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SWISS LUXURY TRAVEL BLOG
The Spa at the Dolder
A heavenly escape...
Does the presence of an object render space more empty? This may be a strange introduction to a spa review, but this is how some interpret the large acrylic cube by the sculptor Anish Kapoor that sits inconspicuously in the reception area of this amazing spa. The piece is called Space as an Object. For me space would be one of the many words that would describe this beautiful spa.
Photo: Peter Hebeisen
I can quite safely say that the 4000 m2 spa at the Dolder Grand is probably one of the most beautiful spas I’ve visited in Switzerland. It is spacious, light, bright, and modern and has beautiful facilities; it is all about style and design, with a stunning blend of stone and wood. The presence of yet more art work in this area of the hotel makes it absolutely unique. (If you would like to learn more about art at the Dolder, read my review of the Dolder Grand hotel).
As a keen swimmer, I truly enjoyed the luxurious 25-metre pool with black mosaïc tiles, and very cool underwater lighting. The modern design has a meditative and very calming quality, making your swimming experience incredibly peaceful. The fact that I had the pool all to myself was of course also a huge bonus. The fabulous Aqua Zone also includes a steam bath, a snow paradise (a room filled with snow!) and an outdoor whirlpool.
There are separate ladies and gentlemen’s quarters, each with their own steam bath, kotatsu foot baths, aroma pools, steam pots, cold water basins and meditation areas. The fitness studio offers a wide choice of cardio-vascular machines and a weight-training area. Regular group fitness classes are also available. And for those wishing to head outdoors to train, the Adlisberg forest right next door to the hotel has marked running and walking trails. If you’d rather cycle, mountain bikes are available at the hotel. Oh, and before I forget, if you haven’t had time to visit the city, you can book a “sight-running tour” with four different itineraries on offer to discover Zurich and its surroundings whilst staying fit!
For those who would rather just relax and be pampered, the spa counts 22 treatment rooms including a number of stunning spa suites that can be booked for a couple hours or more. These include two massage tables so you can enjoy your massage “à deux”, a beautiful relaxation area with a television and complimentary mini-bar, a hot-tub for two and a steam room and/or sauna. Perfect for a romantic escape.
The spa offers a superb range of pampering treatments and for those looking for something a little more long-lasting, they also offer medical wellness treatments, including dermatological and aesthetic interventions.
I treated myself to their signature hydra heaven massage. Be warned, this massage is pure heaven! A super sweet therapist welcomed me into the treatment room that featured a bio-ethanol fireplace. She first proceeded to wash my feet in an elegant footbath, exfoliated them, before inviting me to take place on the hydra massage table. Basically, this consists of a heated water mattress placed on a massage table. The whole experience is incredibly soothing.
The therapist proceeded to lightly exfoliate my body, inch by inch, using a traditional loofah sponge, before giving me a very calming massage. All this whilst I was lulling gently on the waterbed, ready to fall into a deep and very calm sleep. The body treatment is completed with a relaxing mini-facial and head massage. Just as I thought it was all over, the therapist gave me a lovely long foot massage... and gently awakened from my state of slumber with a light tap on a Tibetan singing bowl.
I finished off my half-day at the spa with a delicious, light lunch in the café, gazing across the short space that separated me from Anish Kapoor’s stunning masterpiece. I certainly had made lots of space in my body and mind during this wonderful outing.
Space as an Object, Anish Kapoor, 2001
Practical information
A 60-minute massage at the Dolder Spa starts at Chf 190.-
Please note that the Dolder Grand Hotel kindly provided all the photos used in this blog post, with the exception of the photo of Anish Kapoor's sculpture, as the hotel did not give me permission to take photographs in the spa for privacy reasons.
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12th January 2017
Photo: Heinz Unger
Photo: Peter Hebeisen
Photo: Peter Hebeisen
Photo: Heinz Unger
Photo: Peter Hebeisen
Photo: Peter Hebeisen
Photo: Heinz Unger
Photo: Heinz Unger
For more information check out the spa's website here.