T
he soaring spires of this striking Swiss castle rise before your eyes as if sprung from a page in a fairytale pop-up book. But the luxuries that await you inside the Dolder Grand Hotel and Spa in Zurich, Switzerland, are more akin to Alpine grown-up indulgence than Swiss Miss cocoa kid stuff. Perched majestically on a verdant hill and embraced by a posy of pines, rife with the charm of history as well as up-to-date amenities, the Dolder Grand is ready to chase your doldrums (and, perhaps, a few face wrinkles and muscle aches) far, far down the mountain.
Zurich Zenith
The extravagance of the Dolder Grand is evident as you enter the stunning, marble-laden “Steinhalle” lobby and are greeted by CarrierBelleuse’s pendulum swinging bronze lady atop the classical nineteenth century Eugène Farcot clock. But grandeur has always been the order of the day since Dolder threw open its opulent doors in 1899. Indeed, the 176-room hotel and sought-after “Curhaus” spa (literally, “cure house”) has catered to the beleaguered beauties and international who’s who as a place of relaxation and regeneration for a century and counting. During and after both World Wars, the hotel became a refuge for European royalty, as well as a temporary residence for the likes of Winston Churchill and Thomas Mann. In times of peace during the latter part of the twentieth century, it became the go-to spot for prominent politicians, aristocrats, actors, and artists, including Nelson Mandela, Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Jackson, Luciano Pavarotti, Prince Philip, and Mikhail Gorbachev. More recently—after a $430 million makeover compliments of the London-based architecture and design firm Foster + Partners—Dolder has attracted modern-day, bold-face names in need of rest and recuperation, like former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Prince William, and screen star Leonardo DiCaprio. And no wonder. In 2015, this hundred-plus year-old palace of pampering won the 2015 World Spa & Wellness Award, and is also a rarefied member of the bespoke Leading Hotels of the World. And with good reason.
LEFT PAGE: The grand Steinhalle lobby greets you upon entrance with a breathtaking chandelier. Andy Warhol paintings are just a few of the renowned works of art showcased throughout the hotel. White chocolate foam with woodruff celery, basil, and Campari. THIS PAGE: The Japaneseinfluenced spa focuses on relaxation, beauty, vitality, and detox.
6/2/14
