Garda is Italy’s largest lake and has long been the holiday haunt of Ancient Roman writers and European royalty. Its balmy climate, sheltered by a ring of mountains, attracts windsurfers and sunbathers. Many of its historic villas have been converted into luxury hotels, while old inns get a glossy makeover. Our Guru’s recommendations range from sumptuous five-star stays with state-of-the-art spas to pared-back, minimalist offerings that let the lake views speak for themselves.

The Hotel Lido Palace is an Art Nouveau mansion with a grand exterior and a sleek interior, offering stylish rooms with dreamy lake views. The hotel has its own jetty for easy access to excursions on the lake, and offers a range of treatments and therapeutic programmes at its state-of-the-art spa. The Villa Feltrinelli is another beautiful aristocratic villa conversion, with 21 light and airy bedrooms filled with antiques, fabrics and paintings.

Locanda del Benaco is a modern antidote to the grand old residences that populate most of the hotels on Lake Garda. This minimalist stay has an industrial accent, and rooms feature futon-style beds, partition screens and perfectly positioned lamps. The Tremani Bistrot in Salo serves up classic Trentino cuisine – and wine, of course.

Those looking for a more active break should book into one of the many Lake Garda hotels with sports facilities. The Mercure Resort Garda See & Spa is located on the shore of Lake Garda and has a gym, indoor pool and tennis courts. The hotel also has a restaurant serving up gourmet dishes and local specialities. The hotel is also close to some of the most popular golf clubs in the area, and you can book lessons with an instructor for an additional charge. garda hotel lake garda