For over 150 years the world’s most powerful and respected citizens have been attracted to this opulent palace with its extensive gardens, views over the lake and Borromean Islands, and restorative spa. With the lake to the front and beautiful rolling hills to the rear, not only is the hotel striking, the natural surroundings are too. There are two swimming pools, a walled Japanese garden and beautifully carved statues representing figures of Greek and Roman mythology. Within the hotel itself is the tranquil spa which features a sauna and Turkish bath and an indoor pool with hydromassage area that can be used free of charge throughout your stay. Across the road you will find the lakeshore and a small public beach area. Il Borromeo is the hotel’s elegant restaurant for fine dining every day. When the weather is pleasant the doors are opened on to the delightful terrace which is surrounded by the greenery and has views towards the lake. Each morning breakfast is casual, while dinner is a more elegant affair and local dishes are served. For between-meal bites there’s a snack bar located close to the outdoor pools. As would be expected, the rooms and suites here reflect the grandeur of the hotel with both grand interiors and beautiful views. Garden and Lake View Rooms have respective views while Junior Suites have a seating area and balcony with a lake view. The Junior Suites Deluxe have the most luxurious décor with dark wood panelled walls and rich fabrics.
This is a refined and elegant choice, perfect if you are seeking a peaceful break in the Italian Lakes. The hotel prides itself on its focus on arts and culture with modern art works dotted throughout the hotel. You can spend time relaxing and wandering through the exquisitely landscaped gardens or taking a dip in the indoor pool, or of course the lake itself – there is a small man-made private beach from which you can step straight into the water. The informal La Terrazza bar is perfect for a quick snack, while La Beola has a refined ambience, innovative Italian cuisine and spectacular views over the gardens and lake. In summer you can make the most of sunny days by dining out on the terrace at the seasonal restaurant Il Portico (weather permitting) and of course wherever you choose to dine, there is an extensive wine list. The rooms here are traditional in style and reflect the heritage of the hotel. Standard Rooms are small yet comfortable, with an upgrade to a side lake view available, while the Superior Lateral Lake View Rooms are more spacious and have partial lake views. Deluxe Rooms Lateral Lake View are more spacious, as are the Junior Suites Lateral Lake View, the latter having a large terrace which gives you glimpses of the Borromean Islands.
Like stepping into an opulent Italian film from a bygone era, this hotel is unapologetically indulgent and satisfyingly grand. The aristocratic interior of this Belle Époque mansion matches its sublime setting on the shores of Lake Maggiore – believed by many to be the most romantic in Italy. First to catch your eye will be the views of the Borromean Islands; second, the luxuriant gardens brimming with azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias. Every detail is beautifully thought out, from the stucco decoration to the elegant marble columns and dazzling chandeliers. The hotel’s main restaurant, Le Isole, is a delightful place to dine, whether you opt for a romantic candlelit dinner or lunch on the panoramic terrace. Restaurant I Mori is set in a striking gazebo made of crystal and wrought iron and serves exquisite Italian cuisine during the evening, with amazing views of the lake. If you can tear yourself away from the scenery, the spa and wellness centre has been carefully created to ensure complete relaxation. The soothing Camellia Grotto is a natural cave home to sensory showers, an ice waterfall and steamroom, and treatment rooms have everything from chromotherapy water beds to refreshing detox scrubs. Outside, you can take advantage of the swimming pool, which sits at the front of the hotel and also has those incredible lake views. Of course, those views are not just to be admired – get your boat shoes ready and the hotel will happily arrange a trip out across the waters to the Borromean Islands. You’re just a 15-minute walk to the nearest ferry landing stage or a 30-minute stroll from the historical fishing town of Stresa. To make even lighter work of it, the hotel provides a complimentary shuttle bus or free bikes if you prefer to cycle. Expect nothing less than sumptuous rooms decorated with gilded accents, marble bathrooms and pure goose down coverlets. The Superior Park View Rooms overlook the pretty gardens, while the Deluxe Rooms have a balcony and the option of a Side Lake View or a Lake View. Junior Suites are on the first floor, overlook the garden, pool and lake and have a spacious private terrace.
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