This apartment exceeded all of our expectations. My husband and I spent a week here and enjoyed every moment. The comfort and quality of the home, the breathtaking beauty of Ascona and the Lago Maggiore region and the the excellent care and service we received from the owner all combined to create the perfect holiday.
First, the apartment: we felt like we were staying at a 5-star hotel...it is private, peaceful and beautifully furnished with the perfect balance of luxury and warmth. The living room and bedrooms are filled with sunshine all day long. The kitchen is a chef's dream and is full of complimentary treats (fresh fruit, coffee, tea, mineral water, even a complimentary bottle of champagne!). The bedrooms and bathrooms are well-designed and extremely comfortable. The amenities throughout the home are too many to mention - you will really find absolutely everything you might possibly need for a relaxing vacation.
The enormous wrap-around terrace is incredibly inviting and is accessible from almost every room in the home. We spent many pleasant hours out on the terrace with our morning coffees and evening drinks gazing at scenes of the snow-capped mountains and enjoyed some spectacular sunsets.
Second, the location: it could not be more convenient. It is a leisurely walk into the enchanting village of Ascona. We fell in love with this charming town and its maze of cobblestone streets, cozy cafes, bakeries and boutiques, and it features one of the most romantic lakefront boulevards in Switzerland. The apartment is next door to a world-class golf course and two beautiful beaches are just at the end of the block. Everything is so conveniently close by - we walked to a bakery for fresh bread in the morning, to the center of Ascona for lunch at midday and to a fabulous grocery store (the Manor) in the afternoon to buy fresh fish and produce for a home-cooked dinner at the apartment.
Beyond Ascona, we tried our best to visit all of the sites/destinations recommended by the owner ...the Verzasca Valley was a highlight (you must try the local cheese and salami plate at Grotto Redorto in Sonogno!) as was the colorful and bustling Italian Sunday market in Cannobio - and Isolabella is a must.
Finally, we must mention Lisa, the owner, who was simply a joy to work with. She made everything pleasant and easy and seemed to anticipate our every need. We highly recommend her beautiful home as the perfect destination for a relaxed and rejuvenating retreat.
