The name of The Living Circle returns to the center of the Swiss hotel scene thanks to a series of awards received in the 2026/27 edition of the "150 Best Hotels" ranking, curated by journalist and industry expert Andrin Willi. Among the most notable awards is the one awarded to Katharina Baumann, named “Concierge of the Year 2026”.
The official announcement was published on May 17th by NZZ am Sonntag, while the presentation of the new hotel guide took place on May 18th at The Dolder Grand, one of the most famous addresses in Swiss hospitality.
Now in its thirteenth edition, Andrin Willi's ranking represents one of the most authoritative references in the national hotel scene, annually selecting the best establishments and the most influential personalities in the sector.
A recognition of the culture of hospitality
The award presented to Katharina Baumann emphasizes her ability to interpret a contemporary model of luxury hospitality, based on discretion, individual attention, and a human connection with guests.
Leading the concierge service at the Widder Hotel, Baumann is considered a key figure in building the guest experience, thanks to an in-depth knowledge of the city of Zurich and a personalized approach capable of transforming the stay into something unique.
Marco Zanolari, CEO of The Living Circle, highlighted how personal attention has become one of the most sought-after elements in high-end hospitality today, defining Baumann as “a true ambassador of the group’s identity”.
Benjamin Dietsche, general manager of the Widder Hotel, also emphasized the concierge's human and professional value, describing him or her as a point of reference for both guests and the hotel's internal team.
The results of the group's hotels
In addition to the individual award, several hotels in The Living Circle achieved top positions in the new national ranking.
Among the most significant results is Castello del Sole's second place in the five-star resort hotel category. This achievement consolidates the Ticino hotel's position among the finest examples of high-end Swiss hospitality.
The Widder Hotel also achieved good rankings, ranking tenth among Swiss city hotels, and the Storchen Zürich, ranking twentieth in the same category.
Among the four-star resorts, Bergwelt Grindelwald also stands out, taking seventh place nationwide.
According to the group, the simultaneous recognition of multiple properties demonstrates the strength of a philosophy that focuses on locations with a strong identity, a connection to the local area, and attention to detail.
Hospitality and agriculture in a single model
Founded as a family-run Swiss group, The Living Circle develops the concept of “Luxury fed by nature”, integrating hospitality, gastronomy and agricultural production.
The portfolio includes four hotels, a hideaway, several restaurants, farms, and a winery spread across some of Switzerland's most renowned locations. Properties include Castello del Sole, Storchen Zurich, Alex Lake Zurich, and Widder Hotel, as well as Château de Raymontpierre.
A distinctive element of the group is the farm-to-table model, developed through agricultural businesses such as Terreni alla Maggia and Cantina alla Maggia, which directly supply the kitchens of the facilities.
From next autumn, the Bergwelt Grindelwald, a destination immersed in the Alpine landscape of the Bernese Oberland, will also join the portfolio.
Further information about the group is available on the official website of The Living Circle
