Swiss Diamond Hotel Lugano

Lake Lugano crosses the borders of Switzerland and Italy several times, and the region is a predictably complex mix of Swiss and Italian culture. That goes for Swiss Diamond Hotel Lugano as well. Situated near the southern end of the city of Lugano’s peninsula, right on the shores of the lake, it’s a rich blend of quasi-tropical lakeside luxury and hardier Alpine escapism. And in terms of style, it’s a hybrid as well; the building is modernist, its exterior maximizing its exposure to views of the lake, but on the inside, the rooms and suites are as classic as they come, with furnishings and details that wouldn’t look far out of place in a Renaissance-era villa.

And because this is Switzerland, the tactile comforts are even more extravagant than the visual ones. Top-quality mattresses, encyclopedic pillow menus, bathrooms that could double as day spas — people have been flocking to Switzerland’s lakes for some physical restoration since time immemorial, and they’ve built up a substantial amount of expertise.

To that end the wellness offerings go beyond an impressive spa with multiple pools, saunas and steam rooms, and venture into “aesthetic medicine.” Or you can improve yourself the hard way with a hike, a swim, a bike tour, or an hour or two in the Swiss Diamond’s well-equipped gym. Meanwhile the restaurants make good use of both Swiss and Italian traditions in order to fuel you for the next day’s adventure.

How to get there:
Lugano is less than an hour’s drive from Milan. A shuttle connects Swiss Diamond with Lugano’s city center.