Grand Hotel Fasano

The Grand Hotel Fasano has no course of its own, but its sports page points guests to three very different layouts on the western side of the lake.

The oldest is Golf Bogliaco, opened in 1912 and described by the hotel as Italy's third-oldest course: 18 holes, par 70, laid out about 100 metres above the western shore, with views over the lake. Gardagolf Country Club has 27 holes and a tournament pedigree, having hosted the Women's Italian Open in 1990 and the men's event in 1997 and 2003. Further inland, in the hills of Calvagese della Riviera, Arzaga offers 27 holes designed by Jack Nicklaus II and Gary Player, which the hotel pitches at seasoned players and beginners alike.

The hotel publishes no golf package or green-fee discount, so tee times are booked with the clubs; the concierge can arrange private transfers.

Built in 1888 as a hunting lodge for the Austrian imperial family, the house was enlarged in 1903 to meet demand from northern European travellers. Damaged in the Second World War, it was restored to its original look in 1948 and declared a national heritage site in 1989. The Michelin Guide notes that the same family has owned it for three generations.

The 86 rooms are split between two buildings. In the main house every room faces the lake, from 20-25 m² superiors up to 90 m² suites; Villa Principe holds the standard rooms, with a partial view or none. Private parking is free and has four charging points for electric cars.

The flagship is Il Fagiano, run by Maurizio Bufi and holding one Michelin star. The Guide calls the cooking creative and contemporary, drawing on the chef's native Apulia as well as the lake country; in summer, dinner moves to a panoramic terrace.

For something more relaxed there is Magnolia, set beneath magnolias the hotel says are 200 years old, and Osteria Il Pescatore, whose terrace sits over the water. Bistrò 1888 in the garden, La Terrazza on the lakefront and the Ramas Lounge Bar, with cocktails by Rama Redzepi, complete the line-up.

The Aqva Spa works with Sothys products and has a winter garden looking onto the lake. Its five pools each run at a different temperature: indoor pool at 29°C, hot tub at 35°C, cold plunge at 15°C, heated outdoor pool at 34°C, and a second outdoor pool with a slide at 24°C. Access is included in the room rate; children can use the pools with an adult, while saunas and the steam room are for adults only.

On Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 8am, the historic pier hosts free yoga and Pilates classes.

• Famous guests: the hotel counts Gabriele D'Annunzio, Nobel laureate Paul Heyse and Gustav Klimt among past visitors.
• A name with a date: the bistro is called 1888, after the year the hunting lodge was built.
• Two restaurants, one chef: Magnolia and Osteria Il Pescatore are both in the hands of Valerio Dallamano.
• Sauna timetable: from 11am to 1pm the saunas and steam room are women-only, then mixed until 7pm.