The Places to Be on Lake Como
There's a reason the glitterati are flocking to Lake Como year after year: life is especially sweet amid Italian elegance and historical beauty. We present the places to be on Lake Como.
August 20, 2022
Where to Stay
Il Sereno Lago di Como
Cozy luxury meets modern design: the wide glass fronts will make you feel like the lake is within arm's reach. © Il Sereno
Passing through the picturesque streets of Torno’s old town, travelers are led right down to the shore of strikingly blue Lake Como. Here, in a dreamlike location, lies the intimate all-suite hotel Il Sereno Lago di Como, overlooking the mountains that surround the lake. Those familiar with the exclusive Sereno Hotels brand know that elegant, modern design goes hand in hand with excellent service – and Il Sereno is no exception. Designer Patricia Urquiola’s signature style is unequivocally evident in the 40 exclusive suites, which impress guests with high ceilings, private terraces and unobstructed views of the lake; exclusive fabrics and natural materials such as bronze, walnut and stone dominate throughout the upscale accommodation. The excellent cui- sine at Il Sereno Al Lago leaves nothing to be desired: chef Raffaele Lenzi’s multi-course tasting menus featuring Italian specialities, and delectable regional wines will have guests floating on cloud nine. The estate’s former boathouse has also been reimagined by star architect Patricia Urquiola as an elegant spa. For the wellness hub’s design, she skillfully merged the region’s rich history with modern appeal. Another highlight: jumping into the pool right above the lake!
Il Sereno Lago di Como
Via Torrazza 10, 22020 Torno, Como, Italy
Tel.: +39 031 547 7800
Web: serenohotels.com
Price: Suites incl. breakfast from €750 per night
"Mandarin Oriental Bangkok"
A name that needs no introduction: Mandarin Oriental hotels are worth the hype. © Mandarin Oriental
Like a haven of tranquillity, the hotel – with the 19th-century Villa Roccabruna at its core – is situated right on the waterfront. Its spa is the largest in the region. L ̃ARIA, one of its excellent restaurants, serves up Michelin-starred fare.
Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como
Via Caronti 69, 22020 Blevio, Como, Italy
Tel.: +39 031 32 511
Web: mandarinoriental.com
Price: doubles incl. breakfast from €640 per night
Where to Eat
Villa Làrio
Contemporary cuisine and modern ambience overlooking the lake. © Villa Làrio
When classic Italian architecture meets modern luxury, the result is a harmonious ensemble, as demonstrated by the all-suites Villa Làrio in Pognana Lario. Chef Alex Visconti brings his vision to the in-house restaurant, where he serves up contemporary Italian cuisine.
Villa Làrio
Via Matteotti, 27, 22020 Pognana Lario, Como, Italy
Tel.: +39 031 537 50 64
Web: villalario.com
Price: mains from €18
Bianca sul Lago
If you value regional fare with award-worthy flavors, you won't be disappointed here. © Andrea Getuli
Michelin-starred chef Emanuele Petrosino’s cuisine has delighted critics worldwide – his menu features Mediterranean fare with numerous dishes from Campania. For his creations, he only uses fresh ingredients, some of which come from the estate’s own vegetable garden.
Bianca sul Lago
Via Dante Alighieri 18, 23848 Oggiono, Lecco, Italy
Tel.: +39 0341 1831110
Web: biancarelais.com
Price: tasting menu "The Journey" from €130
Where to Go
Bellagio
Bellagio is a picturesque place that's chock-full of classic Italian charm. © iStock
Bellagio is situated between the southern arms of Lake Como. The town is famous for the historic mansions Villa Serbelloni and Villa Melzi. Its old town with the Basilica of San Giacomo is a true sight to behold.
Where to Shop
Como raku
Ceramic craftsmanship is an Italian cultural heritage. © ComoRaku
Ceramic artist Luca Mandaglio creates beautiful ceramic products in his studio, including gorgeous plates and vases. from €20.
This article appeared in the Falstaff TRAVEL issue Summer 2022.
