It is an architectural jewel. A gem of Zurich’s post-war modernism. There hasn’t been a popstar who did not at some point in time frequent the Hotel Atlantis – from Frank Zappa to Grace Jones to Freddie Mercury
After a complete renovation, the legendary hotel at the bottom of the Üetliberg mountain reopened on 1 December 2015 as Atlantis by Giardino. A property that seamlessly picks up on its glamourous past as a stage for international guests and a meeting point for Zurich’s citizens. An urban retreat with 95 rooms and suites that combines style and elegance with Mediterranean hospitality. It is only a stone’s throw away from the forest of the Üetliberg and a short stroll to the cultural treasures of the city as well as the boutiques on Zurich’s famous Bahnhofstrasse. Most of the new furnishings were designed by HBA and manufactured by Molteni in Italy. This includes the reception desk in the lobby, which is artfully carved from walnut wood and sits on a bronze-coloured copper base. Some items reflect the style of the late 60’s, early 70’s. Various other objects have been carefully chosen from other designers like the ‘Origami Table’ from Patricia Urquiola and a coffee table with marble inlays and form a perfect alliance in the lobby. Similarly arranged as per the original from the 70’s and well rounded is the kiosk and business area on the ground floor. The Gallery HBA used historical photographs mounted on glass which have been embedded in the design. A reference to Zurich’s importance as a financial hub is the safe wall on the first floor. The bar and restaurant Hide & Seek seamlessly merge. Here you will find white marble with black marble inlays in the shape of a Y, which is the outline of the building. A bookseller was commissioned to put together a refined library for the restaurant Hide & Seek allowing guests to dine between art books and a generous window façade. The order of the guest rooms has stayed the same, although three rooms have been reduced to two to meet today’s standards of luxury hospitality. Dark parquet flooring, padded walls (wild suede flair) and surfaces of stone in the bathrooms bestow elegance on the rooms. The suites’ bathrooms
have been kept in marble. Throughout the hotel, the colour scheme of the fabrics and wallpapers reflect nature. Textiles like embossed leather and mohair pay homage to the olden times – at the Atlantis by Giardino, they seem sophisticated and graceful at the same time. Wherever you dine at the Atlantis by Giardino, you always have the feeling that the border between inside and outside is blurred. Both restaurants feature generous window façades and are flooded with daylight. For the restaurant Ecco Zürich with its 35 seats (plus a private dining room and further 35 seats on the terrace), Rolf Fliegauf brings his concept from Ascona and St. Moritz to Zurich. Chef Rolf Fliegauf always followed his own path – individual, innovative and always embedded in the region. His success proves him right. His restaurants Ecco Ascona and Ecco St. Moritz have both been awarded with two Michelin stars each. The dipiù Spa at the Atlantis by Giardino is a prime example of how interior designer Inge Moore has brought nature into the hotel. The indoor pool area looks like it has been carved into the mountain, and throughout the entire 1,500 sqm large spa, organic forms have been created and sensual surfaces have been added layer by layer, like they have been growing over thousands of years. The design perfectly reflects the philosophy of the Giardino Group. Already 10 years ago, Daniela Frutiger, CEO of the company, created her own cosmetics line Dipiù, together with scientists. She has developed it further ever since. Products without silicones, without paraffin, without preservatives. Credits: Elena Barassi, Atlantis By Giardino. Info: http://atlantisbygiardino.ch/
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