Summary:
The Journey to Ascona
Following a brief 24-hour stop in Zurich, we embarked on a picturesque train journey to Ascona, where the Eden Roc Hotel awaits, nestled alongside the picturesque banks of Lake Maggiore.
Lake Maggiore, alongside its renowned counterparts Lake Como and Lake Garda, stands out as an exquisite Italian lake. It is frequently frequented by affluent tourists and sought-after by many travelers. Reaching Ascona is rather convenient; it is merely about two hours by train (with Locarno being the nearest station) or a two and a half hour drive from Zurich.
The journey through the scenic Swiss countryside is truly enchanting, and it pairs nicely with a glass or two of sparkling wine.
Exploring Ascona and its Language Influence
Ascona showcases the more Italian facet of Switzerland. A brief aside: Switzerland recognizes four official languages – French, German, Italian, and Romansh. Zurich exemplifies the German influence reflected in its architecture, while Geneva leans toward French aesthetics. Conversely, Ascona revels in its Italian influence. Romansh culture remains elusive to me.
Experience at Eden Roc Hotel
Hotel Eden Roc is part of a select collection of luxurious hotels situated in remarkable locations throughout Europe. This particular establishment embodies classic Italian glamour. We serendipitously met the designer during our stay, dressed impeccably as if straight from a Dolce & Gabbana advertisement.
Visit to Brissago Island
We rapidly settled in and indulged in the welcoming basket, as our previous lunch in Zurich did not sustain us through our day of exploration. Subsequently, we ventured to experience the final moments of the sunset—champagne in hand. (To clarify, enjoying sparkling wine was a prominent theme throughout our visit).
Our stay coincides with a grand celebration later that evening—a vibrant affair that I was blissfully unaware of until summoned for dinner in the kitchen.
Culinary Experiences and Parties
The kitchen was alive with excitement upon our arrival, featuring a DJ and exquisite dishes emerging from every corner. Gathering approximately 40 attendees—some familiar faces, while others became new acquaintances throughout the evening (prompting an inevitable hangover the following day)—the atmosphere was incredible!
In the forthcoming mornings, despite my indulgence the previous night, I awoke remarkably free of a hangover—thanks to my self-control regarding the delightful food consumed during the evening.
Selecting to enjoy the breakfast experience by the lake, we boarded a boat arranged by the hotel to visit Brissago Island, known for its stunning villa and expansive gardens.
The much-anticipated view as we navigates Lake Maggiore revealed cascading houses and breathtaking natural scenery—elegantly framed by the mountains adorned with snow, softening into the lake. Each moment enhanced with a glass of bubbly.
Stay tuned for the next post detailing more about our adventures at this charming destination!