We all need a break from our usual routines now and then. You might be a city person who hears the call of the wild or a seasoned country person who wants to get back to where you came from. We’ve put together a list of places to stay that show why Italy is called nature’s amphitheatre. These places range from lakefront luxury to rustic farmhouses.
Il Sereno Lago di Como – Torno, Italy
Il Sereno is right on the shores of Lake Como, which makes it a great place to take in the scenery. There is a private beach and a dock where one of the hotel’s boats can take guests to the hotel. A 60-foot-long freshwater infinity pool is suspended over the lake, and there is a big sundeck where you can relax and take in the views.
Palas Cerequio – La Morra, Italy
Palas Cerequio is the best place to get away and enjoy nature. There are vineyards all around this rustic farm, so it makes sense that it has its own wine cellar. Delicious Italian food is given to go with the local wines, and if you want to learn how to cook Piedmontese food, you can take cooking lessons. The staff is happy to help plan trips in the area, such as hikes or hunts for truffles.
Villa Cortine Palace Hotel – Sirmione, Italy
Villa Cortine is right next to Lake Garda, which makes it a great place for walks along the water, horseback rides, and mountain biking. The hotel is in a quiet park, which makes it easy to relax. At the same time, the historic center of Sirmione is only five minutes away on foot. There is also a private pier with sun chairs where you can work on your tan before going for a swim in the lake.
Cristallo, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa – Cortina dʼAmpezzo, Italy
Cristallo has been open since 1901, so it’s safe to say they know a thing or two about making people feel welcome. The Dolomites are a beautiful setting, and almost every room in the hotel has a great view. There are three restaurants and a great spa with a hammam, a Finnish sauna, and a greenhouse.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo – Tremezzo, Italy
The Grand Hotel was built in 1910, and its Art Nouveau style is very charming. There are three swimming pools on-site, and one of them sits on Lake Como. The hotel is in a park that is over 100 years old, so there is a lot of green to go with the deep blue water of the lake. There is also a private beach with a view of Bellagio, which is close by.
Hotel Chalet Mirabell – Avelengo, Italy
The town of Avelengo in the mountains is a paradise for hikers, with more valleys and peaks than you can shake a walking pole at. The family-run Hotel Chalet Mirabell has a pool in the yard and a terrace with a view of the mountains so that guests don’t miss out on the beautiful scenery. If you’re a little sore after a hard day of hiking, book a massage or go to the Finnish sauna to let off some steam.
Hotel Splendid – Baveno, Italy
The Hotel Splendid lives up to its name because it has great views of the mountains and Lake Maggiore. Guests also like the helpful staff and the area around the pool, which is lit up at night by candles. Some rooms have an Alpine theme, a porch, and a fireplace, which makes them feel like they are in a cozy country home. You can take a free ski bus up to the Merano 2000 hills in the winter.
Agriresort Le Porcine – Bolsena, Italy
The Agriresort Le Porcine is a stone cottage with a swimming pool perched on a hillside. It has a very country feel to it. Guests can use the small private beach on the shores of Lake Bolsena or go hiking in the endless rolling hills. During the warmer months, you can eat on a covered patio that looks out over the lake. Breakfast is given in a building that used to be a stable. From there, you can see the nearby forest and ancient olive trees.
B&B Chocolat – Omegna, Italy
This villa in the country looks out over Lake Orta and is surrounded by private grounds. Anna and Marco, your hosts, will make sure you have a great time with a wonderful Italian breakfast and a glass of local wine on the terrace. At B&B Chocolat, guests will also get a welcome pack with food and fresh flowers that they can use to make dinner.