«Giardino Ascona»: Relaxed Luxury in the Sun Garden of Switzerland

Not only is the «Giardino Ascona» a pioneer in luxury tourism, but also with its two-star restaurant «Ecco.» The establishment stands for a unique blend of coolness and warmth, attracting a discerning and health-conscious audience. The chief guardian of this enticing atmosphere is Director Wolfram Merkert, who finews.com met for an interview overlooking the hotel's unique garden. He shares how he once had to lend a guest his suit and why the German national football team is not training at the «Giardino Ascona» for the European Championship this time.

Mr. Merkert, when did your passion for being a host awaken in your life?

This passion is deeply rooted in my childhood, as I grew up in a family of restaurateurs. My parents ran a restaurant right on the Swiss border near Waldshut-Tiengen.

They transformed a simple farm into a lively restaurant; from an early age, I experienced the vibrant atmosphere, the variety, and the lively hustle and bustle that guests bring. These impressions fascinated me from the start and sparked my passion for hospitality.

What were the unique features of this restaurant?

Our restaurant was a traditional country inn with its own trout farm, which was very innovative for its time. At a time when women typically cooked in rural kitchens, we employed a full-time chef—we were pioneers in our region: this was like the beginning of a new era.

Moreover, we placed great importance on high-quality tableware while other restaurants often used simple white plates. I vividly remember the trip to Freiburg with my parents to choose the exclusive Villeroy and Boch tableware with the red motif. It was these small details that made our restaurant unique and contributed to its charm.

Let's talk about the «Giardino Ascona,» which you now manage as hotel director. What makes this place unique?

Without a doubt, the «Giardino Ascona» is a highlight in upscale tourism. Its unique atmosphere of joyful informality combined with refined elegance sets it apart from other hotels. The Tuscan country house style and the enchanting garden create an immediate feeling of peace and security that delights our guests.

In the «Giardino,» life and personality emanate from every corner. It is a true oasis of relaxation where guests feel welcome and at home. The motto «Welcome Home» permeates the entire experience, starting from the warm reception to the check-in on the terrace, where our guests enjoy their welcome drink and fully experience the relaxed atmosphere.

How does this positive atmosphere translate into service for the guests?

The positive atmosphere of the «Giardino» is reflected not only in the architecture but also significantly embodied by our team, where each employee where each employee embraces their role as an individual and warm host.

In our interactions with guests, we place great emphasis on respect and mindfulness in an informal manner. Our goal is for our guests to feel not only welcome but also at home with us.

Fine Elegance. (Image zVg)

How do you define hospitality and excellent guest service?

For me, hospitality and excellent guest service mean constantly surprising the guest in a positive way. Often, it’s the attention to detail that make the difference and puts a smile on our guests' faces.

What is the craziest thing you have experienced in your profession?

(laughs) In my profession as a host, you experience so many unusual things!

Once, when I was working at the glamorous «Kulm Hotel» in St. Moritz, Anton Mosimann himself suddenly appeared in the kitchen. A true culinary guru! And in Munich, James Last once showed up after a concert with half his band to have dinner.

Another time, we had a guest here during the film festival who only had one suit with him, and it was covered in stains. We had to act quickly and get him a new one, and it was in a brilliant blue: like the sky over the Mediterranean... Coincidentally, I was wearing such a suit that day. Since we had roughly the same build, our guest spontaneously asked if we could swap suits.

Instagram-ready: wall of flowers in the restaurant «Hide & Seek». (Image zVg)

Which prominent guests have you already welcomed to your hotel?

At the «Giardino Ascona,» we have already welcomed an impressive list of prominent guests, including Carlos Santana and Sarah Connor. The German national football team, led by coach Jogi Löw, also chose our hotel for training camp twice.

It was a unique experience to witness the dynamics and team spirit of such a high-profile team in everyday life.

Where does the German football team’s affinity for the hotel come from?

The German football team’s interest in our hotel began around 2008. At that time, I was assistant director, and the direction was still with Daniela and Philipp Frutiger, our current CEOs of the «Giardino Group.» Jogi Löw knew the «Giardino» and chose our hotel for the training camp.

Since then, we’ve developed a close friendship with Jogi and assistant coaches like Hansi Flick also still have a strong connection to our hotel.

Are they preparing for the European championship with you this year?

Since the European Championship is taking place in Germany, they want to conduct the preparation there to be closer to their fans. It is understandable that they want to harness the energy and support of their homeland to prepare for the tournament.

What does your hotel offer for a «perfect weekend» for two?

We transform every moment into an unforgettable love story. Imagine gliding over sparkling waves aboard our elegant motor yacht while enjoying a delicious lunch.

Mindfulness, care and well-being. (Image zVg)

Or perhaps you dream of a romantic dinner in our enchanted garden? You can also experience pure togetherness on a bike tour on our house bicycles to one of the beautiful, secluded spots for an exclusive picnic and then be pampered with a relaxing massage in our «dipiù Spa.»

What is the concept of the spa?

Our spa is the heart of the hotel. We have our own cosmetic line, developed by Daniela Frutiger, using high-quality products such as almond oils, lime oils, and grape seeds from a local wine producer for our exclusive Merlot line.

The high-quality treatments, as well as the various retreats we offer, create a connection and reflect the mindfulness throughout the hotel’s offerings.

What plans do you have for the hotel?

Sustainability is a central theme to which we are deeply committed. Currently, a project to convert the entire building to sustainable energy is underway. Moreover, modernization is a constant companion, with our CEOs Daniela and Philippe Frutiger working closely with internationally renowned designer Daniel Pouzet; they perfectly capture the essence of our house and enriches it with brilliant ideas.

«Charm, that a new hotel cannot have.» (Image zVg)

Five years ago, we started redesigning our kitchen in the «Ecco,» then renovated our outdoor pool and partially redesigned the garden. Later, we merged the lounge and poolside areas, further harmonizing the house and garden. Last year, we redesigned the entire spa treatment area.

The modernization of the indoor pool, sauna area, and rooms are planned for the coming years.

Our aim is to preserve the unique character of our establishment and create a timeless charm that only a hotel rich in tradition like ours can offer.

How is the gastronomy at «Giardino Ascona» developing?

Since the opening of the «Giardino Ascona» in 1986, gastronomy has always been crucial to our success, and it continues to hold very high status today.

Culinary delights in the 18-point-restaurant «Ecco»

In addition to our excellent fine dining restaurant «Ecco» led by Chef Rolf Fliegauf, who creates true culinary delights with his creative and aromatic creations, we offer Italian-Mediterranean cuisine at «Hide & Seek». Here,our young and talented chef Francesco Leone sometimes incorporates oriental and Asian influences into his dishes.

The typical aroma of herbs and spices also provides an excellent basis for our Ayurvedic-inspired and vegetarian dishes.

What is your insider tip in the area?

Personally, I recommend the Foroglio waterfall in the Bavona Valley as a wonderful example of the natural beauty of our region. Visiting this idyllic spot is especially refreshing in the summer and offers a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

What is the most valuable advice you have received from your mother or father?

The most valuable advice I received from my parents is the life philosophy to always do your best every day and to do what brings joy. This attitude shapes not only my work in the hotel but also my personal life.

It is a precious legacy that I am happy to pass on to my children and that also forms the foundation of our hospitality mentality at the «Giardino Ascona.»

Born in Baden, Wolfram Merkert has been involved in the gastronomy industry since childhood, where he helped carry plates to the tables in his parents' business. Later, he completed an apprenticeship as a chef. His career took him to the «Giardino Ascona» around the turn of the millennium, where he became sous-chef. He also worked in the kitchens of the «Kulm Hotel» St. Moritz and of the «Hilton Grill» in Munich, which at the time had one Michelin star. Later, Wolfram Merkert decided to obtain his master chef certification in Heidelberg while simultaneously studying hotel management. After returning to the «Giardino» in 2006 as resident manager, he took over the management of the house from Daniela and Philippe Frutiger as general manager in 2014.