A Lovely Ticino Escape: Views, Spa & Storytelling at Kurhaus Cademario Hotel & Spa

This year Mr. FunkyForty celebrated his birthday on the 3rd of July — and what better way to mark the occasion than a birthday weekend escape to the sunny hills above Lugano? So we packed our bags, jumped into the car, and set off on a little adventure to the Kurhaus Cademario Hotel & Spa.

Keep reading for the full story of “A Lovely Ticino Escape: Views, Spa & Storytelling at Kurhaus Cademario Hotel & Spa”

The Journey — Over the Gotthard Pass

Instead of taking the tunnel, we decided to drive over the Gotthard Pass.

A brilliant idea according to Mr. FunkyForty, who had far too much fun navigating the curves and enjoying the mountain air. I suspect he would have happily driven up and down twice if I hadn’t reminded him we actually had a hotel to reach.

From there, it was a smooth ride down to Ticino,  just 20–35 minutes from Lugano and around 2.5–3 hours from Zurich. The moment you arrive, you feel the shift: warmer air, (yet cooler than down in Lugano),  softer light, and that unmistakable southern charm.

Arrival — A Warm Welcome

At Kurhaus Cademario Hotel & Spa, perched at 850 metres, we were welcomed with genuine warmth. The staff immediately made us feel at home. Something we noticed throughout the entire stay.

A Little History to Set the Scene

Kurhaus Cademario was founded in 1914 by Dr. Adolf Keller, a pioneer of natural healing who chose this exact spot for its sunny, fog‑free hillside and gentle southern exposure. It became the highest sanatorium in Ticino.  A place where sunlight and fresh air were considered medicine.

Not to forget the fun fitness activities such as naked skiing – smile.

Today, the hotel blends this heritage with modern comfort, wellness, and spectacular views.

Fun Fact: the property sits on a certified geomantic “power spot” believed to promote deep revitalisation.

Birthday Dinner — A Delicious Surprise

Our first evening was a true birthday treat.

Dinner began with a special tartare, beautifully presented and full of flavour. Then came the star: a whole fish baked in a salt crust, ceremoniously opened at the table.

The sommelier added his own touch of theatre, stylishly opening a bottle of local Ticino Merlot and letting us taste it before pouring. Even dessert arrived with flair — the waiter finishing it at the table with a warm sauce.

Morning Bliss — Breakfast With a View

Breakfast the next morning was exactly what you hope for in Ticino.

Fresh produce, great coffee, and a view so stunning you almost forget to eat.

The Hike — And the Snake Stories…

After breakfast we set off on a gentle hike through forest paths and open fields. The views were again breathtaking, peaceful, green, and wonderfully quiet. 

Mr. FunkyForty, however, decided to add some “excitement” by terrorising me with stories about Ticino snakes.

(Yes, Ticino does have snakes — mostly harmless species, but still enough to make me walk a little faster!)

Pool Time — The Luxury of Choice

Back at the hotel, we had the luxury of choosing between two relaxing outdoor pools. Naturally, Mr FunkyForty picked the top one — with panoramic views and a wonderfully calm atmosphere.

I later also snuck down to have some fun in the lower pool which has a great indoor-outdoor feature making it brilliant for any time of year.

Spa Moments — Reflexology & Facial Glow

Then came spa time.

Mr FunkyForty had a foot reflexology massage, based on traditional Chinese medicine. Reflexology works on pressure points believed to correspond to organs. Modern medicine doesn’t confirm the organ map, but it does confirm the benefits: relaxation, improved circulation, and reduced tension. Mine was exactly that – deeply calming.

I enjoyed a facial treatment using the hotel’s in‑house products. The result?

Let’s just say Mr FunkyForty did say I walked out looking 10 years younger, (smile – haha).

Final Thoughts

Kurhaus Cademario Hotel & Spa is one of those places where you arrive, breathe deeply, and instantly feel lighter. The views, the food, the spa, the history and above all, the genuinely kind staff who treated us so nicely,  make it a perfect escape for a getaway weekend or simply a moment of sunshine above Lugano.