Lake Orta, ItalyPella
HOUSE FANTINI / lake time
Lakefront design villa
Lakefront design villa
It runs like an intimate lakeside home where the clock slows down and every room looks toward San Giulio Island.
What it’s good at
Notable
Daniela Fantini built the retreat in Pella beside her family's historic tapware foundry.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The interiors, naturally, bear his stamp as well — the nine rooms in the modern building and the two suites in its historic neighbor are impeccably composed, with sleek Lissoni furnishings and extraordinary bathrooms.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Pella stays quiet on the western shore, looking straight across the water to the island monastery of San Giulio.
The rooms
Blue glass walls reflect the water, and each bathroom has its own steam hammam built into the shower.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
The pool
A heated lap pool paved in grey beola stone sits on the garden lawn facing the water.
At the table
Evening aperitivo and seasonal Piedmontese dishes are served along a dark wooden counter looking into the stone courtyard.
How it began
A turn-of-the-century inn was joined with a timber-slatted modern wing in 2017, uniting two waterfront plots into one home.
Lake Orta
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The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.