The Atlantis by Giardino – a 95-room urban retreat that has hosted the likes of Steve McQueen, Freddie Mercury, Shirley MacLaine and Muhammad Ali – will open on 1 December, following an extensive renovation programme overseen by London-based Gallery HBA.

Originally designed by architects Hans and Annemarie Hubacher and Peter Issler in the late 1960s, the Y-shaped building with three wings is known as an important example of post-war Modernist architecture, and is set in its own extensive grounds.

The renovation includes the addition of a 1,500sq m (16,146sq ft) dipiù Spa, with panoramic views over Zurich, which will offer both ayurvedic and modern treatments. The spa includes a sauna, steam rooms with quiet zones, relaxation areas, a Pilates and yoga studio. There is also a gym, four treatment rooms and one luxury spa suite with private whirlpool and steamroom. In addition, the hotel boasts a 25m (82ft) heated outdoor pool.

The spa will use Aveda products as well as Giardino Group’s own spa range, dipiù, which means “a little more” in Italian. The name’s meaning is reflected in the philosophy of the beauty care products from its in-house brand, said spa manager Sabine Schanzenbach.

“The signature beauty line relies on purely natural ingredients: pure organic power,” said Schanzenbach. “For these unique products, only first-rate ingredients are used: hand-picked grapes, precious oils, selected blossom and herbal essences.”

Daniela Frutiger, CEO of Giardino Group, together with her husband Philippe Frutiger, fine-tuned the spa concept and took charge of interior design of the spa as well as the design of the therapists’ uniforms. Daniela Frutiger is also a trained pharma assistant and spa therapist, and has attended naturopathic school.

“The dipiù Spa at Atlantis by Giardino is a great combination of urban architecture and prestigious natural materials,” said Schanzenbach. “The beautifully designed indoor pool and hot tub are more than a bad weather alternative, and complement the relaxation experience. The generously sized outdoor pool in the garden area of the hotel has no equal within Zurich, and invites not only for swimming laps, but also to relax on its shores.”

The hotel will also include Chef Rolf Fliegeauf’s Ecco Zurich, as well as the less formal Hide & Seek restaurant, plus three flexible meeting spaces.

The interiors utilise handmade furnishings and fabrics that play on the contradiction between city and countryside, while paying homage to the architecture of the building and its colourful past.