Asian Fusion
One of the latest additions to Mandarin Oriental’s iconic chain stands on the banks of Lago di Como and is in itself a reason to plan a long weekend at the no less iconic Italian lake. The hotel is found near the village of Blevio and is partly situated in the walls of the historic Villa Roccabrun from the 18th-century, surrounded by succulent gardens. This was once home to the adored opera diva Giuditta Pasta, who at the time of her greatest glory took on such roles as Desdemona in Rossini’s Otello – you too can now spend the night here. Drift off to sleep with a perfectly romantic view of the lake and the backdrop of the exotic art of haute living in the Mandarin Oriental style.
The Grand Tremezzo, the Gauge of Italian Style
Another grand hotel by the surface of Lago di Como is the intimate Grand Tremezzo, which opened in 1910 for the Italian crème de la crème of the Belle Époque era. From the very outset, its revolutionary luxury setting was loved by the elite, and later too by Greta Garbo. A suite with a marble jacuzzi is named after her, one we strongly recommend you book. Before dinner, after dinner, or instead of dinner, go to L’Escale Trattoria & Wine Bar in Grand Tremezzo to enjoy a drink. The wine list here is proudly drawn purely from Italian wines, none of which compromise on quality.
That Villa
Villa d’Este at Cernobbio is one of few hotels that could be defined as a guaranteed platform for a life experience by virtue of its exceptionality. The twenty-five acres of park gardens in which the Renaissance Villa d’Este (built in 1568) is set is home to fountains and intimate corners where you will not be able to believe you are living in the hectic 21st century. The interiors are the definition of classical elegance, expressed by Murano chandeliers, palace-esque and imposing architectural features that have little in common with modern minimalism. The charming fact is that Villa d’Este is still a family property and is not run by any ambitious chain of hotels. Perhaps even more enchanting than that, however, is the option of renting a private residence instead of one of the 152 rooms in the hotel, also discreetly shielded from the everyday events of the outside world.
Top-Class Golf
Villa d’Este has another good reason to turn your attention to Lago di Como up its sleeve. It is found 12 kilometres from the hotel itself and is the Villa d’Este Golf Club. The atmosphere and setting of the 18-hole course, designed by Peter Gannon, return the oft-forgotten nobility to the green sport. The elegance, however, does not overshadow the sophistication and technical nature of the course, having the reputation of the most demanding par 69 in Europe. Immortalise your name in the club’s visitors’ book alongside members of the royal families of Belgium, the United Kingdom, Greece, and Spain. If you are golf enthusiasts, Golf Club Monticello, with two eighteen-hole courses, is another of the many courses around Lago di Como worth playing.
Bello Bellagio!
The shores of Lago di Como are scattered with picturesque little towns, the most picturesque of them being Bellagio, which stands on a peninsula that stretches into the waters of the lake. Only three thousand people are lucky enough to call Bellagio their home and enjoy, day in and day out, the melancholy views that open up from the ends of the steep, crooked, lantern-lined historical lanes. Incidentally, the Rockefeller Foundation has a branch in a villa which stands over Bellagio, which in some respects merely confirms the quality of the destination.
Mistral Restaurant
And Mistral Restaurant most certainly testifies to the quality of the place – Michelin judges rewarded the attractiveness of the place with a star, one reason why connoisseurs of la dolce vita flock there. The informal restaurant, with an exceptionally pleasant atmosphere and even more pleasing views from the terrace that stands over the lake, combines innovative molecular trends with traditional Italian home cuisine, operating within the bounds of elite simplicity. If your imagination needs something a bit more specific, then imagine Sicilian red prawns with guacamole gel, coconut espuma, and squid-ink waffles as the sun goes down, and al fresco on top of that. There’s no shame in enjoying the bliss and raising a glass to the setting sun.
Como by cabriolet car
The best way to explore the Como region is from the deck of your or rented car. Ricard & Bonette has prepared an itinerary for the best for you. Create a travel program in the online configurator, where you can also choose a stylish car to drive through the Lake Como area. Happy journey.
