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Introducing ARIA Retreat & Spa on the Emerald Shores of Lake Lugano in Como, Italy

ARIA Retreat & Spa is a new luxury hospitality concept, located on the shores of Lago di Lugano near Lago di Como in Italy. 



A member of The Leading Hotels of The World, ARIA Retreat & Spa, is set within a lush subtropical 60-acre park inside of the Parco San Marco Hotels & Beach Resort.



Overlooking the emerald waters of Lake Lugano, in Cima di Porlezza, Como, on the southern slope of Mount Bronzone, immersed in a subtropical park of 40,000 square meters and a forest of over 200,000 square meters, ARIA Retreat & SPA is intended for true lovers of nature and beauty, at the heart of which is a philosophy focused on well-being, which is achieved through tailor-made, personalized service and facilities. 



The refined architecture of the property integrates seamlessly with the mountains and the lakes in a harmonious embrace. The sustainable structure was awarded Energy Class A thanks to applying the best natural materials and technological solutions a the highest level. 


Amenities include a Spa and Wellness Center Spa CEò, the Dolce Vita Lounge Bar & Terrace,  the fine dining restaurant La Musa Restaurant & Rooftop Terrace, and more.



The architecture and interior design of ARIA Retreat & Spa project was managed by the renowned Milanese architecture firm, R4M Engineering. With 15 suites created across three floors, and 2,000 square metres of residential area, ARIA is a unique and truly tailor-made architectural project. 


Special features include a 130 m² heated indoor swimming pool with a relaxation area, complete with large windows giving this environment great luminosity as well as a splendid view of the lake. From the same floor, through a passageway into the water, you can reach the outdoor salted and heated swimming pool; as well as an infinity pool where guests can relax and enjoy the unique beauty and charm of ARIA. 



The next floor houses the SPA CEò, an important wellness area with panoramic saunas, Turkish baths, outdoor jacuzzis and treatment rooms, as well as the lounge bar "La Dolce Vita" with its charming terrace and scenic views.


Above the swimming pools and spa are the 3 separate residential blocks consisting of the Loggia Suite, Grand Loggia Suite, and the Penthouse Suite. Each suite has stunning lake views, and a living room area – perfect for an extended stay or remote work opportunity.  




Brightly lit rooms with luxury furnishings, exclusive materials, and fine fabrics characterize the interior of each of the suites, all of which are hypoallergenic. With an elegant, refined, and comfortable interior, attention to detail is at the heart of ARIA's hospitality project. All of the units are private with a separate entrance from the outside, accessible by lift, and directly connected with the La Musa gourmet restaurant, and also the Parco San Marco Resort through a mystically lit tunnel. A true experiential journey of light and sound that takes guests on a sensory journey between inside and outside.



The Dolce Vita Lounge & Terrace Bar has an elegant and welcoming ambiance, and a splendid view of Lake Lugano, as well as a summer terrace that allows guests to enjoy moments of pure relaxation surrounded by beauty. Delectable offers range from day to night from small snacks, simple yet sophisticated, to high-quality creations by Chef Michele Pili. The cocktail list offers a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic homemade infusions and unique creations by mixologist Matteo Zecchini, Maître & Sommelier, with years of international experience in the world of food and beverage. Cocktails are made according to the best traditions of the American "old school,” with a decidedly Italian twist and identity. The home-brewed infusions and Aria's hand-crafted gins are of special interest including the premium ARIA Pink Gin rosewater infusion and the Arialogist gin made from alpine herbs and flowers. Every year the Dolce Vita Lounge & Terrace offers a Special Edition Cocktail menu with drinks that Fabrizio has created over the years based on his international experience. Alongside the cocktails, a wine selection from the best national and international wineries is offered, along with the option to select a bottle from the resort's wine cellar, which stocks more than 300 national and international labels. A Coravin list is available for guests of La Musa, allowing guests to sample fine wines by the glass and have dedicated tastings as well.



La Musa Restaurant & Rooftop Terrace is helmed by Chef Michele Pili and his contemporary culinary philosophy is rich in influences from the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Lepontine Alps. The restaurant, overlooking the picturesque Lake Lugano in Cima di Porlezza, is the perfect setting for a culinary voyage. The cuisine emphasizes the harmony of textures and the natural flavors of carefully selected high-quality ingredients. The restaurant is affiliated with Les Collectionneurs, a collection founded by Chef Alain Ducasse, holding the title of "Bonne Table - Table Remarquable." It has received high ratings in 'Der Große Restaurant- und Hotel Guide'. La Musa is also featured in the MICHELIN Guide Italy 2024.





SPA CEò was inspired by the Celtic world: CEò in fact derives from the Celtic word for “fog.” The Celts used to say that fog had magical powers, it enveloped them like a veil and made them invisible. SPA CEò is a true oasis of tranquillity and well-being, offering an extensive wellness program inspired by the four elements of water, air, earth, and fire. 



The spa covers an area of approximately 1,500 m2 where guests can experience moments of pure bliss in close contact with the nature and exquisite views of Lake Lugano and the surrounding mountains that surround ARIA. 


The exclusive adults-only wellness center offers amenities, including: 

  • 5 individual cabins 

  • A Panorama Private SPA with sauna and saltwater whirlpool and a the private terrace

  • A Finnish sauna with spectacular panoramic view of the lake and the Alps

  • A Bio hay sauna with panoramic views

  • Turkish baths

  • Snowflake" cold cabins

  • An Indoor pool (20 m)

  • An Infinity Pool with salt water

  • An Infrared oasis

  • A foot bath with foot reflexology


The wellness center also has a small gym equipped with the latest "Technogym" machines. Signature beauty and wellness treatments have been specially developed for CEò Spa by a team of experts with the exclusive Biologique Recherche cosmetic line whose methodology is based on the combination of a clinical approach and personalized cosmetic treatments and highly customized protocols, composed of a very high concentration of botanical, marine, and biologically active ingredients, which produce unparalleled results. SPA CEò is a true "Temple of Energy.”



The Team of Parco San Marco Resort lives and breathes sustainability, incorporating it into every daily action and decision. This makes running an environmentally sustainable business a natural practice. By selecting the Green Globe standards, we have chosen to participate in a globally recognized certification program. The Green Globe is awarded to companies in the tourism and events sectors that adopt a corporate approach aimed at the responsible and efficient use of resources.



Every year, Parco San Marco, in which ARIA Retreat & SPA is located, hosts exhibitions by well-known international artists in an "open-air museum" where the installations and sculptures can be admired while strolling through the charming park overlooking the lake. Attention to detail and the artworld can also be found in every room of ARIA, and the fine dining restaurant LA MUSA. Between design and artistic works, it is a project dedicated to beauty in all of its forms.


By ML Staff. Images courtesy of ARIA Resort & Spa


















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