Latest news with #HotelEdenRoc
Metro
3 hours ago
- Metro
I stayed at Switzerland's only beach resort — this is my honest review
Hugging the northern shore of Lake Maggiore, on the fringes of colourful Ascona, Hotel Eden Roc enjoys views more commonly associated with the Mediterranean than Switzerland. The only beach resort in a country known for its majestic peaks and verdant meadows is a stunning escape from a frightening world, with an impressive spa and a private marina where palm trees sway and speedboats bob. Hidden behind sunshine-coloured walls, the hotel has four superb restaurants and a five-star menu of activities that includes windsurfing, water skiing, and sunset yoga. You might come for luxury, but what you'll remember is the view (and the preposterously good breakfast). We have to start with location. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Set on the outskirts of Ascona, a sun-kissed settlement in the Swiss canton of Ticino, the hotel blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings. Against a backdrop of mountains and rippling water, a morning on a sun lounger in the pretty gardens could quiet even the most frazzled mind. Its lakeside perch is breathtaking, but if you fancy exploring, the heart of Ascona is less than a five-minute stroll (you can read more about the destination here). Unlike other high-end hotels, Eden Roc feels upmarket without being pretentious. On arrival, I'm greeted with a smile, and the impeccable service continues past check-out — a driver is on hand to drive you 10 minutes to the nearest train station. Guests roam about in their robes, which adds to the relaxed dolce vita vibe. The spa is enormous (sprawled over 2,000sqm) and of the highest quality. There are saunas and steam baths with intricate tiling inspired by Turkish hammams, plus a hair and beauty salon, treatment rooms for massage and facials, and two large swimming pools. You could easily spend a weekend cocooned here, but most of the activity takes place outdoors. Included in your stay is bike rental (pedal and e-bike) and a comprehensive range of water sports. Staff run guided hikes to prehistoric ruins that tower over the town, and will even charter a motorboat so you can cruise the lake, taking in sights like the subtropical Brissago Islands. The 1970s facade looks unassuming, even a little modest. But behind the doors of the hotel's main building (it's spread across three), the class of the resort quickly reveals itself. There are 95 rooms and suites, all furnished by local interior designer Carlo Rampazzi. All have balconies with views of the mountains or lake (some have both), and cavernous bathrooms with tubs big enough for two. Yes, and you should. You're spoiled for choice, with four restaurants serving twists on classic Mediterranean fare. Restaurant Eden Roc, an elegant all-rounder with a romantic lakeside terrace, serves one of the best hotel breakfasts I've come across. As well as a buffet of pastries, homemade chia puddings and every element of a continental breakfast known to humankind, there are waffles and a mimosa station to get the day started right. By night, the restaurant turns into a theatre, with bow-tied staff preparing pasta and deliciously retro crêpes suzette at your table. Mauro's flambéing skill is something to behold. While all of this is outrageously decadent, the hotel's 'Moving Mountains' programme puts equal emphasis on the holistic. It has five guiding pillars: move, play, nourish, rest and give. More Trending These come to life in locally-sourced, plant-focused menus, and mindful activity classes such as meditation and breathwork. One restaurant that doesn't quite fit with the rest of the hotel is La Marina, which serves an experimental fusion of Med, Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine. The muhammara was tasty, but I'm not sure it works as a starter for tagliatelle vongole. Prices vary depending on the day of the week, but standard double rooms start from £475 (CHF 530) based on two adults sharing on B&B basis. For families and bigger groups, the Junior Suite Mountain View starts at £1,213 (CHF 1350) for four people sharing, including breakfast. Time: Switzerland is one hour ahead of the UK. Weather: The average daily maximum temperature in June is around 21°C. Adaptors: UK to EU travel adapter. Currency: The local currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Visas: You do not need a visa to visit any part of Switzerland, and can stay for periods of up to 90 days. Check in/check out: You can check in from 3pm, and you'll need to check out before 12pm, but you can enjoy the spa and gardens until you need to leave. Disability access? Yes. The hotel has a wheelchair-accessible spa, restaurants and check-in desk. Standout feature: The lakeside location, the breakfast and the always helpful staff. Perfect for: Couples, families and solo travellers who want to switch off. Not right for: Large groups and anyone on a budget. MORE: Unassuming UK village is an absolute gem for foodies with 'exceptional' restaurants MORE: Wizz Air launches £18 flights to 'enchanting' European gem where pints are just £1 MORE: Major European holiday destination opens e-gates to British travellers just in time for summer
Hospitality Net
3 days ago
- Hospitality Net
Hotel Eden Roc Reopens on Lake Maggiore
Hotel Eden Roc in Ascona, Switzerland has reopened its doors after undergoing seven months of extensive renovations of its main building. Perched on the shores of Lake Maggiore, the property has unveiled an array of new rooms and suites, and a transformed lobby, facade, and Garden of Eden boasting Mediterranean charm and unrivaled lakeside views. The renovations are led by local Ticino designers and architects Carlo Rampazzi and Fiorenzo Tresoldi. Together, they worked to incorporate extensive glasswork and a carefully selected array of materials, infusing the hotel with a new sense of lightness and zest. Vibrant colors and elegant architecture accentuate the reimagined lobby, rooms, and suites of the main building, reflecting the hotel's timeless charm. Each balcony has also been refitted with glass balustrades to enhance the views of Lake Maggiore and the surrounding mountains. Additionally, the 100,000 square foot Garden of Eden and pontile have been revamped, featuring lush summer blooms, cozy seating areas, and direct access to the lake with a private harbor. New offerings also include the Eden Roc Beach Buggy and the first Swisse-pedalo, OTTER, for enjoying adventures on the lake and surrounding areas. Beyond aesthetics, the award-winning resort has embraced sustainability by introducing a forward-thinking energy concept that leverages the natural temperature differences between the lake and groundwater, allowing a CO2-neutral energy supply. The hotel utilizes energy from its own photovoltaic systems, positioning the property as the first independent hotel to undertake such an investment in sustainable energy efficiency. During a visit, guests can fill their days with peaceful walks along Ascona's main piazza or leisurely boat rides on the lake, while soaking in the unique charm and rich culture of the region. Travelers can also enjoy bicycle tours around Ticino, hiking to the Castelliere Ruins, and exploring the Monte Verita tea gardens. As the Eden Roc is the only true beach resort in Switzerland with direct waterfront access to the lake, visitors can enjoy swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding right from the shores of the property. Hotel website
Daily Mail
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Duran Duran singer Simon Le Bon, 66, enjoys a dip in the ocean alongside his swimsuit-clad wife Yasmin during luxurious holiday in France
Simon Le Bon and his wife Yasmin looked blissfully happy as they took a refreshing dip in the ocean during their French getaway on Friday. The Duran Duran frontman, 66, and his model wife, 60, appeared relaxed and carefree as they cooled off in the sea at the luxurious five-star Hotel Eden Roc. Simon went shirtless in a pair of brown swim shorts and goggles as he enjoyed the sunny outing. While Yasmin turned heads in a orange thong swimsuit that showed off her stunning figure. The couple, who got married in 1985, appeared in good spirits as they strolled along the pier before diving into the crystal-clear waters to cool off from the Mediterranean sun. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Simon Le Bon and his wife Yasmin looked blissfully happy as they took a refreshing dip in the ocean during their French getaway on Friday Simon went shirtless in a pair of brown swim shorts and goggles as he enjoyed the sunny outing After their swim, the loved-up pair climbed the ladder back onto the pier and made their way up to the hotel. Simon and Yasmin have been in France for the Cannes Film Festival, which runs from May 13 until May 24. On Thursday, Simon reunited with bandmates John Taylor and Dom Brown for a show-stopping performance at the amfAR Gala. His band Duran Duran closed the night with their electrifying hits 'Notorious' and 'A View to a Kill.' Earlier in the evening, Simon arrived with his glamorous wife Yasmin, who stunned in a sleek champagne satin suit. Simon looked equally sharp in a classic white dinner jacket paired with black trousers. It comes after Yasmin how admitted a career walking the catwalks left her in chronic pain and 'very depressed'. The star was just 17 when she was spotted by a model scout and went on to sigh with Models 1 Agency in London after leaving school. Over the course of her career she became the face of Versace, Chanel and Dior and graced the covers of Vogue, Cosmopolitan and Harper's Bazaar to name a few. Reflecting on her years in the industry Yasmin explained the profession has led to her suffering crippling back pain for many years. Speaking in an interview with Hello Magazine she confessed she has 'paid the price' physically. The star explained: 'I've had times in my life where it has become really, very depressing when I couldn't walk without pain, couldn't do anything and it's really hard.' She added: 'I feel for anybody who's had back pain or is going through it. 'I think it's a mental thing as well, getting through the fact that maybe you're going to have to live with a certain amount of pain. 'You can do that, you just have to change the way you do everything.' Yasmin described how she would often be doing balletic leaps across sets while wearing stilettos which nobody would do now. Meanwhile the fashion icon also opened up about how she always had to be on her guard for predatory behaviour and thanks her strong personality for keeping her out of uncomfortable situations. The star admitted there were a few instances that could have 'gone differently' as she explained: 'I think after those two instances, anything that made me feel in any way out of control, I made sure never happened again.... I think you can't give an inch.' She explained how photographers would try to test you and push you psychologically to get you to do a job or see if you would be tough enough for it. Yet she stayed true to herself and confessed that even in her younger days she had a no nonsense attitude. Yasmin has also always had her rocker husband Simon by her side after the pair married when she was just 21. She shares three daughters with the Duran Duran frontman. Amber, 35, who welcomed her first child at the start of this year, Saffron, 33, and 30-year-old Tallulah.
