Grand Hotel Majestic ★★★★ SUP

In the distance, the Alps loom grand and proud, overlooking the Borromean Islands that are flecked with rich verbena, magnolias, rhododendrons and camellias. All around, there’s a reverberating peace and quiet, the languid lapping of water It is here, right on the edge of the lake, that the aptly named Grand Hotel Majestic stands. Oozing nineteenth century charm, it is the epitome of the Italian elite, preserving its original pizzazz and grandiose style.

The Grand Hotel Majestic sits on the most romantic part of the lake, on the edge of the Gulf Borromeo, with a typically Italian Belle Époque façade. Since its opening in 1870, hundreds of aristocrats and artists have loped though its glossy, velvet lounges and around the lush grounds, finding a luxurious setting nestled in the heart of a breath-taking panorama. Now it was my turn, and I couldn’t wait to see what treasures lay inside.

It was everything I expected and more: high ceilings for protecting the hotel’s expansive history; shiny marble floors covered, in part, by thick, squishy carpets; cream panelled walls and impressive pillars. It’s certainly not contemporary in its décor, but true to its roots; the cosy design is stylish, elegant and extremely comfortable. In my room, I was greeted with heavy curtains rippled with their own weight, dark woodwork, marble countertops and chandeliers twinkling in replacement of the stars.

An afternoon spent admiring Lake Maggiore was complemented with a trip to the in-house spa which boasts a collection of wellness treatments for reinvigoration and relaxation. The rustic Moroccan décor is the perfect backdrop to take a dip in the heated pool, too. Then, afterwards, it was time to sample the culinary excellence of the Grand Hotel Majestic restaurant. Set amidst nineteenth century décor complete with tall pillars and the soundtrack of tinkling glasses, the restaurant basks in the art of flavour, dishing up a menu filled with fresh Italian tastes and a mouth-watering array of local wines.

The rambling waters edged with lush greenery and pockets of Italian life are a creative dream and, perched right in the middle of it, the Grand Hotel Majestic is the perfect place to soak it all up from.