The Dolder Grand Spa Opens in Zurich

Europe is more advanced than the U.S. in terms of its spa technology, so it's interesting to take a look at The Dolder Grand in Zurich, which is reopening in April 2008 after a $400 million, four-year renovation. This five-star Swiss grand dame, first built in 1899, now boasts a 43,000 square foot spa designed by Sylvia Sepielli, whose spa credits include The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg in Virgina and Mii amo in Sedona, Arizona. The Dolder Grand Spa will feature stone lounges called "Tsunaburos" filled with heated pebbles, inspired by the Japanese tradition of burying oneself in warm volcanic sand, and a "Snow Paradise" room with a foot of real snow. Among the 21 treatment rooms are two over-the-top couples spa suites featuring a mud bath, whirlpool, a snail-shaped shower, lounge, fireplace and TV. Separate ladies and gentleman’s locker rooms offer sauna, steam bath, kotatsu footbath, aroma pool, steampots, cold water basin and a solarium. An indoor infinity-edge swimming pool lined with black tile and looks out through floor-to-ceiling windows to breathtaking views of Zurich. ·