Reflecting quiet luxury and unparalleled natural beauty, Lake Orta is an undiscovered gem nestled in the heart of Piedmont. We take a deep dive into the historic region and discover one of its most cherished hotels.
EXPERIENCE ‘LA DOLCE VITA’ AT ITS FINEST
While Northern Italy may conjure visions of star-studded Lake Como, the fashion-saturated streets of Milan, or the tourist-logged beaches of Lake Maggiore, nestled in the region of Piedmont an hour’s drive north from central Milan, lies one of the country’s best-kept secrets.
Lake Orta, 13 kilometres (km) of narrow yet shimmering water surrounded by the green embrace of Monte Rosa, is the epitome of romance, nostalgia, and ‘la dolce vita’.
The lake, which is the smallest in the surrounding area, is the embodiment of a serene Italian oasis. The rippling expanse of cobalt-blue waters is set in the peaceful foothills of the Alps and is home to world-class restaurants, lakeside boutique hotels, mountain views, ancient architecture, and so much more.
While the area today is primarily popular with the in-the-know locals, it has been a place of inspiration and allure throughout the ages, with literary and philosophy icons including Lord Byron, Nietzsche, and Balzac having credited the location as a catalyst for new ideas and creative motivation.
This siren-like atmosphere continues to linger for modern travellers. With an array of promenades and viewpoints dotted throughout the lush scenery, the lake is not only a haven for breathtaking views and scenic water escapades but also a prominent location to indulge your inner gastronomic pioneer.
The region of Piedmont is idolised for its handmade gnocchi, Barolo wine produced from local Nebbiolo grapes, decadent and earthy truffles, and vitello tonnato – a traditionally elegant antipasto.
No matter where you turn, Lake Orta is a picturesque yet understated nirvana, ripe with opportunities for luxury-seeking adventurers.
SAN GIULIO
Undoubtedly one of the most historic and appealing destinations in Lake Orta is Isola San Giulio, an island rising from the middle of the water and home to an active monastery that perpetuates the spiritual and meditative atmosphere that continues to shroud the island like a cloak.
Legend dictates that in the Middle Ages, the island was nothing more than a rock infested with dragons and snakes. St Giulio ventured towards the land, driving away all the monstrous creatures and constructing his 100th church. One dragon found refuge in a cave, and a piece of its vertebra was discovered, which now resides above a table in the sacristy of the Basilica of San Giulio and can still be viewed today.
Along the perimeter of San Giulio is a path known as ‘of Silence and Meditation’, adorned with signs that have maxims of silence, meditation, and reflection. Although the path itself can be walked in under 15 minutes, the intent is to encourage visitors to connect with the simplistic yet enduring beauty of nature, history, and one’s inner self.
While the island may not boast the square mileage of a city like Rome, it offers a more intimate experience for those looking to take a step back in time.
The town of Orta San Giulio, which sits on the banks of the lake, is almost quintessentially Italian. With faded frescoes, romantic stone balconies, twisting cobbled alleyways, and countless buildings painted in shades of salmon and ochre, the entire town appears as if it is basking in an eternal sunset.
This secluded retreat boasts an opportunity for travellers to revel in medieval architecture, Renaissance churches, colourful murals, unparalleled views of the surrounding lake and mountains, and an aura of timeless spirituality.
LA DARBIA
Nestled just above the historic centre of San Giulio lies La Darbia, a uniquely peaceful boutique hotel comprised of 20 apartment-style suites and surrounded by Mediterranean gardens, olive trees, woods of century-old chestnuts, rows of Nebbiolo vineyards, and a saltwater pool.
This quietly luxurious hideaway was brought to life just over a decade ago by architectural brothers Gian Carlo and Matteo Primatesta, who saw the immense potential of the originally abandoned rural settlement and embarked on a transformative adventure to construct a truly exceptional refuge.
The secret to the brothers’ success is being self-taught hoteliers with a love for silent aesthetics.
La Darbia represents the Italian idea of ‘sobrio’ – meaning simple and, therefore, intriguing.
The hotel reflects the fundamental, formal language of Piedmont’s rural buildings, integrating local materials, vegetation, and handicrafts.
The suites emanate an understated elegance that showcases the region’s unique culture, history, and typology, and with the breathtaking view of the glistening lake and peaks of Monte Rosa, the hotel redefines the connotation of luxury through soulful aesthetics and empathetic hospitality.
In addition to the tranquil ambience offered to guests staying at the hotel, La Darbia boasts the locally renowned restaurant, La Cucina, whose menu pays homage to the region’s heritage and celebrates Piedmont’s finest products.
These exceptional food offerings are directed by head chef, Matteo Monfrinotti, whose passion for Piedmont is reflected through his creative techniques that enhance the region’s exquisite ingredients.
Monfrinotti and his team curate seasonally changing menus that utilise produce from La Darbia’s own organic vegetable garden alongside nearby farms to create culinary masterpieces that have a contemporary nod to the region’s rural traditions.
The restaurant, which sits on an idyllic terrace, has gained a reputation for being a secret getaway for discerning epicureans.
La Darbia has undergone an evolution in which it has become a destination for architectural admirers, food lovers, and those looking for a tranquil escape, truly epitomising the timeless allure of Lake Orta.
