La Darbia

Rooms

The 20 apartments are in characterful low-rise buildings, ivy-clad and built from local stone. The clever layout means most enjoy a stunning lake view (our first floor apartment was obscured by a tree). Interiors are simple, contemporary rustic, with bespoke furnishings, low lighting and neutral shades complemented with dashes of colour or feature walls.  The modern kitchenettes have induction hobs and microwaves for preparing simple meals and fridges stocked with complimentary soft drinks.  We appreciated the thoughtful extras: sarongs, bathrobes and a beach bag, plus a communal laundry room, which guests can use for free.

The apartment you choose will depend on how much space you need - there's a choice of 1 or 2 bedrooms. They increase in size from the cosy 1-bedroom Lake Escape, slightly larger Lake Nest, then the 2-bedroom Lake Family and finally the largest, 2-bedroom Lake Signature. Note the 2-bedroom apartments share a small shower room, and one of the bedrooms is usually curtained off from the living area, so they're better suited to families rather than two adult couples.   

As you move up the scale, generally the outdoor areas get larger and the quality of the furnishings get better. Some apartments feature open-plan sleeping/living areas, but all have either a private terrace (first floor) or garden (ground floor) for relaxing and dining alfresco.

Features include:

• Air conditioning
• Coffee / tea making
• Hairdryer
• Satellite TV
• Terrace/balcony
• Toiletries
• TV
• WiFi

Eating

Unlike many of the restaurants in Orta San Giulio that cater squarely to tourists, the on-site La Cucina feels like the real deal. It’s earned a reputation as one of Lake Orta’s finest dining experiences - and for good reason. Chef Matteo Monfrinotti serves elegant, modern Piedmontese dishes, each with a thoughtful, creative twist. Fresh vegetables and herbs from the hotel’s immaculate garden bring vibrant flavour and colour to every plate. The five-course tasting menu - with a vegetarian option and perfectly paired wine flight - is on the pricier side, but for a special evening, it’s absolutely worth it.

For something more laid-back (and kinder to the wallet), the Bistrot serves a small menu of salads and Italian classics - think burrata with ripe tomatoes, fresh pasta, or roast veal with mash - all enjoyed in the prettiest kitchen garden, where tables sit under vines and twisting gourds. It’s also the perfect spot for an aperitivo; we loved their Piedmont Paloma and a few nibbles while watching the sun dip behind the mountains.  On nights when you’d rather stay in - or when rain clouds roll over the lake - you can order dishes straight to your apartment.

And then there’s Wednesday evening, when both restaurants close. Instead of leaving guests to fend for themselves, the owners invite everyone down to their beautifully renovated cellar, La Cantina, for a complimentary feast of regional delicacies and local wines. It turned out to be one of our favourite nights - long tables, laughter, glasses that were never empty, and second helpings happily encouraged.  For an extra charge, they also host twice weekly tastings of excellent regional wines – including La Darbia’s very own red wine made with Nebbiolo grapes.

In the morning, breakfast is delivered to your door. Complete an order form of preferences the night before and a huge basket of fresh fruit, yogurt, milk and artisan butter, freshly baked bread and croissants will magically appear. Cooked dishes can be ordered for an extra charge.  If you want to make use of your kitchenette, it’s a 10-minute drive to supermarkets to pick up supplies. 

Features include:

• Bar
• Breakfast
• Dishwasher
• Kitchenette
• Meal delivery service
• Microwave
• Restaurant
• Restaurants nearby
• Room service
• Welcome hamper

Activities

• Explore La Darbia’s extensive grounds: follow lavender-lined paths through the vineyards to a simple playground and zipline in the woods
• On-site activities include Italian cookery courses and tastings of the hotel's own vino, weekly yoga (Mondays) complimentary e-bikes, and massages by the pool
• Head down the hill to pretty Orta San Giulio (20 mins' walk); this gorgeous medieval village is the main draw of the lake with its Baroque architecture, cobbled streets and pretty piazzas lined with cafés (head to Cannavacciuolo for the best ice cream)
• Swim in the lake or try your hand at the watersports on offer, including sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking and water skiing
• Take a 5-minute boat trip to romantic Isola San Giulio, where you can visit a Benedictine monastery and beautiful Romanesque basilica
• Visit the Sacro Monte d'Orta, a 16th C set of chapels dedicated to Saint Francis of Assissi, a Unesco site
• Day trip to Lake Maggiore (22km), with its rich history and artistic legacy, or the infamous Lake Como
• Mountain lovers should explore the snow-capped Monte Rosa massif (70km) for hair-raising climbs up Punta Dufour (Europe’s second highest peak), nature walks and waterfalls

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Boat trips
• Cooking classes
• Cycling
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Kayaking
• Sailing
• Shopping / markets
• Spa treatments
• Swimming
• Walking
• Watersports
• Wine tasting
• Yoga

Kids

La Darbia is ideal for families, offering spacious apartments with kitchenettes and extensive grounds that include a small playground with a zipline and football goal, plus a heated, fenced swimming pool. On-site restaurants feature some kid-friendly options, and if you prefer to dine in, meals can be delivered directly to your apartment. Younger children will delight in exploring the cobbled streets of Orta San Giulio, taking boat trips to Isola San Giulio, and splashing around the lakefront beaches. For older kids, there’s a wide range of watersports and outdoor activities to keep them entertained.

Best for:

All ages

Family friendly accommodation:

There’s a good choice of apartments suitable for families of up to 4, with living areas, fully equipped kitchens and either a terrace or garden (popular with younger families). Lake Family and Lake Signature apartments have a double room, twin room, shared shower room and living area. Lake Nest can take a baby cot.

Distances:

• Airport: 50km (Milan Malpensa)
• Shops: 20-min walk
• Hospital: 15km

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

La Darbia is on a quiet hillside overlooking Lake Orta in northern Italy. It’s a 2-minute drive or 20-minute walk from the medieval village of Orta San Giulio. The autostrada is about 15 minutes away, giving easy access to airports, cities and other lakes and mountains.

By Air:
The nearest airport is Milan Malpensa (50km), which is a 45-minute drive. The airports at Milan Linate (100km/1hr 15mins) or Lugano in Switzerland (97km/ 1hr 30mins) are also viable options.

From the Airport:
You could get a taxi from Milan Malpensa Airport, but we'd recommend you hire a car so you can explore the region.

Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.