Aria Retreat And Spa

Aria Retreat and Spa is a wonderful spa getaway on the banks of Lake Lugano, although some guides confusingly say it is on Lake Como. We had never heard of it and were looking for somewhere to chill out quite late in the day after a hectic July. We were slightly apprehensive because it was described as being in the grounds of a much larger resort, Parco San Marco, and what worried us most was noise. But nothing to worry about-apart from a little noise of children splashing around on the water slide in the afternoon, the resort practically did not exist as Aria is at the highest point of the property looking down on the resort and Lake Lugano. Fabulous views! We had a wonderful large suite with our balcony having panoramic views of the lake and really could just have stayed there for our three days. But we got to use the resort facilities, Aria had its own small beach area from which we could go swimming in the lake, and then back up to relax, have a massage in the excellent spa (we had some wonderful treatments) and relax some more before going to have dinner. We dined at Musa, their Michelin-listed restaurant as well as two dinners at La Dolce Vita Lounge, which is aptly named! Brilliant meals with exceptional service-you can even get sticky toffee pudding, which is a speciality of the chef, Carmine, who worked in England! I recommend it. I also need to mention breakfast, which was a sumptuous feast served in the suite every day. Wonderful to eat looking out onto the lake, just taking your time. We cannot praise the staff and service enough. Difficult to name everyone, but Christian at La Dolce Vita was great-keen sense of humour and well-honed in the art of mixing cocktails and generally very informative. We came across Fabio at breakfast in the suite, at Musa and at La Dolce Vita-he was pretty much everywhere with his infectious smile and enthusiasm. Our massage therapists, Elisabetta and Nimet (sorry if spelling wrong!) looked after us expertly with different treatments on both days. Finally, I must mention the art collection around the property. A lot of pieces which made you smile, and a great collection of sculptures of one of our favourite animals, the elephant. We enjoyed talking to Matteo at Reception about the collection. One big favourite was the tunnel leading from Aria to the resort. Its lighting changes colour every few seconds and, as we learnt, it's great to spend time in the tunnel watching every change: you become part of the installation yourself!

Beautiful resort with amazing views of Lake Lugano and surrounding hills/mountains and staff was the most pleasant and accommodating. Our suite was stunning - large, comfortable and well appointed. Bathrooms were spacious and well laid out. The outside deck was expansive and unbelievable views. If staying in the Lake Lugano / Lake Como area would look nowhere else and would stay at this gem. The restaurants were also wonderful. This hotel was a highlight of our three week vacation in Italy and best hotel we stayed at on our trip.