By 19th Hole Staff
Ayurvedic medicine (Ayurveda) is an ancient traditional healing system developed in India more than 3,000 years ago. It is one of the world’s oldest holistic (whole-body) medical practices. The system is based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit.
Inspired by this ancient Ayurvedic science, Hotel Giardino Ascona, a luxury retreat in Switzerland, has created an exciting vacation concept for women golfers: a winning combination of golf and Ayurvedic treatments that help revitalize both game and mind. Guests stay at the magnificent Giardino Ascona, a few minutes’ walk from Lake Maggiore on the south side of the Swiss Alps and next door to the 18-hole Golf Club Patriziale Ascona.
The hotel recently created a dedicated Ayurvedic medicine center, with a team of naturopathic practitioners, yoga and meditation teachers as well as nutritionists who have developed a Euro-centric program using locally sourced herbs and spices.
The Ayurveda Ladies Golf package offers rounds at two courses: the highly-regarded Golf Club Patriziale Ascona, with direct access from Giardino Ascona’s gardens and the nearby 18-hole championship course at Golf Club Gerre Losone.
Set on the banks of Lake Maggiore against a backdrop of magnificent Alpine mountains, Golf Club Patriziale Ascona was established in 1928 as a nine-hole layout. It soon became such a popular meeting place that the course was extended to 18 holes with the help of eminent golf course architects, Harry Colt & Charles Alison. Golf Gerre Losone, which opened in 2001, offers a complete contrast to Patriziale Ascona with a modern setting in a narrow valley surrounded by mountains that provides a real challenge with tight fairways, unnerving OB possibilities and several natural water hazards that require good course management and accurate shot making.
Included with the golf package: is a personal check-up with respected golf physiotherapist, Cornelia Albrecht, Ayurvedic treatments, yoga in the mornings and a half-board Ayurvedic menu designed to improve the holistic well-being of guests. These elements are all part of the “Ayurveda by Giardino” program, to regenerate and strengthen the body through the Indian healing science. It also teaches guests how to face life with a strong and conscientious mind, helping golfers to optimize their skills and mental approach out on the course.
The Ayurvedic Golf Package is available exclusively from October 1-5, 2017, and cost from $1,850 (US) per person. It includes:
• 4 nights at the Hotel Giardino Ascona on a half-board Ayurvedic menu
• 3 green fees at the Golf Club Patriziale Ascona and at the Golf Club Gerre Losone
• 2 Ayurvedic treatments: 1 Pristabhyanga (an intensive back massage)
& 1 Abhyanga (a relaxing and rejuvenating full body massage)
• 1 personal check-up with golf-physiotherapist Cornelia Albrecht
• Yoga lessons in the morning
Giardino Group comprises of four hotels in Switzerland – three 5-star superior hotels and one boutique property. They are all renowned for their casual luxury, characterful design, excellent service and a relaxed ambience. The 72-room Giardino Ascona giardino-ascona.ch, is set in stunning, lush Mediterranean gardens and picturesque ponds which offers fine dining in the 2 Michelin-starred Ecco where Rolf Fliegauf (one of Switzerland’s most decorated chefs) resides, a less formal restaurant known as Hide&Seek, the HotelBar and extensive fitness facilities, including outdoor and indoor pools, and a dipiù Spa.
For further information and reservations: reservation@giardino.ch