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    • Jul 29
    • 4 min read

Hospitality for everyone

Hier geht's zum deutschen Text


The Holiday Inn Express Zurich Airport is located 7 minutes on foot from Rümlang railway station (near the industrial area), 6 km from Zurich Airport and 12 km from the Swiss National Museum Zurich. It belongs to the InterContinental Hotel Group and you can expect a clean and comfortable stay.


We have been on site and are delighted with the value for money. Read here what convinced us and why especially this 3* hotel is a really good choice especially for group travelers but also for business people and private persons who like to take some time out and discover the Glatttal.


The Holiday Inn Express Zurich Airport is a modern hotel with simple or "with everything you need" equipped renovated rooms. It also offers five conference and event rooms with daylight. The motorway access and railway station are both close by.


I came by car from Hergiswil am See and parked in the large hotel outdoor parking lot.

The Holiday Inn Express Zurich Airport can also be reached by public transport in a very short time.

Arrival by train:

ATTENTION: Timetables could be affected by COVID-19. Please check directly with the provider which connections are available. Timetable SBB

Arrival by plane:

The free Holiday Inn Express Airport Shuttle does not operate with COVID-19.

However, the reception desk will be happy to organise a discounted taxi transfer at CHF 25 per way.


Mrs. Diana Huber, is Sales Manager of the Holiday Inn Express Zurich Airport and introduced me to the hotel. The U-shaped 5-storey building has a total of 163 rooms. In the lobby you will find the reception, the bar and the restaurant, where breakfast is served daily from 4am onwards, which is included in the room rate and, a business centre. Souvenirs are also offered in three showcases.


Each room has a standard power shower with hair & body soap dispenser, a television, a kettle for tea or coffee, a hairdryer, an open cupboard with ironing board and iron, a desk and various cable connections for mobile devices, a safe, a telephone and air conditioning. The rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows for more light and blackout blinds. Rooms on the 5th floor offer a great view of the nearby Zurich Kloten airport and the surrounding rooftops. A great choice for aircraft fans. The windows are triple glazed and guarantee noise protection.

If you have forgotten your toothbrush, toothpaste or shaving kit at home, you can get a replacement free of charge at the reception.


In addition to the twin and double bed rooms, there are also family rooms with connecting doors as well as wheelchair accessible rooms and barrier-free areas.



The hotel offers five flexible conference rooms with daylight for meetings and events. It is therefore also suitable for seminars or conferences. A 3-course lunch menu (business lunch for conference guests) is also available on advance booking.



The Restaurant

In the large hall of the lobby there is also the restaurant and bar. They are open 24 hours a day. The cuisine is characterized by varied dishes and offers culinary delights from all over the world. Convenience food is served here, but this is a benefit for the guest and the hotel. The customer does not have to wait long for the food and the hotel does not have to hire a star chef. Which is quite justifiable for a 3* hotel that offers a 24h restaurant service. Also vegetarians do not come here too briefly. There is a bilingual menu (English/German) and a drinks menu with alcoholic and non-alcoholic offers.


Mrs. Diana Huber and I have chosen curry dumplings, a Vegi Supreme Pizza, a Swiss Alpine Burger and a chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream. While we were waiting for the starter, my hostess told us what the Glatt region has to offer.


The curry dumplings came with a sweet chilli dip sauce and soon after that the Swiss Alpen Burger and Vegi Supreme Pizza was served. Everything was placed on our table by a friendly smiling staff.

The curry dumplings were crispy and baked in the oven.

The Swiss Alpine Burger was served with 100% beef, Swiss cheese, egg, hash browns and a smoky cocktail sauce and a salad leaf. The French fries were not greasy, but crispy and were baked in a hot-air deep fryer, according to demand. The pizza was served pre-cut and garnished with fresh parsley.


The warm chocolate cake with liquid was served with vanilla ice cream and was really very good. Who could resist?



The Glatt Region

Nearby is the Glatt (river) and the area was once a moorland. Today it is a local recreation area and you can walk beside the Glatt canal or go hiking in the surrounding area. At the reception you can get information about excursions.


Here we have put together a few suggestions:


Pearls of Switzerland offer until end of September 2020



SPECIAL OFFER

Room price CHF 79.00/night* incl. continental breakfast and incl. parking

*Minimum stay 3 nights, valid until end of September 2020 and subject to availability. Room for 2 persons incl. breakfast and parking, mention "Pearls of Switzerland special offer".

Holiday Inn Express Zurich Airport, Hofwisenstrasse 30, 8153 Rümlang

Tel. +41 44 809 34 00 or email us at reservations@pearlsofswitzerland.com



#switzerland #zurichairport #holidayinnexpress #hospitality #hotel #holiday #vacation #restaurant #swiss #pearlsofswitzerland #experience #discover #glatt


copyright text and pictures Pearls of Switzerland Cristina Tschuppert July 2020

    • Jul 1
    • 11 min read

BERN, SWITZERLAND

What Riyadh is to Saudi Arabia, Washington D.C. to the USA, Bern is to Switzerland

The city was founded in 1191 and 1848 Bern became the Capital of Switzerland. It is also the chief city of the Canton of Bern. Situated between Geneva and Zurich and across from the Alps, Bern was constructed on a promontory at the inside of a bend in the Aare River (see picture).

Today it is the fourth-most populous city in Switzerland and has around 143'290 of inhabitants. The official language in Bern is German, but the most-spoken language is Swiss Bernese German dialect.

Bern and Al Dir'iya have one thing in common: they are both listed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. In 1983, the historic old town in the centre of Berne was included on the list. The city is well-known for its high quality of life, good cultural offers and tourist attractions. Bern, the shopping paradise with six kilometers of arcades has one of Europe’s longest shopping promenades.

From Luzern to Bern it takes only one hour by train or 1h 20 by car. I drove by car and took the highway and enjoyed seeing beautiful landscapes and the farmers animals on their green lush meadows. After I arrived in Bern, I parked my car in front of the Hotel where they have extra space for the arriving and departures guest’s cars, limousines and taxis. Entering the large and impressive Hotel Lobby the friendly staff greeted me with "Welcome to the Hotel Bellevue Palace" at the reception desk. I saw that they are practicing the COVID-19 Clean & Save measurements to protect their guests, ensuring guests enjoy their stay. Also Mr. Urs Bührer, the Hotel director and Mrs. Ariane Ludwig-Meichtry, the Director of Sales came down and gave me a warm welcome.

As my time was limited in Bern and it was a perfect summer day, I decided to discover the city and do the check-in later in the afternoon. The receptionist asked me if they can park my car and put my suitcase into the room. I was thankfully for this suggestion and I received a city map and a Bern Ticket. The Bern Ticket is your personal free public transport within the city of Bern and its surroundings and also from/to Bern Airport.

Every Tuesday and Saturday morning it is farmer’s market and I didn’t want to miss this opportunity to take pictures and share them with you. Flowers, fruits, fishes, olives, cheese, bread, honey and much more are sold on the streets. I loved to see how busy people were. On the streets and everywhere in the shops you are reminded of COVID-19 and to respect the distance and if you wish you can disinfect your hands everywhere. Some, especially elderly people, wore face masks.


Before leaving the Bellevue Palace, Mrs. Ariane Ludwig-Meichtry recommended me to visit the Zentrum Paul Klee and showed me what to see and do when in Berne on the city map, I knew where to go after I was done with the farmers market. I took a walk on the Kramgasse. The Kramgasse ("Grocers Alley") is one of the principal streets in the medieval city centre of Bern. It was the center of urban life in Bern until the 19th century. Today, it is a popular shopping street and you find there many great shopping opportunities like antiquities, fashion and jewelry shops but also cafes and restaurants where you can sit outside. 6 km (4 miles) of arcades shelter from sun and rain. Walking down the street you will see many historical fountains (over 100 fountains with drinkable water in Bern) and the Zytglogge (Clock Tower), one of Bern’s most important attractions. It was the city gate in the past times and with its astronomical clock it is the landmark of the city. Four minutes before the hour, the medieval figures are set in motion: Chronos, the god of time, together with the Fool, the Cock and the bears, begin to move.

At the lower old town, I took the bus no. 12. It took me directly to the Zentrum Paul Klee (watch out for the bus in direction Zentrum Paul Klee). For art lovers this is a MUST when in Bern. Paul Klee was born in Münchenbuchsee near Bern in 1879 and died 1940 in Muralto in the Canton of Ticino, the Italian speaking part of Switzerland. 1914 was his artistic breakthrough when he briefly visited Tunisia. He wrote: "Color has taken possession of me; no longer do I have to chase after it, I know that it has hold of me forever... Color and I are one. I am a painter."

The Zentrum Paul Klee also hosts a museum shop and a modern café.


My next stop was the Hammam & Spa Oktogon in Bern. Every Tuesday doors are open for women only. The octagonal shape of the building gives the hammam its name "Oktogon". Here you can enjoy, relax and forget time…



Walking into the Hammam & Spa Oktogon I entered in another world! The color of the walls is terracotta and many Oriental elements such as lanterns, silver bowls decorated with ornaments as well as cushions and loungers create a harmonious and calming atmosphere.

I was welcomed by a friendly smiling Lady and got all the needed information about the course of my stay at the Hammam. I recommend booking all treatments and day spa in advance online or by phone. The wet area is on the 2nd floor with different steam and cleansing rooms and the warm relaxing bath. On the 3rd floor is the drying area where you can refresh yourself and take a fine tea fine tea and small hammam delicacies in the bistro. Relax in the beautiful Camekan on comfortable mats and cushions on the 4th floor.

Start with wearing the Pestemal. On the second floor, you warm up your body (38°) in a herbal steam room, the “Sogukluk”. Then, in the second room “Kese” take off the Pestemal and do the body peeling with the peeling-glove. When you are done you wrap the body with the Pestemal and take a bath in the “Sicklik”, the warm pool in the centre of the house. After this you enter in a herbal steam room (45°) again, called “Bingül”. This opens again the pores and in the fifth room “Lif”, the second peeling with soap follows. Ending the Hammam experience on the second floor with laying down and relaxing on a large warm stone.

After the extensive detoxification you can enjoy a refreshing cup of tea in the bistro on the 3rd floor. Small dishes can be ordered with it. They have hummus, mango lassi, yoghourt with honey and nuts, date cake, dried fruits. All is healthy and freshly made.


As a crowning finale, the relaxation room of the hammam "Camekan" with large mats and lounger platforms invites you to relax.

This was a wonderful treat for body and soul and I enjoyed it very much, felt like new afterwards and can recommend the Hammam & Spa Oktogon to everyone.


The entry ticket is CHF 45.- and includes: Pestemal (traditional linen) + Kese (peeling-glove) + Tea in the Bistro.

Hammam & Spa Oktogon Weihergasse 3 3005 Bern Tel. +41 31 311 31 01 info@hammam-bern.ch www.hammam-bern.ch


From the Hammam to the Bellevue Palace Hotel

A short ride with the cable car brings you back up to the Swiss Government Building next to the Bellevue Palace Hotel.

The cable care is located only a short walk away from the Hammam. You must show them your Bern Ticket.


The Hotel Bellevue Palace Berne *****

The Hotel Bellevue originally opened in 1865. Since 1913 when the new constructed Bellevue Palace Hotel in Berne opened its doors, the Bellevue continues to reflect splendor and the charm of the old salons and parlors. The rooms and suites are still spacious. In total they do have 126 rooms and 25 suites.

Here are the sizes of the Rooms & Suites:

  • 19-46 m2 Standard Room

  • 27-48 m2 Deluxe Room

  • 42-58 m2 Junior Suite Superior

  • 46-60 m2 Junior Suite Deluxe

  • 53-81m2 Deluxe Suite

  • 77m2 Tower Suite comes with a private gym

  • 158m2 Presidential Suite comes with bulletproof windows

Junior Suite Deluxe with balcony, copyright Bellevue Palace Bern

I was booked in a deluxe room with balcony and connecting door.

My room no. 212 came with views of the Bernese Alps and the River Aare and was 28m2.

It features a box-spring bed, a working desk with international plug sockets, a minibar, a safe and Nespresso and tea maker, binoculars, WiFi, air conditioning, a bathroom with Molton Brown London amenities, a bathtube/shower, a bidet, a soft bathrobe, slippers, hairdryer, an extra chair and a toilette room.

I also got a welcome plate with fruits, flowers, a bar of chocolate and a welcome card. All what you need to feel home when away from home - I knew I’m in for a good stay!

Deluxe Room no. 212 with balcony. This view! Fruit basket, flowers, card and chocolate

Call 720 for Koran, Molton Brown London amenities, Bedtime

Dinner at VUE Brasserie & Terrasse with Mrs. Ludwig

Dresscode: smart casual

At 6pm I met Mrs. Ariane Ludwig-Meichtry in the lobby and we went for dinner. What surprised me, the patio was full and they offered us a table in the sun. As I love sun and it was not too hot we took this table. The view was fantastic. The Aare River and the Bernese Alps just in front of us!

If you like to have a table in the shade, you have to make a reservation in advance.

The waiter asked us what we want to drink and took our order. We had not to wait a long time and the beverages were served. A few minutes later we got a warm freshly baked white bread with rosemary and a little bowl with native olive oil from Portugal on the side. The menu card has a good selection of fish and seafood, meat and also some vegetarian dishes. They support the local farmers and buy whenever possible from Swiss producers.

I choose Lamb chops with Peppermint jus, no potatoes and she the Club Sandwich Orientale with Falafel and Halumi cheese with French Fires.



The Lamb chops were served in a round bowl (3 pieces) decorated with salad leaves and sprouts. The meat was juicy and tender and I loved the peppermint jus. The mint jus was served separately so I could pour it by myself over the meat. My dinner companion had the Club Sandwich Orientale and she got also some French Fries with it. This was a large portion. We had time to talk and she told me a lot about the history of the Bellevue Palace Hotel. It was interesting to hear that 1976 the Swiss National Bank was the owner of the Hotel and since 1994 it is in the hands of the Swiss Confederation. It played always a key role as a venue of official events hosted by the Swiss Federal Government. During the 1st World War, the General of the Swiss army used the Bellevue Hotel as his headquarters. During the 2nd World War the Hotel remained open to all guests. It was in this period that the Bellevue Bar became world famous. The bar at the Bellevue Palace was the haunt of a number of secret service agents. Diplomats, members of parliament, ambassadors and military attachés also met at the Bellevue Bar.

If you wish to know more about the Bellevue Palace Hotel I recommend to buy the book from Martin Fröhlich in German/English language. This can be purchased at the Hotel reception.

Back in my room, I enjoyed the view on my balcony and then started to read in the book “The Bellevue Palace Hotel in Berne” by Martin Fröhlich, I got from Mrs. Ariane Ludwig-Meichtry at the reception. The names of many crowned head, diplomats, politicians and army officers are on the guest lists.

Next morning, I woke up refreshed and energized. In the Bellevue Palace Hotel Bern you sleep in a box-spring bed and you can be assured to start the new day well relaxed.

Breakfast at VUE la cuisine néo-artisanale

Because of Covid-19 the breakfast was not on full display but I could order whatever I wanted. Salmon, cheese, different types of bread, orange juice, honey, sugarfree jam, little bowls, etc..

A la carte dishes are included in the breakfast price of CHF 40.- and breakfast is served from 7am – 11am. You can sit outside and enjoy the view or sit in the elegant room. Best coffee, fine black, green or herbal tea, a rich buffet and you can order omelette of your choice as well as sweets.

For guests with allergies they serve

- Special bread gluten free, lactose free and free of nuts

- Soy milk lactose free and vegan

- Porridge gluten free and/or lactose free.


Every Sunday from 11:30am to 3pm they serve aromatic coffees, teas and fruit juices along with an inviting buffet selection that includes classic Swiss muesli, mouth-watering appetizers and a Sunday roast courtesy of our Head Chef. CHF 75 per person, children aged from 3 to 15 years pay CHF 3 per year of their age.

Afternoon Tea

Mini sandwiches, scones and exquisite petits fours on a étagère. Choose the tea from our Tea Menu, which contains an exquisite selection of fine teas, infusions and specialties from the French gourmet tea house "Mariages Frères". Afternoon tea at the BELLEVUE PALACE brings a touch of Paris to Bern, combining French nonchalance with British nobleness. Such perfect moments can be enjoyed every afternoon from 2pm – 6pm for as little as CHF 39.- per person.

A quick and smooth check-out and the Hotel Director Mr. Bührer was in the Lobby to say goodbye personally.

Plus points of the property:

Address:

Bellevue Palace Berne

Kochergasse 3 – 5

3011 Bern

Phone +41 (0)31 320 46 61

info@bellevue-palace.ch

www.bellevue-palace.ch

The Bellevue Palace Bern is a member of La Reserve Group, dedicated to providing exceptional luxury accommodations.

Good to know


The Parliament building

The Federal Square: One of the characteristic features of the new Federal Square is the large 60.6m by 36.6m rectangle of natural paving slabs, which points towards the Parliament building. The main attraction of Federal Square is the fountain, with its 26 jets of water symbolising the 26 cantons of Switzerland. Book a tour of the Parliament here.

Shopping in Bern

Hermès is just around the corner of the Bellevue Palace. In Bern you find everything you’re looking for – be it stylish boutiques, exquisite jewelry shops, antiquities, traditional markets or shopping malls of any size.

Museums in Bern

Every Saturday in July and August free entry! You don’t want to miss the Abegg-Stiftung

where the special exhibition 2020 will show exquisite silks from al-Andalus, the Muslim south of Spain. These textiles were much coveted by the Christian elite in the northern part of the Iberian peninsula. I also took a tour in the private villa where many antique furnitures, paintings and other items they collected are on exhibition.

This museum however is not in the city but you can reach it by car in around 30 minutes. It is a very nice ride where you can enjoy the landscapes and see the farmer’s land.

https://goo.gl/maps/JNE1tvmbtkie8Nwr8

Here you find other museums of Bern: https://www.museen-bern.ch/en/specials/


Zoo

The Dählhölzli-Zoo is open again! Information to visit the zoo can be found here.


Tourist Info

Two Tourist Information offices: One at the Animal Park Bern, BearPark an the other at the main train station.

www.bern.com


Bern, UNESCO Worldheritage, nestled among lakes and mountains, in one of Switzerland's most beautiful landscapes.

Please remind if you respect and you know the rules of how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, you can travel safe and explore places you want to visit.

Feel free to contact reservations@pearlsofswitzerland.com, if you visit Switzerland.

July 2020 © Copyright Pearls of Switzerland. Text and pictures Cristina Tschuppert | Photo Bern Credit: Switzerland Tourism

    • Mar 31
    • 3 min read

Important tips for staying fit and well


Preventive health care relies on diagnostics, follow ups and treatments that nurture aging cells to support their natural protective system.


Good nutrition promotes healthy aging by reinforcing your immune system, by protecting your brain, by playing a role in building your muscles, and by feeding your skin, joints and vessels.


Keeping moving helps lower stress levels, increases cognitive and mental abilities, and reverses age-related muscle loss of strength and power.


Relax and recharge to reduce stress. It will protect your cells, renew your energy and give space to your brain to focus properly.

Dr. Adrian Heini, a Specialist in Internal & Preventative Medicine and Resident Medical Expert at Switzerland’s world-renowned Clinique La Prairie, shares some important tips for staying fit and well during Ramadan.


Don’t forget to drink

Fasting for hours can result in mild dehydration, fatigue or headaches, so try to remain hydrated between Iftar and Suhoor to nourish your body and eliminate toxins. Some of the best things to drink include smoothies, fresh fruity drinks jam-packed with vitamins or soups made with fresh vegetables. The pros at Clinique La Prairie recommend drinking a herbal green tea after Iftar and before your Suhoor meal every morning to keep your body purified in a healthy and natural way, while boosting your metabolism. By doing this, you will also feel less hungry during the day.


Do eat a balanced meal

Instead of breaking your fast with a feast, munch on some dates, an excellent way to start your fast as the sweet fruit is rich in natural sugars and is a good source of fibre. Your Iftar meals should ideally consist of only one carbohydrate, with protein-rich foods to counteract lean muscle loss. And if you eat a combination of whole-grain carbohydrates with lean protein for Suhoor, you can delay those hunger pangs and provide longer sustenance.

Do try these exercises

Working out is one of the best ways to remain healthy during the Holy Month as it helps you stay in shape and keeps you revitalised. However, during Ramadan it is best to postpone working out until after the fasting hours to avoid dehydration. Try to avoid very strenuous activities and take a shot at exercises like aqua gym, swimming, pilates and yoga, which work on the elasticity of your body and have a calming effect on your mind.

Don’t overload on spicy food and salt

Attempt not to reach for foods that are piquant or high in salt, like canned goods, ready-made sauces and ready-to-eat meals. Since spicy food weakens digestive strength, opt for mint, infusions of fennel, basil, chamomile and cardamom instead. These are easier to digest. Plant-based proteins like legumes also keep you sated for longer.

Do control your sleep cycle

Taking long naps, not exercising and eating heavy meals just before bedtime can be pretty disastrous, especially for your sleep cycle. If you do end up consuming a substantial meal later in the evening, then it’s better for you to wait one or two hours before going to bed. Additionally, stay away from caffeinated beverages before bedtime as they can keep you alert, making it difficult to sleep. An infusion of verbena, chamomile and hot milk is what you should be sipping on for a good night’s sleep.

No Gatherings For Iftar Or Suhoor

Social distancing is playing a major role in deterring the spread of the rampant virus and people and this especially means avoiding contact with the elderly and people who suffer from chronic diseases. Gatherings (whether large or small) are strongly advised against and so people may have to break bread in self-isolation after their evening prayer to keep yourself and others safe. Family gatherings and iftars will be minimized to people who are quarantined together (i.e. small families and couples).


No Eid Travels

With many people looking to the Eid break for an escape or getaway every year, they may also have to break the tradition of doing so this year as countries have closed their entry points to tourists and non-residents. Until the world sees and end to the coronavirus – we don’t think it’s wise to book tickets abroad.

Please feel free to get in touch if you have any question regarding travels to Switzerland after Ramadan. There is a risk of becoming infected with the new coronavirus in almost all parts of the world. Increasing numbers of countries are introducing measures such as border closures. Expect travel restrictions on international journeys.

Ramadan | Fasting Tips | Iftars | Healthy Habits during Ramadan | GCC | Saudi Arabia | The Holy Month | Health and Nutrition | Switzerland | LaPrairie | Luxury | Lifestyle | Medical and Health | Travel

Credit: Clinique La Prairie, About Her, Pearls of Switzerland Cristina Tschuppert, April 2020


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