Hotel Review: Locanda San Vigilio, Lake Garda

In arguably one of the most charming locations on the lake, the locanda is set on a peninsula that juts out into the calm green waters of Garda, nestled among olive groves, oleander trees and cypresses. It feels a world away from the busy lakefront towns - calm and peaceful - although as the grounds are also open to non-visitors, it can get quite busy during the day as visitors flock to the charming lakefront café to soak up the views. Once the sun has set, though, you'll have the whole place to yourself.

By plane: direct flights from London to Verona take over two hours. The hotel is a 40-minute drive from the airport. Free on-site parking available. Book flights to Verona.

Owned by the Guarienti family, this charming locanda has been welcoming guests since the 16th century. It retains a family-home ambience, with creaky floorboards, wooden ceiling beams and cosy interiors furnished with antiques and family heirlooms. It has a warm country-house feel and, with only seven rooms and five suites, it exudes cosiness.

The Guarienti family oversee all aspects of the hotel operations - service is warm and friendly. An experienced team can organise a variety of activities from vineyard tours to heli rides. There's a swimming pool nestled among olive groves overlooking the lake. The Parco Baia delle Sirene gardens are open to non-residents for a small fee (free for guests), with an inviting swimming pool and lake access.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Garden
• Swimming pool
• Pet-friendly
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms are in the main villa, while suites have a more secluded setting sprinkled around the grounds. The country house feel continues in the rooms, furnished with 16th-century prints and antiques. Persian-style rugs are thrown over creaky floorboards, while four poster beds add a touch of grandness.

Room types: Classic, Superior, Junior, La Limonaia, Grand Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, hairdyer, TV, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi

The food at the restaurant is excellent, with tasty classic Italian dishes served in a cosy dining area. Expect the likes of grilled octopus, grilled turbot and linguine with clams. The lakefront café has tables lining a pretty stone jetty - head here to watch spectacular lake sunsets with a drink in hand (try the owners' own beer, Birra del Lago).

The restaurant: traditional Italian cuisine. Open daily for breakfast (buffet) and dinner.

Taverna: waterfront café, drinks, light snacks and aperitivi.