Luxury Spa Day at the
Dolder Grand Zurich
Photos above courtesy of Dolder Grand Spa
A trip to the luxury spa at the Hotel Dolder Grand is a treat for all the senses. The day I visited it was snowing and sleeting as I arrived but once inside this majestic building it felt warm and inviting. The Dolder Grand is one of the landmarks of Zurich with its fairytale-like turrets and towers and can be seen for miles around. Its magnificent views over the city and the lake were obscured by a huge blanket of cloud when I was there, but this just added to the experience, giving it an air of mystery.
The original section of the hotel was built in 1899 and has a traditional feel of grandeur and luxury. The building was totally renovated in 2008 and the new wings were added to the hotel. The whole of the spa area is gleaming and very modern and to get there you follow the curved walkway from the main reception and take the glass lifts to the spa reception.
The spa area is pristine. It’s clean and gleaming with beautiful tiles and a refined zen-like feel. Once you enter you leave all your worries at the door as you walk into this zone of tranquility. The swimming pool is lovely with a jets area within the pool and a separate jacuzzi overlooking the terrace. There is also a steam and sauna located here as well as relaxation pods where you can lie back and unwind.
Nadine took me on a guided tour of the spa which measures a total of 4,000 square metres.
There are lots of different facilities and an impressive number of rooms including a reading library, a circular meditation area (below), covered from floor to ceiling with over 9,000 tiny pieces of mirror tiles, a fitness room with all the latest equipment, a relaxation zone … I was there just for a day but I could have spent hours in each of these individual rooms.
There is even a “snow paradise” (below) where you can cool down with real snow after all the heat.
Outside on the patio area there is a delightful pool with a jacuzzi flanked by a cold pool as well as a steaming hot one with a temperature of 39 degrees. The photo below courtesy of the Hotel Dolder Grand shows the outdoor jacuzzi in Summer.
It’s quite an assault on the senses (but a very pleasant one!) to move between all three – especially when it’s snowing as when I visited – and truly invigorating!
Beyond the spa area are separate male and female changing and showering areas – and within the female area there is an additional ladies spa complete with jacuzzis, steam, sauna and relaxation area. It’s billed as nudist – but you can keep your swimsuit on if you want – and it’s very peaceful and tranquil.
Photo courtesy of Dolder Grand Spa
Everything is immaculate and well thought through, just like the easy to use lockers in the changing room (no coins required just a simple swipe card) and the Japanese influences like the foot bath which give it a special touch. It’s no surprise to discover that the Dolder Grand Spa has been winning awards ever since it opened and last year received the Virtuoso Best Spa Award in their “Best of the Best” Awards for 2015.
If you’ve forgotten anything there is a fitness sports shop in lots of different with an extensive range of upmarket sportswear and it also stocks the delightful spa supplies by Kerstin Florian whose products are used in all the spa treatments. There’s a little spa restaurant serving healthy salads and amazing freshly squeezed juices to order and there’s even a hairdresser too.
Spa Treatments at the Dolder Grand
If you visit you must certainly try one of the treatments on offer. With a wide range from facials to massages to wraps to lots more – the treatments are to die for! I’ve had many treatments at some very prestigious spas all over the world but this one was simply amazing – one of the best I’ve ever had!
Photo courtesy of Dolder Grand Spa
I had the “Grand Ritual” treatment with the Eco Chic Spirulina wrap by Kerstin Florian and a custom massage. I was in the careful hands of Géraldine who proved to be a most talented therapist. I loved the treatment and the I awoke from the “cocoon” feeling totally relaxed and refreshed – a completely new person! In fact I was so uber-relaxed after this treatment that I was very glad I wasn’t driving home and even the next day was completely laid back too! In addition to the wrap and the custom massage you also get a facial massage which was an unexpected bonus. The treatment rooms are spacious and well designed and I was delighted to find it equipped with a small fire burning which was absolutely divine, especially since I was watching the snow falling outside.
The attention to detail at the spa is second to none and without exception all the staff were friendly and helpful – something that I, personally, find really important. To get an even better impression of the Dolder Grand Spa take a look at their video:
So if you’re looking for a spa day out and fancy a real treat why not book a visit to the the Spa at the Dolder Grand? It is open to non residents as well as residents and you can also buy gift vouchers as presents. Click here for the spa menu. For more information please visit the Dolder Grand Spa Website.
The Spa at the Dolder Grand will be closed for annual maintenance between 4th and 13th April 2016, although you can still book treatments during this time.
The relaxation pods
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All photos courtesy of the Dolder Grand except for the unattributed ones which I took. With thanks to the Dolder Grand Spa team for my visit and for showing me around. I loved the experience and can’t wait to go back.
For information on Spas in Zurich please see our list.
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2 comments
very nice Spa, better than in Monaco.
Thanks so much Alex! Yes it really is divine! So relaxing.