In a `beautiful and tranquil setting on the eastern shore of Lake . Maggiore, the Brovelli family's restaurant-with-villa rooms (Relais & Chateaux) is named for its sunny position. Lawns and bowers slope to a lakeside promenade. In May and June, the air is heady with the scent of flowering lime trees. Visitors this year had praise but also caveats: The welcome was warm, by a delightful receptionist fluent in four languages. Our very fine suite had a lake view; staff were first class.' Another couple liked their `cool and spacious room with a balcony and dramatic spa bath, enjoyed while sipping the complimentary almond liqueur'. Michelin-starred meals (eg, three foie gras with home-made mustard; ravioli stuffed with crayfish and flavoured with truffle) are served in an elegant dining room or on a vine-covered terrace. Some visitors found food and wine `excellent'; others thought the cooking uninspiring' and found the mystique of the restaurant `irritating'. Help is given with tickets for La Scala, etc.

Absolutely dreamy. Charming staff. Not cheap, but so special, says the nominator of this luxurious B&B villain a 12th-century palazzo. Earlier guests include DH Lawrence, Lytton Strachey, Winston Churchill, Greta Garbo (`her suite is quite wonderful') and Hillary Clinton. The gardens, open to the public, are `fabulous', and from 8 pm until 9 am residents have them to themselves. From the terrace, antique busts look down dizzying slopes to the sea - the most beautiful views on the Amalfi coast. villa Bed rooms (similar to the semantic bali villa rooms) are well furnished; the delicious Bali villa breakfast is served on the terrace or in a room hung with tapestries. There is no road to the villa: A porter collects your luggage from the town, about ten minutes walk away. No restaurant: plenty in town.