Switzerland

With its distinctive Belle Epoque façade dominating the promenade, the hotel became one of Lugano’s landmarks promptly after its inauguration in 1887 Marble lobby and hallways, stunning frescoes, Murano chandeliers: the charm of the 19th century has remained intact while the long heritage of hospitality ensures a warm, familiar atmosphere that makes it a perfect home away from home.

The gastronomic restaurant I Due Sud rediscovers the traditional flavors of the south of Switzerland and combines them with those of the south of Italy. With this culinary bridge, executive chef Domenico Ruberto has already been distinguished by Gault et Millau as Rising Chef 2018 in Ticino, but also with a Michelin star and 16/20 Gaultet Millau points. La Veranda restaurant combines tradition and innovation, offering a savory interpretation of Mediterranean cuisine.

On the Swiss shores of Lago Maggiore, Giardino Ascona operates not merely as a hotel, but as a self-contained biosphere of well-being. It is a destination conceived as a complete lifestyle, a place where the precision of Switzerland is softened by the languid soul of the Mediterranean. The sprawling, paradisiacal garden is the heart and lungs of the property, creating a world unto itself where the rhythm of life slows to a blissful cadence. This is the art of living, perfected and presented as a seamless, sun-drenched retreat.

The resort’s philosophy is manifest in its devotion to holistic pleasure. Its epicurean soul is the two-Michelin-starred Ecco Ascona, a temple of gastronomic artistry. Its sanctuary for the body is the dipiù Spa, a space dedicated to soulful restoration. Each room and suite is a serene vantage point from which to observe this curated world, dissolving the barrier between the lush outdoors and the tranquil interiors.

There is nothing quite like sitting by the pool on a sun lounger overlooking Lake Maggiore and the delightful town of Locarno. A stay at Villa Orselina provides not just dreamy views but a gourmet restaurant, a pampering spa plus stunning lake and mountain views from every room in the hotel.

During summer, there is a succinctly Mediterranean feel in this delightful corner of Switzerland while in winter you are just minutes away from the ski slopes. The atmosphere at Villa Orselina reflects this relaxed holiday feeling with its stunning views and vast range of sights and activities on the doorstep. Ensure you book a spa treatment and arrive early to make the most of the sauna and indoor pool, then relax with an invigorating massage and soothing body wrap.

Above the waters of Lake Lugano, on the sun-blessed "Golden Hill," Villa Principe Leopoldo is not merely a hotel; it is a legacy. Once the private residence of Prince Leopold of Hohenzollern, it retains the soul of a magnificent private estate, operating on a rhythm dictated by a more graceful and aristocratic cadence. To stay here is to be welcomed into a private principality, a world apart from the public sphere below.

As a member of Relais & Châteaux, the experience is an immersion in the European "art de vivre." The service is anticipatory yet unobtrusive, creating the seamless comfort of a grand home. The commanding panorama is not a public viewpoint but a private spectacle, best enjoyed from your terrace. Cuisine is celebrated as an essential part of the estate's identity. The Villa offers more than a sublime retreat; it extends a rare invitation to inhabit, for a moment, a world of princely leisure and timeless elegance.

With stylish suites overlooking Lake Lugano and made to measure service, this hilltop haven feels like the height of luxury. The VIEW Lugano was created to echo the look of high end yachts, with plush interiors that blend rich teak, chrome and glass. Coupled with sublime vistas across the water to the mountains beyond, you’ll feel like you’re about to set sail.

Wake to picture perfect scenery from your designer room. Indulge in a personalized treatment in the über cool spa. Then sip cocktails to the sound of piano music as day turns to night and an evening of modern fine dining awaits. If the cuisine leaves you feeling inspired, you can learn the art of gastronomy with a chef led cooking course. They’ll even take you on a personal shopping trip for ingredients.

An impressive Italian styled villa overlooking the Lake Lugano, Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola is set in stunning subtropical gardens filled with exotic plants. With wonderful lake and mountain views, a Michelin starred restaurant, a wellness area with spa and beauty treatments, a private lido and fascinating collection of contemporary sculptures, this is a treat for the senses at every level.

Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola is a charming property that has a succinctly Mediterranean holiday feel combined with elegance and great service. There are stunning works of art wherever you look and each of the rooms and suites is uniquely decorated and has wonderful lake and garden views from the spacious balcony.