The star at the (gourmet) helm: Marco Campanella and La Brezza

The Tschuggen Collection has long stood for exceptional Swiss hospitality – but this year’s 101 Sustainable Hospitality Award 2026 shines a spotlight on something even more powerful: a deep, long-term commitment to climate protection and environmental responsibility.

Presented during the “101 Best Hotels in Germany” awards at Schloss Elmau by tennis legend and Wimbledon champion Michael Stich, the accolade marks an international acknowledgment of a philosophy that is lived, not merely claimed.

A Commitment Rooted in Nature

For Christian Klein, CEO Property & Finance of The Tschuggen Collection, sustainability is inseparable from the group’s identity. With hotels nestled in some of Switzerland’s most spectacular nature – Arosa, St. Moritz and Ascona – protecting these Alpine environments is an essential responsibility.“It is important not only to create outstanding guest experiences,” Klein notes,“but also to actively protect the nature that surrounds us.”

He extends his gratitude to employees, guests, and partners who have embraced this journey and continue shaping a more sustainable future for Swiss hospitality.

A Milestone – Not a Starting Point

The award is a moment of recognition on a path the group has been following for more than a decade. Today, The Tschuggen Collection is the first Swiss premium hotel group to combine high-end hospitality with measurable climate action – the result of years of innovation, investment, and conviction.

At the heart of this mission lies a clear challenge: How can a luxury hotel reduce its environmental footprint without compromising comfort? The answer: rethink energy, adopt circular practices, optimise resources – and consistently choose long-term solutions over quick wins.

Campanella’s dishes are living works of art. Whether from the seven-course set menu or its plant-based Moving Mountains counterpart, each dish tells a story packed with colour and flavour. Wherever possible, Campanella uses local and regional ingredients that capture the essence of Lake Maggiore and Vallemaggia. “Although my cuisine is outward-looking and diverse in its influences,” he says, “it is important to me that ingredients are prepared in such a way that they remain recognisable and familiar to guests on the plate.”

Renewable Energy at the Core: From Ice Storage to Photovoltaic Design

Behind the scenes, the transformation is remarkable. Through innovative energy systems, heat recovery, improved insulation and mindful consumption, the group has achieved a 90% reduction in fossil fuel use over the past eleven years. Today, all electricity is sourced from renewable, certified green energy.

A flagship example of climate innovation is the Valsana Hotel Arosa, featuring:

A CO₂-neutral building infrastructure (since 2017)
An ice-storage system, geothermal energy and advanced heat recovery
Zero reliance on fossil fuels – even at 1,800 metres above sea level

This pioneering approach forms the blueprint for the future. Looking ahead, the Tschuggen Collection plans to completely eliminate fossil fuels by the end of 2026. Work is already underway on a new energy concept for the Tschuggen Grand Hotel, including a photovoltaic façade harnessing high-altitude sunlight to generate clean power.

A visit to La Brezza is more than just a meal: it is a journey through flavour and culinary creativity guided by Marco Campanella himself. Campanella’s awards and continued success are a testament to his outstanding skill and passion for gastronomy.

Behind the menu: In conversation with Marco Campanella

Marco, what inspires you most when creating your dishes? Are there experiences or places that particularly spark your creativity?

My inspiration comes from the surrounding nature, especially from Ticino’s many natural gifts. I also find inspiration in my travels. My wife and I travelled frequently before our daughter was born; we went around Asia and spent four months in South America. When we travel, I’m always picking up tips and tricks. Our current menu, for example, shows inspiration from our recent trip to Japan.

What’s your go-to dish when cooking for guests at home, and why?

When I have guests, I like to keep things simple and delicious. My signature dish is ‘Cavatelli della Mamma’: a family recipe that my parents used to cook and that my mum still makes when I visit. I don’t think you can beat fresh pasta. When friends visit, we also serve a simple but flavourful selection of cold cuts, cheese and salami, accompanied by a good bottle of wine.

Every kitchen has its own set of essential ingredients – those that form the foundation of any number of wonderful dishes. Which three ingredients are a permanent fixture in your own kitchen, and what makes them so essential for you?

Number one has to be white wine vinegar, for its ability to create a pleasant lightness on the palate. Next is lime juice, which brings a freshness and acidity that enhances other flavours. A crunchy element such as quinoa, wild rice or potato crisps can be added to just about any dish to create an interesting texture. For some years now, I’ve also been a fan of adding a spicy component, like horseradish or chilli peppers, to give dishes that final zing. These are all must-haves in my kitchen.

What advice you would give to amateur chefs to help them take their dishes to the next level? Is there a kitchen secret you can share?

My most important piece of advice is to be patient and calm, especially if something doesn’t turn out right straight away. In addition, cooking should always be done with passion. In terms of practical advice, I’d mention searing: ingredients such as mushrooms should always be sautéed slowly and gently to avoid producing bitter flavours. That’s something I always say to my team. In general, with the exception of meat and fish, ingredients should be seared gently to bring out the best flavours.

Marco Campanella is the new Ambassador for Mercedes-Benz Switzerland as of 2024. This partnership combines Campanella's passion and craftsmanship in the kitchen with the quality standards and innovation of Mercedes-Benz.