The Diplomats Choice 2022

USPA NEWS -

The Ambassadorial Roundtable just released the yearly “In a Class of Their Own Awards”- Austria, Germany and Switzerland (DACH’s)--top10 exclusive, luxury hotel recommendations for 2022. These properties were chosen by members of the diplomatic community and Ambassadorial Roundtable staff for exceptional service, outstanding cultural and sports opportunities, accommodations and ambiance. It should be noted that voting members had to travel incognito.


1.Castello del Sole, Ascona, Switzerland

2.Schloss Elmau, Kruen, Germany

3.Interalpen Hotel Tyrol, Telfs, Austria

4.Bio Hotel Stanglwirt, Going am Wilden Kaiser, Austria

5.Kulm Hotel, St.Moritz, Switzerland

6.Hotel Sacher, Salzburg, Austria

7.Splendide Royal, Lugano, Switzerland

8.Fairmont Vier Jahreszeiten, Hamburg, Germany,

9.Bayrischerhof, Munchen, Germany

10.Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, Zermatt, Switzerland

Castello Del Sole is located in the Swiss town of Ascona, near the Italian border. If you head north seven miles, you can visit the Contra Dam where a scene from the James Bond movie, Goldeneye, was filmed. There is bungee jumping from the dam for adventure seekers, and for the less adventurous, take a dip in the crystal clear green waters of Valle Verzasca just 4 miles up the road

Extensive gardens on the shores of Lake Maggiore give the hotel its soft and dreamy feel. This large property is spread out over several buildings and has the feel of a Mediterranean-style manor house. Polished, sophisticated décor with earthy undertones can be found in each of the three buildings of the hotel. The lounge area has white vaulted ceilings with terracotta tiled floors, and the area rugs and big cushiony sofas provide a cosy space for relaxing indoors. A focus on nature is the recurring theme here with features such as rose garden courtyards, a private beach and a bird sanctuary. The hotel also maintains ties to its historic past by utilising part of the original building dating from 1542.
The staff couple extraordinary hospitality with first-class service and are always ready to please.GM Simon Jenny and his team lead by Cristina Walther, Melanie Zwick Melanie Meier, Leonie Eff, Leni Costa Rodriguez, Simone Müller are exceptionally well trained, capable to fulfill every guest's request.

The options for activities are limitless: soak up some sunshine at the private beach, take a swim in one of the indoor or outdoor heated pools, hit the gym, go for a bike ride, play a round of golf or take a tennis lesson. There are three restaurants. The Locanda Barbarossa serves classic French cuisine with a Mediterranean touch. Dishes are prepared with locally grown ingredients that come from the crops and the vineyard of the hotel. The Ristorante Tre Stagioni has a daily menu and also offers a breakfast buffet of pastries, breads, cakes, yoghurts, fresh fruits, juices and hot beverages. They will make eggs of your choice including omelettes. Ristorante Parco Saleggi serves lunch in the park with choices that include salad, pasta, pizza and grilled meat and fish. There is also a robust dessert buffet. An after-dinner drink is a must at the Bar Bassa Selim. The theme of the bar is based on the opera “Die Entführung aus dem Serail” and has a decidedly exotic feel with its deep blue hue and Moorish décor.(The Guardian). Congratulations, outstanding work everybody, looking forward to seeing you in 2022!