Piedmont, Italy
Villa Crespi
A Moorish villa with a Michelin-starred restaurant
As you approach Lake Orta in Italy’s northern region of Piedmont, the sight of a graceful minaret rising above the treetops is a delightful surprise. Soon, Villa Crespi emerges from its lush gardens, revealing an ornate Moorish façade adorned with Arabian arches and intricate carvings.
Step inside to a breathtaking extension of its exterior, where elegant Arabesque details alongside elaborate stuccos and period furnishings create a romantic atmosphere. The boutique hotel itself dates back to the 19th century. In a nod to its history, rooms and suites feature silk wall coverings, classic parquet floors, marble fixtures and grand four-poster beds. Some offer spectacular views over Lake Orta, from where you can watch the landscape change with the light of the day.
At Villa Crespi, you’re positioned just a short stroll from the water’s edge. Here, set sail on a private cruise to the island of San Giulio, home to a centuries-old basilica and convent with original frescoes. You can also trace scenic trails on a guided e-bike tour to the Valle dei Pinocchi, known for its time-honoured woodwork traditions. The Langhe region of Piedmont is also within easy reach, where you can visit acclaimed wineries before foraging for truffles.
Returning to the hotel, dinner awaits at chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo’s Michelin-starred restaurant. Every plate is a masterpiece. Dishes draw inspiration from all corners of the country, bridging traditions from the north and south. Tasting menus also highlight ingredients at the height of their season, with many herbs and vegetables plucked from the gardens on-site.
Highlights
Stay in a lavish residence from the 19th century
Stroll to the picturesque shores of Lake Orta
Take a private boat trip to the island of San Giulio in the middle of Lake Orta
Explore the wonders of Piedmont like the wineries and vineyards of the Langhe region
Taste Michelin-starred cuisine under the direction of acclaimed Italian chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo
Trip inspiration
Plan your trip to Italy
Whatever you want from your adventure in Italy, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Places to combine Villa Crespi with
Emilia Romagna
Tucked away in the rolling Emilian countryside in Italy, Casa Maria Luigia is an intimate 18th-century residence that offers a deeply personal expression of Italian hospitality. Built with the vision of extending the spirit of Osteria Francescana – the renowned three-Michelin-starred restaurant in nearby Modena – this elegant country house invites you into a world where food, art and memory converge.
Each of the uniquely designed rooms at Casa Maria Luigia tells its own story. Carefully curated with contemporary artworks, vintage furnishings and design pieces as well as the personal collections of its owners, the interiors feel both cultivated and comforting, like a private home with a profound sense of place.
Mornings begin with an extraordinary Emilian breakfast, served communally and prepared using regional produce. Stroll through the grounds dotted with sculptures or take a dip in the pool. For those seeking a little movement, there’s tennis on the private court or a visit to the gym, where Technogym equipment is set amidst a striking backdrop of vintage cars, motorbikes and contemporary art.
In the house kitchen, you are invited to make yourself at home. Open the fridge, sample savoury and sweet treats or simply relax with a record from the owners’ vinyl jazz collection spinning in the background. As the sun begins to set, the culinary experience deepens. The Francescana at Maria Luigia dinner features a nine-course tasting menu – a curated journey through some of the most renowned dishes served at Osteria Francescana. Just a short walk from the main house lies Al Gatto Verde, an inventive wood-fired restaurant surrounded by fields of corn and alfalfa, tall oaks and vineyards. Here, the team create dishes that surprise and delight while remaining rooted in the agricultural traditions of Emilia-Romagna.
