Villa Principe Leopoldo & Residence is a magnificent ultra-luxury boutique hotel, far from the crowds and frenzy of city life. Just getting to the Villa from the center of Lugano is an experience in and of itself. The location, with a spectacular circular driveway in front of the main entrance, is stunning.

Famous celebrities, captains of finance and industry, political leaders and royal families, typically stay at the Principe Leopoldo when in Lugano.

Set in the tranquility and privacy of the exclusive Collina d'Oro, an elegant, sun-kissed residential area dearly loved by author Herman Hesse, the Villa's guests can relax in this royal residence, sip a drink while taking in the breathtaking views of the lake and mountains, savor exquisite dishes accompanied by fine vintage wines, and be royally pampered by an attentive staff.

The princely Villa was built by Prince Leopoldo Von Hohenzollern in 1868. The lovely facade of the two-story building rounds out slightly into two side-wings with large windows. The tiled sloping roof is dotted with many chimneys. All around there is an explosion of greenery, lawns, trees, bushes and flowers.

Behind the luminous main entrance hall, there is a stunning view of the lake. A large garden-terrace features an octagonal fountain delimited by two glass-covered gazebos. The picture-perfect view of the blue water surrounded by mountains is absolutely breathtaking. The white city of Lugano built on the winding shores of the lake lies just below.

The splendor of the Belle Époque that this historical villa witnessed can still be perceived in its luxurious halls, the marble fireplaces, and rich curtains that create a very soft and quiet atmosphere.

Impeccable service and unequalled cuisine come together to guarantee the highest standards of hospitality and comfort. There is no question that luxury here is not the product of some fashionable architect's design, but derives almost naturally from the villa's history.

The Principe Leopoldo Restaurant: The award-winning restaurant is renowned for its quality and elegance. It features three quiet dining areas, well-distanced tables, marble, floral upholstery, Louis XVI chairs, and an impeccable service.

When the weather permits, guests can enjoy the Gazebo on the large terrace in front of a breathtaking view. The Limonaia, a terraced winter garden, full of flowers and with a view on the lake and the swimming pool is the ideal place to have breakfast in good weather.

Chef Dario Ranza loves choosing his ingredients fresh from the market. His cuisine is a harmonious blend of classical light Mediterranean recipes and others from the Lombard tradition. The presentation is refined and contemporary. Recipes continue to evolve but risotto is always a great favorite. Although prepared in a myriad number of ways and with various taste combinations, chef Ranza always prefers using grand reserve carnaroli rice. His other specialties are represented by his Irish tender loin and grilled fruit deserts. The menu changes every six months and there are always daily specials.

The dishes are at once tasty but delicate; the menu is contrived according to the season, featuring both meat and fish, flavors from the vegetable garden and aromatic herbs, and delicious deserts. The wide selections of wines and Champagne are among the best in the world. Service is extremely professional and directed by two expert maître sommeliers: Claudio Recchia and Gabriele Speziale.

The Principe Bar: The Villa's bar is always busy in the evenings, especially on weekends. Once a month, there is a wine-tasting evening featuring some of the best labels of wines or champagnes. There is also a vast selection of malt whisky and a cigar menu. Relaxing in comfortable armchairs, guests can listen to music, including a piano player sometimes accompanied by live singers, until after midnight.

GUEST ROOMS & SUITES: The Villa has 37 rooms including two are very spacious suites and several junior suites, either overlooking the lake or garden. All rooms have air-conditioning and are furnished with great taste and refined elegance, featuring soft carpeting, lovely furnishings, light-colored furniture with inlays of wood on leather, marble bathrooms and spacious wardrobes. Pure 100% cotton linen, 100% wool blankets and down or goose feather pillows are to be found in every room.

Aside from the main Villa there is also a nearby Residence, a more modern building whose facade is characterized by an imposing portico. The Residence has 38 large and very peaceful rooms, all with air-conditioning; these rooms have been recently refurbished and feature a living room and a good view of the garden.

SPORTS & FITNESS: Sports enthusiasts are able to enjoy two heated, outdoor swimming pools, two well equipped fitness centers and two synthetic grass tennis courts.

KISO SPA: The hotel has a small and luxurious personal well-being center, an extraordinary jewel offering excellent cosmetics, privacy and exclusive treatments, including various kinds of massages and fitness programs with an experienced personal trainer.

SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS: In an atmosphere that blends local warmth with five star service, everything has been envisaged to surprise and make guests feel at ease and provide memorable experiences. Guests may request a limousine driver, helicopter rides, a personal butler or shopper, as well as the rental of a church. Extra amenities include a free shoe polishing service during the night, and babysitting service upon request. A concierge is on duty around the clock.

Ticino lives la dolce vita, blessed with a balmy climate, stunning scenery and infinite pleasures. A land of lakes, mountains, fascination and fun. Safe and secure, with clean air, fabulous food, fine wines and endless leisure pursuits. Ticino is where Italian flair meets Swiss precision; warm hospitality going hand in hand with the ultimate in efficiency.

Open and outgoing yet intimate and intricate. Fashionable and far from the big crowds, yet blissfully easy to reach, Lugano is Switzerland's third financial center and a holiday resort whose traditions date back to the end of the 19th century. The region is also renowned for its international open air festivals.