Villa D'Este

Renowned palace resort-hotel at the edge of Lake Como amid 25 acres of gorgeous gardens. A 16th-century villa and more private Venetian annex contain 152 guest quarters individually decorated with period furniture, original oil paintings and silk fabrics; all offer marble baths and some have balconies or terraces. The vaulted reception hall boasts marble pillars, tapestries and crystal chandeliers. Superior dining options include a formal indoor/outdoor restaurant for Italian haute cuisine, and a casual grill, plus poolside, lakeside and indoor bars. Activities include tennis, squash, waterskiing, sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, jogging and nearby golf. A spa/ health club has an indoor pool, while a heated outdoor pool with a Jacuzzi floats on the lake; also children’s pool. Closed mid-November to March.