A holiday on Lake Orta is all about slowing down: mornings beside the water, leisurely walks through pretty Italian villages and long lunches with the mountains in the distance. At LAQUA by the Lake , in Pettenasco, there is another reason to enjoy the experience. Four-legged companions are welcome to join their owners, making this contemporary lakeside retreat an appealing choice for travellers who prefer not to leave their dogs at home.
Part of LAQUA Collection, created by chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo and his wife Cinzia Primatesta, the property is known for its suite-style accommodation, gourmet dining and wellness facilities. But its pet-friendly approach adds a more personal dimension to the stay. Rather than limiting dogs to a handful of designated rooms, the resort welcomes pets in its suites and allows them into the shared areas of the property, with a few clearly defined exceptions.
A Different Side of the Italian Lakes
Pettenasco is a lovely starting point for discovering Lake Orta. Unlike the busier shores of Lake Como or Lake Maggiore, this smaller lake has retained a quieter, more understated character. Its villages, wooded hills and historic waterfronts invite exploration without the sense of constant movement found at some of northern Italy's better-known destinations.
LAQUA by the Lake sits on the water's edge, giving guests a front-row perspective on the scenery. The hotel's architecture and interiors make use of natural textures and soft colours, allowing the surroundings to remain the main attraction. The overall mood is contemporary but warm, with an emphasis on comfort rather than formality.
The property is also part of the wider Cannavacciuolo hospitality collection, which brings together a small group of distinctive retreats across Italy. Each has its own setting and personality, but all share a focus on food, wellbeing and a strong connection to place.
Suites Designed for a Longer Stay
One of the hotel's most appealing features is its accommodation. Rather than conventional guestrooms, LAQUA by the Lake offers a collection of suite-style spaces designed to give guests the freedom and comfort of a private lakeside residence.
The selection includes five double rooms, 14 suites, two panoramic penthouses and the exclusive Darsena, a private accommodation option with direct access to the lake. There is also a private villa within the wider offering. Many of the suites feature a separate living area, kitchen and private outdoor lounge, with some opening onto terraces and others onto private gardens.
The two penthouses are particularly special. Their panoramic views stretch across Lake Orta, while private terraces with Jacuzzi tubs provide a lovely setting for a slow morning or an evening under the stars. For something more unusual, Darsena 19 sits just a short distance from the main property and offers a direct connection to the water.
The design throughout is understated and contemporary, with an emphasis on natural materials and light. These are spaces made for settling in rather than simply sleeping between excursions, making the resort especially appealing for couples or travellers planning a few unhurried days by the lake.
A Gourmet Experience by Antonino Cannavacciuolo
Food is an essential part of the LAQUA experience. The resort's gourmet restaurant is shaped by the culinary philosophy of Antonino Cannavacciuolo, with the kitchen led by Head Chef Gianni Bertone, who developed his experience at Villa Crespi alongside the celebrated chef.
The restaurant offers creative contemporary cuisine inspired by the flavours and ingredients of the region. Its menus bring together local produce, seasonal ingredients and a more modern interpretation of Italian cooking, with the lake providing a beautiful backdrop to the experience.
Guests can choose between tasting menus and à la carte dishes, making the restaurant suitable for both a special occasion and a more relaxed evening. Breakfast is another highlight, served in the lake-view Bistrot with a selection of fresh, high-quality products to begin the day.
There is also a particularly appealing connection to Villa Crespi, Cannavacciuolo's celebrated three-Michelin-starred restaurant in nearby Orta San Giulio. LAQUA guests receive reservation priority, offering an opportunity to include one of Italy's most celebrated dining experiences in their stay.
Wellness With the Lake in Mind
The wellness area is designed around the idea of taking a break from everyday routines and giving the body and mind time to reset. At LAQUA by the Lake, the spa experience combines traditional relaxation with more contemporary wellness treatments.
The Longevity Suite spa includes a CryoSuite, bringing an innovative element to the property's approach to wellbeing. Guests can also enjoy treatments and dedicated relaxation spaces, with the overall experience centred on restoring energy and finding a more balanced rhythm.
Outside, the infinity pool creates one of the resort's most inviting spaces. Its relationship with the surrounding landscape makes it easy to lose track of time, particularly when the lake is calm and the mountains are reflected in the water.
The hotel's beach club adds another dimension to the experience, with its sun terrace and jetties providing direct access to the lake. Depending on the season, guests can enjoy time by the water, take out a paddleboard or simply settle into a sun lounger with the scenery in front of them.
The Lake Orta Setting: Made for Walks Together
Perhaps the biggest advantage for anyone travelling with a dog is the hotel's location. LAQUA by the Lake sits in Pettenasco, directly beside Lake Orta, where the scenery provides a beautiful backdrop for outdoor time together.
The lakeside setting lends itself to gentle walks, while the surrounding villages and countryside offer plenty of opportunities to explore at a slower pace. A stroll along the waterfront is a lovely way to begin the day, particularly when the lake is calm and the surrounding hills are reflected in the water.
The nearby village of Orta San Giulio is another worthwhile outing, with narrow lanes, small cafés and a picturesque waterfront. From here, visitors can admire Isola San Giulio, the small island at the heart of the lake. If planning to visit the island or take a boat excursion with a dog, it is sensible to check the individual operator's pet rules in advance.
For longer walks, the surrounding countryside offers routes through woodland and small villages. The concierge can help guests discover local experiences and arrange excursions around Lake Orta and neighbouring Lake Maggiore.
A Thoughtful Approach to Sustainability
The connection with nature at LAQUA by the Lake is not only aesthetic. The resort incorporates several practical initiatives intended to reduce its environmental impact.
Photovoltaic energy contributes to the property's power supply, while systems for collecting rainwater and groundwater help support irrigation of the grounds. The kitchen also benefits from a private vegetable garden, providing fresh seasonal ingredients and strengthening the connection between the restaurant and the surrounding land.
Electric-car charging stations and e-bikes offer further options for guests who want to explore the area with a lighter footprint. These details complement the hotel's wider philosophy: a stay that encourages guests to appreciate the landscape while remaining mindful of it.
LAQUA by the Lake is an appealing alternative to the grand hotels of Italy's more famous lakes. Its smaller scale, suite-style accommodation and contemporary design create a relaxed atmosphere, while the Cannavacciuolo culinary connection gives it a strong identity of its own.
There is plenty to enjoy without leaving the property, from the gourmet restaurant and spa to the infinity pool and private beach club. Yet the real pleasure lies in the setting. Days can be spent discovering Orta San Giulio, crossing the water to Isola San Giulio or simply enjoying the view from a private terrace.
For travellers looking for a quieter Italian lakeside escape, with thoughtful hospitality, memorable food and space to slow down, LAQUA by the Lake is a lovely discovery.
Official website: https://laquabythelake.it/en/
