Bees and Friends Hotels in Ticino

Villa Carona – Bee Edition: In the blooming Mediterranean garden of the historic Villa Carona near Lugano, a unique refuge for up to 30,000 honeybees is taking shape. Designed by Sarah Rittmann, this miniature bee hotel mirrors the architecture, colors, and proportions of the original villa. Elevated on elegant stilts and equipped with a professional beekeeping system, it meets all standards for species-appropriate care. A hinged roof, single flight entrance, and space for ten Dadant frames make maintenance by a local beekeeper efficient and sustainable. Surrounded by nectar-rich blossoms, the Bee Edition offers ideal conditions for honeybees – all in a heritage-inspired setting.

Beatrice the Hedgehog: LUGANODANTE Boutique & Lifestyle Hotel. At the heart of the LUGANODANTE Boutique & Lifestyle Hotel, a touch of nature blends seamlessly with outstanding hospitality thanks to our Urban Farming initiative — a unique project developed in collaboration with various local associations. Among the many wonders of this initiative, one space stands out: a dedicated sanctuary for hedgehogs, where these small, fascinating creatures can find shelter, heal from injuries, and recover in a safe and welcoming environment.

We have beehives scattered around the fields of our Cantina alla Maggia vineyard and the Terreni alla Maggia farm. Our resort is also home to Switzerland’s largest colony of house martins, as well as the Foce della Maggia nature reserve, where around sixty species of birds come to nest.

High above Lake Maggiore, our eight beehives await discovery. During regular visits to the hives—protected by beekeeping suits—guests can get up close to the busy bees and even harvest their own taste of liquid gold. The honey produced is also served on the breakfast buffet and used in the hotel kitchen. Guests can also purchase jars of our honey to take home as a sweet souvenir or gift.

Our beehives are located in a unique and pristine setting, surrounded by seven hectares of organic vineyards cascading down steep terraces toward the lake. The vineyard is left naturally grassed, fostering remarkable biodiversity: beneath the vines, an incredible variety of flowers, aromatic herbs, insects, and, most notably, a thriving population of butterflies — including several rare and endangered species — flourish.