There are places in the world that feel like a dream in motion, where time seems to slow, and every view looks like it was painted by hand. Lake Como is one of them. Nestled in the foothills of the Italian Alps, this iconic destination has drawn artists, aristocrats and romantics for centuries. But beyond the postcard views and celebrity villas, Lake Como offers something more lasting: a quiet, effortless kind of luxury that lingers in memory long after you’ve left its shores.
Grand Stay at A Happy Place
Perched along the lake’s western edge, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo is as much a part of Lake Como’s landscape as the cypress trees and terracotta rooftops. This five-star hotel, built in 1910, embodies the charm of Belle Époque glamour, yet every detail has been gracefully reimagined for the modern traveller. Suites open onto private terraces with views of the lake or lush gardens, and guests can choose between floating in a pool that literally sits on the lake or lounging beside the panoramic infinity pool tucked behind the hotel.
Warm Meal by the Lake
For those who travel for gastronomy, Ristorante Mistral offers a dining experience worthy of its Michelin star. Located in the historic Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio, the restaurant is helmed by Chef Ettore Bocchia, one of the pioneers of molecular gastronomy in Italy. Here, classic Italian ingredients meet cutting-edge technique in a series of tasting menus that surprise and delight at every turn. Dine on the terrace overlooking the lake at sunset, and you’ll understand why Ristorante Mistral is not just a meal, it’s a place to celebrate elegance and passion. Homemade pastas, fresh-caught fish and desserts that defy logic all come together under candlelight and stars.
Cruising Around Edges of Como
To truly understand Lake Como, you need to see it from above the water. Chartering a private boat tour offers a different perspective, a way to drift between villas. Cruise past George Clooney’s famous estate in Laglio, glide by the gardens of Villa Melzi and make a stop at the enchanting Villa del Balbianello, with its arched loggias and windswept trees that overlook the lake like a scene from a storybook. Whether you’re arriving for a private tour or simply floating by with Prosecco in hand, this journey across the lake becomes an experience of quiet wonder.
Lake Como isn’t a place that demands attention. It reveals itself slowly, in a flicker of sunlight on the water, in the scent of blooming jasmine, in the echo of church bells from across the hills. Whether you’re savouring handmade risotto on a garden terrace, slipping into silk sheets in a lakeside suite or watching the sky blush behind the Alps, life here feels exquisitely simple. And utterly unforgettable.
