Eva Schwenn Shares the Philosophy Behind ARIA Retreat & SPA
- Fiammetta Lombardi
- Jun 6
- 8 min read
Introduction
Perched above the serene waters of Lake Lugano, ARIA Retreat & SPA redefines luxury as an immersive, elemental experience. Part of the acclaimed Parco San Marco estate and a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World, ARIA is a sanctuary designed for the discerning traveler—those who seek not spectacle, but stillness; not excess, but elegance. In this exclusive interview with Eva Schwenn, the visionary owner behind ARIA, we explore the ethos, architecture, sustainability, and soulful intent that make this retreat unlike any other.
Ethos & Identity
ARIA Retreat & SPA is described as a “new concept of luxury between earth and air.” What does that phrase mean to you, and how does it shape the guest experience?
Even the mere position of ARIA—perched at the highest point of our terraced subtropical park—invites each guest to take a deep breath of joy. ARIA is quite literally suspended between the serenity of the surrounding forest and the vastness of the sky. It invites introspection, stillness, and wonder. It’s luxury without weight—one that uplifts rather than overwhelms.
How would you describe the emotional journey that ARIA is designed to create for each guest, from arrival to departure?
A feeling of wellbeing through the unobstructed view of an unspoiled landscape filled with lush greenery and the shimmering lake—a promise of a joyful stay. From the first step into the retreat, the design invites the guest to reconnect with nature and themselves. Every space, every silence, is crafted to create a sense of emotional and physical liberation.
What makes ARIA’s philosophy of personalized, all-round well-being different from traditional luxury hospitality approaches?
Words cannot fully capture the soul of ARIA. Its architecture, furnishings, and finishes exude top-tier Italian design. Art may inspire or spark dialogue—this is the hardware. But it is our people who are the true soul: each and every team member attentively and gratefully cares for our exceptional guests. The difference lies in the invisible: in the sincere smiles, the silent intuition of service, the hospitality that anticipates rather than follows.
Nature, Design & Architecture
ARIA is nestled between a 40,000 m² subtropical park and a 200,000 m² mountain forest. How does the surrounding nature influence the design and daily rhythm of life at the retreat?
Architecture cannot by itself create joy or wellness. It must exceed guest expectations while always yielding to the landscape. At ARIA, nature is not a backdrop—it is the guiding principle. The rhythm of the day follows the sun over the lake and the breeze through the forest. The design does not intrude but blends, letting the environment lead.
Can you walk us through the architectural decisions made by R4M Engineering that allow ARIA to blend so seamlessly with its environment?
The regional landscape protection authority in Milan allowed the use of modern materials and technology, but requested that each suite include a historical loggia—a distinctive architectural element of patrician villas around Lake Como for centuries. Architects Carlo Bacchini and Sara Colombo of R4M transformed these generous loggias into outdoor living rooms, some of which our guests use as remote workspaces. These loggias blur the line between inside and out—offering privacy with presence. They are a direct homage to the region’s noble heritage, updated for the modern nomadic soul who seeks nature, light, and freedom.
Each suite is described as both luxurious and hypoallergenic. What role does wellness play in even the smallest design details of the space?
Wellness isn’t limited to a comfortable Frette-clad bed. The entire interior design follows strict Italian aesthetics. The comfort of an armchair, a chair, even sitting in a bathtub—often with lake views—set within high-end artisan marble: that is what we consider wellness. Wellness at ARIA is multisensory. Materials are handpicked for their touch and origin. Every visual line is clean, harmonious, and soothing—removing noise from the mind. Even the air you breathe is pure, thanks to hypoallergenic design.
Sustainability & Responsibility
How do your partnerships with wild bee conservation and ancient grain agriculture contribute to both your sustainability goals and guest experience?
We are deeply grateful to be able to create a holiday experience for nature-loving guests in such an intact, living ecosystem. That’s why we wish to shift the guest’s attention not only toward what we have created, but to rekindle a love for the simplicity and authenticity of nature.
At ARIA, we host mason bees year-round in collaboration with Wildbiene + Partner AG, a Zurich-based organization dedicated to the protection and propagation of wild bees. These gentle, stingless pollinators are far more efficient than honeybees and play a vital role in biodiversity and food sustainability.
Equally meaningful is our nearly 20-year collaboration with Giuseppe Li Rosi, guardian of Mediterranean seed biodiversity and founder of the Terre Frumentarie project. In the sun-drenched fields of Morgantina, southeastern Sicily, we have adopted a parcel of land where ancient grains—Senatore Cappelli, Margherito, and Strazzavisazzi (Perciasacchi)—are cultivated in the traditional, organic way.
From these grains, our Pasta del Parco San Marco is born: stone-ground, bronze-drawn, and slowly dried on wooden frames. It evokes the aromas and textures of home-made pasta, a sensory journey into Italy’s agricultural heritage.
Wellness & the SPA CEò
SPA CEò is inspired by Celtic fog. How is that reflected in the experience?
At SPA CEò, the name itself holds the key to its essence. "Ceò" is the Gaelic word for fog or mist, and in ancient Celtic tradition, it was revered not merely as a weather phenomenon, but as a fifth sacred element—alongside earth, water, fire, and air.
For the Leponian Celts, who once inhabited our very region—the still-so-named Alpi Lepontine—ceò was a portal to transformation and inner vision. This philosophy shapes every facet of SPA CEò. Guests journey through softly lit, curved stone corridors reminiscent of ancient sanctuaries. The architecture avoids harsh lines, encouraging a slow unfolding of the senses.
By distancing ourselves from standardised spa icons and instead embracing our local Celtic-European roots, we’ve created a space that is not just relaxing, but restorative on a cellular and spiritual level.
How do you ensure every guest’s wellness journey is completely personalized?
Every treatment is preceded by an in-depth skin analysis. But more than that, we tailor each treatment’s outcome to the guest’s individual wishes. Personalization goes beyond skin type—it’s about mood, intent, and inner state. Our therapists are trained to read unspoken needs, adapting not only products but also gestures and rhythms.
Gastronomy & Culinary Philosophy
How does La Musa reflect ARIA’s ethos?
At La Musa, cuisine becomes a form of conscious expression—an extension of ARIA’s ethos where nature, beauty, and intention intertwine. Chef Michele Pili crafts each dish as a sensorial journey, drawing from his Sardinian roots and marrying them with the botanical and alpine identity of our region.
The culinary experience becomes a natural continuation of the wellness, artistry, and authenticity that define the entire retreat. At La Musa, we don’t chase trends—we follow the rhythm of nature, the integrity of ingredients, and the emotional resonance that a truly thoughtful meal can evoke.
How do your special ingredients elevate the sensory experience?
We work only with ingredients that have a story, a place, and a purpose. Our Sicilian ancient grain pasta, or the mountain honey sourced from bees living within our own parklands, are more than components—they are living heritage. These ingredients carry memory, terroir, and uncompromised flavour.
When a guest tastes a dish at La Musa, they’re not just enjoying flavour—they're experiencing our respect for the land, our care for craftsmanship, and our refusal to compromise. That’s where the emotional power of cuisine begins.
Spirits & Signature Moments
What do ARIA’s gins say about the retreat?
At ARIA, even our handcrafted gins are expressions of place, memory, and emotion. They are not created to follow a trend, but to capture the intangible—the whisper of a lake breeze at dusk, the scent of juniper and wild botanicals from our surrounding forest, the glow of a pink sunset reflecting off the water.
Each bottle of ARIA Pink Gin or Arialogist Dry Gin is conceived as a sensory distillation of the retreat itself. These are not just spirits. They are liquid souvenirs, designed to carry the guest back to a moment of stillness, warmth, and wonder.
Art & Culture
Why is art such an essential part of ARIA?
At ARIA and throughout Parco San Marco, art is not decoration—it is part of our architecture of emotion. It acts as a silent host, welcoming guests into spaces that are both visually striking and emotionally resonant.
Art becomes a mirror—sometimes gentle, sometimes provocative—always inviting dialogue with the self. Just as nature and design shape the ARIA experience, art gives it rhythm. It reminds our guests that beauty is not a luxury, but a need—and that stillness can be filled with meaning.
How does exhibiting Giovanni Mason enrich the retreat?
Giovanni Mason is more than an exhibiting artist—he is part of ARIA’s soul. Known for his mastery in marble and bronze, Mason’s works radiate raw emotion and spiritual presence, transforming the weight of their materials into unexpected lightness.
His sculptures create a dialogue between fragility and force, silence and resonance. Through Mason’s pieces, ARIA becomes more than a place to stay—it becomes a place to feel deeply, think freely, and remember what truly matters.
Guest Profile & Future Vision
Who is the ideal guest at ARIA—and what does the future hold?
The ideal guest at ARIA is someone who values authenticity over extravagance, who seeks substance rather than spectacle. They may be accomplished, well-travelled, and discerning—but what defines them most is an inner richness: a deep appreciation for silence, nature, art, and meaningful human connection.
They are individuals who instinctively understand that true luxury lies in the freedom to be unseen, to be at peace, to feel completely themselves. At ARIA, they find a place that doesn't demand attention but offers refuge, where everything has been thought of, yet nothing feels imposed.
We welcome guests who don't need to be impressed—but are open to being moved. People who have given much to the world and now seek to be gently held by it, even if just for a few days.
Looking ahead, we are excited to grow—discreetly and purposefully. We plan to add 15 new suites that reflect the same architectural integrity and emotional resonance that define ARIA today. In parallel, we will continue to enrich our gastronomic offering, deepening the connection between nature, culture, and cuisine. As we evolve, our commitment remains the same: to offer a sanctuary where each detail is curated, every gesture sincere, and every guest experience deeply personal.
Closing Thoughts
ARIA Retreat & SPA isn’t simply a destination—it’s a finely attuned emotional landscape. With each suite, sculpture, and spa ritual, guests are invited to slow down and tune into what matters most.
Through sustainable choices, culinary depth, and profound artistic sensibility, Eva Schwenn and her team have created more than a retreat; they’ve created a resonance. Whether seeking quiet inspiration or soulful restoration, ARIA offers a refuge where luxury becomes personal, and presence is the greatest indulgence of all.