Hi Everyone,
Nestled between the serene shimmer of Lake Lugano and the dramatic peaks of Ticino, my birthday weekend at the Suitenhotel Parco Paradiso was nothing short of a birthday fairytale. Starting with the bubbles on our suite balcony with full view over Lugano and the lake, right through to the birthday cake hand delivered to me by three handsome Italian-Swiss waiters, the flamed dinner cooked right in front of us, amazing views from the top of Monte San Salvatore and heavenly boat trip to Morcote where we then lost ourselves in Scherrer park…
Lugano, a mere 2.5 hours drive from Zurich is always a wonderful escape. The lake, warmer temperatures and Italian flavours melt my heart each trip without fail. There’s also so much to do, with each trip we discover something new.
For now though keep reading for a pictorial account of “Lugano Dream Birthday Weekend – Suitenhotel Parco Paradiso”
Lugano Dream Birthday Weekend – Suitenhotel Parco Paradiso
Check-In:
The check-in at Suitenhotel Parco Paradiso was super friendly. In fact we all agree the staff friendliness in every area of the hotel is truly super special and a definite USP of the hotel – smile.
Whilst checking in we were given the Ticino Ticket, (which allows you to travel free on buses), and great tips of what to see and do nearby. Then we were whisked to the beautiful restaurant terrace for a refreshing welcome drink.
Our suite:
Our suite – very generous in size with a fantastic view over the lake and Lugano itself. We loved our coffee machine too – smile.
However what really brought a smile to our faces as we entered our room, was the wonderful bottle of bubbles and beautifully arranged fruit platter awaiting us. Of course we had to head straight to the balcony and enjoy these before doing anything else.
Monte San Salvatore:
After bubbles came our excursion for the day.
A mere 10 minute walk from the hotel and we found ourselves at the Monte San Salvatore funicular. Imagine it has been in operation since 1890 – that’s 135 years as I write. Of course the cabin looked a little different in those days.
Monte San Salvatore is also known as Switzerland’s sugar loaf mountain and the symbol of Lugano. At the top we were treated to breathtaking views of Lugano and surrounding lakes. There are several different activities to do here too but we decided to indulge in ice cream – smile!
Dinner at Tsukimi Tei Restaurant:
Having a flambéed dinner cooked right in front of to us at the restaurant – Tsukimi Tei, was a real highlight. So much so, that I have decided this is the very best restaurant in Lugano!
My Birthday:
Yes, another year older! Couldn’t be happier having just had this cake delivered to me by 3 handsome Swiss-Italian waiters. Being sung Happy Birthday to & having Hubby and Daughter in tow!
Check out the video for fun on Instagram here.
Boat trip to Morcote
A gentle 8 minute stroll down the hill from the hotel and we’re already at the Paradiso pier. As we had 15 minutes to wait I decided to treat myself to an ice cream – much to Reto and Cassias horror – after all we had just had breakfast! However I decided on my Birthday I was allowed to indulge.
Believe me Lake Lugano is seriously one of the most beautiful lakes you can have a boat trip on and Morcote is one of the prettiest little villages along it’s shores.
Morcote is famous for the church of Santa Maria del Sasso, with its terraced cemetery and the Tower of the Captain.
Today however we go and visit the Scherrer park. It takes us about 8 minutes by foot to get to the entrance of the park.
The park is free and so pretty we could have photographed forever. It was like stepping into another world. Cassia kept on finding little spots to hide and read her book – that is until we found her again.
It’s a bit of an uphill journey and when we reached the gates at the top of the hill we thought we had seen everything…
Fortunately Cassia insisted we went back down another path from which we had come up. This way we really did get to see every thing including the Siamese teahouse pictured above.
The park was built by the keen gardener and romantic Arthur Scherrer – see here for the cute story about how it came to be. Fun fact: The garden has been a part of the prestigious chain of the “Great Italian Gardens” for several years.
Time for a swim:
Once back at the Suitenhotel Parco Paradiso, Cassia and I decided it was time to cool off in the pool. It’s a lovely lap length indoor pool with lounge chairs overlooking the lake and Lugano city.
Apero in the Havana Deck Bar:
Life can’t get much better than this, as I sit here in the Havana Deck bar drinking birthday champagne…
The Cuban Bar Havana Deck bar is a great place where smokers really can sit inside and enjoy their Cuban cigars whilst overlooking the lake and city of Lugano. You can even keep your Cuban cigars in a special wardrobe in the Suitenhotel Parco Paradiso – quite a unique idea!
We loved the fact that all the apero snacks served with the champagne were house made. Even the crisps, which were served warm – yummy!
Romantic evening vibes:
Had to include this picture somewhere – it is simply so romantic!
Taken from our suite balcony.
Last morning:
Cassia and I start feeling a little sad that we have to leave so we tour the hotel in our new Dagsmejan sleepwear – hehe. It’s made out of special fabric that keeps you cool at night and we both love how soft the fabric is…
Final breakfast:
Breakfast really does deserve a special mention as it’s a fabulous buffet with everything you can imagine. Freshly prepared eggs and waffles are also available. These are even brought personally to your table… I am getting hungry just writing about this.
Conclusion:
We loved our stay in Paradiso/Lugano at the Suitenhotel Parco Paradiso and thoroughly recommend this to anyone wanting to escape to another world for a couple of days!
The hotel has wonderful staff, generous rooms and suites with panoramic lake views, an indoor pool, fitness rooms and the best restaurant in Lugano (according to me).
Visit the Lugano Region website to plan your activities ahead of time.
Remember it is only 2.5 hours drive from Zurich!
For bookings:
Suitenhotel Parco Paradiso****
Via Carona 27, CH-6900 Lugano Paradiso
Tessin – Schweiz
info@parco-paradiso.com
Tel. +41 (0)91 993 11 11
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other travel articles for Switzerland here.
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Hi dear Yvonne thank you for your blog you must have had a very nice Birthday then the Hotel sound really very nice and your Birthday cake delivered to your table was really amazing love every thing