For the last stop on this year’s summer trip, I decided to stop somewhere halfway between French Riviera and Munich. While Lugano City was pretty busy on that Saturday night, I opted for the new ARIA Retreat & SPA on Lake Lugano but on the Italian side. I have read and heard only positive things about this member of the Leading Hotels of the World. The resort is located within Parco San Marco resort, a casual four-star property known for a family-friendly holiday with access to the lake. Due to a late check-out and complimentary lunch at Chateau de la Messardiere, our arrival at ARIA Retreat & SPA was pretty late and when we arrived it was already dark outside. Nevertheless, the property reached out to me via phone and arranged the dinner for us so that we could enjoy the full ARIA experience. Luckily the roads were not busy and we did the journey in under six hours, checking in at ARIA Retreat & SPA around 9 pm. Once we reached the town of Cima, we took a turn at the end and drove up the driveway of ARIA Retreat & SPA. Soon afterwards we rang the bell and the gate of the garage opened. We entered the sleek black garage and the friendly front desk assistant was already waiting for us taking care of the luggage and the vehicle.

Since 9 p.m. is the last seating at La Musa Restaurant & Rooftop Terrace, they accompanied us directly to the table on the magnificent Lakeview Terrace. What a great way to enjoy one last evening on this picture-perfect ten-day itinerary. We had the pleasure of enjoying a five-course-set menu by the chef himself. All the ingredients are linked to the chef’s childhood in Sardinia and reflect a local touch as well. Service was above par and we felt very welcome during this last evening of our summer holiday. While we watched the night scene of Lake Lugano, we enjoyed a wonderful light dinner with gourmet-level. Even though La Musa Restaurant & Rooftop Terrace is not yet rated with a Michelin star, I am sure it will follow soon. Apart from La Musa Restaurant & Rooftop Restaurant (the resort’s finest dining venue), guests have the choice between six other F&B venues. Most of the outlets are of course family-oriented (hence located in Parco San Marco resort just below ARIA Retreat & SPA) and only La Musa Restaurant & Rooftop Terrace, Dolce Vita Lounge and La Joie de Vivre are tailored to the guests of ARIA Retreat. I was very happy with the choice and found that this was the perfect way to start my stay at one of Northern Italy’s finest places to stay.

Once we walked up the stairs to the lobby of ARIA Retreat & SPA, we signed the check-in form and were accompanied to our amazing two-bedroom Lake View Loggia Suite. Spreading over 157 square meters with two individual bedrooms each with en suite bathrooms, this suite was the biggest of our trip and a proper way to end another great trip. Upon entering, we were impressed by the lofty entree and the stunning guest bathroom with a sink and toilet. A spacious living room with a sofa, television, dining table for four and a full-sized kitchen was the main centrepiece of the suite. Two massive sliding doors leading towards the massive outdoor loggia with sun beds, a dining table for four and some more lounge options overlooking Lake Lugano. I would say the highlight was that both of us had our own bedroom with full-size bathrooms and access to the stunning loggia. Obviously, I caught the master bedroom with a very heavenly king-size bed and another TV. My bathroom came with a free-standing bathtub, a walk-in shower covered in marble, a separate toilet with a washlet and a single vanity desk. Between the bedroom and the bathroom was a walk-in wardrobe with plenty of storage space.

Another highlight was the mid-sized Acqua di Parma toiletries and the plush towels. Everything smelled new and fresh - just like it should be in a brand-new property like the ARIA Retreat & SPA. Design-wise, this hotel could also be out of an Italian furniture brand catalogue. While everything looks a bit mixed at first, after a while you get used to the design and understand the way the interior designer placed the furniture and decoration. I liked the airy look of the suite, so I don’t really understand the small porcelain figures that definitely did not match the otherwise chic interiors. Thanks to the remote location atop Parco San Marco Resort, we both had an incredible rest and there was not a single noise preventing us from a perfect rest. Breakfast is served a la carte, so each guest is asked to fill out the form before falling asleep. We did our homework and placed the room service menu in front of the door before enjoying a last bottle of white wine. A few hours later, perfectly on time, the doorbell rang and breakfast arrived.

A lovely waiter prepared the dining table and placed the entire breakfast for us. Each suite receives an etagere with a bread selection, pastries, ham and cheese, fresh fruits, granola, an egg dish per person as well as coffee and juice of your choice. Credits to the scrambled eggs which were some of the better ones I have tried in Italy. Actually, I am not a fan of in-room breakfasts as the staff do not really care about picking up the trays. In this case, a staff member called one hour after breakfast if they could come and collect the stuff. I really appreciated this proactive service and polite manner. Since we actually stayed at ARIA Retreat & SPA just for an overnight on the way home (which by the way is a shame), we had to vacate the suite for the next guests after breakfast. However only having four hours of driving left, we asked if we could use the spa for a little longer.

This way we could explore the wellness of ARIA Retreat & SPA - called CEò Spa situated just next to the lobby. Spread over two floors, this place is truly spacious considering there is a maximum of about 50 guests at a time. On the first floor, there are changing rooms, treatment rooms, a spa suite as well as a sauna area with a relaxation room. Below, on the ground floor is the modern gym and the wet area including a spacious indoor pool and the outdoor infinity pool. As far as the saunas are concerned, there is a steam room, an ice room, a light panoramic sauna as well as a Finnish sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the emerald green Lake Lugano. As a perfect spot for the colder months, we gave the indoor pool a miss and instead enjoyed the heated outdoor pool in the heart of the 25-hectare garden. Despite being fully booked, at around noon, the spa was not busy and we even had the sauna area all to ourselves which was amazing.

Generally, the property can be considered a boutique hotel with 15 suites. So the staff-to-guest ratio is incredible here and every single staff member is so friendly. They try to do small talk at each occasion and it feels relaxed and genuine every time you engage with them. I really have to make a point here and say that this was the most friendly hotel staff of the entire trip! I would definitely come back to ARIA Retreat & SPA and even though I was impressed by the vast layout of the suite, I would wish they also had entry-level rooms for a more affordable price. At a resort where you are in the spa all day or enjoying the incredible surroundings, I don’t feel the need for a 72 square meters large entry-level category.

Disclaimer: We were guests of ARIA Retreat & SPA and Spa for editorial purposes. However the above written has not been influenced and represents the author’s own opinion.