Because beauty is often so close at hand.
Because beauty is often so close at hand.
Because beauty is often so close at hand.
Because beauty is often so close at hand.
Because beauty is often so close at hand.
Who hasn’t experienced it? It’s summer, and you’re craving that beach vibe. But the thought of crowded airports and long journeys makes your stomach turn. It doesn’t have to be that way. Sometimes, beauty is right around the corner – just a few hours’ drive away, like the finest beach hotels in Switzerland and Austria.
Who has the most beautiful sandy beach in the country? The Castello del Sole on Lake Maggiore.
The luxury hotel industry in Ascona rivals that of St. Moritz when it comes to quality and glamour. Among these dream hotels is the „Castello del Sole,“ a „castle in the sun“ that, for a long time, divided opinions. Some saw it as a peaceful oasis, while others found it outdated and dull.
Then Simon Jenny and his wife Gabriela took over the property, quietly observing it and carefully making changes. Their most significant discovery?
On everyone’s lips: Seefels Castle on Lake Wörthersee.
The luxury hotel industry in Ascona can only be compared to that of St. Moritz in terms of quality and glamour. One of these dream hotels is the „Castello del Sole,“ a castle in the sun that divided opinions for a long time. For some, it was a wonderful oasis of peace; for others, it was outdated and boring.
But then Simon Jenny and his wife Gabriela took over, quietly assessing the property and making thoughtful changes. Above all, they discovered the beach. Although the lake is only separated from the hotel by its magnificent private park with ancient trees, the beach had gone unnoticed.
Today, the private beach, La Spiaggia, is a picturesque hideaway with an aura of uniqueness. Idyllic, charming, natural, lovely, and simply breathtakingly beautiful. The exclusive beach furniture, lounges, and sun loungers will make you feel as if you’re dreaming in the deepest south, especially with a drink from the La Spiaggia snack bar.
And once you’ve had your fill of sweet dolce far niente, you can explore the local waters by canoe, paddle, pedalo, or motorboat. The in-house instructors, Samuele and Franco, are water sports specialists who also teach beginners and children how to enjoy the water.
Today, everyone agrees: the Castello del Sole is one of the most beautiful hotels in the country and is rightly ranked among the 125 best hotels in Switzerland, topping the list of the best vacation hotels for the fourth consecutive year.
Ibiza feeling on Lake Lucerne. At the Vitznauerhof.
A summer’s day at the Vitznauerhof. The charming castle on Lake Lucerne is fully booked, with guests enjoying the park and the idyllic private beach under ancient trees and bushes, all in high spirits. The air hums with a pure vacation vibe.
Since Raphael Herzog took over the hotel four years ago, it has flourished, consistently topping Swiss hotel ratings as one of the best Nice Price vacation hotels for the third year running. Many guests return several times a year, drawn to the laid-back atmosphere of this lakeside lifestyle hideaway.
The hotel’s prime location by the lake is its greatest asset. Almost everything revolves around the water. Water sports enthusiasts can indulge in a wide range of activities, from stand-up paddling to motor boating. For a more leisurely experience, the hotel offers boat trips from its own jetty. For a truly unique adventure, guests can explore Lake Lucerne to depths of 100 meters with a submarine and experienced pilots – a guaranteed unforgettable experience.
The hotel’s boat drive-in and take-away service for boaters have become huge hits, and the gourmet scene is equally impressive. Highlights such as flying dinners with Swiss guest chefs and kitchen parties with international culinary stars all take place by the water. Guests can even dine in the lake, on a small island near the Sense restaurant.
To complete the Vitznauerhof’s captivating atmosphere, the lively lakeside parties have already become legendary, and the cultural events are of the highest caliber. The three glamping tents, a new lifestyle trend, are also in high demand, blending glamour with camping in a brilliant way, allowing guests to connect with nature without sacrificing luxury.
Vacations in the Austrian Caribbean: at the Falkensteiner Schlosshotel.
The Falkensteiner Schlosshotel in Velden is one of the „Leading Hotels of the World.“ It is situated directly on the shores of the picturesque Lake Wörthersee, with its Caribbean-like turquoise waters, nestled on the sun-drenched southern side of the Alps. The hotel’s philosophy of „slow living“ invites guests to slow down and fully immerse themselves in the stunning scenery.
This lakeside hideaway creates a unique contrast, allowing guests to embrace both the tranquility of the lake and the breathtaking mountain backdrop. Modern architecture blends seamlessly with historical grandeur, offering the best of both worlds. There’s no need to choose between one or the other – the combination is refreshing and soothing.
The private beach club provides relaxation from May to September, featuring a spacious outdoor pool and direct access to the lake. On sunny days, guests can swim directly in Lake Wörthersee, while on cooler days, the beach club’s heated lake pool, filled with natural lake water, offers a cozy alternative. For further relaxation, the award-winning Aquapura Spa, with its 3 indoor and outdoor pools, a panoramic garden sauna, and numerous treatment options, is an ideal escape.
The Schlosshotel is also located near the renowned Casino Velden, where guests can try their luck for an exciting evening.
The Garden of Eden has never been so beautiful
Ascona’s luxury palace, Eden Roc, is a beach resort that outshines almost everything in many respects. Located on the most coveted and expensive stretch of coastline on Lake Maggiore, the Hotel Eden Roc has consistently ranked among the top three most beautiful and best vacation hotels in Switzerland for years. Its unbeatable location directly on the lake, next to the (almost) car-free piazza of Ascona, is truly unparalleled.
The water sports facilities available to guests of this luxury hotel are equally remarkable. When Eden Roc’s creator, Karl-Heinz Kipp, who passed away five years ago, couldn’t find a place for his yacht in front of Ascona, he decided to build his own harbor – at a cost of six million francs. Although this slightly reduced the size of the sandy beach, the investment was well worth it.
Today, the harbor is the starting point for all things water sports, offering everything to thrill enthusiasts. From here, you can set out on Lake Maggiore with water skis, sailboats, kayaks, or wakeboards. The options are extensive: two powerful Riva luxury motor yachts, the Saffier Eden Roc sailing yacht, license-free motorboats, a dedicated water sports school with activities for the whole family, and sailboats for both children and adults.
At Eden Roc, nothing is impossible – all wishes are fulfilled. This is ensured by General Manager Simon Spiller, a man with extensive international experience, who also managed the renowned The Chedi Club Ubud in Bali.
