Ireland
The «green island»
At the misty edge of the Atlantic you will find the mysterious island of Ireland, also known as the «green island». It is divided into two countries: Northern Ireland, which belongs to Great Britain, and the Republic of Ireland, which makes up about five sixths of the island. With its stunning landscape of rolling green hills and rich culture, Ireland is particularly popular among nature and adventure lovers. This is complemented with bustling towns full of lively pubs, intricate art and fascinating music. The people are said to be extremely hospitable and warm-hearted, with always a witty quip on their lips. The best time to visit is between June and August, when the weather is warm and the countryside is at its liveliest. Dublin is served daily by Swiss and the flight takes just two and a half hours.
Dublin
As the capital of the Republic, Dublin should be a fixture on any trip to Ireland – a vibrant city that is both cosmopolitan and down-to-earth. Known for its nightlife, nowhere else in Ireland is pub culture as celebrated as here – most notably in the infamous Temple Bar, a traditional pub that welcomes its guests daily with live music and over 450 types of whiskey. One of the city’s most important institutions is the Irish Museum of Modern Art, which houses the national collection of modern and contemporary art. Bookworms visit the library of Trinity College in the middle of the city. It is one of the largest libraries in the world and lets you immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Oscar Wilde, Katie McGrath and Jonathan Swift. An exciting end to the day is guaranteed at Dublin’s legendary Shelbourne Park dog races.
Belfast: Home of the Titanic
The capital of Northern Ireland is colourful Belfast. Surrounded by greenery, the city has all kinds of attractions and a vibrant atmosphere. Throughout the streets are the famous Belfast Murals and murals that recall the times of the Northern Ireland conflict. One of the most interesting places is the Titanic Quarter, one of the largest urban regeneration projects in Europe, located right on the waterfront. Covering 185 hectares, a futuristic mix of residential, commercial, tourism and educational space reigns amidst Belfast’s maritime and industrial past. The doomed Titanic was once built here, and its story is told in the architectural marvel that is the Titanic Belfast Museum. The most beautiful view over the city is from the top of Cave Hill at Belfast Castle.
Hotels in Belfast und Dublin
Belfast is a much cheaper place to stay than Dublin. The Merchant Hotel, the Fitzwilliam Hotel and the Titanic Hotel are particularly nice. In Dublin, one of the most popular addresses is the Riu Plaza The Gresham Hotel, a beautiful historic building in the heart of the city. More modern is The Grafton. Rock and roll enthusiasts stay at the Clarence in Temple Bar. Famous for its association with the band U2, it is just 250 metres from the Olympia Theatre, which regularly welcomes international stars on stage. Fittingly, the hotel offers delicious pre-gig drinks in the on-site Octagon Bar.
Where to eat in the cities
Culinary delights can be enjoyed in both Belfast and Dublin. Both cities have numerous Michelin-recommended restaurants. In Belfast, there’s The Eipic, the flagship restaurant from renowned chef Michael Deane, The Muddlers Club, tucked away in the popular Cathedral Quarter, or OX, with beautiful views of the River Lagan. There are as many as 37 Michelin-recommended restaurants in Dublin. Three of them have three stars to their name: The modern, creatively oriented Glovers Alley, Bastible – tip: be sure to leave room for dessert – and the tiny Variety Jones. There are also numerous other restaurants serving dishes from all over the world.
Wild Atlantic Way
The 2600-kilometre Wild Atlantic Way route passes through a beautiful west-coast landscape shaped by the natural force of the Atlantic. Charming little towns hugging the coast and ancient monuments line the way. Although the entire route is picture-perfect, stops should be made at special points: From the towns of Galway and Clifden to the legendary cliffs of Moher and Slieve League to the northern tip of Fanad Head, where one of Ireland’s most beautiful lighthouses towers above the waves of the Atlantic. The counties of Kerry and Cork are also worth a visit: here you will find, among other things, the famous Killarney Lakes and the mysterious Blarney Castle. For a change of pace, take a tour and tasting at the Jameson Distillery in Midleton.
Hotels on the Wild Atlantic Way
Along the way you will find some jewels of hotels that will make you dream: Absolutely recommended is the Sheen Falls Lodge, a 5-star resort in the midst of breathtaking scenery, the Park Hotel Kenmore dating back to 1897 and the Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa. For a stay of extreme luxury, check out Adare Manor in Limerick, a nineteenth-century neo-Gothic castle that was named the best resort in the world by Conde Nast in 2022.
Causeway Coastal Route
On the opposite side of the island, the nearly 200-kilometre Causeway Coastal Road stretches from vibrant Belfast to the historic city of Derry-Londonderry, passing picturesque fishing villages, rugged coastlines and fabled towns. Here, too, there are numerous attractions to explore: The Gobbins, a cliff path along the imposing basalt cliffs of the Irish Sea, the Cushendun Caves, one of the many local filming locations of the hit series Game of Thrones, or the spectacular Carrick-a-Rede suspension bridge, which leads 30 metres above the roaring sea to the offshore island of Carrick-a-Rede. Ballintoy Harbour is also particularly beautiful, with its old stone cottages and colourful boats conveying an enchanting idyll on the otherwise rather rugged coastline. The undisputed highlight of the route is the Giant’s Causeway, a sea of basalt columns formed by volcanic activity. Countless myths and legends surround this place, which was formed thousands of years ago and was declared a UNECO World Heritage Site in 1986. For a break in between, we recommend the Old Bushmills Distillery – one of the oldest licensed distilleries in the world.
Golf Mecca
With first-class golf courses in spectacular locations, Ireland is a veritable El Dorado for golf enthusiasts. In total, there are over 490 courses in the country, including a third of the world’s natural links courses, which are characterised by their naturalness and the sandy nature of the soil. The best rated links course is Ballybunion Golf Club in the southwest. The five-star Adare Manor Hotel also scores highly: Lee Westwood once praised it as one of the best golf resorts he ever played at.
Malta
Picturesque cliffs to impressive coastlines
Malta, an enchanting island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, stretches as an idyllic archipelago between Italy and Libya. From picturesque cliffs to impressive coastlines and fantastic diving sites, the island attracts visitors from all over the world. In addition to its natural beauty, Malta is home to some of the oldest temples in the world, including the Megalithic Temples of Malta and the fascinating Hal Saflieni Hypogeum. The Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters, adds to the island’s charm. The best time for a beach holiday stretches from June to September, while the months of April, May and June are ideal for exploring. The Mediterranean archipelago can be reached from Zurich in two hours by plane.
Valetta
Valetta is a picture-perfect town. Countless pretty alleys and many enchanting old buildings characterise the cityscape. No wonder the Maltese capital was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1980. Valetta used to be considered one of the best-secured cities in the world, which can still be seen today in the ring of bastions around the city. This can best be observed from the imposing city gate. One of the most famous sights of Valetta is the St. John’s Co-Cathedral in the middle of the city. Rather inconspicuous from the outside, it is bursting with splendour and gold on the inside. Contemporary art can be admired in the Blitz Gallery, situated in a typical Maltese townhouse.
Away from the city
On Sunday mornings, take a traditional boat taxi (dghajsa) from Valetta across the Grand Harbour to the flea market in Birgu, where travellers and locals alike rummage for unique items and treasures. A visit to the fishing village of Marsaxlokk on the south coast is also an absolute must. A picturesque harbour with colourful fishing boats awaits here. Local restaurants serve authentic dishes with fresh seafood. Malta’s greenest area is found in the Buskett Garden south of Rabat, the island’s only wooded area. Numerous quiet paths lead through the gardens, with secluded spots in between for picnics among orange trees, cacti, Mediterranean pines and flowers.
Holidays by the water
Malta’s geographical location in the heart of the Mediterranean ensures summer temperatures from the beginning of May to the end of October – perfect for lounging by the sea and trying out a water sport or two. The most beautiful beaches, including Mellieha Bay and Anchor Bay, can be found in the northwest of the island. Among the beach clubs, the Pearl Club near Valetta and the Baia Club overlooking Gozo are extremely popular. Action is also provided: whether diving, sailing, standup paddling or kayaking, everything is possible in Malta. Diving enthusiasts can expect a dazzling world of colourful fish and creepy-crawlies, caves, reefs and shipwrecks. Probably the most spectacular dive is the Blue Hole in Gozo, created by years of wave action and leading through a small gap into the open sea.
Island hopping
Whether for a day trip or several nights – anyone visiting Malta should also pay a visit to the nearby islands of Gozo and Comino. Comino has only three inhabitants, but there is still a lot to discover, especially the characteristic Blue Lagoon and the fascinating diversity of the local birdlife. Gozo, the second largest of the inhabited Maltese islands, enchants with idyllic bays and archaeological sights. Although almost 34,000 people live here, there is a leisurely calm, interrupted only by the hustle and bustle of the market. Both islands are easily accessible by ferry.
Royal accommodation and nights in the quiet city
The Phoenicia Hotel at Valetta’s gates, where Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip once stayed, is an Art Deco lure with sweeping views of the harbour, beautiful gardens, excellent restaurants and an in-house spa to stay and enjoy. History buffs will enjoy the Xara Palace, an impressive 17th century palazzo. It is the only hotel within the walls of the tranquil town of Mdina, offering unrivalled views of the beautiful Maltese countryside. For family holidays, the Kempinski in St Lawrenz is a good choice. For those who prefer to stay a little out of the way, escape to the Corinthia Palace Hotel and Spa in the heart of Attard.
Food & Drinks
Traditional Maltese cuisine is simple but delicious. It is worth trying traditional dishes such as lampuki pie (fish pie), bragioli (beef rolls with olives), kapunata (Maltese ratatouille) and widow’s soup with gbejniet (sheep or goat cheese). There are also numerous international restaurants that cater to all tastes. Popular with the local population are as Under Grain and the Noni in Valetta. The de Mondion in Mdina and the Fernando in Sliema are also worth a visit. Recently, Simon Rogan opened his first restaurant in Malta, ION, which combines seasonal local cuisine with views of the Grand Harbour. After dinner, you can dive into the island’s lively nightlife, especially in vibrant St. Julians.
Malta under the sign of art – 2024
From March to May 2024, Malta will host the maltabiennale, a forum for artistic encounters in twelve different cultural spaces – from museums to palaces to historical sites. The maltabiennale is aimed at Maltese and foreign artists from a wide range of fields. The centre is the interplay between the sea, the Maltese landscape and the Mediterranean lifestyle, with the fitting motto: «Baħar abjad imsaġar taż-żebbuġ» («Olive groves by the white sea»).
Dubai
Glitz and glamour meet tradition
Dubai is unlike any other city in the world. With its bold architecture and extraordinary style, the largest city in the United Arab Emirates combines its Bedouin heritage with a hypermodern culture all its own. Glitz and glamour meet tradition, skyscrapers meet endless desert. Originally emerging as a popular seaside resort, Dubai now offers an endless range of activities – from cultural explorations to museum and mall visits to adventures in the deserts. Travellers are always warmly welcomed in Dubai, but certain restrictions apply and should be checked before departure. The best time to travel is from November to February due to the climate, and early booking is worthwhile due to the always great popularity. With Swiss and Emirates, you can reach Dubai daily within six hours.
Luxurious overnight stays
There is probably no other place where luxury hotels are so close together as in Dubai. Our favourites include the beachfront Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, overlooking the ocean and Dubai skyline. For night owls, there’s the FIVE Palm, a hotel that never sleeps, where the nightlife takes place in the hotel with world-class DJs from morning to night. Good for families are the Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, one of the first hotels on the man-made archipelago of The Palm, and the Atlantis, The Palm. This is located at the tip of The Palm and offers everything that the hearts of young and old desire: Water parks, aquariums, a spa and a wide range of upscale restaurants.
Atlantis, The Royal
A hotel of superlatives is the newly opened Atlantis, The Royal, arguably the most luxurious and experimental resort in the world. Here, architectural art meets incredible food, courteous service and spectacular show acts like Beyoncé. A unique atmosphere that makes you not want to leave the hotel. Which is not necessary: After a day at the infinity pool or the two-kilometre-long private beach, the hotel also offers numerous possibilities to round off the evening after dinner: From cocktails in the Elements Bar to disco with a 180-degree view in the Ling Ling to the water spectacle in the Skyblaze Fountain.
Culinary delights
From a culinary point of view, travellers in Dubai are also spoilt for choice. The Michelin Guide Dubai 2022 lists 69 restaurants from 21 different cuisines, 11 Michelin-starred restaurants and 14 Bib Gourmand restaurants. The two 2-star restaurants are the luxurious Il Ristorante-Niko Romito and Stay by Yannick Alléno, serving classic French cuisine at the highest level. The sunset can be enjoyed with lobster and good wine at the beach restaurant Tamoka Dubai in the Ritz Carlton. Fresh sushi in a lively atmosphere is served at the Buddha Bar.
On top of the world on the Burj Khalifa
In the heart of Dubai is the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. A masterpiece of engineering, the skyscraper embodies the heart and soul of the city. From the observation deck at a height of 828 metres, you can enjoy a spectacular view far beyond the surrounding city. Afterwards, those with a head for heights can linger in the exclusive Atmosphere Lounge just two floors below – with a bit of luck, on a seat directly on the glass outer wall.
Desert Safaris
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, book an individual desert safari with a Range Rover to marvel at the local flora and fauna. With falconry shows, camel rides, quad tours and romantic evening shows under the stars, there is certainly no room for boredom. For those who would like to stay a night, we recommend the newly renovated Bab Al Shams Desert Resort in the middle of the seemingly endless desert dunes.
Bur Dubai and Deira
Bur Dubai is one of the oldest districts of the city and existed long before Dubai developed into an urban metropolis. To this day, the district is not only a popular residential area, but also a centre for economic activity. In addition to the Dubai Museum and the Dubai Grand Mosque, the Old Souk is also located here, where beautiful clothes and the finest fabrics are traded. On the opposite side of the creek, in Deira, the spice and gold souk invites you to stroll. The best way to connect the two banks is to take a short water taxi ride in the traditional abra.
