There’s a certain kind of magic that hangs in the air around Lake Como. It’s hard to pin down exactly what it is, but maybe it’s the mix of quiet glamour, timeless elegance, and the soothing pace of life on the lake. Time just seems to slow down here, creating space to truly savour every moment.
In late March, I was lucky enough to return to this beautiful part of Italy as a guest of the De Santis family and the wonderful team at Mason Rose. It was a chance to revisit the iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo – a place that holds special memories for me – and to explore two of their sister properties; the stunning Passalacqua and the historic (and private) Villa Sola Cabiati.
A Grand Arrival: Grand Hotel Tremezzo
My journey began with a flight into Milan, followed by a seamless one-hour private transfer through the landscapes of Lombardy. As we pulled up to Grand Hotel Tremezzo I was greeted with the warmth of a “welcome home” – a sentiment (I can promise you) is reserved for all guests, not just repeat visitors. It had been seven years since I last stayed here to celebrate my 10th wedding anniversary and to my delight, they had even placed me in the same room.
First dreamt up in 1910 by the original owners, Enea and Maria Gandola – Grand Hotel Tremezzo is the epitome of classic Italian luxury and heritage. Think marble bathrooms, antique furnishings, ornate artworks — all framed by spellbinding views of their ‘infamous’ floating pool, the sparkling lake and the mountains that rise beyond. It’s a hotel that exudes effortless charm and timeless style.
Made up of 80 rooms and suites, all beautifully appointed, it’s hard to go wrong when choosing where to rest your head. That said, there’s no question that a lake view is worth it every time. I stayed in one of the Lake View Prestige Rooms – the entry-level option on the lakeside. It had everything you could want; plenty of space (around 35 square meters), all the luxury touches you’d expect, and a private balcony that opened out to those iconic lake views – bliss!
Our arrival timed perfectly with lunch, so we headed straight to Da Giacomo al Lago, the hotel’s chic lakeside restaurant – perfectly positioned for soaking up the views. One delicious plate of seafood pasta and chilled Aperol Spritz later – we couldn’t have asked for a better way to kick off our time in the Italian Lakes.
If however, you prefer a more relaxed lunch affair, T Bar offers simple Italian classics on the terrace or inside the cozy lounge. Whereas T Pizza serves delicious wood-fired pizzas in shade of the garden, alongside one of the gorgeous pools.
The remainder of the afternoon was spent getting re-acquainted with the hotel grounds and facilities before getting ready to enjoy a pre-dinner aperitivo in the new wine cellar of L’Escale Trattoria, followed by an unforgettable evening at Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi – the ultimate fine dining experience. You cannot leave without trying Chef Gualtiero’s iconic saffron risotto adorned with real gold leaf, finished off with a nightcap overlooking the illuminated pool and twinkling lights across the lake.
Bellagio and Beyond: Exploring the Lake
Fresh from a great night’s sleep, it was time to explore. From the hotel, it’s easy to hop on the public ferry across the lake to Bellagio for a wander through cobbled lanes, to browse the many boutique shops or stop for a long lunch in a local trattoria.
For a more exclusive experience, I highly recommend chartering one of the hotel’s sleek mahogany boats. It offers a dreamy way to tour picturesque villages, spy celebrity villas, and spot iconic film locations that dot the shoreline.
The (Stunning) Little Sister: Passalacqua
Our jaunt down the lake landed us on the shore of the De Santis family’s most recent passion project, Passalacqua – Grand Hotel Tremezzo’s equally beautiful, yet more intimate sister property. With just 24 rooms and suites, this restored 18th-century aristocrat’s villa is both grand and deeply personal. Filled with the family’s private collections of art, antique furniture and accessories (right down to the heirloom crockery), they’ve mastered the perfect blend of style and contemporary comfort.
Accommodation here is split across three distinct buildings. Sitting above the lake, surrounded by lush gardens and elegant terraces, the Villa houses 12 of the property’s grand rooms and suites – several of which boast lake views. It’s also where you’ll find Suite Bellini – the epitome of the ‘wow’ factor! This incredible suite comes with its own private music room, a spectacular Murano chandelier and the best lake views.
Tucked behind the villa is The Palazz. Once a rustic outbuilding, it’s now home to eight charming, country-style rooms – some come with partial lake views, all come with stunning interiors and hints of romance. For the ultimate ‘front line’ views, Casa al Lago offers four beautiful bedrooms, all within touching distance of the lake.
We spent a memorable time on property enjoying an afternoon feast on the lawn prepared by Chef Viviana – her Caesar salad is to die for! Post lunch, it was time for a visit to the spa. Accessed via a secret stone gallery (excavated in the 18th century), the passageway leads to the sauna, steam bath and heated indoor pool – a world of wellness and relaxation hidden beneath the Palazz.
Before returning to Grand Hotel Tremezzo for our last evening, we had time to for one final visit…
Private Grandeur: Villa Sola Cabiati
A short distance from GHT lies the exquisite Villa Sola Cabiati, a neoclassical, fully serviced private villa which sits overlooking the lake. Also managed by the De Santis family, the property is kept solely for private buyouts and is the ultimate address for a special celebration – think intimate wedding or extended family retreat.
Originally acquired by the Dukes of Serbelloni in the 18th century, the villa is filled with immaculately preserved frescoes and ornate stuccowork, surrounded by manicured gardens and private swimming pool.
The villa is made up of six opulent en-suite suites and full of notable heirlooms, including the bed Napoleon and Josephine Bonapart once slept in when they visited Palazzo Serbelloni in Milan. It’s an address that’s as exclusive as it is enchanting, complete with the confidence that the dedicated team will be on hand to cater to your every whim.
Let Me Take You There
From lakeside dining, skipping across the water, to ultimate relaxation and exemplary hospitality – I hope this post has helped to show you the potential of what Lake Como has to offer. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply seeking stillness and time to connect with loved ones, I’d be delighted to curate a bespoke Lake Como experience just for you.
