Aria Retreat And Spa

Our stay at Aria was incredible. The staff, facilities and location of this resort were wonderful. As many other reviews state, and this can not be downplayed, the staff at Aria were incredibly professional, knowledgable and made the experience feel special. From the moment we drove up, Michaela ensured we were taken care of. Christian and Giulia at the lounge also made us feel welcome and at home. Breakfast delivered to our suite every morning and eating on our balcony really is a nice touch (thanks Fabio and Giulia), especially with the incredible views of Lake Lugano. Dinner at La Musa was fantastic (go for the 6 course option) and special shout outs to Matteo, Pietro and Fabio, your service was impeccable and you made the evening very special for us. The SPA was new with an indoor and outdoor pool. The gym was clean and well equipped. We'd definitely would come back and visit Aria again.

Our experience at Aria was simply sensational. There is so much to explore, try and see at this facility. We stayed 3 nights with our teenage daughter in a 2 bedroom suite. This was the most expensive accommodation of our trip… We wanted a little bit of luxury for a special occasion. Our travel agent found this place but hadn’t sent guests here before. No doubt she will now be sending everyone here! Totally worth it. From the moment we arrived to the moment of Departure we were treated like royalty by the exceptional staff. Nothing was too difficult for Michela, Matteo and Martina, and all staff were wonderfully friendly. In particular Martina (from slovakia) served us a few meals and was delightful- but really, everyone was fabulous and wanted us to have a perfect stay. The huge rooms were appointed to perfection with very luxurious details, linen, beds, kitchen and bathrooms . Clearly no expense spared in furnishing the resort and rooms. Huge bedroom, massive walk in wardrobes and enormous bathrooms. Everything perfect - except bedside lights are far away from the bed (have to get out of bed) and hanging space will not accommodate very long dresses. These were such minor issues, everything else was great. Housekeeping attended at least twice a day - amazing service. The balcony views of the lake and Porlezza are superb, even when it rained. We were spoilt by the massive daily room service breakfast (I wish I had this at home !) and also enjoyed meals at La Veranda, Dolce Vita and the very reasonably priced pizza delivery. Parco San Marco recreation facilities were available to us if we wished. We took a water taxi boat to Lugano, arrange this with the team at the Private beach. This was a lovely experience, and very well priced, only a little more than a road taxi, but much nicer experience. We did walk within the Parco San Marco area, but we preferred the quiet of Aria. For the first day we thought we might be the only guests - it felt like the whole hotel was ours alone. The Spa area and pools are superb and a world class facility. The design features are impeccable and stunning. The long Corridor from Aria to Parco San Marco is very unique and gave me a shock the first time I saw it, a little surreal like being in a David Lynch movie ! But we quickly realised is a portal between the real world and a wonderful sanctuary. We were very sorry to leave this heaven !

What a magical place ARIA is! Me, my husband and our 3 years old son have spent a week at this ultra-luxury hotel and it was an amazing stay from the beginning to the end. We were treated like royalties and our little boy loved the place - we had a Lake view grand loggia suite - it was enormous, with 2 kingsize bedrooms, 2 big bathrooms, 2 walkin closets, guest toilet and huge living /dining room where are boy could easily play and relax. The suite had also a big terrace with a big comfy swing and furniture. We used the spa every day , there is nothing better to swim and relax in the outside infinity / jacuzzi pool overlooking the lake and the mountains. What makes this place exceptional is the staff - they deserve more than 5 stars from both hotels - Aria and Parco San Marco - so friendly, helpful , professional and always with a smile and a kind word (a special greetings for Martina, both Matteos, Claudio and Roman). There are so many kids friendly activities available, private, beautiful beach, many restaurants on site, and even a koi pond and cute little donkeys that you can feed (dont forget to grab some carrots for them from the kids club). There are several playgrounds and kids get a treasure map quest at the checkin - we loved doing it together and it took us 3 days to find all the hidden spots. Happiness of our son getting a well deserved prize was priceless :) You can have a lavish in-room breakfast each day or just go to Parco San Marco buffet which is just 3 minutes walk through a beautiful garden (both choices are great with a selection of top quality breakfast items but having a little toddler we preferred the buffet). Be sure the premises are so beautiful and relaxing that you won’t even feel like leaving this place for other attractions. There is even a hill dedicated just for reading (you can grab some books from the book exchange bookshelf at the very same spot) and relaxing in the hammmocks (a million dollar view included). Try the massage at Aria Ceo spa - one of the best I ever had. We are truly amazed by this little piece of heaven on Earth and already planning to go back.