Our opinion
Villa Orselina offers guests a perfectly-balanced combination of stunning location, cultural interest, activity, and potential for relaxation.
Hotel description
The five star Villa Orselina holds a majestic position on the hillside above Locarno. Facing out across Lake Maggiore, with forested slopes tumbling away before it, the Villa Orselina commands a startlingly beautiful panoramic view that simultaneously immerses the property in the natural landscape and secludes it in a bubble of tranquillity. The pool terrace, lined with loungers, parasols, and colourful trees, is the best place to take in this aspect and the gentle warmth of Ticino’s Mediterranean climate. In the summer months, you can enjoy lunch beside the pool at La Pergola, which marries the environment with the freshness of the seasonal food. Throughout the year, Il Ristorante di Villa Orselina encourages guests to enjoy the views of Lake Maggiore as they dine on food sourced around its shores. Due to the profound influence of Italy just across the nearby border, the food is rich with flavours from the Mediterranean. Essential relaxation packages and pampering programmes can be found in La Spa, and are best accompanied by a refreshing dip in the indoor pool. The products used at La Spa have been carefully designed with purity and effectiveness at the forefront. Alternatively, guests can soak up the fresh air on the tennis court, or make the most of the discounted green fees at the local golf courses offered by Villa Orselina. Guestrooms at the hotel all have stunning views across the lake, which, in higher category rooms, are optimised by the inclusion of a balcony. The interiors are consistently light, with an almost ethereal touch added by the fine flowing curtains, white marble tiles, thick soft white rugs, and stately white furnishings. High category rooms have further boutique additions, such as fireplaces, pillars, or dark wood bedframes. The overall effect is one of radiant classical elegance deserving of both the sensational location and the hotel’s five star reputation. The Villa Orselina is the perfect option for couples looking for either a few luxurious nights in Ticino as part of a Swiss touring holiday, or a summer long-stay destination beside the water.
Location
Orselina, north of Locarno in Ticino.
Distance from airport
133 miles
Closest airport
Zurich Airport
Room types
28 rooms
Classico Double Room with lake view
Style Double Room with lake view; some have balcony
Style Junior Suite with lake view, living room, and balcony
Panorama Suite with lake view, living room, kitchen, and balcony
Silvia Suite with lake view, living room, kitchen, and balcony
Two Bedroom Suite with lake view, two bathrooms, living room, kitchen, and balcony
Hotel facilities and services
Il Ristorante di Villa Orselina, La Pergola restaurant (summer only), wine cellar and tasting facilities, La Spa, finnish sauna, steam bath, laconium, outdoor swimming pool, indoor swimming pool, fitness room, and tennis court.
Out and aboutnearby/local interest
Just north of Locarno, a stay in Orselina grants you the benefits of the higher altitude: more impressive panoramic views across Lake Maggiore and the mountains. Do spend, however, an afternoon in Locarno, visiting the important religious and cultural sites, including the 17th century Church of St Anthony, the 16th century Church of San Francesco, the mid-17th century New Church, and the late 15th century Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sasso. Ensure you have time to visit the brooding Visconti Castle, which hosts a permanent exhibition of Roman glass. Venture out into the surrounding landscape to climb the Cardada Cimetta to witness both the highest and lowest parts of Switzerland in one sweeping gaze: Lake Maggiore and the Valais High Alps. Perhaps weave your way through the Magic Valley or the Verzasca Valley, where the water has a distinctive rich green-turquoise colour. Lake Maggiore is the perfect place to enjoy a serene lake cruise or partake in some thrilling water sports.
Sports nearby
Villa Orselina offers green fee discounts in a selection of nearby golf courses.