Lugano is a beguiling lakeside city surrounded by the majestic mountains and is sure to take your breath away. It’s a love at first sight kind of place where the wealthy like to hide, yet is not too far away with Milan just an hour’s train ride away. The unsurpassed beauty of the area is enhanced by the nearby Alps and the scenic village of Bellagio.

Lugano, Switzerland offers a number of unique luxury hotels that make an ideal getaway no matter what season of the year. Three exceptional choices in this magical city include The View Lugano, Hotel Splendide Royal and Villa Principe Leopoldo.

THE VIEW LUGANO HOTEL

The View Lugano Hotel is perched up on Paradiso Hill and offers gorgeous views, an exclusive vibe and, of course, a high level of discrete service. From afar, the hotel is reminiscent of a yacht sitting on the mountainside with levels of terraces and sleek linear design. Inside the nautical aesthetic continues in the 18 contemporary suites with teak wood floors, contemporary décor, hip design touches and large terraces that offer unobstructed panoramic views of the lake. It is understandable why The View Lugano is a member of Hip Hotels and Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

When ready for an invigorating workout, the indoor pool is ideal for swimming laps or enjoying the jacuzzi jets while taking in the gorgeous views of the Alps through the floor to ceiling glass windows. When it’s time for a bit of pampering the spa offers a wide array of treatments by top notch therapists or guests may choose to relax on their own in the spa’s salt room.

The View offers complimentary electric bikes, perfect for touring around the lake. Guests also get access to their very own smart car while staying at the hotel so sightseeing is a breeze.

HOTEL SPLENDIDE ROYAL

Next to the lake shore is another Lugano luxury hotel, the Hotel Splendide Royal. The hotel is located at an enviable position overlooking the promenade that bustles with lake lovers out for a walk or bike ride. The Via Nassa is a shopping district chock full of designer shopping and is just a few minutes away as well.

Hotel Splendide Royal opened its doors in 1887 housed inside an iconic Belle Epoque palace. Today 19th Century grace blends with international contemporary flair. For over 130 years, royal families, dignitaries, celebrities and renowned artists have experienced the exquisite hospitality standards of this hotel. Today the 98 rooms and suites of the hotel are part of the multi-generational Roberto Naldi Collection with other hotels in Rome and Paris.

The most recent addition to the property is the Splendide Lifestyle Spa which offers special treatment rooms complimented with a vital equilibrium of vertical gardens, black stone pathways and lots of natural light shining through glass walls.

Guests swim under the crystal chandeliers in the lavish pool or enjoy the gorgeous views of the Alps and the fresh mountain air from the alfresco lounge area.

Most rooms and suites overlook the winning view of Lake Lugano. Splendide bikes are available for a ride along the pretty promenade or you can visit the nearby LAC (Lugano Art & Culture Center) and parks. For those looking to explore the lake, be sure to take a boat tour from the departures area, conveniently just across the street from the hotel.

VILLA PRINCIPE LEOPOLDO

Our final find is Lugano’s regal Villa Principe Leopoldo which sits atop the Collina D’Oro or “Golden Hill” overlooking the grandeur of Lake Lugano. This hidden gem, built in 1926 for Prince Leopoldo, was converted to a hotel in 1986 and is now a member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux Collection. The 37 spacious suites provide a royal rest where guests are gently awakened the by the clock tower bells ringing yonder as the sun rises over the Swiss Alps and Lake Lugano begins to glisten.

Bar Principe is a perfect spot for an aperol aperitif and as dusk turns to darkness, guests will want to meander inside for a snack in the Principe Piano Bar. For a gourmet dining experience, a must is the Principe Leopoldo Restaurant while breakfast is served in La Limonaia, the winter garden, with an expansive buffet of gourmet goodies.

Villa Principe Leopoldo offers two heated swimming pools, tennis court, gym, spa and nearby historical 18-hole golf course founded in 1923. Special spa treatments are offered at the sophisticated DOT Spa.

Enjoy the finest of Swiss hospitality offered by these three exquisite hotels. Lake Lugano is a magical destination where, for the beau monde traveler,  fairytales do come true.