Prati Palai

Style

Farm-fresh fancy

Setting

Lake and country

An eight-room B&B can sound unassuming, but, perched in the tranquil olive groves above Lake Garda, boutique hotel Prati Palai has a mission to house bons vivants in understated farmhouse chic. Decked out with vast white beds, polished wooden floorboards and Pantone-hued tubs, this pared-down retreat opens to the glorious Veneto countryside.

Facilities

Rooms

Eight suites.

Checkout

10.30am. Check-in, 4pm to 7.30pm, but flexible, subject to availability.

More Details

Rates include Continental breakfast of fresh bread and pastries as well as cold cuts, cheeses and boiled eggs.

Also

This upcycled bolthole hasn’t forgotten its working-farm roots: in the library, a trough’s been converted into a bookshelf, and much of the kitchen produce is still grown on site.

Hotel Closed

2 November.to 1 April.

Free Internet Access

Pet Friendly

Pool

At the Hotel

45 acres of grounds, lounge, free WiFi throughout. In rooms: TV, DVD player on request, Ortigia toiletries.

Our Favourite Rooms

All the suites have postcard-perfect views of the lake. Split-level Junior Suite 6 has a pentagonal shower and, upstairs in the living room, a roll-top bath in striking turquoise blue. Suite 9’s circular window looks out onto the picturesque headland of Punta San Vigilio. With warm wood floors, plump antique armchairs and timber beams painted in pastel hues, rooms here exude contemporary farmhouse.

Poolside

An inviting shade of sparkling cerulean, the small, unheated pool is in a peaceful spot among the estate’s olive trees. Lounge in the shade or the sun: either way, you’ll be treated to sweeping lake views.

Packing Tips

Bring a pair of sturdy walking boots: hiking trails snake through the estate, leading to delightful picnic spots.

Children

Prati Palai is a grown-up retreat; leave under-16s at home.

Gallery

Food & Drink

Top Table

Take a seat at one of the wrought-iron tables on the terrace for an alfresco breakfast with soul-soothing lake views.

Dress Code

Dolce vita classics: crisp linens, espadrilles and a pair of statement shades.

Hotel Restaurant

None, but breakfast is served at a long wooden table in the lounge. Help yourself from the fruit bowls and compare plans for the day with fellow guests.

Hotel Bar

Help yourself to a cold drink from the small poolside fridge and don’t leave without tasting Prati Palai’s home-made limoncello, distilled from the estate’s own citrus fruit.

Last Orders

There’s no need to jump out of bed in the morning: breakfast is served 8am–11am.

Room Service

None, but you can have breakfast delivered to your room for €30 each.

Planes

A 30-minute drive away, Verona is the nearest airport, with good links to Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Budget flights land at Bergamo’s Il Caravaggio airport, an hour’s drive away.

Trains

Trenitalia trains from Milan, Venice and Bologna arrive at Verona Porta Nuova station, a 30-minute drive from the hotel.

Automobiles

Lake Garda’s pretty, mediaeval villages and bucolic hillsides are best explored with a hire car. From Bardolino, take Via San Colombano and look for Strada Palai on the right; the hotel is a short drive up a twisting path and has free parking.

Worth Getting Out of Bed For

This lush, hushed corner of Veneto makes an idyllic setting for a laid-back escape. At the height of summer, Prati Palai offers welcome respite from the tourist throngs at the lake: set up base by the pool with a glass of something chilled and a good pile of books, or take a gentle stroll around the olive groves. In fine weather, ask staff for a picnic basket and go for a leisurely paddle in the cobalt waters of the lake. Nautica Guini (+39 346 2886677) rents small motorboats by the hour. In season (September–January), owner Domenico can arrange hunting trips to an estate an hour’s drive away, near Verona. You’ll need a license to bag the local pheasants, partridges and hares. Stop by Guerrieri Rizzardi for a taste of the local wines; this family operation also produces oak-aged grappa, artisanal olive oil and citrus liqueur. Elegant Mantua’s mediaeval lakes and riverside Borghetto sul Mincio make for pleasant daytrips. The more intrepid may prefer tackling the waters head on with a spot of windsurfing, water-skiing and canoeing on Lake Garda.

Earn or Redeem Points with World of Hyatt

This Mr & Mrs Smith hotel participates in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. As a member, you can earn and redeem points and enjoy exclusive benefits for qualifying nights. .