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LUXOLOGIST LURE:
If you believe all five star superior hotels in Switzerland follow a conventional mould, The Tschuggen Group’s Hotel Eden Roc will prove you wrong. This resort-like hotel, which has a reputation for loyal return guests, has been recognised for the seventh consecutive year by SonntagsZeitung as “Switzerland’s best holiday hotel” (2017) and now by the Connoisseur Circle as “Best Lake Hotel in Switzerland” (2017). But awards and reputation aside, Hotel Eden Roc is objectively a unique gem. Set directly on the shores of Lake Maggiore, in the heart of the picturesque Italian- speaking town of Ascona, the hotel offers guests a prime location with a private beach, extensive sport and leisure options for the family, a 2000 m2 leading spa, four enticing restaurants, colourful design elements by star designer Carlo Rampazzi and a terrific blend of the best of Swiss hospitality standards and Italian flair and climate. Little wonder why the owner of the Tschuggen Group chooses the penthouse on the top of the hotel as her primary residence.
GUEST EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS:
§ Enjoy the spectacular lakefront location and outstanding view of Lake Maggiore (80% of the rooms offer a lake view).
§ The interior design is outstanding, truly a masterpiece and must-see for art and design lovers. Every room is uniquely designed and wherever you wander, you can see the colourful handwriting of the eccentric local designer Carlo Rampazzi. This is one of the ways the hotel offers guests a refreshingly different experience to when they are at home.
§ The lakeside promenade, charming piazzas, restaurants, cafés and shopping facilities are just a few minutes’ walk from Hotel Eden Roc.
§ Exceptional staff and personalized service: everyone is highly qualified, very professional and genuinely intent on making your experience memorable for the right reasons, from the reception and concierge staff to the restaurant waiters and managers.
§ The Spa offers a wide choice of treatments ranging from Ayurvedic treatments to relaxing Aroma Oil Massages. You can expect a delightful selection of fragrances and slow massage techniques as well as options for a signature treatment with five different treatments combined to guarantee full relaxation or special after sun packages. The Spa offers a beautiful light and airy atmosphere and uses Sensai, Clarins, Dermalogica, OPI & La Biosthétique products. The additional facilities include indoor and outdoor pools, hydro-pool with whirlpool recliners and soothing massage jets, a Kneipp-path, various saunas and a steam baths.
§ Gastronomy Summary: Hotel Eden Roc has four restaurant venues. All venues provide romantic sun terraces with direct lake views. The culinary offers include French classics, Mediterranean dishes, fish creations and barbecue options. In addition to the signature restaurant La Brezza, we were pleasantly surprised by the vast options available at breakfast, including a wide choice of fresh juices and fruits as well as an extensive selection of cheeses, fish (6 varieties) and meat (8 varieties) – mostly from the region and all presented with meticulous Swiss precision.
§ La Brezza is the hotel’s signature restaurant with 17 GaultMillauPoints and comes highly recommended. Chef Salvatore Frequente delivers a captivating interpretation of Sicilian cuisine with seasonal and regional products. We recommend asking for the opulent five course Champagne-Menu which offers the best seasonal recommendations, with each dish paired with an exclusive choice of champagne. The cuisine is creative and artistically presented, combining traditional with modern styles. Some of our highlights were the Mediterranean amberjack (served with avocado, kohlrabi and hazelnuts paired with a Blanc de Blancs Brut), an exceptionally tender Normandy sole (with parsley root and lemon hollandaise matched with a Rosé Brut) and a Rhubarb dessert variation with mascarpone and sorrel complemented by Carte Blanche Demi-Sec.
§ The sport and leisure activities are outstanding even for a five star hotel and there is always something unexpected and exciting on offer. When it comes to water sports, the hotel has its own Riva yachts and sailing boats as well as kayaking, stand-up paddling and water skiing on offer. For guests preferring to explore the land, the hotel also has an electric Smart car, Vespas and various bicycles (including e-bikes).
§ In addition to the unique design features, the flower presentation in Hotel Eden Roc is impressive. Throughout the hotel, you find beautiful fresh flower arrangements. In addition the garden is home to tropical plants and Mediterranean flowers – setting the perfect scene for a relaxing holiday.
INSIDER TIPS:
§ Tschuggen Hotel Group has a partnership with Edel & Stark, a leading premium car rental company based in Switzerland. To make the most of your trip, we highly recommend renting out one of their vehicles to enjoy the drive to and from the hotel (Eden Roc has underground valet parking). We were fortunate enough to take Edel & Stark’s Maserati GranCabrio Sport MC from Interlaken to Ascona (they can facilitate a car drop off from around the country and have a wide selection of vehicles). The service was superb and the drive added another dimension to the Eden Roc experience, with enviable views and sporty mountain passes included in the adventure. For inquiries, visit www.edelstark.com or contact Edel & Stark here: info@edelstark.com
§ Ask for Suite 201 for a beautiful light, spacious room with approximately 270-degree view and two balconies.
§ Depending on your taste, ask for a kayak, a sailing boat or the traditional Riva Aquarama and glide around the shimmering Lake Maggiore.
§ Visit the subtropical Brissago Islands – they offer a truly remarkable botanical experience – with species from all over the world in the Botanical Gardens. If you wish to learn more about the plants and discover the interesting history of the islands, ask the concierge for a guide (we recommend Stella as a guide).
§ Ask the hotel for the electric Smart car or Vespa and explore Valle Maggia or the magical jade green waters of the Verzasca Valley. If you are unsure what your best option is, speak to the highly professional and helpful concierge Raphael.
§ Best times to visit: June through to October (and during the renowned events such as the Locarno film festival or jazz festival).
§ Visit Atelier Selvaggio in Ascona to discover more about Carlo Rampazzi and view his unique design pieces.
§ Speak to the hotel manager to organise your specific requirements: Andreas Gartmann.
INSIDER SNAPS:
