La Darbia

Rooms

The 20 apartments are in characterful low-rise buildings, ivy-clad and built from local stone. The clever layout means each enjoys a stunning lake view; there are no inferior options here. Interiors are sleek but simple, with a strong design element: neutral shades are complemented with dashes of colour or feature walls; zinc surfaces are decked with stylish crockery; chrome shower bathrooms come with crisp white towels. The modern kitchenettes have induction hobs and microwaves for preparing simple meals.

The apartment you choose will depend on how much space you need - there's a choice of 1 or 2 bedrooms. They increase in size from the cosy 1-bedroom Lake Escape, slightly larger Lake Nest, then the 2-bedroom Lake Family and finally the largest, Lake Luxury.

As you move up the scale, generally the outdoor areas get larger and the quality of the furnishings get better. Some apartments feature open-plan sleeping/living areas, but all have either a private terrace (first floor) or garden (ground floor) for relaxing and dining alfresco.

Features include:

• Air conditioning
• Coffee / tea making
• Hairdryer
• Satellite TV
• Terrace/balcony
• Toiletries
• WiFi

Eating

Unlike many of the restaurants in Orta San Giulio, which are aimed squarely at tourists, on-site La Cucina offers the real deal - and it’s exclusive to guests. Chef Matteo Monfrinotti elegantly prepares Italian classics and lesser-known regional dishes according to traditional recipes, sometimes with a creative twist, using vegetables and herbs from the immaculate garden. Tuck into deliciously fresh pasta on the sweeping terrace as the sun sets over the silver-blue lake – or order meals direct to your apartment.

In the morning, breakfast is delivered to your door. Complete an order form of preferences the night before and a basket of fresh fruit, yogurt, milk and artisan butter, freshly baked bread and croissants will magically appear. If you want to make use of your kitchenette, it’s a 5-minute drive to local shops to pick up supplies.

The beautifully renovated cellar, La Cantina, offers tastings of excellent regional wines – including La Darbia’s very own red wine made with Nebbiolo grapes – accompanied by cold cuts and cheeses.

Features include:

• Bar
• Breakfast
• Dishwasher
• Kitchenette
• Meal delivery service
• Microwave
• Restaurant
• Restaurants nearby
• Room service
• Toaster
• Welcome hamper

Activities

• Explore La Darbia’s extensive grounds: follow lavender-lined paths through the vineyards to a playground, picnic area and zipline
  
• On-site activities include Italian cookery courses and tastings of the hotel's own vino, or unwind with a massage by the pool
  
• Head down the hill to pretty Orta San Giulio (20 mins' walk); this gorgeous medieval village is the main draw of the lake with its Baroque architecture, cobbled streets and pretty piazzas lined with cafés
  
• Swim in the lake or try your hand at the watersports on offer, including sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking and water skiing
  
• Take a boat across the lake to romantic Isola San Giulio, where you can visit a Benedictine monastery and beautiful Romanesque basilica
  
• Visit the Sacro Monte d'Orta, a 16th C set of chapels dedicated to Saint Francis of Assissi, a Unesco site
  
• Day trip to Lake Maggiore (22km), with its rich history and artistic legacy, or the infamous Lake Como
  
• Mountain lovers should explore the snow-capped Monte Rosa massif (70km) for hair-raising climbs up Punta Dufour (Europe’s second highest peak), nature walks and waterfalls

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Boat trips
• Cycling
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Kayaking
• Sailing
• Shopping / markets
• Swimming
• Walking
• Watersports
• Wine tasting

Best Time to go

Our Top Tips

Location

La Darbia is on a quiet hillside overlooking Lake Orta in northern Italy. It’s a 2-minute drive or 20-minute walk from the medieval village of Orta San Giulio. The autostrada is about 15 minutes away, giving easy access to airports, cities and other lakes and mountains.

By Air:
The nearest airport is Milan Malpensa (50km), which is a 45-minute drive. The airports at Milan Linate (100km/1hr 15mins) or Lugano in Switzerland (97km/ 1hr 30mins) are also viable options.

From the Airport:
You could get a taxi from Milan Malpensa Airport, but we'd recommend you hire a car so you can explore the region.

Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.