Mandarin Oriental, Lake Como

The hotel is set in a lush botanical park on the southeastern shores of Lake Como, surrounded by mountains. You can take one of the hotel's motor launches to see the sights.

It's a 15-minute drive north of Como along the lake's winding lakefront road.

By plane: London to Milan Malpensa takes under 2 hours and Manchester to Milan Malpensa takes 2 hours 15 minutes, after which, it's an hour's drive to the hotel. Free on-site parking available. Book flights to Milan.

The hotel comprises multiple villas - Villa Roccabruna is the heart of the hotel, housing suites and facilities, while the Neoclassical villa oozes history with its preserved original features. The décor combines Italian sophistication with oriental flair.

There are leafy gardens, a floating swimming pool and a spa. Guests can travel in the hotel's iconic 1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta, or rent out boats and kayaks. Book into a mixology class, or learn to make woodfired pizza.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Garden
• Swimming pool
• Spa
• Gym
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Many of the rooms offer pretty lake views, through balconies or terraces. All rooms are light and breezy; marble bathrooms are spacious with showers or bathtubs.

Room types: Superior, Deluxe, Vista Lago rooms; Junior, Duplex, Premier, Vista Lago, La Residenza, Penthouse, Panoramic suites; Villa

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer, tea and coffee-making facilities, TV, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi

Michelin-starred L˜ARIA serves Italian dishes with subtle Japanese influences. We loved the breezy lakefront terrace - a delight on a warm summer's evening. If you'd rather more informal dining, try CO.MO Bar & Bistrot.

L˜ARIA: fine dining, open seasonally Apr-Oct.

CO.MO: Bistro and bar, Italian, cuisine. Open seasonally Apr-Oct for all-day dining.

NAMI Cafe: poolside venue, light bites and cocktails. Open seasonally Apr-Oct.