The sun rising over the magnificent Alps provided an awe-inspiring scene on my early morning flight into the vibrant lakeside city of Zurich, Switzerland. The city has a cultural center with a wealth of museums, music venues, art galleries, seasonal festivals, ultra-trendy nightlife, gastronomy delights, unique shopping experiences and proximity to alpine adventures. There is no end to exciting ways to enjoy your first days of matrimonial bliss in Zurich.

Hands down, the choice place to rest your head is the newly restored Dolder Grand which was recently the setting for scenes from the U.S. version of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. Conveniently located in a lush, wooded setting overlooking the city, the resort offers magnificent views of the lake and distant Alps. Truly a city landmark dating back to 1899, the Dolder Grand is a fusion of past and present with great care taken to preserve its historic charm, but also incorporate every conceivable luxury for its guests. The facilities include delightful walking paths, tennis courts, a nine-hole golf course, swimming pool and ice-skating rink. Award-winning Swiss-inspired cuisine in the restaurants will delight your palate and magnificent pieces of inspiring art greet you at every turn throughout the resort. 

Then there is the Amala Spa. Accolad)es are pouring in including SpaFinder’s award for “Best Spa in Switzerland” and “Hotel Spa of the Year in Europe” – all just in the last few months. Picture yourself lounging in the sun with the snow-capped Alps as the backdrop while you await your sumptuous body ritual. Or, perhaps you might like to slip into one of the unique sunaburos, a tub filled with fine pebbles which have been warmed to enhance the experience of deep relaxation. This truly unique snow paradise is perfect for a bit of cooling off after the sauna or, to quiet your soul, enjoy the serenity of the exquisite mirror mosaic meditation room. “Classic traditions with a techno beat” is reflected in the spa menu with European and Swiss therapies combined with traditional Japanese influences, all delivered in a modern setting and with the purest of products including the 100 percent natural Amala skin care line.

The Dolder Grand’s luxe amenities, tasty fare and European chic design are all reasons to visit, but it’s the spa which takes this hot-spot over the top. Newlyweds wanting an adventurous Euro destination, without sacrificing world-class relaxation, will find the best of both worlds on the outskirts of Zurich.

Photos Courtesy of: The Dolder Grand (4th), Peter Hebeisen (1st & 2nd), and Stefan Schmidlin (3rd)