Lake Orta, ItalyOrta San Giulio
La Darbia Resort
Piedmontese vineyard farmstead
Orta San Giulio Lake Orta, Italy
Renovated
2022
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Local LuxeOutside the door
Piedmontese vineyard farmstead
Twenty residential suites sit across a working estate above Lake Orta, surrounded by Nebbiolo vines and hillside woodland.
What it’s good at
Notable
Modern-rustic suites by architect brothers around a restored nineteenth-century stone watchtower.
Notable
Revived indigenous Nebbiolo vineyards and an on-site organic garden feeding Piedmontese dinners.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The idea of a hotel that’s both luxurious and low-key is a rare thing, and something to celebrate.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
On a wooded hillside above Lake Orta, looking across vineyards towards Monte Rosa.
The rooms
Every apartment has a kitchenette and custom woodwork, opening onto a private garden or terrace facing Lake Orta.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The heated saltwater infinity pool looks out over Lake Orta, bordered by sunbeds and surrounding woodland.
The spa
The treatment room overlooks the pool, and massages use herbal waters distilled directly from estate plants.
Restaurant
La Cucina
Chef Matteo Monfrinotti serves regional Piedmontese dishes on a gravel terrace looking straight out over Lake Orta.
How it began
The central stone tower was built in the 1880s as a roccolo, a traditional lookout once used by local bird catchers.
Lake Orta
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The app
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Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
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.