There are places you visit. And then there are places that stay in your mind. The Bellavista campsite at RESORT by RIVA definitely belongs to the second category. I've been camping for many years. I've seen idyllic spots, chaotic spots, sterile luxury resorts, and those typical 'nature campsites' where you wonder if nature was ever asked. Accordingly, I was skeptical this time too. After all, advertising often sounds better than reality. People can even sell dry bread as a 'rustic gourmet experience' today. But the RESORT by RIVA
honestly surprised me. From the moment I arrived, I had the feeling that this place operates differently. Calmer. More human. Not artificially polished, but genuinely relaxed. No aggressive tourism vibe, no constant stress, no mass processing. Instead, nature, style, friendliness, and an atmosphere that's hard to describe if you haven't experienced it yourself.
Camping with soul instead of camping with a numbering system
As a camper, you notice relatively quickly whether a place just wants to make money or if there are people behind it who really want guests to feel comfortable. At the campsite by RIVA I immediately had this feeling of consideration and genuine hospitality. The grounds seem well-maintained, quiet, and lively at the same time. I particularly liked that the camping area is car-free. No constant slamming of doors, no pointless driving around, no engine noise right next to my morning coffee. Instead, you hear water, wind, and sometimes absolutely nothing. A luxury that is almost forgotten today. Nighttime quiet was also respected. And surprisingly, even voluntarily. Apparently, friendliness sometimes works better than twenty prohibition signs with exclamation marks. The people there seemed relaxed. Families, couples, travelers, van life folks, older campers, young guests. Somehow everything fit together without seeming forced.
The BeachBar – music, sunset, and that special feeling
During the day, I was always drawn to the BeachBar. Sitting right by the water, listening to relaxed music, and just chilling out. This is exactly how you imagine a vacation, when you're not trying to escape everyday life with three browser tabs open. I was particularly impressed by the female DJ who was playing there. No intrusive party music, but stylish music with a feel for mood and atmosphere. The perfect soundtrack for a summer day on Lake Maggiore. People were relaxing by the water, others sat at the bar with cocktails or chatted quietly with each other. Everything felt relaxed and high-quality at the same time. Not polished, but authentic.
And that's exactly what makes the RERSORT by RIVA
from: It doesn't try too hard to be "hip." This automatically makes it special.
Culinary delights with a view of Lake Maggiore
In the evening, we went to the restaurant. Honestly, I expected 'typical campsite food'. You know: something between frozen romance and fry-up monotony. Instead, I got fresh cuisine, friendly service and an atmosphere that is more reminiscent of a boutique hotel than a classic campsite. The food was high-quality, lovingly prepared, and at the same time pleasantly uncomplicated. Just right after a long summer day by the water. The atmosphere in the evening was particularly beautiful. Lights, relaxed conversations, the view towards the lake, and that feeling that nobody has to rush anywhere. A rare situation in a world where people now seem hectic even when relaxing.
The new Tiny Lodges – modern, stylish, and surprisingly cozy
I'm actually a convinced camper. But the new Tiny Lodges really made me curious. A little peek inside and I was surprised/convinced. Modern, stylish, and at the same time pleasantly natural. Not a sterile design shell, but small retreats with atmosphere. You can tell that accommodations weren't just put here, but that someone thought about how people can feel truly comfortable. I found the mix of nature and comfort particularly exciting. You're outside, but still protected. Free, yet cozy. I actually caught myself thinking that I might book a Tiny Lodge instead of my camper on my next visit. A sentence I would normally only say when severely sleep-deprived.
byRIVA
is more than a vacation spot
What impressed me most wasn't just the beautiful grounds or the great location right on Lake Maggiore. It was this feeling that values matter here:
- Consideration,
- Friendliness,
- Peace,
- Quality,
- and genuine interaction with each other.
You can feel that people work here who don't just "process" tourism, but want to create a place where guests can truly switch off. Even the rules don't seem strict or unpleasant, but logical and fair. That's exactly why the interaction there works so well.
Now I even want to experience Quartier5 in Zurich
After my stay, I started to look more closely at byRIVA to explore and discovered that there are apparently other exciting places, including Quartier5 in Zurich. And honestly: If the atmosphere there is the same as on Lake Maggiore, then I definitely want to see it. Because these are exactly the kinds of places that are often missing today. Places with character. Places with attitude. Places that are modern without losing their humanity.
The RESORT by RIVA
surprised me – in the best way
I came as a camper. I left as an enthusiastic guest. I'll definitely be back as a convinced fan! The RESORT by RIVA combines camping, enjoyment, design, nature, and hospitality in a way that has become rare. It's not an overloaded luxury resort, nor is it just any campsite. It's something in between. Honest, stylish, and relaxed. Anyone seeking tranquility, who enjoys good food, appreciates beautiful music, and wants to experience a holiday with real atmosphere should definitely get to know this place. And sometimes, it's only in places like this that you realize how loud everyday life has actually become.
