Villa Crespi

Dating back to 1879, the Villa Crespi was built by a wealthy Italian cotton merchant that wanted to bring the beauty of Baghdad back to Italy. In 1999, after restorations that kept the opulent, Middle Eastern flair, wife and husband, Cinzia and Antonino Cannavacciuolo, opened the property. Intricate stonework is on display inside and out, with striking Moorish arches, breathtaking patterns from floor to ceilings, lots of gold detailing, and a soaring, minaret-like tower. The cozy bar features parquet floors, slouchy armchairs sitting on Persian rugs, and a mirrored bar with glittering, backlit bottles, though its the restaurant that draws most travelers. The fine-dining eatery is run by Antonino, who has received two Michelin stars, and it's decorated with crystal chandeliers hanging from a high ceiling covered in intricate geometric patterns and painted in rich hues. Grounds are lovely, if compact, and with just 13 rooms, the vibe is intimate and romantic. Villa Crespi primarily attracts couples looking for an exclusive, classically elegant hotel experience. 

Set on a hilltop commanding splendid views of Lake Orta and the Piedmontese Alps, the Villa Crespi is a two-minute walk from the Sacred Mount church, a UNESCO-listed crypt dedicated to St Francis of Assisi. There are a couple restaurants and a grocery store in the immediate area, while many more can be found in a five-minute drive. It's a 20-minute walk down a scenic and gently sloping road from the tiny but absolutely charming lakeside town of Orta San Giulio, a journey that takes five minutes by car. It is an hour’s drive to Milan from here, and a 90-minute drive to Turin. Transfers from Milan Malpensa Airport take around 55 minutes by taxi, while transfers from Turin Airport take between 90 and 110 minutes. The closest station to the Villa is Orta Miasino, a two-minute drive away. The hotel can arrange shuttles to and from the station, or alternatively, they can accommodate guests touching down in a private helicopter.

The 13 individually decorated rooms at the Villa Crespi are decidedly magnificent, with starburst-patterned parquet floors, antique wooden furniture, and richly covered walls in gold or coral shades. Intricate ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and gilded artwork add upscale touches. Most rooms have lovely four-poster beds, but only the three Classic Rooms have outdoor spaces. Junior Suites are L-shaped, and have space for an extra single bed, while Executive and Master Suites have sitting areas with coffee tables and couches. Bathrooms are opulent affairs with glistening marble and gold-plated fittings, and either walk-in showers or deep soaking tubs. All rooms have flat-screen TVs with Sky channels, kettles and Nespresso coffee machines, safes, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. Upscale toiletries, hairdryers, bidets, magnifying mirrors, robes, and slippers are also provided. Views are either of the gardens or lake and mountains in the distance.

Perhaps the main draw at the Villa Crespi is its head chef (and owner), Antonino Cannavacciuolo, who has gained notoriety in his native country as the host of the Italian version of Kitchen Nightmares, as well as for receiving two Michelin stars. When he’s not on TV, he runs the fine-dining restaurant at this hotel. The eatery serves exquisite and innovative set menus, with wine flights from the huge cellar. Guests can book tasting sessions for the cellar, as well as arrange private cooking lessons with Cannavacciuolo in the hotel’s kitchens. A free continental buffet breakfast is offered daily, and the bar serves drinks throughout the day and into the night. Guests can book a range of Ayurvedic massages and wellness therapies at the hotel’s spa, which also has a sauna. On the downside, there are no gym or pool. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the hotel.