Review of Villa Feltrinelli, by Joanna Monkhouse

On the western shore of Lake Garda exists an earthly paradise. Villa Feltrinelli was built in 1892 by the sons of a wealthy Italian magnate as the family's summer residence. The castellated, pink-striped villa was converted as a labour of love into a luxury hotel of the highest specifications by Bob Burns, founder of Regent Hotels, now resident on site for much of the summer.

The former residence of Mussolini (who was imprisoned here from 1943-5 by the Germans) underwent 5 years of renovations with no expense spared, totalling $30m, to create the luxurious suites that are spread over the 8 acres of lake front property - 13 in the main villa, the others in the four park buildings.

The facilities

Despite the opulence of the elegant interiors, the atmosphere at Villa Feltrinelli is convivial and relaxed. The numerous public rooms on the ground floor provide ample space for guests to find a quiet nook amongst antiques original to the house, complemented by contemporary and custom-made pieces that blend in imperceptibly. The salon's Bösendorfer grand piano is often played by guests or a local musician - a testament to the current owner's love of music, jazz in particular.

Many rooms feature painstakingly restored, priceless frescoes and works of art that were either original to the villa or acquired during the restoration. Much of what appears to be marble is in reality faux as the Feltrinelli family made their fortune from timber. The plaster-covered wood-in-disguise was a more expensive option, grander and more exclusive than marble at the time the villa was constructed. Wood also features heavily throughout the villa in carved furniture and fireplaces, beamed ceilings and polished parquet floors.

The rooms

Designed as a summer residence, the rooms have been decorated accordingly as the Villa Feltrinelli is only open from April to November. The furnishings are fresh and summery, with lots of white, cream and pale colours. The delicately patterned draperies found throughout are made from a Venetian fabric called the Feltrinelli Sheer. The super king beds are covered in 300 count Frette linen.

A butler will unpack luggage on request, laundry is complimentary along with the contents of the well-disguised mini bar. Each room features a discreet flat screen tv and a state of the art music system. Black and white photographs from the early 1900s are displayed, some are of those who have stayed in the house, others were the inspiration for the room in which they are found.

Bob Burns is credited with introducing the luxury bathroom to the hotel industry and those at Villa Feltrinelli are no exception. Each proffers a huge nickel-plated, walk-in shower with high water pressure and plate sized showerhead, a deep, double-ended, porcelain cast-iron bath (so heavy they required specially strengthened foundations), rose petals where you would never expect to find them, covetable Acqua di Parma products, luxurious robes, piles of white towels, heated marble floors and the music system which can play independently from that in the bedroom.