Accommodations
Enjoy easy luxury at the Hotel Giardino. A 5-star tranquil oasis that truly makes you feel millions of miles away from your new, diaper crazed life.  Baby friendly amenities include: a baby bath with Paul Mitchell baby shampoo, an adorable baby bed, bottle warmer, baby car seat for round-trip train transfers and shuttle service, baby changing pad with wipes and, best for mom & dad…babysitting service!

The daily breakfast is served from 7.00 – 11.00 so no rush to accommodate baby sleeping / eating schedule. It is also easy to roll the stroller through the buffet with shaded areas for eating. The buffet itself is delicious with an extensive assortment of daily fresh juices, a plethora of tea options, champagne mimosas and buffet tables tempting you with nuts, berries, fruits, meats, cheeses, hot stations and a talented waffle, crepe and pancake chef.

Convince dad to entertain baby and escape to the DIpIÙ spa BY GIaRDINO and try one of the Merlot body treatments, offered exclusively at Giardino and utilizing Ticino hand picked Merlot grapes and 100% natural oils.

Daytime Top Picks
Verzasca Valley: Explore the remote winding roads and charming scenery of the Verzasca Valley.  Valley highlights include eating in a remote Grotto (authentic Grottos only serve cold, cured meats), visiting ancient chapels and capturing the cuteness of the Rustici stone houses built with specialized Piodea stones.  For a nice outing, wrap the baby in the bjorn and walk the 4 ½ kilometer wanderweg, The Path of the Art, is lined with sculptures and ends on the Roman Bridge overlooking the shimmering emerald waterway. The Valley is best explored with a tour guide so you can easily transport your baby, not be constrained by infrequent bus schedules and can explore on babies schedule (aka baby demands).
Zuri Girl Tip – Zuri Girl whole headedly recommends the dynamic tour guide, Carolina Peter.

Art Galleries: Easy to navigate with a stroller and franc savvy (most are free), Ascona hosts a plethora of talented art galleries.  Roam the streets and wander in or gaze through the windows. One of Zuri Girl’s favorites is AcquestArte, an indoor /outdoor gallery featuring modern art from established and “new” talented contemporary artists showcasing paintings, prints, glass art, photographic art and sculptures.

Sightseeing by “Sea”: Lake Maggiore, the centerpiece of Ascona invites you to journey along its waters on a day cruise to visit Swiss and Italian neighboring towns.  Ships depart from the main dock in Ascona regularly and a variety of tours are offered including lunch boats, visits to the lovely Isola Bella and Italian markets.
Zuri Girl Tip – SBB GA & Half Fare cards are not valid on these cruises

Gourmet Top Picks
Gelato. Hidden away from the main promenade sits gelato heaven. With 18 flavors, shakes, sundaes and franc savvy prices, Gelateria Veneta is a must.  Forget loosing the baby weight ladies, childbirth deserves an ice cream reward!  Piazza Borghetto 6612 Ascona. +41 (0) 78 890 02 68

Lakeside View. Freshly caught fish and front row seats on the promenade make this a great stop to share a nibble. Ristorante e pizzeria Al Piazza. Piazza G. Motta 29. 6612 Ascona. +41 (0) 91 791 11 81

Delicious & Picturesque. With Giordino’s Dine Around Concept, board the shuttle to sister hotel’s Restaurant Giardino Lago in Minusio. There, enjoy the breathtaking view from the roof top lounge and savoir the juiciness of the delicious US Black Angus Beef cooked in 1 of only 3 high-performance ovens in Europe with temperatures reaching 800 degrees Celsius.

A Hidden Gem. Some might pass by this hideaway hosting a quaint interior with exposed brick walls and an adorable, intimate courtyard.  Blazing on the open flame grill awaits seafood and meat specialties. Ristorante della Carra. Via Carra dei Nasi 18, 6612 Ascona. +41 (0) 91 791 44 52

PS. Be sure to sample Ticino regional specialties including: chestnuts, honey, risotto with saffron, polenta and braised stews. For drinks, sample a Ticino white, red merlot or an after dinner Liquore alla Nocciola

Zuri Girl understands new parents are exhausted, confused and in a bit of a 24hour zombie state of mind, but with this suggested weekend escape to the pearl of a town she hopes couples can rejuvenate, relax and even find a little romance.

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This article was created in collaboration with
and supported by Switzerland Tourism.
The site www.MySwitzerland.com provides excellent resources and holiday inspirations. If you’d like a copy of their Switzerland Activation Kit complete with information, maps and brochures, please email your name, post address and country of origin to info@myGirlfriendGuide.com.

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Photo Copyright by: Switzerland Tourism. swiss-image.ch/Stephan Engler

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