History and timeless elegance come together in the luxurious rooms of Villa Principe Leopoldo. Overlooking Lake Lugano and surrounded by lush and unspoilt nature, the Villa takes its name from the Prince of Prussia and cavalry general Frederick Leopold, who chose it as his summer residence. Today, this princely dwelling dating back to the early decades of the 20th century houses a 5-star hotel that is a member of Relais & Chateaux. Situated on the exclusive Collina d'Oro, the villa was opened to the public in 1986 after renovation to make it suitable for high-level hospitality. It houses thirty-seven elegant suites equipped with all modern comforts, some of which echo the colours of the lake in a palette ranging from blue to petrol.
On the ground floor is the Principe Leopoldo Restaurant, which has been awarded sixteen Gault&Millau points. Inspired by the history of this place, chef Cristian Moreschi, supported by a talented brigade, offers gourmet cuisine that is classic but always with a spark of creativity and innovation. The menu varies on a seasonal basis which involves meticulously seeking out the very best in local ingredients. As Chef Moreschi says: "We always try to create original combinations in classic dishes by experimenting with colours, shapes, and flavours. We draw inspiration from the local area, which is a rich source in itself, particularly renowned for its cheeses and lake fish".
Those wishing to delve into the Chef's work and philosophy to discover the various facets of his celebrated flair can choose one of two tastings. The first consists of five courses representing the great classics of the Villa Principe Leopoldo, while the second is an eight-course 'surprise' menu focusing on more sophisticated and creative recipes. Among the many dishes enjoyed by the loyal local clientele and the many international guests, the veal fillet in bread crust with spiced carrot purée and sweet mustard is certainly one of Chef Moreschi's signature dishes.
All the meals are accompanied by the carefully selected wine list, many of the contents from Ticino, selected by head maître and sommelier Antonino Forte. These include the famous Rosso del Principe, produced from Merlot and Cabernet grapes from the vineyard on the villa's estate. This is an intense ruby-red wine with garnet hues, hints of vanilla and an aromatic red fruit bouquet.
Everything at Villa Principe Leopoldo is characterised by careful attention to detail, as regards the cuisine itself, the look of the space, and the choice of furnishings. This is a magnificent place which exemplifies a passion for refinement and elegance, while celebrating the uniqueness of this area’s strong identity, promoted with events and exhibitions, and the art of fine living in all its most rewarding aspects.