4 May 2022

The new Delfino hotel and restaurant inaugurated on Isola Bella

The new Delfino on Isola Bella has been presented. The building, which dates back to the second half of the eighteenth century, has undergone an ambitious conservation and functional redevelopment project commissioned by the Borromeo family. The structure has been returned to its former splendour, becoming part of the services offered by the Terre Borromeo destinations on Lake Maggiore, which include the Borromean Islands, Rocca di Angera, Parco Pallavicino, Parco del Mottarone and the soon-to-open Castelli di Cannero.

Princess Marina Borromeo states: “The building has been subjected to a complex restoration project under the supervision of the Superintendency of Cultural Heritage, aimed at preserving the historic charm of the structure. The project has favoured the use of original materials and the restoration of ancient details. Great care has been taken to preserve an optimal balance between technological innovation, the historical and artistic heritage and the enhancement of the Isola Bella landscape”.

Today, therefore, a building that is mentioned in literature comes back to life: works by great authors of the time that have the Delfino as a setting include a famous novel by Antonio Fogazzaro, “The little world of the past”, and the “Guide à l’usage d’un voyageur en Italie” (‘Guide for the use of those travelling in Italy’) by Stendhal.

Within, the renovation is clearly visible in a series of architectural and furnishing elements, such as the red and black cement tile and Venetian terrazzo floors, the wooden beams, the coffered ceilings whose original colour has been restored, the wrought iron railings of the balconies, the 1930s neo-Gothic iron lamps and the white ceramic ones decorated with putti. To maintain the vintage allure of the furnishings, the original furniture has been preserved, including the chests of drawers in the rooms and the 1930s furniture in the bar and restaurant. Italian companies such as Flos, Rubinetterie Cristina and Dedar were chosen to supply lighting, bathroom fittings and textiles. Ginori 1735 produced the plates to design. Other furnishings and period objects were patiently sourced from secondhand and antique dealers to create a cosy, intimate and ‘lived-in’ environment. On the exterior, traces of painted frames have been restored around the windows on the oldest part of the façade, which probably dates back to 1791.

Delfino is open to the public all day with a restaurant seating around 150 people, with four dining rooms and a charming terrace overlooking Lake Maggiore. It is the ideal place in which to stop in the morning for a cappuccino, a fruit juice or milkshake, or to sip a cocktail with delicious dishes, or enjoy gourmet dishes for lunch or dinner, after visiting the museums and botanical gardens of Isola Bella and Isola Madre. The menu also includes a selection of dishes to enjoy at any time, from salads to platters, sandwiches and irresistible gourmet pizzas. In the fireplace room, the lounge area welcomes guests before sitting down to a table or after a meal to chat over a cup of coffee.

On the second floor, two suites increase the available accommodation of the Isola Bella Apartments, which are located in the island’s old hamlet. The suites are named “Ninfea” and “Ortensia”, and consist of a day area, a kitchenette and two bathrooms each. Both apartments offer a spectacular view of the Borromeo Gulf. They provide an exclusive solution for those wishing to stay for a weekend or a few days, making possible also a visit to the area nearby the Borromean Islands.

Thanks to the characteristics of the structure and the setting rich in cultural and natural attractions, the Delfino is also a perfect location for corporate events and special initiatives.