Il Castagno
The starting point of countless trails for bikers and hikers of all kinds. Located in the Alto Malcontone region of Ticino, the Italian part of Switzerland, Il Castagno is the perfect stay to unwind and connect with nature. The type of site you will want to make the best out of the surroundings, discover the area with time, without rush, and go back to the hotel for a relaxing afternoon/evening by the sun in their park, followed by a delicious meal in a friendly family-like ambience.
With only ten rooms (more accommodations coming soon), it is a personal location, where the focus lies definitely on the delicious food. With something for everyone. Freshly made Pizzas by Willy, homemade pasta (Tagliatelle and Raviolis), polenta, fresh vegetables or if you’re lucky, an outdoor grill prepared by Chef Daniel. Franco and Maria will make sure that your order is placed and will attend to your needs.
You will most certainly have the chance to meet Marco, who makes the show run. His Italian humour spreads across the house, where everyone is uplift and ready for a joke. His brother, Aldo, will also be around giving the team a hand and a pro in serving coffee and beer to the locals who sit on the front porch and come for their breakfast, lunch and/or afternoon drinks. The restaurant is also trendy among the extended region, with individuals driving up from Lugano and other towns around to have delicious meals. A spot where visitors can have an authentic local experience.
Since the hotel was full, I had the chance to sleep in Arosio, soon to be a B&B. A beautiful house with large rooms, only a 10minutes walk away from the hotel. I enjoyed doing the daily walk while admiring the view from the road and listening to the crickets who sing loudly - it reminded me a lot of the countryside of Sao Paulo, my birth town. Surrounded by nature, a sense of calmness and a relaxed-paced lifestyle.
I hope to be able to come back soon to discover more of the region. The village of Mugena is around the corner (a very picturesque spot), Cademario is not too far away, and Lugano is only a 20minute drive away. The famous Monte Lema can be reached within 30minutes by public transport (on my to-do list for Switzerland - the walk from Monte Lema to Monte Tamaro), as well as many other breathtaking panoramic hills and peaks. The colours during summer and autumn must be stunning!
A big thank you to Marco, his family and the staff for making my week a memorable experience.
