Switzerland is known for its natural beauty and sweeping vistas, with picturesque small villages dotted throughout the country making it one big outdoor playground. Situated between the Swiss Alps and Lake Maggiore, Ticino is a breathtaking canton or state in the south, oozing with charm as it blends beautiful landscapes with an Italian flair.
That translates to a near-perfect Mediterranean climate , farm fresh food and locally-produced wine, and lush gardens. In Lugano, a city in Ticino often compared to Lake Como, you can stroll along the elegant promenades, visit world-class museums such as the Museo d'arte della Svizzera Italiana , and enjoy gourmet dining with lakeside views. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventure, arts and culture or epicurean delights, Ticino has something for every type of traveler. The national transportation operator runs several trains and buses around the clock within Switzerland and Italy to the Ticino region.
Panoramic train rides are a unique experience in Switzerland and should be on your itinerary. The all-in-one pass, available only to visitors, grants unlimited access to premium trains, buses and boats throughout the country. It also gives you complimentary admission to over museums. The 19th-century villa turned family-owned boutique hotel is an enchanting escape, heavy on the charm and warm hospitality.
Cars are no longer allowed on property in order to offer a more exclusive and quaint guest experience. This five-star palm tree-lined hotel is tucked away at the end of the cafe-lined promenade in Ascona, a small town on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Home to La Brezza, a two Michelin-star restaurant, and four other dining outlets that all have vegetarian menus, Hotel Eden Roc is a serene lakefront property that offers multiple pools, a spa that uses only organic or certified natural products, and a private beach and marina with plenty of water activities including wakesurfing, water skiing, paddleboarding and banana boats to explore the lake.
Soak in the views from this aptly-named modern boutique hotel on the shores of Lake Lugano. Surrounded by mountains, this five-star retreat is designed to resemble a giant yacht, and epitomizes sophistication with its sleek interiors and attention to detail. Various types of wood materials, including teak finishes, and earth-toned colors are used in the 18 guestrooms to bring elements of the outdoors inside. Elevate your sleep with a customized selection from the pillow menu, which includes feather-free, memory or thermoregulatory options.
