Rooms

There’s a touch of industrial chic about the 6 suites - artfully rusted doors, grey walls, hessian curtains, polished concrete floors, minimalist furniture hewn from blocks of wood. It may sound stark, but beamed ceilings, banks of cushions and baby-soft textiles from Italian designer Gianni Vigone keep things warm and cosy.

Each suite has a double bed, a sitting area with a low-slung couch, and niches with hanging space for clothes. The small but snazzy ensuites come with walk-in showers (no tubs) and stainless steel sinks; tall windows provide glimpses of the mountains as you wash, but clever angles prevent any Peeping Toms. In-room treats include bathrobes, slippers, Nespresso machines, Etro Milan toiletries and free bottles of San Pellegrino, and the minibars are stocked with Vivere’s own wine. Best of all, sliding walls of glass lead to private gardens with loungers, tables and chairs, and high walls that ensure total seclusion without obscuring the view of the soaring peaks all around.

We stayed in one of the 3 South Suites, which catch the sun all day and have little kitchenettes hidden away behind banks of sleek cupboard doors. Also with a kitchenette is the Corner Suite, whose large garden wraps around 2 sides. The Studio Suite and the Romantic Suite are smaller, with no cooking facilities, but they’re by no means tiny; the latter has a four-poster and, as the name suggests, makes a great little nest for couples and honeymooners.

Whichever suite you choose, you’ll sleep well. The beds are beautifully firm, with cloud-like duvets and good pillows, and black-out blinds mean you can easily snooze until noon.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Hairdryer
• Minibar
• Safe box
• WiFi

Eating

Italians don’t really do breakfast. Thankfully Edy is an exception, and a tasty spread of pastries, cold cuts, cheese, fruit, fresh juice, cereal, jam, honey and yoghurt is laid out until 11am - either outside, or by the fire in the lounge on cooler days. Tea and coffee are made to order, and if you want eggs, just ask - we enjoyed a delicious omelette with juicy tomatoes, mozzarella and herbs.

If you get peckish during the day, you’ll find fruit and biscuits by the bar on the terrace. Hot drinks are also available whenever you want (just help yourself if Edy isn't around), along with wine and a few cocktails.

For other meals, you can drive out to one of the lakeside restaurants in Riva del Garda, stroll the 300m to Edy's Pizzeria Centrale or another Arco eatery, or order meal delivery from the menu in your suite. Too chilled to move from our garden, we took the latter route and tucked into crispy pizzas topped with gorgonzola and pepperoni, along with creamy tiramisu and a bottle of Vivere’s smooth and fruity Merlot. There are some more sophisticated options to choose from, too, including asparagus risotto, brie and rocket calzone and grilled steak with porcini mushrooms.

If you’re staying in a South or Corner Suite, you can also whip something up in your kitchenette. You won’t find an oven or any fancy equipment, but there’s a 2-ring hob, a microwave, a sink, a fridge and a dishwasher, as well as crockery, cutlery and a few pots and pans - just enough to prepare salads, sandwiches and simple pasta concoctions. Vivere honey, olive oil and jam are on sale in reception, and there are supermarkets in Arco and Riva del Garda.

Features include:

• Bar
• Breakfast
• Coffee maker
• Restaurants nearby
• Room service

Activities

• Borrow one of Vivere’s bikes and head out on a gentle cycle through the vineyards and olive groves, or tackle the climb up to Arco castle, perched precariously on a limestone outcrop behind the B&B
  
• Head 5km down the road to Riva del Garda for a wander along the lakeshore, a laze under the pines on its shingly beach, and a gelato in one of the waterside cafés. It's also a great place for sailing and windsurfing
  
• Visit Limone, a little way down the western shore. It’s an elegant if rather touristy little town, made rich by terraced citrus groves. The fruit-growing industry has declined, but its market stalls still brim with bright bottles of lemon liquor
  
• Or head down the lake’s eastern flank to Malcesine, a former fishing harbour with a maze of cobbled streets huddled beneath a medieval castle. From here, rotating cable cars swoosh up to the summit of 2,220m-high Monte Baldo, with panoramic views for miles around
  
• Hop on a boat and take in the scenery from the water. Ferries run from Riva del Garda all the way down to Sirmione at the southern end of the lake. You’ll pass pretty villages and palm-filled gardens tumbling down towards the water - and you’ll avoid the traffic which clogs the roads for much of the year
  
• Verona is within easy driving distance, so set aside a day to explore its Roman arena, frescoed piazzas and upmarket boutiques
  
• Wine and olive-oil tastings are easily arranged. If you’re here in autumn, you can help with the harvest and learn more about the processes involved
  
• If you’re feeling particularly energetic, Edy can also organise trekking tours and canyoning. If not, head back to the B&B for massage or a spot of poolside yoga (advance booking required; i-escape guests get a 10% discount)

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Boat trips
• Canyoning
• Cycling
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Museums / galleries
• Private guided tours
• Sailing
• Shopping / markets
• Swimming
• Trekking
• Well being
• Windsurfing
• Wine tasting
• Yoga

Kids

Children of all ages are welcome, though Edy tries to limit the number of families staying at any one time in order to preserve the tranquility for other guests, most of whom are couples.

All suites have a couch that can be made up as an extra bed, and baby cots can be provided (both incur an additional charge). Highchairs are also available, and the kitchenettes in the South and Corner Suites are handy for heating up baby food or preparing kids’ snacks. Note that all suites have showers only (no tubs).

Best for:

Babies (0-1 years), Toddlers (1-4 years)

Family friendly accommodation:

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Vivere Suites is set in a vineyard in the small town of Arco, just north of Lake Garda, in northern Italy. It’s 5km from the lakeshore at Riva del Garda, and 90km from Verona.

By Air:
The closest airport is Brescia (78km away), which handles mostly domestic traffic. There are more flights to Verona (85km away) and Bergamo (130km away), as well as Milan Linate (171km away) and Milan Malpensa (213km away) - click on the links below for a list of airlines.

From the Airport
Airport transfers can be arranged (see Rates), but unless you plan on staying put at the B&B, we recommend hiring a car to explore the area.

By Train:
The nearest railway stations are Rovereto (30km away) and Trento (40km away). From there, you can hire a car or book a transfer for the final leg of the journey.

By Car:
See our car rental recommendations. Free off-street parking is available at Vivere Suites.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.

More on getting to Italy and getting around