As we prepare to say goodbye to Summer, Giardino Ascona in Ticino Switzerland, is the one place where summer takes its time saying adios.

Just as most Mediterranean resorts begin to shut their windows this month and next, against the advance of winter, Giardino Ascona in ever-pleasant Ticino, Switzerland will enjoy a lengthy Indian summer.

This time round, Giardino Ascona is taking full advantage of its prolonged summer months until November 6th this year. This will also offer extra time to celebrate its 30th anniversary and the launch of Ayurveda by Giardino – “The Soul Retreat”.

The laid-back Giardino Ascona on the shores of sparkling Lake Maggiore has perfected the art of casual luxury. It is just the ideal destination to soak in the final days of summer. The resort has a character that brims with that special Mediterranean joie de vivre, superior service and charismatic design. Better put, it’s one of the defining destinations and experiences within Ticino, the Italian part of Switzerland.

Culinary Experience at Giardino Ascona

As we all know (at least those who have been around the area), the Indian summer months provide a brilliant culinary backdrop. This matches the lakefront Giardino Ascona own offerings, which include the two-Michelin-starred Ecco Ascona. This is experienced more through exploring the region with your taste buds (not literally).

If you are in touch with your palate, you will find out just how much of a tantalizing expedition it can be this time of year. This is because it is that time when Ticino’s plump grapes and chestnuts are ready for harvesting.

Starting in the final weekend of September, you can take a day trip to explore the nearby town of Mendrisio for the annual Grape Festival. Here, its traditional culture comes alive amid charming courtyards and stalls brimming with delicious bottled grape waiting to be sampled. In Ascona, alongside the hotel itself, the Autumn Festival kicks off in early October with afternoon concerts. An astonishing 2,000 kg of chestnuts are roasted on the fire by the local maronatt, or “merchant”, with even more chestnut treats to be tried such as jams, honeys and cakes.

In addition, there are other regional fares including polenta, mortadella and gorgonzola to be sampled. If you miss the festival or still haven’t gotten your fill of chestnuts, the 14-km Chestnut Path in the Gradiccioli mountain range offers a moderate hike amid chestnut groves, birch woods, streams, meadows and spectacular panoramic views.

Ayurveda at Giardino Ascona

After enjoying your gastronomic indulgence, it is time to return to Giardino Ascona. Here you will experience its newest health and wellness offering, Ayurveda by Giardino. Available along with the hotel’s specially extended summer season, you will have access to a vast menu of Ayurveda services and programmes.

Apparently, this is the first time the ancient medical system has been offered in any five-star hotel in Switzerland. In addition to these exclusive Ayurveda and yoga retreats, if you grab a booking, the resort will throw in a 20% discount on your room rate (yey). This discount will only last as long as the Giardino Ascona summer lasts, which is until November 6th, 2016. Summer has to come to an end at one point or another anyway.

From where I am sitting, I am wishing for summer end. But since that can’t seem to happen fast enough, I might just escape (to another side of the globe at least).

xoxo