The Dolder Grand Hotel

Kurhausstrasse 65 8032 Zürich Schweiz

Even as you’re making the ascent up Adlisberg Hill, on which The Dolder Grand sits majestically, you know you’re in a special part of town – the neighbourhood is less Heidi-esque huts, more multi-million pound mansions. The Dolder itself is no less impressive. Overlooking Lake Zurich and the city centre, the 19th-century turetted palatial core is flanked by two new wings opened in 2008: visions of cool, high tech luxury. The Swiss owner is an enthusastic art collector, so Warhols hang alongside pieces by the likes of Dali, Hirst and Miro. Bedrooms in the main building are classically appointed; the new additions, such as those in the spa wing, are sleek and fun – junior suites boast white leather couches and cavernous bathrooms with tubs gazing out to the lake and Alps. Luxe Swedish-made tolietries, a panoramic balcony, and full automation of everything from the blinds to the stereo, kick things up a notch. The electronics are Bang & Olufsen, all the staff know your name, and you could set your watch by the room service: this is a properly slick operation.

A spectacular 4,000 square metre spa complex will occupy you for an entire day. Besides deluxe treatments such as hydrotherapy massages, there is a labyrinth-like complex of saunas, steam showers and even a snow room. If you’ve OD’d on wellbeing, there’s a great in-house bar or better still, two-Michelin-starred The Restaurant. Chef Heiko Nieder’s modern dishes are almost too beautiful to eat – though once you’ve tasted the likes of his beef with morels, Emmentaler and horseradish, you’ll be glad you did. AM. Rooms from £375.