Villa d'Este

The beautiful Villa d’Este is located at the southern end of Lake Como and was once the summer residence of Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio. Spread across the Cardinal’s Building and the Queen’s Pavilion, the hotel has lost none of its grandeur and is the perfect place to relax at the water’s edge.

Properties on Lake Como are famous for their beautiful gardens and Villa d’Este is no exception. It sits within 25 acres of grounds filled with sweet smelling roses and jasmine and magnolia, cypress and chestnut trees. Great care was taken during the restoration to maintain its character and charm, and each of the 152 rooms are beautifully decorated with antiques, vintage prints, silks and brocades. Many come with terraces or balconies so you can gaze out across the lake from the minute you wake up. There are also three private villas within the grounds.

The Verranda restaurant overlooks the lake and gardens and features glass windows that keep guests warm in the cooler months and disappear into the ground when the sun’s beating down. There is also a grill for a more informal dining experience and several bars and terraces. There are two outdoor pools, including one which juts out into the lake with an in-built Jacuzzi. The fitness and wellness centre with sauna and Turkish baths is the perfect place to relax, or if you fancy exploring then the hotel can arrange boat trips and scenic flights.