The Dolder Grand Hotel in Zurich is hosting a four-day gourmet food festival called The Epicure. The event showcases internationally acclaimed Michelin-starred chefs from September 17 to 20. In celebration of the festival, the 176-room hotel – which offers views of the city, the lake and the Swiss Alps – has an epicure package that includes an overnight stay, an eight-course dinner at The Restaurant, use of the hotel's 4,000-square-metre spa and a late checkout. The Dolder Grand Epicure package costs from Dh7,095 for two people, including taxes. For more information, visit www.thedoldergrand.com.
Escape the heat in mountainous Oman
Alila Jabal Akhdar, a boutique resort in Oman's Hajar Mountains, has an "Escape the Heat" package until September 15. Set 2,000 metres above sea level and overlooking ravines and deep gorges, the secluded resort is surrounded by wild mountain roses, pomegranates and peaches. Two hours' drive from Muscat, Jabal Akhdar means "The Green Mountain" in Arabic. The package includes breakfast, Wi-Fi and a 30 per cent discount on spa treatments, and is available for stays between Sundays and Wednesdays. Rooms cost from Dh838 per night, including taxes. For more information, visit www.alilahotels.com/jabalakhdar.
The Hollywood treatment in Prague
The Mandarin Oriental Prague has a movie-themed package to give a taste of the film-star lifestyle in the Czech capital, which is a popular movie location. Travellers can check in using their favourite movie character name and get a movie-themed welcome drink. They can take a guided tour to see where films such as Casino Royale and Mission Impossible were shot, and access Barrandov Film Studios, where they can pay for a movie-star makeover and photo shoot. Use of the hotel's limousine service is included, plus breakfast and the "Movielicious Film Collection". Rooms cost from Dh7,823 per night, including taxes, for a minimum three-night stay. For more information, visit www.mandarinoriental.com/prague.
A taste of caviar at the St Regis Saadiyat
The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi has launched an in-suite caviar sampling experience. The resort, in partnership with Gourmet House – a company that produces sustainable beluga (huso huso) – is offering a tasting of five of Private Collection caviars in the ocean suite. Experts from Gourmet House will guide guests through the varieties, paired with appropriate drinks. Guests will receive a 50-gram tin of beluga caviar and an engraved mother-of-pearl spoon. The caviar experience costs Dh3,874 per night, including taxes, for two people with breakfast. For more information, visit www.stregissaadiyatisland.com.
mhealy@thenational.ae
