Staycation in Zurich
Normally our summers are insanely busy split between the US doing trunk shows and visiting family and friends and then an extended family holiday in France or Italy. Every summer, as I race around packing and unpacking, I always think to myself “but it is SO nice in Zurich in the summer…why can’t we ever just stay here and enjoy this??!!!” … and then came COVID summer 2020 and I finally got my chance to truly enjoy the beautiful Zurich summer!
Zurich is nestled on a lake surrounded by the alps. Even in high summer, one sees the peaks of snow topped mountains in the distance. The lake is crystal clear, warm, and perfect for swimming, SUPing, and boating. Our weather is almost perfect…much warmer than our northern neighbors but rarely reaching the scorching heat of southern Europe. There are forests and hiking trails and the area around the lake is relatively flat for biking. Most people head out in high summer during the school holidays, making Zurich a peaceful retreat, which in places feels a million miles away from the international city it is.
My favorite summer hang out is Strandbad Winkel 13 by Chef George in Erlenbach. The food is FABULOUS and whilst only a 15 minute drive from the city center, it feels a world away and is more reminiscent of an Italian or Greek beach front club…only here you can get a table, be greeted by friendly staff, and enjoy swimming in calm fresh waters! You can even rent SUPs thanks to the new WaveUp PopUp in a garage on Winkelstrasse just before you enter the badi (where you will also find some our gorgeous Valimare swimwear, Temple de Mexico kaftans, and Pamela Munson beach bags!). This summer, I’ve been heading down most days in a Valimare St Martin bandage one piece with a Linelbi pareo or a Seraphina Island, Mercedes, St. Tropez or Bella dress…but I always have a Temple de Mexico kimono or robe in my Pamela Munson Petite Isla Bahia bag to throw on after I’ve been swimming!
Once the evening rolls around, we love to head to Strozzi’s, Fischers Fritz, Seerose, or Portofino for drinks and dinner on the lake. In town, the garden of Puro is perfect for a lazy evening of good food and fabulous service with friends. If you want to look out over the city, try the rooftop bar at the new La Reserve or for a more laid-back city vibe head over to the Viadukt for an al fresco dinner at Markethalle or drinks in Frau Gerolds Garten. On warm summer evenings I’m almost always in a Linelbi Solomiya Maxi dress or cut out lace maxi dress, a pair of PatsVintage Mykonos or PomPom earrings, and a OneMoon Stevie Wrap to keep my shoulders warm once the sun goes down…or on cooler evenings a pair of Reema Ameer Rara trousers and a Linelbi solomiya blouse with a Sabal military trench coat!
If you’re coming in from out of town and want to splurge on a fabulous place to stay, there is the absolutely stunning Philip Stark designed La Reserve, The Dolder Grand tucked into the hills of Zuriberg overlooking the city and the lake, or The Alex Hotel directly on the water in Thalwil. There are loads of other options across the city in all price categories…these are simply a few of the very best (and in the case of La Reserve and The Alex, newest) places to stay! And of course, always feel free to write to us at info@found.global if you’re coming to town and need any extra local tips!
Enjoy this gorgeous city I get to call my home!!!