Discover Lugano Riviera in 2025

Lugano's Hidden Charms
*Sunshine, Art, and the Taste of Luxury

written Monica de Luna

Lugano blends Mediterranean ease and Swiss chic, radiating over 2,300 hours of sunshine each year. Luxury is woven into vibrant art scenes, immersive experiences, and gourmet delights.

Here, days are graced by an ever-present sun, illuminating the turquoise waters of Lake Lugano. The region invites travelers to indulge their senses—whether through leisurely strolls along picturesque promenades, encounters with Renaissance masterpieces, or dining in the refined ambiance of local gastronomy. Every moment in Lugano is a refined encounter, a harmonious interplay between nature, culture, and especially luxury.

Parco Ciani Lugano
Lugano Region
seen by Antonio Ravazza

Hotel Principe Leopolde
Lugano Region

An Artistic Voyage in Lugano

Lugano is a haven for art enthusiasts, a region where creativity is embedded in everyday life. At MASI Lugano—the Museo d’arte della Svizzera italiana—visitors explore collections that span antiquity to contemporary expressions, displayed within the elegant Palazzo Reali and the dynamic LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura center. These prestigious institutions are pivotal in showcasing classic Swiss and international contemporary art, offering exhibitions that stimulate reflection and aesthetic pleasure.

Venture beyond the city center and discover Montagnola, home to the Hermann Hesse Museum. Dedicated to the German literary giant Hermann Hesse, who lived and created here, the museum illustrates the profound influence this serene landscape had on his masterpieces, such as Siddhartha and The Glass Bead Game. An upcoming exhibition, "In Hesse's Gardens: On Compost, Art, and Mindfulness," promises to captivate visitors by linking the physical act of gardening with profound literary insight.

Unique Experiences Await

Lugano elevates traditional tourism by offering interactive and memorable experiences. For those seeking sensory engagement, Art-Alchemy presents a one-of-a-kind gin workshop, merging creativity with alchemical mysticism. Led by artist Gaba Müller and alchemist Mattia Regazzoni, participants craft their personalized gin and custom-designed bottles, creating tangible memories wrapped in a unique blend of artistry and aroma. Wine lovers and pottery enthusiasts find common ground in the "Wine and Clay" experience at Momento Ceramics. This activity pairs blind wine tastings with hands-on pottery, motivating participants to sculpt their creativity while savoring select local wines. It's an intimate moment of inspiration, taste, and of craftsmanship.

Gourmands are equally spoiled with the "Taste my Swiss City Lugano" experience, which provides a self-guided culinary journey through Lugano’s hidden culinary gems, featuring stops from traditional Gastronomia Bernasconi to sophisticated Grand Café al Porto. It’s an authentic exploration designed for those eager to taste the true flavor of Lugano beyond the typical tourist routes.

The View Lugano
Lugano Region

Villa Castagnola
Lugano Region

Natural Splendors and Scenic Routes

Lugano's nature invites exploration, boasting over 900 kilometers of hiking trails and 400 kilometers of mountain biking paths. Monte Brè offers breathtaking vistas from a height of 935 meters, including a glimpse of Lugano's twin mountain, the iconic Monte San Salvatore. The charming artist village Brè entices visitors with quaint stone houses and enchanting alleyways leading down to Gandria, a historic fishermen’s village.

Back in Lugano’s heart, the Parco Ciani offers floral abundance and lake views, culminating in the bustling Piazza della Riforma, where pastel-hued palaces frame idyllic evening aperitivos. Here, one discovers the essence of Lugano’s Italian soul expressed through architectural grace and the rich palette of regional cuisine.

To fully embrace Lugano’s luxury, your accommodations should match the destination’s grandeur:

The View Lugano – A contemporary retreat that epitomizes exclusivity. Set atop a hillside, each suite offers spectacular panoramic views of Lake Lugano, blending modern design with impeccable comfort.

Villa Castagnola – Housed in a historic villa surrounded by lush gardens, this elegant hotel merges Mediterranean charm with Swiss precision. It’s renowned for its fine dining and cultural refinement, offering guests a stay that’s both relaxing and inspiring.

Hotel Principe Leopoldo – A residence of noble origins, Hotel Principe Leopoldo exudes classic luxury. Overlooking the lake and mountains, it provides guests with impeccable service, outstanding cuisine, and an ambiance of timeless elegance.

Monte Bre Primavera and Monte Brè
Lugano Region

Lugano offers an exceptional luxury experience, where art, culinary delights, and nature harmoniously merge. Sophistication is present in every sun-drenched vista and elegantly plated dish. Lugano awaits—ready to enchant you with its blend of Swiss precision and Italian joie de vivre. It is a luxurious discovery, crafted from the essence of unforgettable experiences. Enjoy!

visit Lugano Region www.luganoregion.com

Fuchsegg Eco Lodge *Bregenzerwald

Fuchsegg Eco Lodge
*Where Alpine Roots Meet Radical Design

written Monica de Luna

Architectural homage or alpine revolution? Fuchsegg Eco Lodge refuses to pick a side.

Straddling the line between nature and innovation, this alpine retreat disrupts the rustic clichés of mountain lodges with precision design, eco-consciousness, and an unapologetic focus on community. Six buildings, scattered yet connected, form the heart of a space that thrives on chance encounters. Whether in the sauna, the library, or over a glass of locally sourced wine, guests are co-conspirators in the art of living.

The eco lodge becomes one with its surroundings. Owner Carmen Can, rooted in the region, took the alpine aesthetic and twisted it into something audacious yet familiar. Traditional farmsteads serve as the blueprint, but here, it’s less about nostalgia and more about evolution. The architecture whispers alpine, but with a modern edge—clean lines, native wood, and stone set against windows that demand you rethink your relationship with nature.

Forget the buzzwords. Sustainability here is built into the DNA of the place. Fuchsegg’s design strips down luxury to its core: local materials, minimal carbon footprint, and a bio-nahwärme system that heats the entire complex with nothing but wood chips from nearby forests. Even the color palette nods to the landscape—the deep purples of wild blueberries and the earthy browns of the mushrooms Carmen Can used to forage as a child.

But it's the communal energy that makes Fuchsegg a space worth experiencing. The architecture practically begs for interaction. There’s no seamless connection between structures because you're meant to feel the earth beneath your feet. It's a design choice as much as a philosophy—one that insists on breaking down the boundaries between isolation and connection.
Want to hunker down solo? Go ahead. But if you're craving collective energy, rooms can be reconfigured into larger apartments for groups. It’s this flexibility, both physical and social, that defines the space. A retreat where rooms can grow and contract as easily as the conversations between guests.
And then there's the Gasthaus—a true communal hub that blurs the line between hotel and home. It’s where locals mix with visitors, and regional cuisine takes center stage. The kitchen embraces bold, hyper-local ingredients, using minimal intervention to create dishes that reflect the essence of sustainable dining. The wine list features local artisans who infuse their philosophy into each bottle, offering an authentic taste of the region.

There’s a tension here between reflection and creation. One moment you're buried in an art catalog from the lodge’s extensive library, and the next you’re brainstorming on the terrace with panoramic views of the Winterstaude. Even the lodge’s seminar rooms challenge the corporate mold—spaces that breathe with light, wood, and the openness of nature. Whether you're here for yoga or business, Fuchsegg accommodates and elevates the experience.

The sauna and year-round outdoor pool act as a soft reset, letting you detox under the Alpine sky. Yoga platforms edge the property, giving you a new way to connect with the environment.

The Fuchsegg experience is luxury without the gloss—unpolished, raw, but undeniably intentional. It's in the handcrafted furniture, the unpretentious vibe of the shared spaces, and the kind of design that feels less curated and more discovered.

Fuchsegg Eco Lodge offers a getaway and it dares you to rethink what a lodge can be. The lines between traditional and modern blur, and what emerges is a space that challenges the very idea of retreating. At Fuchsegg, you evolve.

visit Fuchsegg Eco Lodge Website www.fuchsegg.at
follow on Instagram @fuchsegg


all images (c) Günter Standl

Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz *Urban Comfort

Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz
*Urban Comfort with a Scandinavian Soul

written Sarah Arendts

Berlin’s dynamic energy, full of contrasts and history, finds an ideal companion in Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz.

The hotel stands as a modern sanctuary, merging Scandinavian design principles with the urban vibrancy of Berlin. For young families, it offers a place to rest and provides an environment that complements the city’s pace and the needs of its guests.

Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz
Presidential Suite

credit for all images
(c) Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz 

Positioned at Potsdamer Platz, the hotel places Berlin’s rich cultural and historical offerings at your doorstep. A short walk takes you to the Berlin Wall, the green expanses of Tiergarten, or the interactive buzz of the Sony Center. Such proximity to key attractions makes it a convenient base for families eager to explore the city without enduring long trips across town.

Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz greets you with a design that is unmistakably Scandinavian—clean lines, natural materials, and a palette that calms the senses. The hotel’s interior embodies simplicity, yet it exudes warmth through the use of wood and soft, ambient lighting. This creates a space that is inviting, allowing families to relax and recharge in a setting that feels homely and stylish. With a dedicated kid's corner, the hotel ensures that children are welcomed and entertained, creating an atmosphere where parents can relax, knowing that their little ones are well cared for, without feeling overwhelmed by constant attention.

The rooms are designed with an eye for detail, ensuring that every family member has space to feel comfortable. Bunk beds for children add an element of fun to the room, transforming it into a place where the day’s adventures can continue. The main sleeping area offers a king-sized bed, promising restful nights in a calm, quiet environment.

Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz does not merely incorporate sustainability—it lives it. The hotel’s commitment to eco-friendly practices is evident in its use of recycled materials, energy-efficient systems, and an overall design that minimizes environmental impact.

For families, this focus on sustainability adds depth to the experience. It’s an opportunity to show children that luxury can be responsible and that choices made in design and operation can have a positive impact on the planet. The hotel’s green roof, for example, provides insulation and fosters biodiversity, serving as a living example of Scandic’s commitment to the environment. The roof is home to bees that produce the hotel’s own honey, further enhancing its eco-friendly initiatives. The restaurant continues this philosophy, offering dishes made from organic and locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that every meal is as conscious as it is delicious.

Terrasse

Kidscorner

Rooftop, own honey production

Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz offers an experience that feels as though it was designed with families in mind. The breakfast buffet is a prime example, featuring a wide range of options that cater to adults and children, ensuring that everyone starts the day satisfied and ready for what lies ahead.

The hotel’s location further enhances the family-friendly experience, with nearby attractions like the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre offering endless entertainment for children.

The staff at Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz strikes the perfect balance between attentiveness and respect for privacy. They are always ready to assist, offering helpful tips or a warm smile, yet they know when to step back, allowing families to enjoy their time together.

visit Scandic Hotel Website www.scandichotels.de
follow on Instagram @scandichotels