom and a spacious bathroom with a whirlpool, sauna and steam shower. The living room is equipped with corner sofas and pink loungers. The dining room can be served from the en suite kitchen. Another of the suite’s special features is a meeting room for ten people. The ceiling-to-floor windows create an almost limitless sensation of space, while the terrace offers views of the historic main building and the lake. The Dolder Grand Spa is a unique 4,000 square metre complex, created according to a concept developed by the American spa expert Sylvia Sepielli and reflecting European and Japanese influences. It comprises a large Aqua Zone, 21 treatment rooms, workout, movement and mind/body studios and a medical wellness centre.
The Spa’s facilities include a generous sized swimming pool with panoramic views, a Ladies’ and Men’s Spa, workout, movement and mind-body studios. In the Sunaburo, guests can experience the health-giving effects of lying surrounded by warm “pebbles”, Japanese style.
Afterwards, they can enjoy the peace and quiet of the chill-out and relaxation areas or the meditation space with the fascinating mosaic cupola. In the Reception area are the hairstyling studio, the Spa Café and a shop selling beauty products, accessories and gifts.
21 treatment rooms offer space for a wide range of treatments including facials, manicures, massages and body treatments.
Two luxurious spa suites are available for private relaxation. The Spa’s strapline “Classic traditions with a techno beat” summarises the Spa menu: European and Swiss therapies with traditional Japanese influences, delivered within an ultra-modern infrastructure. All treatments use cosmetic products by La Prairie, Kerstin Florian and Kenzoki.
Indoor and outdoor activities All indoor and outdoor activities are organised through the fitness centre. Fitness coaches and personal trainers are on hand for induction and support. The large fitness room is equipped with cardiovascular and strength machines.
Classes take place in the mind/ body and movement studios. Outdoor activities such as walking or jogging can be undertaken under the guidance and in the company of a personal fitness trainer.
Medical Wellness
The Dolder Grand offers a professional Medical Wellness program in accordance with medical principles and in response to aesthetic expectations. Specialists from the Aesthetic Link medical network give advice and treatment in a number of areas, including anti-ageing treatments, cosmetic dermatology, laser treatments and cosmetic plastic surgery. The beauty product range used is Beauty by Clinica Ivo Pitanguy.
En Vogue in the Kérastase Institute Dolder Grand Spa Hairstyling has one of the few, exclusive, Kérastase treatment rooms offering four different treatments. A professional diagnosis of hair and scalp is followed by the appropriate treatment. The Kérastase Ritual is a complete, relaxing hair care treatment, which revitalizes the scalp and grings a new beauty and shine to hair. ❦
@CityPulse Jan 2009
