Four decades of Mediterranean lifestyle, genuine hospitality and stylish relaxation: the Giardino Ascona celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026. Since opening in 1986, the hotel on Lake Maggiore has developed into one of the most influential addresses in the Swiss luxury hotel industry – a place where Mediterranean lightness, culinary excellence and personal service combine in an unmistakable way. The Giardino Ascona still forms the heart of the Giardino Group today, from which other hotels and concepts have subsequently emerged.
For Daniela and Philippe Frutiger, CEOs of the Giardino Group, the anniversary is above all a moment of gratitude: “The Giardino Ascona is much more than a hotel – it is a place full of memories, encounters and emotions. The fact that we can now celebrate 40 years of history is thanks above all to our guests and our great team,” says Daniela Frutiger.
Philippe Frutiger adds: “Our vision has always been to create luxury in a relaxed and authentic way. To this day, the Giardino Ascona stands for precisely this attitude – quality at the highest level, but with heart, personality and genuine hospitality.”
This philosophy characterizes the hotel in every detail – from the Mediterranean gardens to the relaxed pool landscape and a culinary offering that radiates far beyond the region. A highlight is the multi-award-winning ECCO Ascona restaurant, which, under the direction of chef Reto Brändli, is one of Switzerland’s leading gourmet addresses. With his modern, precise cuisine and international influences, Brändli is continuing the restaurant’s culinary success story. The ECCO was recently honored with two Michelin stars, 18 points in Gault&Millau and the “Rising Star of the Year 2026” award for Reto Brändli, making it one of the most exciting culinary destinations in Switzerland.
In addition to the gastronomy, the dipiù Spa is also a central part of the Giardino experience. The multi-award-winning wellness concept combines modern medical wellness approaches with holistic regeneration. The exclusive dipiù retreats, which offer guests individually tailored programs for detox, longevity, fitness or mental balance, are particularly popular.
Für General Manager Wolfram Merkert ist das Jubiläum ein Zeichen für Kontinuität und Teamgeist: «Das Giardino Ascona lebt von Menschen, die ihre Leidenschaft für Gastfreundschaft jeden Tag aufs Neue zeigen. Viele unserer Mitarbeiter begleiten das Haus seit vielen Jahren – das schafft eine Atmosphäre, die Gäste sofort spüren.»
One of these personalities is Claudio Caser, concierge from the very beginning and part of the Giardino team since the opening.
“I have welcomed generations of guests here and many of them have been coming back for decades,” says Caser. “The Giardino has always been a place with soul – and that’s what makes it so special to this day.”
To mark the 40th anniversary, guests can also look forward to special experiences and offers – from culinary events to exclusive stay arrangements. All anniversary specials can be discovered online at giardinohotels.ch/40years.
Even after four decades, the Giardino Ascona remains true to its original idea: a place where guests feel at home – only with Mediterranean flair, exceptional cuisine and the unmistakable lightness of Ticino.
