Born in Peru almost 60 years ago, César never would have dreamed that his path would lead him to Switzerland as a gardener. He spent his early years on fishing boats along the Peruvian coast, driven by a longing to explore the world. Although the American dream initially appealed to him, he found himself in Switzerland in 2001, drawn by the proximity to his sister, who had already been living in French-speaking Switzerland for years.
César's professional journey began in 2008 at Hotel Bon Rivage, initially in the kitchen. However, his unquenched wanderlust and the urge to learn new things soon led him to the garden. When Fogo, the hotel's long-time gardener who had nurtured the garden for nearly half a century, retired in 2010, César saw his chance to learn the profession from scratch.
Under Fogo's guidance, César acquired gardening skills over two years. He learned not only how to prune century-old roses, weed, and care for fruit and flowering trees, but also how to grow vegetables – and in doing so, introduced his own plant species as well as vegetable and herb varieties from his homeland. His thirst for knowledge is unbridled, fueled by the support of numerous partners and suppliers who share their expertise with him.
César's greatest joy is sharing his gardening knowledge with guests, especially when it comes to rose care. He enjoys watching visitors stroll through the garden, pause, and admire each blooming plant. He is particularly proud to supply the chef with perfectly sized vegetables. But César finds his greatest happiness in the harmony of the garden, where every plant contributes to the magic of this place.
Ultimate relaxation at Hotel Bon Rivage on Lake Geneva.