Can you hear from afar the gentle rasping of Angelica’s crinoline dancing with Tancredi? That scene from the Leopard so magically scripted by Lampedusa and so brilliantly filmed by Luchino Visconti.Open your eyes. You are in a beautiful sitting room and you recognize those exquisitely crafted armchairs gently inclining their curves to accommodate plump and velvety cushions.They are Bergères of Marie Antoinette’s fame who gather around a coffee table horrified by the crudeness of its name.The adjoining bed room stays in harmony with the ambiance of your drawing room. Large beds and bespoke bedding promise refreshing nights and happy dreams.

Catch a feel of their blissful splendour when caressing the magnificent wood panelling covering every walls of your sitting room. Look at the grand settee facing two voluptuous armchairs. They should impress your guests and satisfy your taste for elegance and comfort.Further away a round dinner table with its four richly sculpted chairs may bring a craving for caviar and a shot of vodka or a glass of champagne.The décor is gently adapting to your own mood as the golden lights emitted by the nearby lake enter the high French windows. It is your Suite.

After the Medici, the Colonna, the Orsini, you.The vastness of the first room does not impress you until you see the vaulted ceiling and its frescoes. How high? Six meters? Higher.Armchairs and sofa display a patina only acquired by decades of care provided by craftsmen too modest to let anyone call them artists. The wardrobe despite its oversized volume fits perfectly to the proportions of the place. Walnut, geometrical marquetry work and golden ormolus make that wardrobe a conversation piece.The twelve branch gilded bronze chandelier emits Renaissance vibes, as it should.Paintings, views of Venice, are a sophisticated hint of treasures to come.

All suites, in their own style, display a wealth of finely crafted furniture. Some dare the fragile elegance of silk; some prefer the warmer comfort of velvet. Elegant settees, large armchairs gather around a small high table or a lower one with a marble top the colour of onyx or some exquisite marquetry. The rippled appearance of precious walnut graces your chest of drawers or another piece of similar furniture. That moiré effect makes you notice a bespoke cabinet containing hard to resist temptations It is the minibar.Some unexpected charming Belle Epoque conversation piece may appear in the form of a coiffeuse, a mirror, a huge wardrobe that would overpower a smaller apartment.Enter in that wardrobe. Can you hear the roars of the wise white lion of Narnia’s fame?If your suite has no such gate to the world of legends find solace and explore your walk in wardrobe.

Enter your room: space, light, silence.Do not fear. Japanese inspired minimalism is a continent away.Plenty of creature comforts await you.Whether you want a desk to prepare for your tomorrow’s meeting or a terrace to watch the Lugano happy few passing by or a very large bed… to sleep, you can smile. They are all there for you.Wifi is so good that your wall, sorry, time line, is updated without a glitch. Stop.Pay heed to the glimmering lake, sending waves of golden light through tall French windows.

Each room is different. Who would want uniformity? In the Belle Epoque it was de rigueur.All provide the same feeling of vastness, the view to the shining lake and the I peaks of the Southern Alps.Colour schemes were carefully selected to please the eyes and comply with the unique architecture of the Palace.Thanks to many efforts, the charm of the past still radiates while amenities are very twenty first century.The Palace is no Sleeping Beauty.Wonderful bedding and absolute silence are guarantee of happy dreams and sound sleep.A corner dedicated to two very large comfy armchairs and a coffee table is a perfect spot for you to relax. Early in the morning, well sited, you may watch through a very large French window small fishing boats following the white and red ferry cruising towards the Italian shore. Do you want a better view? Go to your very own balcony. Small but nifty.

When you enter your room you appreciate the clean lines, the soft tones of the colour scheme, the boldness of the furniture that could overwhelm a smaller room, but yours is large.You love how quiet it is. If you need to work you will not be disturbed. It the kids play and run around, no knock on the wall and no knock on a preposterously expensive Ming vase.If you need to plug in your laptop or if they want to recharge their smartphones and tablets, the “any plug will fit” gizmo is there on the desk.

You are in. You are pleased to notice how large, well appointed, and luminous your room is. The children may scream of delight; no one will complain. Sound proofing is an absolute marvel. Your very own bed with a handmade 33 cm thick (a foot) matrass will do its duty. You will sleep extremely well. You have to check those e mails or browse through your favourite websites. Wifi is up to the task. You forgot that in the global village electrical sockets remain very local. How will you locate the plug adaptor? No need to worry. Go to the desk, a masterpiece of cabinet making and marquetry. Discover with relief the saving gizmo in its most de luxe version.

La Piazzettais the new Lounge Bar which will open in July on the renovated panoramic terraces of the Splendide. Glamorous atmosphere, live music and a culinary show celebrating gourmet Pizza every night: delicious and informal, with top quality ingredients. The appetising proposals will include salads, snacks and typically summer dishes. The most sought-after cocktails will be accompanied by sparkling wines and historical spirits to toast your evening with friends.

At dinner time, a sunset through tall French windows reminds everyone that summer is never really over in Lugano.You are led to your table by Simone. He is in charge. His welcome exudes a warmth that only a passionate heart can produce.Plates, cutlery and glasses are fresh and modern. They compliment the déco in a modest way. They will not compete with their content: glorious food.You are here to enjoy. Your taste buds will have fun. Chef Domenico and his team will make sure of that.

With its spectacular views of the lake, La Veranda combines tradition and innovation offering a savoury interpretation of Mediterranean cuisine, prepared with local and seasonal products.During the summer months, guests may also choose to enjoy the mouth-watering, varied dishes on the panoramic outdoor terrace.

Dinner time. It is time to cross the lobby. Do you hear music fluttering and dancing in the air.Please acknowledge the elegance of the piano player. Oh, you are already eyeing the bar. Join the happy crowd! You have no other worries than to choose which drink you will enjoy most.The bartender knows his trade. You may linger.The gigantic mirror above the fireplace reflects the hands of a mural clock. Are you ready? The Splendide Royal’s restaurant I Due Sud awaits.

For those who enjoy the nectar that is fine wine, a small corner of paradise awaits you at the Splendide – in the shape of the beautiful and vast wine cellar. The Hotel Splendide Royal’s ‘Wine Cellar’ is a jewel waiting to be discovered and is well-stocked with world class labels and the very best Ticino can offer. Here you can experience Ticino’s foremost wine – Merlot – a shining example of what the region and its vast vineyards offer. With sommelier Simone Ragusa’s guidance, you will discover rare wines and renowned names. Simone will recount for you the stories and anecdotes of the wines and their producers, making your experience a virtual journey into the world of wine.

It is only natural to search for the perfect hideaway to enjoy a quiet relaxing time and intimacy with your other half or some privacy with your friends. The Lifestyle Spa value these moments and in order to do so you can have your private Spa. You will enjoy the comforts of an entire space dedicated to relaxation with your own Finnish Sauna and Steam Bath. A massage will naturally enhance the experience.

The Spa is offering more than just a dip in the water. Immerse yourself in the Splendide panoramic pool and float away while contemplating the views of Lake Lugano and the Alpine foothills. The experience is truly one of a kind as the finest designs embrace the beauty of nature. Welcome to your new retreat.

The Gym is comprised of the latest Technogym equipment. State of the art machinery which will ensure your series of exercise are properly and securely executed. You can release all your energy here while contemplating the vertical gardens and the calming fountains.

Stretch out the mat and begin your series of exercises, check your breathing and start your sequence of movements. This ancient practice originating in India is now widely practiced to strengthen the body, restore peace of mind and, overall, establish a vital balance. Spa specialists are ready to guide you and accompany you along your journey.