6 Best Hotels in Lombardy and the Lakes, Italy

Used as a hunting lodge in the 19th century, the Fasano has matured into a seasonal hotel with high standards, opulent rooms, and many amenities—including an Aveda Destination Spa and a well-regarded restaurant, Il Fagiano, in addition to three more casual eateries (one a short walk away). There are also two golf courses in the vicinity. To one side you face the deep waters of Lake Garda; on the others you're surrounded by a 31,080-square-km (12,000-square-mile) private park where the original Austrian owners no doubt spent their days chasing game.

Set in an early-20th-century villa amid Franciacorta's hilly vineyards, this Relais & Chateaux property is a true sanctuary, with an enormous spa, a botanical garden, and vast, sculpture-filled grounds to explore. Each guest room is different, though all are decked out with luxurious fabrics; most have balconies or terraces with garden, lake, or Alpine views, and some feature Jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces. The hotel is owned by the same family as the neighboring Bellavista and Contadi Castaldi wineries, and you can sample these wines with your meals in the on-site gourmet Leone Felice or L'aurum restaurants or La Filiale pizzeria. You'll want to devote time to the spa's top-notch treatments—including hydrotherapy, body scrubs, facials, and massage—as well as its large pool, sauna, Turkish bath, and gym.

This former private villa in a secluded park is known for its bucolic lakeside setting, charming decor of the older rooms, and accommodating staff. The hotel dominates a low hill, and the grounds—a mixture of lawns, trees, statues, fountains, and a clay tennis court—go right down to the lake. The villa itself dates from the early part of the 19th century, although a wing was added in 1952: ask for a higher floor for a better lake view.

In addition to Lake Como panoramas, this early-20th-century Art Nouveau landmark has marbled public spaces and guest rooms with floral fabrics, walnut wardrobes, and silk-covered sofas. Relax with a drink on the garden terrace, or enjoy a romantic meal, ensconced in a plush, red-velvet chair at the candlelit Bar delle Terme restaurant.

In a 19th-century lakeside palace, Riva's most chic hotel has a high-end spa; sleek public spaces with turquoise mod couches and classic floor-to-ceiling windows; and contemporary guest rooms, where slate floors and brown-and-gray color schemes are offset by crisp white linens. Zefiro, with inspiring lakeside views, serves expertly prepared dishes using local ingredients and has a comprehensive wine list with interesting options from nearby producers; it's open for dinner. A bistro and bar, LIDO, is open for lunch and dinner. Save time for the tranquil 16,000-square-foot spa area with indoor and outdoor heated pools, steam baths, sauna, relaxation room, and a full range of decadent treatments.

A narrow winding road takes you from town to this imposing villa, now a luxurious hotel retreat thanks to its valley and lake views and its peaceful grounds, which have an outdoor pool and a tennis court. You may think twice about a busy sightseeing itinerary once you've settled into a sunny spot, cool drink in hand.