Relais & Chateaux Villa Crespi  

In Orta San Giulio on Lake Orta, Piedmont — about an hour from Milan, 90 minutes from Turin and 45 minutes from Milano Malpensa. Tucked into town-center parkland that slopes down to the lake, the property sits close to the Church of the Madonnina in Prato, Casa Camuzzi and Swissminiatur, with ferry links nearby to Isola Bella and Stresa.

A historic Moorish-style villa built in 1879 with 14 uniquely themed rooms. Expect four-poster double or king beds, frescoed ceilings, period furniture and elegant marble en suite bathrooms with showers and hot tubs. Many rooms have private balconies or terraces, and modern touches include air conditioning, satellite TV, minibars, safes, bathrobes and slippers.

Spa and wellness offerings include a sauna, massage rooms and a range of body treatments and facials. Outdoor options range from water sports and lakeside walks to nearby hiking and golf; skiing assistance is available seasonally. Practical perks include free parking/valet, complimentary train-station pickup, a tour desk, laundry services, elevator access and multilingual staff. Pet-friendly and family-friendly with babysitting on request — wake up to lake-breeze mornings and stroll the park to the water.

Complimentary wireless internet across the property, concierge and luggage storage, limo/town-car service and 24-hour train-station pick-up make arrivals and work stays smoother.

On-site fine-dining restaurant serves modern Mediterranean cuisine, backed by a bar and a café for coffee with a view. A complimentary buffet breakfast is served each morning (typically 7:30–10:30), and limited room service is available.