Castello del Sole: A Beach Resort and Working Estate in Ascona

Castello del Sole is one of the most tranquil retreats in Ticino, a beach resort set in a vast park on Lake Maggiore at Ascona, wrapped around its own working agricultural estate, the Terreni alla Maggia, which grows the rice, wheat, corn and wine that appear at its tables. The result is a farm-to-table philosophy older than the phrase itself.

The dining reflects that ethos. Locanda Barbarossa holds a Michelin star under chef Mattias Roock, who grows missing flavours in the hotel's own garden; Ristorante Tre Stagioni and the alfresco Al Parco serve Italian cuisine and pizza from the estate's own wheat; and the beach bistro La Spiaggia and Bar Bassa Selim complete the offering.

For a serene, farm-to-table lakeside stay, Castello del Sole is a standout.

Planning Ascona? Book your stay with me for preferred-partner perks.