Villa Crespi Orta San Giulio - Piedmont

Villa Crespi is a 19th-century folly, built by Cristoforo Benigno Crespi; a successful and somewhat eccentric cotton trader whose business took him to Persia. Seduced by the charms of the orient, on his return to Italy, Crespi built the minaret-topped villa of his dreams here in Piedmont, filling it with richly carved, Moorish columns, capitals and archways, intricately patterned floors, and frescoed ceilings.

In the 1930s, any number of aristocrats, industrialists, poets, and artists were entertained here. Half a century later, in the 1980's and only then after extensive restoration work, Villa Crespi reopened as a luxury hotel and restaurant.

The flamboyant character of the building's first owner lives on in the hotel's decidedly opulent décor; the individually appointed bedrooms and suites all feature extravagantly luxurious four poster beds, strewn with rich silks and damask; exquisite antiques adorn every room, each or which has a gloriously sumptuous marble bathroom.

Guests staying at Villa Crespi have the opportunity to dine in one of Italy's finest gourmet eateries. The hotel restaurant, run by Chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo and his wife Cinzia, has been awarded 2 Michelin stars and countless other culinary accolades for its superlative Italian cuisine. Beautifully presented Mediterranean dishes, accompanied by wines chosen from a selection of over 1000 premium vintages have ensured that the restaurant has acquired world wide acclaim.

A small fitness room, sauna, Turkish bath and the services of professional masseurs are all at guests' disposal.