French chic, English elegance, and a private pond with water lilies and the croaking of frogs in the background. That’s La Foleia – an Italian secret garden. Just an hour from Milan and a stone’s throw from Italy's largest lakes.

The name comes from the Latin 'follia" meaning madness. How fitting! Guests can spend their time here like in a fairy tale, letting their imagination run wild. Like Anne of Green Gables, lie down in a lovers' boat and drift into dreamy reverie. Like Alice in Wonderland, explore the extraordinary corners and frescoes. Romantics can whisper sweet words on the charming veranda, and dreamers can simply lie back and gaze at the sky.

It’s easy to forget the outside world here, even though Lago Maggiore, one of the most charming lakes in the land of pizza, is so close by. Nearby lies the medieval town of Arona, once a Roman resort. If you feel like stepping out of the magical world of La Foleia, you can explore the area on horseback, enjoy wine tastings, or dive into the secrets of Italian cuisine in cooking classes.

Photos: lafoleia.com