Mr & Mrs Smith

Absolutely stunning setting and amazing attention to detail from the owners. The perfect place for a romantic break with delicious food and wine. Thank you.

We had a lovely meal in the restaurant of the Petronilla hotel in Bergamo, served by the owner in the gorgeous courtyard on a very balmy night, complete with ivy hanging from the walls and candles everywhere. The service is great.

La Villa was so beautiful I stayed 4 more nights than I had originally intended! After eating at various restaurants for the first few days I tried La Villa's own restaurant. The food was superb, and such a perfectly balanced showcase of regional produce that I ate there quite a few more times. The four course meal didn't leave me feeling like I had overeaten, and Nicola is an excellent sommelier- choosing the ideal Piedmontese drop to complement the meal.

Such a lovely hotel in beautiful countryside. Great hosts who really get the balance right.

We loved eating at the local restaurants where we actually got to practice our fledgling Italian (instead of the waiters answering in English like they do in the cities).

A drop-in wine tasting at the rustic local Cantine Fontanile is relaxed and enjoyable. You can even buy wine out of hilarious stainless steel petrol-pump style machines. Or in more civilised bottles of course! (www.cantinefontanile.it) Acqui Terme is a pretty town to explore a shortish drive away.

The prosecco at La Villa was the best white wine we found in the region and an absolute bargain at eight euro a bottle – we had to buy a whole case from the owner before we left!