Seeking a European honeymoon that offers the peacefulness of nature, the fine dining of big cities and exotic spa experiences from around the world? Then book your honeymoon at the Giardino Group resorts in Switzerland and take a tour of one spectacular country.

Touch down in Zurich (a non-stop destination from many major U.S. cities) and spend a few days exploring the sights. Dine on the world’s finest cheeses and experience the art (and deliciousness) of raclette or enjoy a romantic dinner of fondue before strolling along Lake Zurich. Shop in season at the world-famous Christmas Market or year-round for world-class chocolate at local artisanal chocolatiers. Explore the famous Great Minister church in Old Towne or hike up the hilltop of Uetliberg Mountain for panoramic views. Then retire at the base of the trail in the royal residence of Atlantis by Giardino, where you can take over the entire top floor when you stay in one of Europe’s largest hotel suites. With a shisha lounge, private chef and butler, hallways lined with bedrooms, and a terrace worthy of a wedding reception, you’ll feel like royalty (and sleep where some have).

After getting a taste of the city sights, take the popular Swiss Railway to Ascona, a small lakeside village on the Swiss side of Lake Maggiore. Here you’ll check into Giardino Ascona for Ayurvedic-style cuisine and a bit of detox, if needed, to start your newly-wedded life out right. Opt into their Ayurvedic consultation and learn how to best treat your individual body. Indulgences such as sound massages, yoga in a heated outdoor tent, healthy cooking classes and swimming (indoors and out) show you the way at this peaceful paradise.

For a little more action, grab a complimentary bike and head into town for cocktails in the grottos, a stroll through the local farmers market and views of the famous lake. If water sports are more your speed, spend a day on the hotel’s private yacht and anchor on Brissago Islands for a relaxing afternoon in the gardens of the botanical park and palazzo. Or take a cable car to the top of the nearby mountain to see Switzerland’s tallest peak and lowest point all at once. Then return to the lily pad-clad property and dine at Ecco, a two Michelin star restaurant with a delectable tasting menu designed for a romantic night out. Tour up the hillside in Ticino and stop at regional highlight, winery Cantina Helvetica di Daniel D’Andrea. One call from Giardino Ascona’s superb head concierge, Claudio Caser, and you just might dine on the family’s locally caught wild boar and homemade cheese while you taste their four varietals of delightful wines.

If this honeymoon is part of a destination wedding in Switzerland, consider Giardino Lago for a rooftop deck ceremony overlooking the Italian and Swiss waters of Lake Maggiore, a reception in the popular Lago restaurant and a room block every guest will appreciate for the price. Just ten minutes from the center of Ascona you have two completely different experiences for a wedding and honeymoon and two fantastic options for all types of travelers in your group. 

And finally, if a ski season honeymoon has caught your eye, you could even add a few days at Hotel Giardino Mountain near St. Moritz and enjoy an adventurous vacation for two on the slopes.

Switzerland’s natural beauty, charming towns, outdoor adventures and design-centric cities offer different cultural experiences in every region and the ease of a well-oiled transportation system between them. For a honeymoon experience that has it all, head to Switzerland and all of the Giardino resorts.

This article first appeared in Destination I Do’s Fall/Winter 2019 issue. 

Photos courtesy of (in order of appearance): Giardino Ascona (1st & 2nd); Giardino Lago (3rd); Atlantis by Giardino (4th)