• Culture & Travel

Zurich FIVE in Switzerland is the Celebrity Resort You Need to Visit

The luxury hotel is hosting an exclusive collaboration with Bulgari this summer.
  • ByRadhika Bhalla

Zurich FIVE has been visited by the likes of artist Rihanna, Elton John, The Who, and more.

Nestled in the pristine alps of Switzerland, Zurich is the perfect escape for the traveller who thrives on everything from centuries of art to a vibrant nightlife, delightful cafes, and fashion boutiques to add flair to the wardrobe. Chic and lively, this city is home to exquisite cheeses and architectural marvels in equal measure, the intense, blue-green Lake Zurich, and the quaint, Old Town where you’ll be transported to a different era, one cobbled street at a time.

A few minutes from the city centre is where our journey begins this summer—at FIVE Zurich, which is a modern and plush, Y-shaped, 5 star hotel where the likes of Rihanna, Elton John, Grace Jones, and The Who have partied it up. This 5 star destination has much to boast, from the country’s only outdoor swimming pool to 45 suites, 42 suite-sized rooms, and 62 ‘Amazing Rooms’ that look out to breathtaking mountain views on one side, and the glittering city skyline on the other.

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The bedrooms at the 5 star property overlook a view of the mountains on one side,
and the city skyline on the other.
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The sitting area of the Luxe XL Suite with a balcony.

Pampering is a given while staying here, and as soon as you step into the room, you’ll be greeted by a tower of handmade chocolates and jujubes to indulge your sweet tooth. After settling in, do yourself a favour and head to the award-winning ReFIVE Spa that is open every day of the week till 9 PM—here, you can indulge in a 60-minute massage to ease out any travelling fatigue and get ready for the day ahead. Among the offerings are a massage with CBD oil to calm the senses or the Maderotherapy Therapy with wooden massage tools to improve circulation. There are hydrating facials as well, and if you’re feeling particularly lazy, you can call for an in-room massage. This spa is sprawled over 560 sqm, and has a Spa Suite with a jacuzzi and steam bath, five treatment rooms, a sauna, and a relaxation room, as well as an Insta-perfect indoor pool.

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The Insta-worthy indoor pool at the award-winning ReFIVE Spa.
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The Coco Shell massage at the ReFIVE Spa.

Once you begin to feel peckish, a specially-cooked meal at one of FIVE Zurich’s restaurants will satiate your tastebuds. Soul St. is ideal for those who enjoy street food from around the world, coupled with lively contemporary art. This vibrant spot has a wide variety of cuisines—from Middle Eastern to African, Indian, Latin American, Asian, and European. And the many artworks across the restaurant add to the ambience…there are even modern artworks of Khajuraho in the restaurant. For lunch, take your pic from the Grilled Halloumi Salad or the Classic Shish Taouk, the Chef’s Mini Taco Truck, or grilled dishes in a variety of sauces, from Red Wine and Pepper to Birria, and Teriyaki. With an array of cocktails to compliment these dishes, you’ll be in for a treat.

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Soul St. restaurant features a range of artwork, including modern paintings of Khajuraho sculptures.
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A retro van is stationed inside the Soul St. restaurant, for guests to take photographs in.

For afternoon tea, head to The Vault where you can enjoy some Vanilla Choux, Basque Cheesecake, scones, and croissant sandwiches with your Japanese Sencha or Egyptian Chamomile. The Vault transforms into a wine and cigar lounge bay evening, and if you’d like to stay on and enjoy your evening in, there is a wide selection of red, white, and rose wine to sip on. For those who appreciate a fine cigar, the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.2, Davidoff Aniversario No.1 Limited Edition, or Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchill are yours for the taking.

End the day with a visit to The Penthouse if you’re staying at the hotel between Thursday to Sunday. Decked in red, this rooftop terrace, lounge, and nightclub, offers award-winning Japanese-inspired cuisine along with live entertainment and a roster of international DJs.

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The Penthouse at the hotel is open from Thursday to Sunday, and hosts a roster of international DJs.
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The restaurant serves award-winning Japanese food.

The next day, start your morning with a robust breakfast at Cinque Studio at FIVE Zurich, from a selection of meats and cheeses, freshly cooked eggs, breads, and more. Come afternoon and evening (and from Thursday to Monday), this space turns into an Italian restaurant, with an elaborate menu of soups, pastas, risotto, fish, and special cuts. There is a terrace as well, where you can dine al fresco and enjoy the city views with a glass of wine in hand. 

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Cinque Studio turns into an Italian restaurant from Thursday to Monday, where you can dine al fresco as well.

Summers in Zurich are perfect to soak in the sunshine, and the pool is the place to be to lounge about over freshly-made cocktails, fine food, and a large jacuzzi. This year, the Social Pool is the venue for an exclusive collaboration between FIVE Zurich and BVLGARI Parfum, to launch the Maison’s latest fragrance, the BVLGARI Allegra Chill & Sole Eau de Parfum. Crafted by Master Perfumer Jacques Cavallier, this summer scent transports you to a fresh, Mediterranean setting by the sea, unfolding with notes of neroli, citrus, orange blossom, and petitgrain with the warmth of musks and white amber. For this unique pop-up, Bulgari has created exclusive towels, hand fans, and cloth bags, along with gifts from BVLGARI Parfum for guests to enjoy. And there are also Bulgari-inspired cocktails that FIVE Zurich has specially crafted, like the Chill & Sole, a mix of rum, elderflower, ginger, and citrus, as well as the Fiori D’Amore that is a blend of Aperol, yuzu, and raspberry.

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Zurich FIVE is hosting an exclusive collaboration with BVLGARI Parfum, this summer,
for the launch of their Alegra Chill & Sole EDP.
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Special cocktails have been crafted by Zurich FIVE, as BVLGARI Parfum launches their Alegra Chill & Sole EDP.

While you’re here, tuck in to an elaborate sushi platter, or try the outdoor BBQ (on Mondays) with classic favourites like Swiss Bratwurst and Tiger Prawns. To end the meal, there are Bulgari- inspired ice creams for a touch of luxurious sweetness. Under the warm sunshine, you can enjoy all-day pool parties, set to live DJ beats. Finally, for a picture-perfect end to the afternoon, there is a Bulgari photo-op with a life-size, pink frame that’s bedecked with flowers.

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A Bulgari photo-op has been created at the Social Pool.

FIVE Zurich has many Instagram-worthy spots peppered across the hotel, and as you wander around, you’ll be greeted by portraits of Hollywood and global music celebrities…all of whom have visited the destination over the years, a visual nod to the hotel’s steeped history. There is even a grand grand piano set-up in the lobby to play, and if you can’t, pose with.

At some point, you’ll want to explore the city while in Zurich, and the concierge will happily secure a private tour for you, and take care of any needs you may have. There are many towns nearby that you can discover—from Lucerne to Interlaken, Grindelwald, and Rapperswil, and everything can be arranged for you a day in advance.

The city is breathtaking, and the Swiss hospitality will leave you feeling truly special. From culinary delights to nature’s breathtaking beauty and architectural delights, there’s something for every mood and every soul.

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The city square of Zurich is home to centuries of exceptional architecture.
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The Fraumünster Church, by the Limmat River, features a beautiful green steeple.

Hotel images: Courtesy Zurich FIVE
Zurich city images: Courtesy Wikimedia Commons