TROPICAL parks, Mediterranean climate, palm trees, mountains, cities, beautiful sub-tropical gardens along with superb food and wine - the entire Dolce Vita experience...
but it's not in Italy. Instead a visit to the Swiss Canton of Ticino, nestling beside Italy, offers visitors the chance to experience that famous Swiss efficiency with Italian spontaneity — the best of both worlds. But have no doubt that this Italian-speaking region is truly Swiss.
As one local said: "I may speak Italian, but I'm Swiss through and through." I visit Switzerland annually and this place captured my heart, offering a rich blend of history, nature and culture nestled between the Alps and the magnificent lakes of Maggiore and Lugano. It has the added advantage of being the sunniest part of the country.
I stayed in the fabulous Bigatt Hotel perched on a hillside overlooking the sparkling waters of Lake Lugano with heavenly views that words can't describe. It is located in the middle of the wonderful green park on Monte San Salvatore. The park has meadows, woods and gardens for guests to stroll through, and an outdoor swimming pool is a real bonus.
The building has its own chapel, with amazing frescos, and there is a small wine museum. The Locanda dal Bigatt restaurant with its terrace overlooking the Gulf of Lugano offers spectacular 360-degree views. It gives an already delicious dinner that extra X factor, while the cuisine comes from either their organic gardens or from the local region and th.