L'Albereta

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SET AMONG VINEYARDS deep in the Lombardy countryside, L’Albereta is dedicated to the best things in life.

Whether you come here to dine, detox or de-stress in supreme luxury – and many celebs jet in here to do just that – this former hilltop hunting lodge scores on every count. An ivy-clad retreat lording it over lush vine-covered slopes, L’Albereta is packed with antiques and museum-quality art. Huge sculptures adorn the manicured grounds shaded by oak, cedar and chestnut trees, with Lake Iseo glittering in the distance.

The style is rustic Mediterranean with added luxe – very Italian and utterly spoiling. Spacious rooms – some with canopied beds, fireplaces and balconies – are individually decorated, lavishly detailed and loaded with comfort factor. Period frescoes and detailing are set off with soothing contemporary art while crisp bedding, rugs on polished wood floors, fresh blooms and airy provençal touches add to the indulgence.

Gourmet temple

Marble bathrooms stocked with Etro body products come with super-fluffy towels and jacuzzi baths, while some have Turkish steam showers for two. Views from your window might embrace snow-capped mountains, leafy vineyards, Lake Iseo or the lush private gardens.

L’Albereta’s restaurant is a temple to gourmet cuisine with two Michelin stars awarded to chef Gualtiero Marchesi – celebrity high priest of Italian haute cuisine. His much-lauded cooking is reason enough to make the pilgrimage here along with many glitterati. Rich in Mediterranean flavours, dishes look like artworks on the plate – and the risotto Milanese is even topped with flakes of gold leaf.

Don’t want to over-indulge? No worries – guests flock to L’Albereta for the superlative spa and wellness centre as well as the top-notch cooking.

Housed in the Lake Tower, the hotel’s state-of-the-art Espace Vitalité centre is overseen by French spa guru Henri Chenot, whose mantra is the rediscovery of harmony and energy. Check in here to re-balance, detox and relax – you’ll receive a personal assessment and treatment programme designed to send you home glowing. Wander around in your bathrobe and feel deliciously at home.

Outside, soak up the rays on the teak sun terrace, wander through the sculpture-peppered grounds or take in views of the distant Alps. Even inside, L’Albereta is imbued with charm and a sense of uncrowded calm. Great recipe for love.