Perfect Weekend: Heaven on Earth at the «Hotel Eden Roc»

Nestled in the picturesque setting of Ascona, the multi-award-winning «Hotel Eden Roc» stands as one of Switzerland's premier vacation destinations. Situated on the shores of Lake Maggiore, the hotel's distinct philosophy, boasting a cumulative total of 50 Gault Millau points, harmonizes seamlessly with the breathtaking natural backdrop, offering guests an unparalleled beach resort experience. General Manager Simon Spiller takes finews.com on a fascinating journey through his hotel.

Mr. Spiller, why did you become a hotel manager?

I think I was born into the world of hospitality. My grandparents ran a restaurant in eastern Switzerland, with my grandfather overseeing the kitchen and my grandmother dedicated to attending to the guests.

Both my grandmother and my mother share a passion for hospitality and excel as hosts, which has influenced me a lot.

What are five characteristics that set your hotel apart from others?

Awareness of the environment and a sense of sustainability. (Image: Courtesy)

1. Our unique location boasts a Garden of Eden that stretches for almost 5 kilometers directly on the shores of Lake Maggiore. We also have our own marina with boat moorings and our own water sports school - and yet life on Ascona's piazza is just a 5-minute walk away.

2. Our in-house museum, the «Casa Epper», in which we regularly hold exhibitions by (local) artists and creatives, which are not only open to our hotel guests but also to the public free of charge.

3. Our gourmet restaurant «La Brezza» by chef Marco Campanella and his team, which has been awarded 2 Michelin stars and 18 Gault-Millau points.

4. Our holistic «Moving Mountains» program, with a wide range of activities, some of which are available to our guests free of charge, designed to promote vitality and celebrate the joy of life while exploring the beautiful surroundings in Ticino with our outdoor butler.

5. Our awareness of the environment and our sense of sustainability. As part of the «Tschuggen Collection», we combine effective climate protection with the highest standards in the hotel industry. Inspired by our location in the midst of impressive natural scenery, we are convinced that climate change and the protection of the environment are the most important challenges of our time.

How do you define hospitality and excellent guest service?

A guest desires to feel acknowledged and valued, knowing that you comprehend and anticipate their needs. In the background, all standards and processes must be adhered to in order to offer guests the best service, but in front of the guest we must exude an appropriate formality or composure depending on the situation.

A permanent presence, good listening skills and a good grasp of the situation are essential. But well-meaning emotions towards the guest are also desirable. Excellent service combines consistent adherence to top standards and emotional humanity.

Which prominent guests have you had the pleasure of welcoming to your hotel?

During world-famous events such as the «Moon & Stars» Festival or the Locarno Film Festival, we always welcome prominent guests from Switzerland and abroad. However, in order to protect the privacy of our guests, we do not disclose their names.

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

Two Michelin stars and 18 points: «La Brezza» restaurant at the «Hotel Eden Roc Ascona» (Image: Courtesy)

As a vacation resort, we pride ourselves on offering a diverse array of culinary experiences, cultural attractions, a sprawling Garden of Eden, and an expansive spa and wellness facility, ensuring the ultimate relaxation for our guests. On a perfect weekend, guests don't have to leave the hotel - at the «Hotel Eden Roc» they experience heaven on earth.

What plans do you have for the hotel?

Having already won the «Best Holiday Hotel in Switzerland» award several times, we want to keep our finger on the pulse with the «Hotel Eden Roc» and are therefore constantly developing, both in the area of service for our guests and in the design of our offers—as well, of course, through renovations and changes in the hotel itself.

From October 2024, our main building will be renovated and given a new look with lots of glass. The rooms will radiate an even greater sense of lightness, which will be enhanced by the unique view of the lake.

We are also investing heavily in a new energy concept that will enable us to have a CO2-neutral energy supply thanks to the use of the natural temperature differences of the lake and groundwater.

In addition, a new apartment building is being built right next to the «Hotel Eden Roc», whose apartments, designed by Carlo Rampazzi, will provide an optimal offer for long-stay guests.

The well-being of our employees is also very important to us. We have just completed the complete refurbishment of two staff houses and the refurbishment of another building will follow in the fall.

The joy of water sports. (Image: Courtesy)

How is the gastronomy in your hotel developing?

With its four restaurants, our hotel offers a fantastic selection of unique culinary experiences. Our restaurants have developed enormously in recent years. This applies to both the culinary offering and the quality of service. We have great employees who are proud to work for the «Hotel Eden Roc» and want to offer our guests the best experience.

In recent years, we were delighted to receive 2 Michelin stars for Marco Campanella at «La Brezza» and 18 Gault-Millau points. There were also 15 Gault-Millau points for Salvatore Frequente in the «Restaurant Eden Roc» and 14 Gault-Millau points in our lakeside restaurant «La Casetta».

This means that we have a total of almost 50 Gault-Millau points at the resort. Another development in recent years is our plant-based offering in all our kitchens. As part of the holistic «Moving Mountains» program, our chefs place great emphasis on menus and dishes that are created on a delicious plant-based basis. The offerings consist of selected, locally sourced ingredients and are as nutritious and healthy as they are tasty.

What is your personal motto for running the destination?

The values of our collection are at the forefront and are communicated and embodied by me – it's all about trust, respect, appreciation and creating mental freedom for the employees.

And, of course, we are passionate hosts and ambassadors for our hotels.

What is your insider tip in the area?

The hike from Lavertezzo to the listed village of Corippo. The starting point is Lavertezzo with the beautiful old bridge «Ponte dei Salti». Corippo is a mountain village with no inhabitants that has been lovingly renovated and transformed into a unique «Albergo Diffuso».

Lake and mountains: private beach for guests of the Eden Roc (Image: Courtesy)

The route leads along the Verzasca valley. Once you arrive in Corippo, the terrace of the «Albergo Diffuso» offers a fantastic view of the Verzasca Valley. On the way back, a cooling dip in the crystal-clear, emerald-green water and sunbathing on the large rocks is a great way to relax.

What is the best piece of advice you received from your mother or father?

My parents gave me the advice to follow my passion while always staying true to myself and keeping my feet on the ground. Values such as honesty and curiosity, as well as virtues like diligence and modesty, were instilled in me and continue to serve as important pillars in my life.

Simon Spiller has been Director of the «Hotel Eden Roc» since August 2019. Shortly afterwards, the hotel was named «Rising Star of the Year» by Karl Wild in the «SonntagsZeitung»'s annual hotel rating. Spiller runs the five-star hotel directly on Lago Maggiore with obvious pleasure and enthusiasm. Alongside his team of over 200 employees, he has won numerous awards. In May 2023, the «Hotel Eden Roc» was awarded the title of «Best Holiday Hotel in Switzerland» by the Swiss newspaper «SonntagsZeitung» for the eighth time.

Born in Lucerne, he began his career as a hotelier by training as a chef at the «Hotel Palace Luzern». He then attended the «École hôtelière de Lausanne». He gained practical experience at the Four Seasons in New York, Berlin, Austin and Vancouver, mainly in the F&B area. He then moved to the «Raffles Group» and worked in countries such as Dubai,
China and Saudi Arabia.

His first position as hotel director was at «The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah (GHM Hotel)» in Bali, before he returned to Europe in 2014, completed an EMBA in Finance & Management at the Université de Lausanne and took over the management of «Brenner's Park-Hotel & Spa» in Baden-Baden in 2015 until 2019.

Simon Spiller is married and has a nine-year-old son. In his free time, he enjoys sports, for which the picturesque scenery around Lake Maggiore is naturally ideal.