Da Elda Natural Retreat, Concei Valley, near Lake Ledro, Italy - Explore & Book
"In the same family since 1949, this once-traditional village inn might have continued thus for another half century. But son and heir (and art college graduate) Andrea had other ideas, inviting a team of architects to reinvent the old building and add a radical new extension - a geometry of glass and timber, with cubic decks of outdoor space and eco-friendly thinking. The result is gasthof-meets-design-hotel: the same family ethos (mum, dad, daughter, baby, three-legged cat) but with space-age bathrooms and Philippe Stark chairs.Lenzumo's shiny newcomer sits among apple trees in the heart of the Concei Valley - an alpine landscape of lush farmland, tinkling cowbells, low half-timbered houses with a touch of the Tyrol. To the south, the road wiggles down to the petite Ledro, one of the least known and most picturesque of Italy’s northern lakes. A few miles to the north the road peters out, making tracks into deep, dark forests of pine. This is where you do the proper eco thing, and just get out and walk. Highs We were bowled over by the food. Fantastic traditional family recipes (specific to the area) meant we never wished for pizza or pastaA corner of undiscovered Trentino: lakes and mountains without the crowds. It's less than 10 minutes' drive to Lake Ledro, where you can swim and hire water equipmentFive-star eco credentials - thermo insulation, solar energy and a low carbon footprintSet in beautiful countryside, with views across open farmland to the snow-capped foothills of the Dolomites. There are mountain bikes to borrow, so you can easily get out and exploreA mini “bio spa” with a sauna, steam room and rainbow shower, plus a lovely outdoor pool Lows It's a bit out of the way - especially if you're looking for nightlife and bustle; Lenzumo is a quiet, rural village Beyond the designer interiors, there’s nothing particularly hip about the hotel - think Birkenstock not Prada The restaurant and dining room are over-lit and the full-board plan is a tad regimented (although amazing value)Only one room can be made up as a twin There's a 10% surcharge for stays of less than 3 nights" - Lesley Gillilan
