A 5-star, 11-suite hotel that combines the beauty of traditional Italian architecture with the breathtaking views of Lake Orta.

Italy, with its picturesque landscapes and historic palazzos around every corner, is like a siren?s call for those looking for an idyllic vacation. The allure of such a beautiful country is not lost on most, though, and it can be hard to find a city to visit that?s not completely overrun with tourists during the busy summer months. However, if you travel just an hour outside the popular city of Milan to Lake Orta, you?ll find Casa Fantini Lake Time, a 5-star, 11-suite boutique hotel that combines the beauty of traditional Italian architecture with the breathtaking views of the landscapes at the foothill of the Alps. Photo by Elisa Piemontesi and Lorenzo Lucca

Italian architect, art director and designer Piero Lissoni of Lissoni Architettura worked with Daniela Fantini, CEO of Fantini Rubinetti, to carry out her vision for this unique hotel which was inspired by the philosophy of lake time, the slow pace of the lake. Since water drives the everyday work of Fantini Rubinetti, it also acted as the guiding element in the design in addition to the natural materials selected. Throughout the site, you?ll find accoya wood, beola stone, and calming hues of blue used to reflect the harmony, culture and spirit of Lake Orta.

When we asked Daniela Fantini for her opinion on how design is changing or shifting the hospitality + travel industry, ...