La Palma au Lac in National Geographic Traveller

As featured in National Geographic Traveller (UK) The Switzerland Collection · November 2026

In the November 2026 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK), Hotel La Palma au Lac is part of The Switzerland Collection, a selection of Swiss hotels presented to the magazine’s readers. Our page – a paid feature designed by the magazine’s team – appears on page 168.

«Located on the shore of Lake Maggiore in Switzerland’s sunniest region, this hotel encourages guests to enjoy Locarno’s slower pace of life and distinctly Mediterranean atmosphere.»

The experience

Locarno has a way of encouraging people to slow down: the light on Lake Maggiore, the palm-lined promenade, mountains that seem close enough to touch. The hotel sits right on the waterfront; Piazza Grande, the old town and the mountain railway are an easy walk away, and the Ticino Ticket, complimentary for all guests, puts the Brissago Islands and the Verzasca Valley within easy reach.

A standout choice

Following an extensive renovation, La Palma has been reimagined with understated contemporary design: rooms, suites and family apartments, many overlooking the lake. The restaurant draws on Italian culinary traditions, with seasonal ingredients and fresh pasta made in-house every day; Napulé serves Neapolitan pizza made with dough fermented for 48 hours, and Palm Leaf Spa by Gold Elephant offers Thai treatments for quieter hours.

Insider tip

Wake up early and stroll along the lakeside promenade as the first ferries cross Lake Maggiore and cafés prepare their morning espresso. Then return to La Palma for breakfast overlooking the lake – one of the simplest ways to experience the gentle rhythm of Locarno.

Getting here from the UK

Direct flights from London reach Zurich and Milan in under two hours. From Milan Malpensa, Locarno is about two hours away; from Zurich Airport, about three hours by train. Locarno station is a four-minute walk from the hotel, and the Ticino Ticket included with your stay covers trains and buses throughout Ticino.

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