At Ponti sul Mincio, a few miles inland from the lake, La Zarabba Boutique Hotel is built around a single idea: slowing down. It suits travellers who want to step away from routine and city noise and spend a few days at a quieter pace.

The garden is the centre of the place. It sits among vineyards, and the day organises itself around it: sun loungers in the open, an outdoor pool, a separate whirlpool tub, shade under the parasols when the afternoon turns hot.

Mornings begin with breakfast prepared to order by the executive chef, put together around what you feel like eating.

The setting works well as a base. Peschiera del Garda and the lakeshore are about five minutes away by car, the medieval village of Borghetto sul Mincio is close by, and Sirmione is roughly twenty minutes off. You can spend the day out along the lake and come back each evening to somewhere calm.

The rooms and suites are furnished with bespoke pieces, antiques and king-size beds. The Comfort rooms look towards the medieval castle of Ponti sul Mincio; the Superior rooms open onto wide private terraces over the greenery; the bohemian-inspired Suites have hand-carved four-poster beds and generous space, and make sense for a couple after a few quiet days together.

Practical comforts come as standard: Wi-Fi, HD television, air conditioning, a minibar and monitored parking. Pets are welcome, with services set aside for them. For getting about under your own steam, scooters and current-generation e-bikes are available to hire for tours you plan yourself.

In the evening the adjacent Ristorante Porto Fino sul Mincio serves dinner in a relaxed setting with a large outdoor terrace, sea fish on the menu; guests in the Senior Suite can arrange to dine in their room.

Between a tasting at the long-established Zenato winery and a glass of Lugana by the pool, the hotel is set up for the kind of stay where nothing is rushed.