Castello del Sole - An Oasis Of Peace on beautiful Lago Maggiore
Ambience The Castello del Sole has no golden faucets. Caviar only if it must be. Instead of a pretty view over the lake, you get a rice field. Despite of that, it was chosen the hotel of the year for 2007. However, its true luxury does not lie for its lodging alone, but in its pure air. Flower smell, field rushing and nature - as far as your eyes can see. 11 hectares of park separate the former manor house from the hotel beach on Lago Maggiore. The luxury lies also in the space provided. There is more than 1,000 m2 for every guest. The hotel and surrounding area is 14 hectares. Everybody finds here his quiet little place even when fully occupied, says hotel manager Simon Jenny (45). 
Of course, luxury can also melt on your tongue. The 22-headed brigade reaches their top performance even when the hotel is totally booked and the stress quite high. Gourmet Chef Othmar Schlegel (57) received 17 points for his culinary arts from the leading Swiss gastro guide. His secret among others: herbs from the garden, which no market can offer. There are plenty of fruits from the in-house plantation for apple juice, deserts, and 11 different jams. The hotel also grows its own maize, potatoes, asparagus, tomatoes, wine and rise chickens. Even the famous "Loto rice" for Risotto is growing directly in front of the pavilion of the luxury suites. The view to the rice field costs around 1,510 Swiss francs (946 Euro) a night, and the cheapest double room about 550 francs (345 Euro). In the spring of 2008, a spa pavilion and eight new super suites are ready to be used at up to 3,500 Swiss francs (2,193 Euro) a night. It is like a Garden of Eden. You see many beautifully designed fountains, and lots of granite from the Canton of Ticino. Cotto floors cool the inner courtyards in which even cedar from the Himalaya, Japanese Yuso lemons and banana plants prosper. Above all, most come from the German part of Switzerland and are entrepreneurs. Of course, many are also coming from Germany, Italy, France, and the Benelux countries, says Simon Jenny who operates since 5 years the Castello del Sole with his wife Gabriela. We are not looking for Russian finance barons or Arabian oil sheikhs, say Jenny. Europeans get along culturally easier. While the show and sports prominence stay at the Eden Roc Hotel or the Giardino, the top managers, politicians, and artists prefer more the Sonnenhof. So if you prefer a bit more privacy and tranquility, visit the Castello del Sole, you will not be disappointed. Spa-Infrastructure In April 2008, the Castello del Sole will have the grand opening of Pavilion 2, which is added to Pavilion 1. The ground floor will host the wellness area with treatment rooms, beauty, and cosmetics. The large wellness area situated on the ground floor will be 1,600 m2. It includes two spa suites, saunas, massage rooms, hydro pool, whirlpool, therapy rooms, treatment rooms, a fitness centre, thermarium, hair salon, and treatment rooms for body and beauty. Body Treatment & Beauty Applications The Castello "Spa & Beauty" has fashioned its own product and treatment line called the VinaAqua Therapie". The Castello del Sole is the first of the high-end Swiss Hotels that uses its own products from vineyards. It has also developed its own brand of cosmetics called "VineaSole-Cosmetica. It is derived from grape seed oil harvested mostly from the vineyard of the hotel property. Of course, the Castello del Sole offers like luxury hotels the typical classic massages, LaStone therapy, classical face care, Thalasso applications, peelings, packings, hand and foot care. Activities & Entertainment One thing that the Castello del Sole does not lack is lots of wide-open space. There are five outdoor- and two indoor tennis courts and if desired with tennis trainer. Golf fans have access to a driving range with golf-pro, as well as a putting- and pitching green. There is also a beautiful jogging trail for running, and you can entertain yourself with a Boccia game. The hotel has various boats, a private beach, bicycles, children's playground, and childcare usually in the month of July and August. Guest Rooms & Suites The hotel has 81 rooms and suites. The junior suites and suites in the Pavilion provide freshness and generosity, which offer a wonderful view over the hotel park. From April 2008 on, 8 more luxury suites will be available. You will also discover three excellent gourmet restaurants. They are... Ristorante Parco Saleggi Tre Stagioni Locanda Barbarossa Rates Single room standard 410 CHF (257 Euro) Twin-bedded room Orselina 600 CHF (375 Euro) Junior Suite Deluxe Loggia 1,020 CHF (638 Euro) Luxus Suite Loggia 145m2 1,610 CHF (1,007 Euro) Junior Suite Loggia 158m2 1,350 CHF (844 Euro) Luxus Suite Loggia 158m2 1,850 CHF (1,157 Euro) Deluxe Suite (available April 2008) 3,500 CHF (2,183 Euro) What I find good: The Castello del Sole provides tranquility and an 11 hectares large park that is seldom found in Switzerland. Guests can create their own dream world from countless places and possibilities. What I do not find that good: The inside-architectural discrepancy between the aesthetically beautiful Pavilion and the partly simple furnished main building. Nevertheless, the hotel is on its way to change that. Return from Castello del Sole to Swiss Hotels Return from Castello del Sole to High End Travel Switzerland
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As one of the many Ticino hotels located in the small town of Ascona in the Canton of Ticino, it renounces a lot of the glitter. The town of 
Guests that visit the Castello del Sole are educated, cultivated, and are searching for tranquility and relaxation. They do not want to see and be seen. 