La Foleia is a maison d’hôte that surprises and re-surprises you as you discover it. It gave me the idea that it is possible to stay there several times without ever reliving the same experience. Easily accessible from Milan, the relais is very close to Lake Maggiore, situated in a timeless place. Welcoming us are the two villas placed opposite each other and divided by a freshwater lake originating from the Ticino River. Several species of ducks live in the lake, among them the queen is a beautiful ruddy shelduck that leads the whole group. Each Villa, Ottagonale and Padiglione, has two bedrooms, two beautiful bathrooms, and two different living rooms that stand out from each other. Once inside the walls of La Foleia, it seems as if time stands still. The intimate, warm spaces are furnished with a decor reminiscent of English country villas. With antique ornaments and floral fabrics, each room is characterized by a different color variation. The multiplicity of furnishings and details provides a fresh glimpse of each visit. Our favorite corner is the dormeuse in front of the large window of the main villa, which immediately transports us to a very delicate and unique atmosphere. There is an unexpected tranquility in this place that gives it the quality of a refuge from the city. All spaces are designed with comfort and experience in mind. The beds are particularly pleasant, as is the bedding. The lighting creates a soft atmosphere, and one of the bathrooms has an immense marble shower that you would never want to leave. Surrounding the two villas is the garden, full of fragrant plants and flowers. At every step, you are overwhelmed by a new scent. The experience is also culinary, the menu the chef proposed to us was exceptional, refined, curious, and even funny. Gemma and Nico have created a place you want to come back to, a place we like.