If you didn’t know about charming Ticino, Switzerland, before this post, you definitely will now. Not only is Ticino one of the most picturesque regions in Switzerland, but it’s also my new home! (More on that story to come another day.)
Ticino sits at the southern border of Switzerland, nestled right up against Northern Italy. It features a number of quaint villages with breathtaking views and is known for many beautiful hiking and biking trails. For the past several months, I’ve been searching for my dream home. At the very end, I was torn between two beautiful ones. I finally decided on the Cademario home, and one special hotel had a lot to do with it. Though I loved the quiet, I initially felt that living up here may be too much isolation. One visit to this lively hotel changed that, and today, I want to tell you all about it. (Just a warning, after reading this, you may feel inclined to book your trip right away!)
The Kurhaus Cademario Hotel & Spa has always been a destination for wellness. The panoramic Lake Lugano views from its altitude of more than 850 meters above the sea-level are unmatched. (Seriously, it is the highest wellness hotel in all of Ticino!) You will not be able to take your eyes off those views (nor will you want to), as you can see them from almost every angle throughout this 82-room property.
From the moment you step onto the hill of Cademario and into the hotel, time begins to flow differently. No matter what you are experiencing, the scenery and nature that greets you here will make you feel immediately better. The property was built in a strategic position. It is one of the sunniest spots, nestled in such a way that it’s free from cold winds and low-visibility fog. That’s why, more than 100 years ago, Dr. Keller chose to make his dreams of building a place where people could stop their busy lives, dedicate themselves to 360-degree well-being, and get cured, into a reality. His vision carries through to today, and the Kurhaus Cademario Hotel & Spa still stays true to this mission, whether it’s in their comforting guest rooms, deliciously healthy cuisine, or relaxing spa and wellness experience.
If I had to decide what type of travelers this hotel is best suited for, I honestly couldn’t pick just one. Whether you’re traveling solo on a mountainside adventure, or looking for a serene getaway filled with romance and relaxation, this luxury hotel is ideal. Spa lovers and wellness travelers could literally not leave the hotel for 2-3 days and be perfectly content. It’s also been the backdrop for many weddings (I can even hear the music drifting up the mountain to my own terrace!).
At the heart of Kurhaus Cademario is the 2,200-square-meter DOT Spa. The spa is designed to represent the five geomantic elements of water, wood, fire, earth, and metal, which you’ll see represented by its choice of building materials and layout. Its signature pool begins indoors and heads all the way outdoors, where you can really feel at one with nature and your surroundings. (There is a second outdoor pool where you can also unwind and enjoy views of the lake and the city of Lugano).
The DOT Spa features ten treatment rooms where guests can get pampered with their choice of medical and aesthetic services to rejuvenate their entire body, mind, and soul. Choose from more traditional treatments, or healings like energy balance rituals and traditional Chinese Medicine treatments. I recently spent the day there and thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Plus, one of the best parts for me was being able to head back to my place in my bathrobe and spa slippers since I’m nearby!
There are two restaurants on property. The Gourmet Restaurant called La Cucina has the most fantastic lake view. The accompanying cuisine is fresh and delightful, prepared artistically with seasonal items. The second option is the Agra Bar, a cozy spot to indulge in a light bite while sipping on a cocktail. The waitstaff is so friendly. They truly make your experience even more pleasant.
If you’ve been following along for a while, you know about my passion for only eating breakfast in bed while traveling. The restaurant offers breakfast in the morning, and let me tell you; it is definitely one I would recommend leaving bed for. While waiting for the moving trucks to arrive one early morning, I ventured to the restaurant for breakfast. The table offered amazing views of the lake, and I was greeted by a pleasant surprise of gluten and sugar-free specialties (such a challenge for those who love to enjoy a healthy breakfast to normally find)! There was a lovely selection of sweet pastries that were baked with a sugar replacement. Another highlight was the il Pane del Kurhaus keto bread. It honestly (almost) measured up to my own homemade keto bread ;-).
The rooms at Kurhaus Cademario Hotel & Spa provide all the comforts you need. The bedding is delightful, and so is the mattress. After a long day of hiking and biking, it is the perfect place to rest. I highly recommend booking a lake view room, as you will want to wake up to these incredible views every morning – I promise! The bathrooms are also new and feature a very nice glass shower.
While I already mentioned the physical destination of the property is 850-meters up on the mountainside, I haven’t shared one of the major highlights – the surrounding 320-kilometers of hiking trails! Many of the 320 kilometers of hiking trails lead directly from the door of the Kurhaus Cademario Hotel & Spa. The climate and fresh air in this area of Switzerland allow for beautiful hikes and outdoor activities all year round. Lugano is only about 15-20 minutes away, as is the airport for private jets and charters for those who travel in style. Thanks to the Mediterranean climate and location south of The Alps, you also get the pleasure of palm trees by the pool.
Within about a 45-minute drive from the hotel, you can do some luxury outlet shopping at Fox Town Outlet Center or travel back in history at the medieval citadel of Bellinzona. If you are traveling around for an extended amount of time, there are two additional spots I highly recommend visiting just across the border in Italy. Beautiful Como is only about an hour away and Milan is about an hour and a half away!
With today’s feature, I’m also excited to introduce you to a new feature of my own – The Way of K! This will be a section in all my hotel reviews and destination guides that gives you a personal “insider” tip from my experiences. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
If you are not an avid hiker, I want to let you in on a little sweet spot that’s only about a 20 to 30-minute light hike away from the hotel. The Oratorium San Bernardo from the 16th century is an idyllic spot on the mountainside to take in beautiful views. From here, you can see both lakes! Lake Lugano is on one side of the little church, and Lake Maggiore is on the other! Should you see me here (probably posting an Instagram Story) please do say hi!
Are you planning a visit to Ticino soon? Let me know what questions you have in the comments below or on my Instagram!
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