There’s something about the Alps that seems to inspire the need to drive really, really fast. The first ever Grand Prix World Champion, Giuseppe Farina, was born in the shadow of Europe’s highest mountain range, as was his uncle and legendary car designer Pinin Farina. Then, of course, there’s Monza, home of the autodroma that hosts the annual Italian Grand Prix, one of the glamour fixtures on the motor- racing circuit.
This September, Tschuggen’s luxury resort hotels have created two packages that combine the Alpine with the automotive, giving car enthusiasts the perfect chance for a late-summer break in the process.
Italian Grand Prix
Resting on the shores Lake Maggiore just over the border from Italy in Switzerland, the five-star Hotel Eden Roc in Ascona is a luxurious launch pad for a trip to the Italian Grand Prix at Monza on September 7. The intimate property, with just 92 rooms and suites, is offering a special three-night package for race weekend, including accommodation, breakfast and dinner and, most importantly, transport to the Formula 1 on the Sunday.
The deal starts at Dhs6,520 per person and applies for September 5 to 8.
Hotel Eden Roc: +800 10 10 11 11
Arosa Classic Car Race
Known as the “Monaco of the Mountains”, Arosa in the eastern Alps hosts the Arosa Classic Car Event to entertain its well-heeled guests. This year, between September 11 and 14, the race through the Grisons celebrates is tenth anniversary and Tschuggen Grand Hotel (pictured above and below) in Arosa is providing a unique package to help guests get up close to the oil and leather of classic sports cars.
In addition to three nights half-board accommodation and a complimentary treatment at the mountain spa, guests can experience the race through a “taxi” ride with a professional racing driver along the course – taking in 76 turns, covering 7.8-kilometres and climbing 422 metres at speeds topping 140 km/h.
The deal starts at Dhs2,900 per person for three nights. Taxi experience is Dhs520 per person.
Tschuggen Grand Hotel: +41 81 378 99 99
The Berkeley showcases Pininfarina Concept
The Berkeley, one of London’s most prestigious hotels, is giving residents the chance to view a supercar up close this September. The Pininfarina Sergio Concept was officially unveiled during the 2013 Geneva Motor Show and is on loan at the property’s Ferrari Atelier, a unique showroom for the marque’s latest models.
The car was produced in honor of renowned automobile designer Sergio “Pinin” Farina, who passed away in 2012. Based on the Ferrari 458 Italia, the futuristic two-seater is the perfect homage to one of the legends of auto-making.