7 of the world’s most stunning lakeside retreats from New York to Italy

When it comes to bodies of water, lakes are often the unsung heroes. Even hot tubs seem to steal the spotlight.

Perhaps it's the towering mountain shadows casting over them, or the ocean’s incessant waves begging for attention, but lakes rarely get the accolades they deserve.

Lakes, however, are perfectly content with staying out of the limelight. They quietly await those who truly value the serenity of their wild beauty and the luxurious lodges that often line their shores.

The seven exquisite lakeside lodges listed below offer a perfect example of why lakes should be at the top of any vacation destination list:

1. Casa Palopo (Lake Atitlan, Guatemala)

Hidden away and untouched by crowds, Casa Palopo offers a serene escape with just a few rooms, all perched above Guatemala’s stunning volcano-lined Lake Atitlan.

The villa’s interiors burst with vibrant hues reflecting the rich Guatemalan culture, featuring handwoven textiles and walls painted in bold, lively colors.

Each morning, guests are treated to a traditional Guatemalan breakfast of black beans, eggs, and plantains, enjoyed on private terraces that provide sweeping views of Lake Atitlan’s three majestic volcanoes: Toliman, Atitlan, and San Pedro.

There are no televisions to disturb the tranquility here, only the sounds of the breeze and birds. But Wi-Fi is available for sharing your perfect moments. Guests can also hop on a boat from Casa Palopo’s private dock and visit the nearby town of San Juan, where Mayan women craft and dye beautiful textiles.

Prime perk: The hotel features a helipad, so you can arrive in style by helicopter, taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.

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2. Lake Timara Lodge (Marlborough, New Zealand)

For a truly intimate experience, it’s hard to surpass the four-room Lake Timara Lodge, nestled in New Zealand’s renowned wine country.

Country-inspired rooms featuring 1920s décor offer stunning views of the lake, the Richmond Range mountains, or the sprawling 25-acre gardens—choose the one that suits you best.

Just a short stroll away, Spy Valley Winery awaits, with nine different grape varieties to sample. Known for its exceptional sauvignon blanc, the winery’s chef creates dishes using fresh fish from the Marlborough Sounds, lobster, lamb, and herbs harvested from the lodge’s own garden.

Rowboats are available for a peaceful cruise around the lake, and there’s a tennis court right on the property for a little friendly competition.

Prime perk: Indulge in a four-course garden-to-table meal, paired with wine from the lodge’s backyard winery or a selection of local vintages from its impressive cellar.

Lake Timara Lodge, Dog Point Road, RD 2, Marlborough, New Zealand; +64 3 572 8276

3. Moraine Lake Lodge (Banff National Park, Canada)

If you’re looking to unplug and immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of Banff, the Moraine Lake Lodge in Canada’s Rocky Mountains is your perfect escape, with no in-room TVs or phones to distract you.

The lodge’s premium rooms are designed with cabin-chic charm, featuring jetted Jacuzzi tubs, cozy wood-burning fireplaces, and private balconies that open up to breathtaking views of the glacial blue Moraine Lake.

Lodge staff provide firewood and kindling right at your door, ensuring you’re always ready to enjoy a warm fire. The dining room is a must-visit, known as one of Banff National Park’s top spots for gourmet cuisine, offering delicacies like fresh elk or buffalo carpaccio with roasted pine nuts.

Prime perk: Your stay includes a breakfast buffet with stunning lake views, canoeing, and guided nature hikes led by a resident naturalist. Plus, the Banff Upper Hot Springs are just a short distance away, perfect for a relaxing soak.

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4. Mirror Lake Inn (Lake Placid, New York)

A property's true character often reveals itself in the way it welcomes its guests.

At the historic Mirror Lake Inn, celebrating its 125th year, guests are greeted with house-made chocolate chip cookies upon arrival—just as Olympic athletes did when they stayed here for the 1932 and 1980 Winter Games.

Guests can take in breathtaking lake views from their private balconies, with floor-to-ceiling windows and the comforting scent of wood smoke in the air.

The dining experience matches the stunning views, featuring locally cured bacon and fresh herbs plucked from the inn's garden.

In the warmer months, enjoy a variety of water activities like canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boating. In winter, the inn’s staff can arrange a biathlon lesson combining cross-country skiing with target shooting.

Prime perk: Winter guests can experience the thrill of sliding down former Olympic bobsled and luge tracks or enjoy skiing at Whiteface Mountain.

5. Hotel Royal Victoria (Lake Como, Italy)

The regal charm of Hotel Royal Victoria is no accident—it was named in honor of Queen Victoria, who stayed in its Varenna villa in 1838.

Rooms have been updated with modern comforts for today’s discerning traveler, including a two-person chromotherapy shower, Wi-Fi, and a minibar, while retaining the 19th-century elegance of this beautiful Italian retreat.

Lakefront suites boast a cozy lounge area, fireplace, and a balcony with a cafe-style seating area. Nearby, explore the medieval Castello di Vizio, now a falcon sanctuary, or stroll through the terraced gardens at Villa Cipressi.

Hotel Royal Victoria is a highlight on the Walking Italian Lakes Tour by VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations, where you'll visit a Coiromonte farm for fresh cheese tasting and the stunning 17th-century Sacro Monte di Varese church.

Prime perk: The hotel offers exclusive full-day wine tours to Valtellina, where you can savor wines made from dried Nebbiolo grapes.

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6. Explora Patagonia (Chile)

If Patagonia is the epitome of breathtaking lakefront scenery, then Explora, nestled in Chile's Andes, is undoubtedly its crown jewel.

Nestled in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park, the all-inclusive Explora lodge offers rooms with stunning views of Lake Pehoe, the Cordillera del Paine mountain range, or the iconic Salto Chico waterfall.

With a focus on tranquility and minimalism, the rooms feature expansive windows and Wi-Fi, replacing the need for traditional TVs.

The Ona Bathhouses at the lodge include four open-air Jacuzzis with breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding peaks. The gourmet meals are tailored to your personal preferences, complemented by expertly chosen Chilean wines.

With over 50 day trips to choose from, the lodge staff will help plan your adventure, whether it’s trekking, hiking, or horseback riding through ancient forests, gaucho lands, or the Southern Ice Fields.

Prime perk: Enjoy a dip in the heated, covered pool, followed by a relaxing essential oil massage.

7. Vila Bled (Lake Bled, Slovenia)

Once the residence of Yugoslavian leader Marshal Josip Tito, Vila Bled is now a serene lakeside retreat offering breathtaking views of Slovenia’s iconic Lake Bled.

The Presidential Suite, once Tito’s personal apartment, occupies the top floor of the villa. It features two bedrooms, a living room, a study, two bathrooms, and a luxurious massage tub.

The classic rooms at Vila Bled also come with private balconies that overlook Lake Bled and the 17th-century church situated on the island in the center of the lake.

The villa’s restaurant serves both Slovenian specialties and international dishes, while Belvedere Cafe offers lighter options, including the famous kremna rezina custard cream cake – a favorite of Tito’s tea parties.

Vila Bled boasts its own private boathouse and lakeside lido, perfect for relaxing under the sun. Guests can enjoy canoeing, rafting, or mountaineering in the stunning Julian Alps, or take a hot air balloon ride for a spectacular aerial view.

Prime perk: The hotel’s “Tell Us How to Pamper You” button ensures that every guest's request is swiftly and effortlessly fulfilled.

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