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An Oasis of Relaxation at
the Hotel Giardino Ascona
Need to recharge your batteries? Fancy a luxury getaway and a touch of “la Dolce vita” without even leaving Switzerland? A trip to the Italian part of the country might be just what you’re looking for. We travelled to Ticino to discover an oasis of relaxation at the Hotel Giardino Ascona.
It was still chilly in Zurich but in Ascona the sun was shining and it felt more like early Summer than Spring. Located in a little country lane a few minutes out of Ascona the hotel is nestled in a beautiful position surrounded by pretty mountains and lush vegetation. True to its name the “Giardino” is a leafy green haven of calm and relaxation, generously filled with colourful and scented flowers and plants.
After a warm friendly greeting we were invited to check in over a welcome drink on the outdoor sofas overlooking the gardens and one of the pools and given an ice cold flannel to refresh ourselves after the journey. Lemon trees and kumquat plants heavy with fruit line the pathway from the hotel reception to the garden.
The Bedrooms
We were taken to our room with was a beautiful suite in the Casa Rosa with views overlooking the gardens and the water. The rooms are generous whilst not palatial, but bright, modern and colourful. There were plenty of sockets for mobile phones and other devices. The bathroom was equipped with dipiù products, and both a bath and shower, and as we were in a suite there was an additional shower room too. The balcony was furnished with comfy chairs and had lovely views over the garden.
The Food – Dinner and Breakfast
When we were there executive chef Rolf Fliegauf of the the 2 Michelin Star Restaurant Ecco was not yet back from the end of season at the Giardino Mountain in St Moritz. However, the food was excellent. There was a choice of dinner options of either a Spanish “Tapas dinner” (one of the themed evening options they run) with a large buffet of both hot and cold and savoury and sweet mouth watering Spanish specialities, or à la carte in the Hide and Seek Restaurant which specialises in Mediterranean cuisine. We opted for the latter and were not disappointed. After a delicious chilli crab soup and fish, beetroot and spinach starter, for mains we chose lamb which was beautifully cooked – and fillet of sea bass which was fresh and delicate with a lovely crispy skin.
Both mains were accompanied by freshly cooked vegetables and everything was beautifully served and fresh. You can also choose the portion size you would like and there are a variety of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options on the menu too. After sharing a scrumptious rhubarb crumble dessert we had coffee in the main reception room which has a lovely bar and modern décor with beautiful bride shades of green, magenta and lilac, decorated with freshly cut flowers in elegant tall vases.
A selection from the dinner and breakfast options
Breakfast was truly abundant, well laid out with beautiful displays of breads, fresh fruits, natural honey, local cheeses, meats and cold cuts as well as cooked options and a variety of juices and prosecco if you wanted. Service was quick and efficient and our coffee was replenished repeatedly and quickly.
The reception rooms are bright and light and full of colour.
Biking in Ascona and R & R in the Gardens
After a short ride into nearby Ascona on the complimentary hotel bikes, the highlight for me was simply swimming in the pools and chilling on the loungers enjoying the gardens.
There are pools surrounded by Greek statues and hidden corners where you can simply rest and take in all the beauty surrounding you. When we visited the sun was shining with many flowers in blossom and it was truly relaxing.
Yoga, Massage and More
A well equipped gym, a large indoor pool, a sauna with light therapy, a steam bath, as well as a yoga studio are just some of the facilities available if you are feeling more energetic. You can also book massages and treatments and even have your hair done at their own hair dressing studio.
So if you’re looking to recharge your batteries or simply fancy a luxurious break why not consider a trip to Hotel Giardino in Ascona?
Hotel Giardino Ascona
Address: Via del Segnale 10, 6612 Ascona
Tel: 091 785 88 88
Please visit the Hotel Giardino Ascona website here.
See Hotel Giardino Ascona on Google Maps here.
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All photos by Christina Fryer
We stayed as guests of Hotel Giardino Ascona but all views are entirely our own
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