For two thousand years, Lake Como has attracted the world’s jet setters to one of the most romantic locations in the world. The legendary historic villas of Lake Como are an incredible opportunity to go back in time and experience the life of the wealthy European and Noble families who lived there, the famed novelists who wrote, the composers who created, the artists who painted, and the people who fell in love, all inspired by the charm of this one of a kind Italian paradise.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como

The Grand Hotel Tremezzo is an iconic art nouveau masterpiece on Lake Como’s western shores. With views spanning the crystalline waters towards Bellagio and the Grigne mountains, guests are treated to sumptuous accommodation, three pools, a private lakeside beach, and a verdant private park, all with the warmest hospitality all’italiana.

One of the three stunning pools, even in this rainy day picture, is the main garden pool on the back side of the hotel, but the show stopper is the floating lake pool in the front of the hotel!

Family-owned and run, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo drips of an exquisite Italian style that is both elegant and everyday. One feels both pampered, at home, and authentically Italian while staying here! It is so much more than a hotel; it is a haven of bliss that has you living La Dolce Vita without ever leaving the hotel!

There are several rooms and suites to consider, but this penthouse jacuzzi suite might take the cake!

Fitness and Well-Being are not forgotten at Grand Hotel Tremezzo. Our group loved the three-story fitness center, indoor pool, and T-Spa during our late Fall stay. Tennis courts in the garden, a pool table, a yoga studio, and Hammam Suite are popular year-round past times at GHT!

The Boutique was so tempting; needless to say, I may have been slightly obsessed with the signature “orange” color throughout the property!

Boat Tour of Lake Como

The experiences on the lake are magnificent, and the first order of business is checking out the myriad of towns and sumptuous villas on board a sleek Riva boat. There is only one road circling the entire lake, so the quickest and most enjoyable way to travel is by private boat, water taxi, or even ferry.

Rain or shine, a day on the lake is invigorating. Somehow for our lucky group, the clouds parted as soon as we set out on the water!

The majesty of mountains and lakes colliding with the light and clouds bouncing about is unforgettable!

The retail therapy in the city of Como was just what this crew was looking for, as we did quick damage in the fabulous local boutiques! It did not hurt that the dollar went a long way vs. the Euro on this trip!

Nothing beats a little wine and pizza to cap off the afternoon!

Lombardian Cooking Class & Lunch

Today we enjoyed “insider access” as our friends Daniela and Alessandro opened the doors of their home and offered us a journey through the flavors and aromas of the Lombardian past. Under the direction of Alessandro’s darling “mama” we learned the secrets of homemade pasta with a rolling pin as we kneaded and stuffed ravioli and cut tagliatelle. The afternoon was complete as we sipped on proseccos, Lombardian Valtellinos, noshed on specially prepared appetizers, and then enjoyed the fruits of our labor, devouring a decadent lunch based on seasonal ingredients!

Passalacqua

Passalacqua, sister property to the lake’s Grand Hotel Tremezzo, is the latest passion project for the De Santis, one of Italy’s most renowned hotelier families. Being rooted in Lake Como for generations, the family has tirelessly restored the estate and gardens to their original grandeur. Sparing no expense and with exquisite attention to detail from the gardens and the rooms to the eye-catching living spaces – with glassware from Murano and silks from Como; every element of the estate honors Italian authenticity and excellence.

Guests are encouraged to feel at home, making Passalacqua their own personal villa, a walk with the chef through the herb garden, a yoga class in the forest, a drink in the winter garden, a coffee in the library…..” la dolce far niente” – the joy of doing nothing or just being.

The gardens are sumptuous and inviting at their peak, but stays at Passalacqua are truly perfect any time of the year. Relax in ultra-privacy and dig a bit deeper into what makes you happy. Just minutes from the city of Como, the property is open on a year-round basis – winter for cozy moments by the fireplace, spring to see the stunning gardens in full bloom, summer to dive into the lake’s crystal blue water, and fall to cruise around the lake without the crowds.

Each of the 24 accommodations is individually designed, with hand-chosen details featuring meticulously restored frescos, spectacular high ceilings, stunning views of the garden or the lake, and the most extensive suite on Lake Como with two floors spanning over 3,000 sq. ft. The De Santis family honors the villa’s history while creating a fresh and forward-thinking feel throughout the property.

We enjoyed the fantastic company of the incomparably talented and passionate ambassador of both Grand Hotel Tremezzo and Passalacqua, Sabrina!

….outstanding cocktails from the ALL-STAR bar team!

And a most memorable and truly epic dinner experience in the dining room at Passalacqua…

Even at night, Passalacqua is grand, dramatic and stunning. The entire grounds makes one feel alive!

There are so many wonderful towns on Lake Como that I encourage my clients to consider staying longer and perhaps doing a two center stay. How about a few nights at vibrant Grand Hotel Tremezzo to enjoy the buzz of la dolce vita and visits to Bellagio and then unwind with the dolce far niente at Passalacqua with easy access to Como? La Vita e Bella!! Ciao for now!