By Anand Holla
In the recent years, during Ramadan and the immediate weeks after, hotels across Europe have been getting increasingly busy rolling out the red carpet for a growing Arab and just as rising Qatari clientele. The trend for this summer looks only more dynamic.
Switzerland’s Tschuggen Hotel Group has come up with bespoke Ramadan-themed package offerings, aimed at Arab families travelling over the holy month.
Available at both the Tschuggen Grand Hotel, set in the scenic alpine surroundings of Arosa, and at the newly refurbished room offerings Hotel Eden Roc in Ascona, the luxurious packages promise to provide a cool escape from the soaring temperatures through Qatar and the Middle East.
Most notably this summer, the Hotel Eden Roc will provide a tranquil holiday opportunity for those attending the Expo Milano 2015. Located just one-and-a-half hour’s drive away from Milan, the package will be available alongside the expo’s duration, throughout May to October.
At Tschuggen Grand, the Arabian Nights Package allows guests to unwind and relax at the well-known Tschuggen Bergoase spa facility. Designed by architect Mario Botta, the 5,000 sq m mountain oasis offers exquisite views even whilst indoors, as the stunning glass sails channel daylight into the calm interior. A separate ladies’ sauna is available as is a dedicated paddling pool for little ones.
“Additionally, several rooms in the hotel are equipped for salah with separate gender facilities, direction to Mecca, and room service that is respectful of Ramadan hours, as well as a private spa suite with a ladies-only sauna. Traditional Halal food and prayer mats will be available in the hotel, and if guests prefer to be catered for more personally, then the hotel can arrange a private butler service and Arabic speaker,” said a representative of the hotel.
As for those keen on adopting a more active approach to their stay, the package includes a free pass on the hotel’s private mountain railway. The futuristic Tschuggen Express connects the resort with the spectacular hiking areas of Arosa within two-and-a-half minutes.
Valid from July 3 to September 20, prices start at AED 8,600 (QR8,525) per person for a deluxe double room including four nights’ accommodation, breakfast before sunrise with halal items, a Thalesebath, free admission to the Tschuggen Bergoase, complimentary use of the Tschuggen Express and an all-inclusive card to use in Arosa, valid until September 2015.
For reservations and more information, you can call the Tschuggen Grand Hotel on +41 (0)81 378 99 99. The summer activities packages can also be viewed and booked online at www.tschuggen.ch
Beautifully positioned directly on Lake Maggiore, the Hotel Eden Roc in Ascona makes for a rejuvenating stay. Inclusive of a three nights’ stay, the package includes daily Suhoor and Iftar options, available from the comfort of guest rooms. Traditional Halal food and prayer mats will be available throughout the holy month.
For a thorough relaxation of body and mind, guests can also enjoy a soothing massage in the Eden Roc Spa. Designed by Carlo Rampazzi, the spa fits in harmoniously with the hotel’s surroundings, with the mosaics on the walls reflecting the shimmering colours of Lake Maggiore.
Offering complete wellness across 2,000 sq m, the facilities includes seven treatment rooms, two indoor and outdoor pools, featuring hydro-pools and whirlpool recliners for relaxation, as well as a separate ladies’ sauna.
In addition, the package includes a second class train ticket to Milan and admission to the EXPO. Alternatively, guests can enjoy a limousine chauffer drive to Milan, for an additional charge of CHF 450 per person (starting at two people) and CHF 1,000 for one person (Duration 10 hours, each hour additional CHF 100 per hour).
The arrangement at Hotel Eden Roc in Ascona is available until 31 October 2015 – excluding July 15 to August 15. The package is available from CHF 1,305 per person. For further details and bookings, you can check out www.edenroc.ch or call Hotel Eden Roc on: +41 (0)91 785 71 71
PICTURESQUE: The Tschuggen Grand Hotel.
