Villa Cordevigo, Lake Garda

Location

This elegant hideaway enjoys a wonderfully peaceful setting, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. A pretty avenue shaded by cypress trees leads to the villa, whose expansive grounds occupy 250 acres. It’s ideally located for exploring Lake Garda, which lies a 15-minute drive west, as well as Verona (30-min drive). Oenophiles will enjoy the Strada del Bardolino wine route, which snakes through vineyards and olive groves for 50 miles. 

The red and yellow 17th-century villa is flanked by a stunning Italian garden shaded by oak, fir and plane trees and embellished with statues. Formerly the residence of noble families, the villa exudes historic charm, with sumptuous interiors embellished with original frescoes and works of art. 

Accommodation

The 36 rooms and suites are spread out in the main villa and in the two lateral wings. They’re elegantly decorated, with period furnishings and rich fabrics. The décor in the main villa is classic, with Murano lamps and rich carpets, while rooms in the wings are slightly more contemporary, with upholstered furniture and terracotta floors. Some have stone fireplaces and wooden ceiling beams, while bathrooms are terracotta or marble, and are equipped with bespoke Villa Cordevigo products from their estate-produced Chiaretto wine.

Dining

There are two restaurants: Michelin-starred Oseleta is run by chef Giuseppe D’Aquino, who favours ingredients from his native Naples, such as Piennolo tomatoes, Mediterranean fish and mozzarella which he skillfully combines with local products. The extensive wine list features fine labels from all over Italy as well as Valpolicella, Ripasso and Amarone, still and sparkling Chiaretto, Lugana and Prosecco, all produced at the villa’s Villabella vineyard.

The more informal bistro serves excellent Italian cuisine on a terrace overlooking the swimming pool and surrounding vineyards, while drinks are enjoyed at Fiordilej Bar, set in a former vaulted storeroom and cellar with dark furniture featuring deep burgundy upholstery. The breakfast spread has fruits, cereals, pastries, homemade cakes, local cold cuts and cheeses; eggs are made to order.

Facilities

The Italian gardens are a gorgeous spot for a stroll, and there’s a pleasant spa offering a range of exclusive Vinoble wine-based products. You’ll find a Finnish sauna, infrared sauna, steam room, whirlpool tub, multi-sensory showers and relaxation room. There’s also an attractive outdoor swimming pool and a small gym with Technogym equipment.

Michelin-starred chef Giuseppe d’Aquino leads two-hour cooking classes, and guided tours of the surrounding vineyards are organised on foot or by bike.