Every girl dreams of having a fantasy stay in a Disney-perfect hotel, right? So, we’ve done oodles of research and come to the conclusion that Zurich’s The Dolder Grand is as close to Cinderella’s fairytale home as we’re ever going to get.
With towering turrets and panoramic views overlooking Zurich’s beautiful lake and the Alps, the hotel is where luxury meets whimsy. Parts of the hotel date back to 1899, but while you’ll be able to relish the grand history of the building, you won’t want for mod cons, as they have everything you could possibly need, including a luxury spa. We plan on relaxing in one of the suspended chairs in the spa’s chill room and then partaking a few laps around the marble pool.
A stay in Zurich isn’t all about your hotel though, and exploring the city is a total must, especially next month, when the Zurich Festival takes place. This year the cultural and arts festival, which attracts 80,000 visitors, is taking place between June 15 to July 8. Expect the city to come alive with open air concerts, plays and productions at the Opera House and street dance and theatre performances.
After a long day of festival- hopping, where better to unwind than in the hotel’s Garden Restaurant terrace? Enjoy a relaxed meal and a few long drinks as you sit back and enjoy the spectacular views of the city below. Disneyland, eat your heart out.
Inside info
If you can’t make it to The Dolder Grand for the summer festival period, head to Zurich in December as the city turns into a total winter wonderland. Sledging down the nearby Uetliberg Mountain is said to be a bucket list activity.
Rooms from Dh2,000 per night | +41 44 456 60 00 | thedoldergrand.com
Cherry On The Rooftop, Beirut, Lebanon
The summer is rolling in, and so Cherry On The Rooftop has reopened its doors now that balmy evenings have arrived in Beirut. The chic bar has amazing views over the Mediterranean, the spectacular Lebanon Mountains and Beirut’s quirky architecture. Stylish artwork hangs from the walls, there’s an extensive cocktail menu and tempting light-bite platters and the cherry red and pearl white couches are perfect for lounging. In short, it’s the best place to start your night out in this buzzing city.
Le Gray Beirut, Martyrs’ Square| +961 1 96 28 28 | www.legray.com
Babylonstoren, Cape Town, South Africa
This eco-friendly yet luxury farm is surrounded by acres of vineyards and is set in the dramatic Drakenstein Valley, which sits just outside of Franschoek – a French-style village beyond Cape Town that is bursting with vineyards. The retreat boasts a tranquil spa, as well as a restored reservoir where you can have a cooling swim. Dine in Babel restaurant and enjoy meals prepared with the farm’s own produce, which is harvested daily. And relax in one of the 14 whitewashed guest suites that sit in the Cape Dutch-style building, which dates back to the 17th century.
Drakenstein Valley | +27 21 863 3852 | babylonstoren.com
