Casa Fantini

Few visitors to Lake Orta venture beyond the town of Orta San Giulio, but we recommend you head to the village of Pella on the western shores and you’ll discover one of the best hotels to open in the region for many years. Daniela Fantini’s dream was to create a place in harmony with the tranquil surroundings and in consultation with architect and furniture designer Piero Lissoni she has done just this.

The ‘old house’ with its rustic bar and two sumptuous suites leads to a beautiful modern structure, home to a delightful lounge and nine bedrooms, each with a terrace looking out across the gardens to Isola San Giulio. Plenty of activities can be arranged by the attentive staff including guided nature walks in the hills above the village, private boat tours and photography classes. You can board the ferry to discover more of the lake or simply relax in the beautiful Italian garden with its stylish summer swimming pool or join the locals as they stroll along the ‘lungolago,’ the promenade which is the village’s focal point. Light dishes are served throughout the day and evening meals are prepared at the village’s best restaurant ‘Imbarcadero’ and delivered to order. From Pella, you can reach both the resort of Stresa on Lake Maggiore and Milan’s Malpensa airport in 45 minutes. Hotel open 1 March – 31 October.