Smaller and less known than Italy’s famed Como, Garda and Maggiore lakes, the northern Italian Lake Orta provides a peaceful winter retreat. Located about 45 minutes from Milan’s Malpensa Airport (MXP), the Relais & Chateaux villa showcases traditional Moorish-inspired architecture, highlighted by a soaring tower. Constructed beginning in 1879 by architect Angelo Colla, the villa stands within landscaped gardens that gently slope down to the lake’s edge.
This intimate three-story property offers 14 elegantly appointed rooms and suites. Accommodations include four classic rooms with private balconies and two deluxe rooms featuring double-canopied beds. The interiors reflect 19th-century decor with Arabic influences, while wood parquet floors and marble bathrooms contribute a sense of refined comfort. Guests can enjoy complimentary WiFi and a daily gourmet breakfast served either in the lounge or brought to the privacy of their room.
The villa’s two-Michelin-star restaurant presents Mediterranean cuisine led by chef and co-owner Antonino Cannavacciuolo, known to many from Italy’s version of the restaurant program Kitchen Nightmares. Dining emphasizes seasonal ingredients and an attentive, refined service that complements the hotel’s historic ambiance.
Practical amenities include shuttle service from the nearby Orta-Miasino railway station, and airport transfers can be arranged to suit arrival and departure needs. The property’s lakeside location and classic architectural features make it well suited for travelers seeking a tranquil, upscale escape close to Milan yet immersed in a quieter, scenic setting.