10 villas for a spectacular stay in northern Italy
Charming villas and historic residences across lakes, countryside and iconic destinations
Staying in a villa, whether historic or contemporary, means stepping into a story shaped by architecture, landscape and heritage, where spaces designed for hospitality remain deeply rooted in their surroundings. Across Italy, these residences dot the lakes, countryside and historic villages, repurposed into hotels where modern comfort meets original frescoes, gardens and design pieces. We have selected 10 addresses a short drive from Milan where the stay itself is an essential part of the journey.
Villa Crespi
Via Giuseppe Fava, 18, Orta San Giulio NO
In Orta San Giulio, Villa Crespi stands out for its Moorish architecture and striking presence on the lake. It is best known for its three-Michelin-starred restaurant led by Antonino Cannavacciuolo, but it is also a hotel with 14 rooms and suites set within the historic villa, featuring ornate interiors, fine fabrics, Middle Eastern motifs, private grounds and lake views that shape an intimate, characterful stay.
Villa Musa
Via Pola, 35, Azzano CO
On Lake Como, luxury often leans towards more secluded options, where space, privacy and flexibility take centre stage. Villa Musa fits naturally into this philosophy, forming part of the Maison Musa collection linked to Hotel Musa Lago di Como, which pairs the main hotel with standalone private villas nearby, offering five-star amenities alongside total autonomy. Villa Musa is the most complete of the collection: a waterside residence complete with kitchen, games room, infinity pool, heated jacuzzi, six suites and spaces tailored for gathering or retreating in complete peace, accompanied by bespoke breakfasts prepared by a private chef whenever you wish.
VIlla Gabi
Angolo per Oseno, Via Vecchia Regina, Sala Comacina CO
Alongside Villa Musa, the Maison Musa portfolio includes three further boutique residences sharing the same bespoke approach. In particular, Villa Gabi stands out for its exceptional interior design, featuring distinct living areas, four bedrooms, a swimming pool and panoramic terraces wrapped in greenery. The other two, more intimate retreats are Vita B., a bright multi-level lakefront apartment with private garden and sauna, and Ca’Bela, overlooking Isola Comacina, with two bedrooms, garden and pool. All share access to the services of Hotel Musa Lago di Como, from dedicated concierge support to tailored experiences.
Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amistà
Via Cedrare, 78, Corrubbio VR
In Valpolicella, a few miles outside Verona, Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amistà plays on a striking contrast between historic architecture and bold contemporary intervention. The villa, with 16th-century origins and 18th-century additions, was reimagined as a hotel and art museum under the direction of Alessandro Mendini. Vibrant colours, design icons and modern artworks sit alongside original frescoes and marble across 56 rooms and public spaces that include the Michelin-starred restaurant Amistà, a spa and formal gardens.
Villa Beatrice
Via Duca degli Abruzzi, 60, Portofino GE
Between Paraggi and Portofino, Villa Beatrice is a private sea-facing retreat, now part of the Belmond portfolio and available exclusively for private buyouts. Arranged over several levels, with four suites in the main villa and an annex, it features sun terraces, gardens and direct water access. The stay centres on tailored service, including a private chef, 24-hour concierge and bespoke activities organised on request, ensuring total discretion.
Villa Rosmarino
Via Figari, 38, Camogli GE
In Camogli, on Monte di Portofino overlooking Golfo Paradiso, Villa Rosmarino is a 19th-century residence turned boutique hotel, set in a terraced Ligurian garden. Magnolias, camellias, citrus trees, climbing roses and lavender frame the outdoor spaces, where a swimming pool looks out towards the sea and forms the heart of villa life during warm days. Inside, the focus shifts unexpectedly to contemporary design and art, while the six bedrooms offer minimalist calm with views across the greenery and surrounding landscape.
Villa Sostaga
Via Sostaga, 19, Gargnano BS
On the hills above Gargnano, five-star boutique hotel Villa Sostaga looks out over Lake Garda from an elevated vantage point, retaining all the character of an aristocratic residence. The rooms are spacious and bright, spread between the main villa and an annex, while the grounds feature gardens, a swimming pool and panoramic terraces. A stay here revolves around the restaurant, a private spa and quiet corners designed for unwinding amidst calm, refined hospitality and scenic vistas.
Villa e Palazzo Aminta
Via Sempione Nord, 123, Stresa VB
On the shores of Lake Maggiore, minutes from Stresa, Villa e Palazzo Aminta unfolds across waterside gardens with open views of the Isole Borromee. The main villa and palazzo house classic rooms and suites detailed with frescoes, Murano glass chandeliers and panoramic balconies. Outside, a swimming pool and private lake access set the scene, while the spa, carved directly into the rock, offers wellness circuits, a Turkish bath, treatments and quiet relaxation areas. Restaurants and lakefront terraces capture the changing daylight to complete the experience.
Villa Barberina
Via Roma, 2, Valdobbiadene TV
In the Prosecco hills, Villa Barberina is an 18th-century estate set within a park of centuries-old trees. Today it offers just a handful of suites, restored to showcase period furnishings and generous natural light. Outdoors, the swimming pool overlooks vineyards and the Prealps, setting a slow, relaxed pace across shared spaces and surrounding landscape. The property belongs to the Nino Franco family, celebrated Prosecco producers and owners of the Nino Franco Spumanti winery.
Villa Cortine Palace
Viale Gennari, 2, Sirmione BS
In Sirmione, Villa Cortine Palace enjoys a panoramic setting within five hectares of mature parkland, surrounded by statues, fountains and lake panoramas. Built in the late 19th century, the villa preserves its neoclassical grandeur across guest rooms and shared lounges, showcasing period detailing throughout. The experience balances gardens, a private beach and refined dining, blending historic atmosphere with contemporary comfort.
