Bianca Relais

The grand hotels of Lake Como are renowned, but they’re not the only way to experience this part of Lombardy. Just off the southeastern arm of Como is the smaller Lake Annone, on whose shores you’ll find not a Belle Époque palace but what might be their modern equivalent: Bianca Relais, a Fifties residence given a very flattering contemporary makeover by architect Giuseppe Manzoni.

With plentiful terrace space and floor-to-ceiling windows it makes the most of its view of the peaks across the lake. The rooms and suites — just ten of them — are minimalist-luxe, tending towards monochrome tones, each one livened by bold printed wallpapers and curvaceous modernist furniture. The inward-facing units look onto a tranquil garden, which is pleasant, while the lake-facing ones are considerably more dramatic.

Its natural surroundings offer plenty of opportunity for recreation, from sailing and kayaking to cycling and golf. The main event, however, is dinner: Bianca sul Lago, under the direction of chef Emanuele Petrosino, is the proud recipient of a Michelin star; there’s also a café, Drop, serving a more casual menu by the same chef, accompanied by signature cocktails and views of the lake.