The Dolder Grand — Spa

The Dolder Grand opened in 1899 as the ‘Dolder Grand Hotel & Curhaus’ on the Adlisberg hillside above Zurich — at that time a destination for day trips and relaxation for the city’s residents. During the refurbishment between 2004 and 2008, Foster + Partners restored the historic main building and replaced the later extensions with two new wings; the ‘Spa Wing’ now houses the 4,000 m² spa. It was designed by spa designer Sylvia Sepielli, who drew inspiration from the Swiss mountains and from Japan, where she lived for over ten years.

This blend characterises the facilities: the Sunaburo, with its warm pebble loungers, and the Kotatsu foot baths are Japanese in style, whilst the Snow Paradise, where you can cool off in the snow at −15 °C, is Alpine in character. There is a separate, clothing-optional spa for ladies and gentlemen; guests meet in the Aqua Zone, which features a 25-metre pool behind the glass façade, and on the spa terrace with three outdoor hot tubs at temperatures of around 15, 36 and 39 °C. In the meditation room, a dome made of mirrored mosaic arches overhead, whilst Fernando Botero’s sculpture ‘Woman with Fruit’ stands on the terrace.

External guests visit as ‘Day Spa’ guests: admission is valid for the whole day and is credited in full towards treatments — in 18 treatment rooms featuring skincare ranges such as La Prairie and Seed to Skin. Bookings can be made by telephone or email; the best value option is the Spa Lunch Break at lunchtime on weekdays. The Spa Café serves light meals, including on the terrace in summer, and two private spa suites with a steam room, whirlpool and fireplace can be hired for two people.