Zurich in Style!

A vibrant, stylish city that lies on the shores of the meandering River Limmat, Zurich has a lot to offer the sybaritic traveller. Raul Dias draws up the perfect itinerary for a short, luxurious stay in the financial capital of Switzerland.

By Raul Dias

Although I’ve been to Zurich several times—for both work and pleasure—I’ve never really had the chance to let the city truly show me what it was all about. A quick layover here or a passing through lunch there was all I had ever experienced of this Swiss city that deserved a lot more attention than I was giving it.
So, on my last trip to Switzerland, I decided to slow down and factor in three days to savour Zurich and all it had to offer me. Veering away from the typically touristy clichés, my itinerary was all about seeing the city from a fresh perspective. One where food, wine and living the good life trumped the rest.

Lunch at Haus Hiltl
According to the Guinness World Records, Haus Hiltl was the first vegetarian restaurant in the world. The restaurant—which is named for its founder, Ambrosius Hiltl—has been serving vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike with meat-free culinary specialties from all over the world since 1898. When here, make sure to try the cumin-dusted roasted cauliflower soup and the aromatic saffron gnocchi…and thank me later! (www.hiltl.ch)

Go on a walking tour
Take a private, guided walking tour of Zurich’s old quarter and come face to face with the city’s past and present through a selection of buildings, stories and anecdotes. You too will be fascinated by the rich testimonies to bygone days which document the early international significance of the city, as I was. And after your tour, why not stop by the Kunsthaus Zürich which houses the most important collection of Classical Modernism in Zurich? (www.zuerich.com)

Bathe above Zurich’s rooftops!
Confused? Well, I’m talking about the experience of bathing on the rooftop at the Thermalbad & Spa Zurich amid the century-old stone vaults of the former brewery. Fresh thermal water bubbling straight from Zurich’s hot springs helps you catch up with some much-needed R&R. Here you have the choice of a thermal bathing world or the Irish-Roman spa ritual—both of which invite you to sink into a world of wellness inside the unique architecture and matchless building structure of a very special place in the city. (www.thermalbad-zuerich.ch)

Wine tasting at Zweifel Wine
Located in the Höngg area of Zurich, this family-run winery can trace its roots as far back as the 14th century. Today it produces spectacular wines from its own vineyards in the city, the Limmat Valley, and the “Gold Coast” region along Lake Zurich. (www.zweifel1898.ch)

Go chocolate crazy
Chase all that wine with another icon of Switzerland—chocolate…but with a little twist! The one man show that is Taucherli Chocolate is a super innovative place to see how Swiss chocolate making has evolved. Take a bite off founder and sole employee (yes, you read right!) Kay Keusen’s deliciously dark 77% chocolate bar made from Colombian cocoa nibs or his truly unique ruby chocolate and roasted rapeseed milk chocolate bars. Pure, undiluted bliss.
Did you know?
The average person in Switzerland consumes about 9.9kg of chocolate per year which surpasses every other country in the world!

Shop at Freitag
In a building in Zurich-West, namely that of the former Maag cogwheel factory, the Freitag brothers produce over 120,000 bags and accessories every year from recycled materials taken from the streets. Read: used, exhaust-stained truck tarpaulins, the inner tubes of bicycle tires, old safety belts and air-bags. All this is transformed into unique items—trendy, functional, waterproof and robust. In fact, it was Zurich-West itself that inspired the Freitag brothers to make bags out of truck tarpaulins in the first place, thanks to the colourful trucks that trundle through the district on the transit route every day. (www.freitag.ch)

Have dinner at Clouds
End your Zurich trip in style and up in the clouds, well almost! A few yards away from the Freitag store, Restaurant Clouds is located 120 meters above the city as it sits atop Prime Tower, Switzerland’s tallest building. Here the dining experience extends far beyond that of a fine dining restaurant, with a bistro and a bar promising spectacular views of the city, Lake Zürich, and the Alps at sunset. The scrumptious cuisine here is primarily Mediterranean, inspired by Catalonia. (www.clouds.ch)

FACT FILE

Getting There
There are daily direct flights from India to Zurich, Switzerland on a world-class airline such as Swiss International Airlines. From Zurich, the extensive network of Swiss Railways gets you just about anywhere in luxury and comfort. Visit www.swiss.com for more information.

When to Visit
A great all-year-round destination, Switzerland is equally wonderful in the spring and summer months from May to September—when one can enjoy hiking in the lush hills and mountains—as it is in winter from December to March when the ski season transforms the country into a snow-covered winter wonderland. Visit www.swissinfo.ch for more information.

Accommodation
Zurich has an excellent selection of hotels to choose from to suit all budgets and tastes. Two such recommended accommodation options are:
* Marktgasse Hotel Zürich (www.marktgassehotel.ch)
* The Dolder Grand Hotel (www.thedoldergrand.com)

(An edited version of this article first appeared in the 8th June 2019 issue of The Free Press Journal newspaper's Saturday Great Escapes section on page 24 https://www.freepressjournal.in/travel/what-stylish-zurich-has-to-offer)

A Decadent ‘Spa’rty

From volcanic stone massages and gold dust scrubs to exclusive pampering rituals for the discerning gent, Indian spas are upping the ante with a range of decadent and ultra-exclusive treatments. RAUL DIAS bring you a roundup of a few such hedonistic havens around the country that promise to leave the ‘Urbane Man’ rested and relaxed, while ensconcing him in the lap of luxury!

Kaya Kalp – The Royal Spa at ITC Grand Chola, Chennai
As one of the largest spas in the state of Tamil Nadu, the plush, 1,781 square feet Kaya Kalp –The Royal Spa, that is a part of ITC’s signature spa brand is a haven like no other! Here, the healing stones, music and therapists’ hands are all effectively integrated into an experience that is deep and meaningful to each person at an almost spiritual level. Each of the 12 treatment rooms—including a couple’s suite, two Ayurvedic suites and two Thai massage suites, are kitted out with luxurious accents and amenities to keep you pampered all through your therapy. Interestingly, the spa recognizes the vagaries of the fast-paced life of today by offering its range of express therapies for those, to whom time is a precious commodity! So, while each and every one of these five express therapies—including the very effective Kaya Kalp Mini Indulgence—on offer may be just 20 minutes-long, they pack in a mighty, relaxing punch.

Top Treatment
Indian Rose & Cardamom Salt Glow (Rs 3,000+taxes/40min): This luxurious body scrub experience—that is part of the Imperial Chola Ceremonies range of therapies—employs the use of the “Queen of Spices”, Indian cardamom, which is truly unique in aroma and a great purifier when enriched with sea salt and rose essence that helps in cooling the skin.

Iridium Spa at St. Regis, Mumbai
Aptly named in honour of the Greek mythological goddess, Iris and also for the rare, silvery-white metal—Iridium—this spa at the stunning St. Regis, Mumbai is a rare, luxurious cocoon located slap bang in the middle of ‘Maximum City’. Creating a much-needed ambiance of tranquility and relaxation, this idyllic sanctuary is THE place to rejuvenate and rebalance the mind and body. Exclusive to St. Regis, the Iridium Spa reflects the signature St. Regis refinement and unrivalled attention to detail. The spa houses nine serene therapy rooms (of which six are equipped with a luxurious steam and bathtub facility), including a luxurious Couple’s Suite for a more intimate setting, with internationally trained therapists and custom-blended elixirs to offer a bespoke transformative experience. Gentlemen, don’t miss the specially designed quartet of treatments for today’s men who recognize the power and importance of grooming.

Top Treatment
Gold Body Therapy with Cane Sugar (Price on request/90min): This ultra-decadent treatment involves an invigorating exfoliation using a gold-sugar scrub, made using fair-trade cane sugar to refine the texture of the skin by eliminating dead cells. The final touch is a massage with fragrant oil enriched with gold particles.

Rait Spa at Suryagarh, Jaisalmer
Named for the sand that seems to be everywhere in Jaisalmer—Rajasthan’s ‘Golden City’ as it were—this spa is part of the majestic Suryagarh, a hotel that encapsulates the regal spirit and romance that defines this land to the hilt. The Rait Spa wing of the hotel itself is a wonderful mélange of the ancient heritage architecture style with its intricately carved jaali screens and mother-of- pearl inlaid marble and sandstone flooring and modern fittings in its five therapy rooms like steam cubicles and in-built whirlpools. The spa garden flanking the structure is an oasis of calm, so imperative for post-therapy ‘blissing-out’ amidst birdsong and the gurgling of the ornamental fountains. Besides a host of traditional treatments, Rait uses IMRS (Intelligent Magnetic Resonance System), a health care system developed in Germany to balance your magnetic field thereby subtly adjusting bodily cadences and improving overall metabolism. These electromagnetic pulses incorporate bio feedback and use colour and music therapy to work on all four levels of brain wave activity, ensuring better cell organisation and promoting overall wellbeing.

Top Treatment
Shell and Stone Massage (Rs 4,400+taxes/1.5hrs): Extricating the healing properties of tiger-striped seashells from the Philippine islands with volcanic stones, this therapy improves blood circulation by draining toxins and improving metabolism. Heated sea shells with lava powder are employed by the therapists to give you an experience that masterfully blends the healing properties of naturally occurring elements with expert massage techniques like the long strokes and deep-kneading techniques to help release accumulated tensions.

Shillim Spa at The Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa, Shillim
Perched precariously atop the Western Ghats in the village of Shilimb—an hour’s drive up the winding mountainous roads from Lonavala, this verdant retreat has one of the largest and most comprehensive spa facilities in Asia with 17 treatment rooms, each offering holistic and Ayurvedic practices in a unique and magical environment that is supposed to help you establish healthy habits for life. This multi-award winning spa encompasses 70 acres and offers a range of exquisite treatments, and also comes with its own meditation cave and a relaxation center, as well as a salon and yoga pavilion. The spa is based on the four principles of the conservation and strengthening of life, sustenance of health, healing of the ‘whole’ person and finally the celebration of the gift of life!

Top Treatment
Walnut and Asparagus Body Scrub (Rs 4,500+taxes/55min): This body-firming spa scrub experience uses walnut paste mixed with the Ayurvedic herb gotu kola (centella asiatica). Both elements, known for their medicinal properties, help in body-firming and skin exfoliation. The cumulative stimulating and astringent effect is said to remove excess of water stagnation. The scrub is followed by an asparagus body mask that further helps in tightening and firming the skin, as asparagus is known to be loaded with nutrients such as vitamins A, C, E and K, fiber, folate and minerals.

The Elevation Spa at The Tamara, Coorg
One of the plush resort’s newest additions, The Elevation is more than just a mere spa. A 100-year-old plantation bungalow forms the core of this tranquil oasis that has six treatment rooms and a temperature controlled pool just beyond to luxuriate about in post treatment. The spa’s forte is a range of Ayurveda-based treatments using edible ingredients like coffee, fresh coconut, sugar and wild rice, besides the de rigueur Western-style massages and scrubs. As The Tamara, Coorg is part of a functioning coffee estate, the Signature Coffee Therapy is a must-experience. The ritual begins with a scrub made from plantation-grown ground up coffee beans that are loaded with natural antioxidants that work wonders in revitalising and nourishing the skin and thus leaving one in a balanced and relaxed state. And that’s just how you will feel after an hour’s worth of pampering. And not to mention, smelling like a freshly-made cappuccino!

Top Treatment
Kalpa Anubhava Coconut Indulgence (Rs 6,250/2hrs): This über-indulgent two-hour session begins with a freshly grated coconut and sugar scrub, followed by a relaxing massage using cold-pressed coconut and cucumber oil. This ritual is said to stimulate the nerves and blood vessels beneath the skin, while calming muscle tension. Designed to re-activate circulation and the flow of energy, it ends with a continuous stream of warmed oil poured onto your head to bring a dose of calm back into your stressed-out existence. 

(An edited version of this article first appeared in the December 2017 issue of Urbane magazine)