Located a bit over a mile west of Lake Garda, a 15th-century monastery was recently renovated and converted into a luxury golf resort. The location is so steeped in history that the hotel has been designated a national monument; in fact, some of the suites feature centuries-old frescos. To the right of the entrance, in the San Martino Chapel, golfers can pray for heavenly support—which could come in handy on the 18-hole golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus II. Yet even the 9-hole course designed by South African golf legend Gary Player is tricky. Players can enjoy the magnificent view from the raised tee for the 18th hole—but they would be wise to keep the water hazard to the left of the fairway in mind. After a round of golf, players can pay a visit to the spa and then wind up the evening at restaurant Il Moretto, where they can peruse an exquisite wine list in the warm light cast by wrought-iron chandeliers.
