Serviced apartment Vivere Suites & Rooms (Arco, Italy)

Here, as in so many places across Italy, hoteliers struggle against the expectations created by their country’s treasured history. Ask anyone for their mental picture of a stay on the Lago di Garda and chances are the word “villa” will feature prominently. The flip side, of course, is that there’s a tidy living to be made subverting expectations — and a quick look at Vivere Suites and Rooms confirms that this is not exactly the postcard version of the Italian lake country. Six simple modernist suites — four with kitchens, two juniors without — are the entirety of the hotel, and they showcase contemporary Italian luxury living at its most stylish. Once you’ve adjusted for the style, however, the idea of the place is familiar enough — the classic virtues of hospitality are the same as they ever were. Privacy is in plentiful supply, the accommodations are comfortable and exquisitely crafted, and a hotel this small can’t help but maintain a very personal approach to service. The estate is a converted winery, and still serves wine made from grapes grown in the property’s vineyards. Some things never change. Meanwhile the lake itself is just minutes away, and all around the Alps beckon.