Perched on southern Switzerland’s Lake Maggiore, this five-century Ascona manor has been restored to become a classy five-star hotel. Four restaurants and a 2,500m2 spa cover Michelin star dining and holistic wellness, all to a backdrop of stunning lakefront scenery. Whether you’re relaxing in your luxurious suite or digging your toes into the private beach, Castello del Sole is heaven on earth.
Location
Castello del Sole resides in the Swiss village of Ascona on the shores of Maggiore, a spellbinding lake on the Swiss-Italian border.
Renowned for its tree-lined cafes and charming Mediterranean architecture, the town is a popular spot for holidaymakers from Switzerland and beyond.
History buffs will love the Borgo old town, while hiking and cycling trips make good use of the spectacular surroundings.
When it’s warm out, guests can swim in the refreshing waters of Lake Maggiore.
Alternatively, the resort motorboat does exhilarating excursions to the islands and other lakefront villages.
The Lugano Airport is a 45-minute drive away.
Rooms & Suites
In 1532, Francesco Orelli constructed this historic complex to house New Protestants fleeing persecution. The elegant estate has since been renovated with modern amenities–but it still maintains its quaint, old-world charm.
There are 41 spacious suites and 37 double/single rooms peppered throughout the complex.
All the rooms reside in the main building, where a classic Mediterranean-style design adds timeless appeal.
If you’d rather a Lombardic country escape, book one of the sensational suites in the Retreat Pavilion. Here, a sea of roses covers the cloister-like colonnade outside, best viewed from your private 20m2 loggia.Rich cherry wood furnishings, plus plush bathrooms with exquisite fixtures, come standard in each suite.
For an abundance of space, the Well-being Pavilion offers two extravagant suites. Delicate fabrics, high ceilings, and breezy balconies with beautiful views set the scene.
Pools Facilities
Spanning 2,500m2, Castello SPA & Beauty has got all the goodies for a wondrous wellness escape.
Within the sensual oasis, you’ll find a hydro pool, steam bath, Kneipp trail, heated indoor/outdoor pool, solarium, Jacuzzi, and more.
Skilled hands dole out soothing procedures in the treatment rooms–think body rubs, facials, massage, and hot stone therapies. Each option is handpicked to a specific skin type to restore your youthful shine.
Don’t miss the unique VinoAqua Therapy, which incorporates grapes from the resort vineyard. The Vineasole Cosmetica range comes packed full of lotions and ointments to revitalize your skin.
If you’d prefer a secluded wellness experience, reserve a two-hour session at the Onsernone SPA SUITE. Inside the 70m2 complex, you get a steam bath, whirlpool, sauna, and two heated lounge chairs for private use.
There’s also a fitness centre when you fancy a workout, or a jogging track and tennis court to exercise outdoors.
Food & Drink
As a member of The Living Circle, an elite group of farm-to-table hotels and restaurants, gastronomy at Castello Del Sole has a strong focus on freshness.
All four in-house restaurants source seasonal ingredients straight from its 150-hectare farm.
The most upmarket offering is Locanda Barbarossa, a Michelin Star restaurant that plates up fine French cuisine.
For an a la carte selection of classic Mediterranean dishes, try Ristorante Tre Stagioni instead–they make a mean buffet breakfast in the morning, too.
Ristorante Al Parco is all about timeless Italian recipes served al fresco in the park, while Spiaggia makes mouth-watering finger food by the beach.
For a sophisticated drink, Cortile Barbarossa serves creative cocktails to a soft piano soundtrack.
Special Info
Castello del Sole puts on culinary and wellness events throughout the year.