Villa Arcadio

This subtle, luxurious hideaway is the perfect romantic retreat for travelers on a budget who don’t want to sacrifice style and good service.

• Relics of the hotel’s former use as a convent, including 14th-century frescos
• The quiet, relaxing atmosphere

In a place like Lake Garda, where so much of a visit should be about the water, it is quite a bold move to build a hillside hideaway—and turn it into one of the most desirable properties in the region. But with Villa Arcadio, the gamble paid off, and the 18-room retreat offers a different vantage point than most hotels, allowing guests to take in the sweeping views of Salò below and the lake in the distance.

Set on nearly 30 acres of lush gardens and olive groves, the former convent opened as a hotel in 2006, after years of careful restoration by its owners, an Italian textile dealer and his wife. Originally intended to be their home, the hotel exudes the coziness of a cared-about family estate, with warm, personal service.

The farmhouse-style main building houses all of the rooms (including four suites), as well as the restaurant, where all meals are served. The cuisine is simple but elegant, and highlights regional specialties like lakefish and homemade pasta (Indagare Tip: Cooking classes can be arranged upon request). The charming courtyard terrace features vibrant lanterns and vine-covered overhangs, and has stunning sunset views. While the rooms are simple, with a minimalist aesthetic—neutral colors, bare walls, beamed ceilings—the stars of each room are the 14th-century frescos that are leftover from the villa’s time as a convent.

When not sunning by the infinity pool, guests can explore the grounds using the many hiking and mountain biking trails on property, or venture into the surrounding region. Salò is a 10-minute drive from the hotel, where Villa Arcadio docks its vintage Riva boat, available for full- or half-day rentals. Those wishing to disconnect will appreciate the pampering onsite amenities, including a fitness center, Finnish sauna and spa with massages and Ayurvedic treatments. The hotel can also arrange for yoga and Pilates lessons.

Younger couples who want a romantic escape that doesn’t break the bank.