Leading designer Patricia Urquiola is the mastermind behind this elegant yet relaxed hotel. Interiors are made of local wood, stone and fibres, while floor-to-ceiling windows draw one’s attention to the beautiful panorama outside. The excellent restaurant serves simple dishes with a contemporary touch. The hotel is located in the picturesque town of Torno on the lake’s southeastern shore. About five miles (8km) south is the pretty town of Como, dotted with boutiques selling luxury silk items. From the station northwest of Piazza Cavour it’s worth catching the funicular up to the hilltop resort of Brunate, which offers lovely views of the lake. The major sights are a short boat ride away from the hotel, including the pretty lakeside towns of Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio. Malpensa airport is 37 miles (60km) southwest. This year’s travel trends are showing a strong run towards the art cities of Italy as well as lake destinations which have out powered the common beach holidays. Provinces like Varese with Lake Maggiore, and Verona with Lake Garda, also re receiving more tourists this year.