ELLE Escapes: Lake Como
When my mother first mentioned the idea of traveling to Italy for our respective 60th and 30th birthdays, I told her there was only one destination I wanted on our itinerary: Lake Como. I’d never visited the legendary luxury destination, tucked into the foot of the Alps along the border of Switzerland, but I’d seen enough photos of the crystal-blue waters and verdant mountain vistas to recognize that Instagram snaps couldn’t possibly do justice to the reality. Sure enough, Lake Como—more accurately known as Lago di Como—was more breathtaking than I could have imagined.
A region, not a singular city, “Lake Como” refers to the inverted Y-shaped glacial lake itself, upon which numerous individual towns dot the shores. (Many tourists choose to visit multiple spots during their time on the lake, thus why travelers will often say they’re visiting “Lake Como,” rather than, say, Bellagio, Varenna, or Como alone.) A booming resort scene and a celebrity hot spot, Lake Como features a wide range of high-end hotels, fine-dining restaurants, and elegant boutiques alongside its gardens, beaches, and cozy cafés. Astounding views come with the territory, which is good news for those who wish to explore up and down the coastline, taking in the waters from every possible angle.
And for those who crave cultural enrichment alongside their R&R, Lake Como has plenty to offer on that front as well. Historical sites are in abundant supply throughout the region, as are cultural festivals and celebrations, including this September’s annual Lake Como Design Festival, which will draw artists, gallerists, designers, and appreciators to its exhibitions and events from the 14th through the 21st. Whatever experience you’re seeking from one of Italy’s most storied destinations, Lake Como will find a way to make you feel at home. But if you need some guidance whilst planning your excursion, ahead, you’ll find a selection of the best hotels, restaurants, and sights to explore.
What to SeeThe Salita Serbelloni
Situated at the tip of the triangle formed from Lake Como’s inverted Y, the town of Bellagio is sometimes referred to as “the pearl of Lake Como” and features a robust offering of restaurants, cafés, shops, villas, gardens, and hotels. You can (and should) book a boat tour from one of several piers along Bellagio’s shoreline, but the town itself is a gem worth traversing. One of its most famous spots is the Salita Serbelloni, an oft-photographed street with cobblestone pathways and pastel-hued buildings trailing down toward the lakefront. If you’re in the mood for shopping, don’t miss the silk scarves at Azalea or the meticulously crafted leather goods at Quelli della Pelle. And if you’ve worked up an appetite after a full day of walking—make sure you pack comfortable shoes!—I’d recommend a glass of wine and the fish of the day at Ristorante Bilacus, conveniently located on the Salita Serbelloni. Don’t forget to save room for gelato after dinner.
Villa Carlotta
A villa, museum, and garden wrapped into one, Villa Carlotta resides along the lakefront of Tremezzo and is home to artworks both natural and man-made. The 17th-century villa houses the museum, where you’ll find sculptures and paintings including Luigi Acquisti’s “Mars and Venus” and Francesco Hayez’s “The Last Kiss of Romeo and Juliet,” while the myriad acres of botanical gardens outside boast blooms of azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, roses, hydrangeas, and much more. Tour the attractions at your leisure, then stop for a cappuccino and panini at the café-bistro housed in an old greenhouse.
Villa del Balbianello
Now famous amongst Star Wars fans as the site of Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala’s wedding in Attack of the Clones, Villa del Balbianello—located on a forested peninsula of Lenno—nevertheless has much more to offer than a cinephile photo-op. The renowned wedding venue, villa interiors, and terraced gardens are well-worth a guided tour. You can reach the property on foot or by boat, the latter of which I’d recommend for those who want to see the gorgeous architecture from the water.
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On the lakeside veranda of Filario Hotel & Residences in Lezzeno sits Ristorante Filo, offering a fresh and exciting take on Mediterranean dining. Led by chef Alessandro Parisi, the ever-evolving dishes blend modern invention with classic Italian taste. As such, I’d recommend one of the specials or the acclaimed tasting menus, which provide guests with the broadest range of flavors alongside carefully selected wine pairings. Stick around long enough to watch the stars come out as you dive into after-dinner drinks.
L’Aria
Featuring Italian dishes with a flair influenced by Japanese cuisine, L’Aria is the Mandarin Oriental Lago di Como’s fine-dining spot, led by chef Massimiliano Blasone. Here, you’ll find floor-to-ceiling windows offering terrific views of the lake, an open-air terrace, an open-concept kitchen (showcasing the culinary team at work), and dishes ideal for sharing with friends. Try the maccheroncino pasta with almond pesto and shellfish, the salmon and tuna with koshihikari rice, or the Chilean sea bass—but, really, taste as much of the menu as your stomach will allow. For dessert, be sure to save room for the milk cremino with raspberry, sesame crumble, and yuzu granita.
Ristorante Veranda
Tucked into the Villa d’Este hotel in Cernobbio, Ristorante Veranda is a portrait of vibrant color and inviting sophistication. Formal attire is required for dinner guests, who are certain to enjoy the spirited menu curated by executive chef Michele Zambanini with seasonal ingredients. If you’re looking for a divine eggplant parmigiana served in an atmosphere like something out of a dream, you’ll find it served alongside an extensive wine list at this renowned restaurant.
Gaia Bar, inside the Musa resort in Sala Comacina, is a mixologist’s delight. Whether you’re eager for an aperitif or a late-night cocktail, Gaia has a creative drink option—usually featuring an unexpected ingredient or two, such as soy sauce or yogurt—to spark your senses. Having recently won the Como Lake Cocktail Week’s Best Cocktail on the Lake award for its “Sensuum” drink, Gaia also offers innovative mocktails alongside its classic beers, wines, and liquors, and its signature creations. If you need to sop up some of the alcohol, don’t fret—there’s a full menu of food options as well, and pizzas are served on Sundays.
L’Escale Trattoria and Wine Bar
L’Escale is one of multiple dining spots within the Grand Hotel Tremezzo in Tremezzina, but it’s also home to an impeccable wine list. After sitting for a wine tasting in the beautiful cellars at GHT, head sommelier Mirko Razzini ferried me and my family to a dinner reservation at L’Escale, where the waiters kept the wine flowing throughout our meal. Even after sampling multiple French and Italian bottles—we might’ve lost count at one point—I never once found a red or a white I didn’t like. Paired with charcuterie and a delicious bruschetta antipasti, the drinks made for an unforgettable al fresco meal.
Terrazza 241
While researching the best spots for this guide, I was pointed in the direction of Terrazza 241 by the staff at Wonderlake Como, a nonprofit organization promoting the region’s delights. They recommended the rooftop bar at the Hilton Lake Como as an ideal spot to watch the sun set or enjoy some nightlife—accompanied by live music, the glow of the infinity pool, and a delicious Negroni or spritz. The panoramic views and creations by rooftop manager Giuseppe Trovato indeed make Terrazza 241 an experience not to be missed, particularly if you’re in the mood to celebrate.
One of the most iconic properties on Lake Como, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo is celebrating its 115th anniversary this summer—and it has every reason to applaud its history. Owned by the De Santis family and instantly recognized for its Art Nouveau architecture and orange-and-white-striped umbrellas, the five-star destination features five restaurants, three pools, and 80 rooms, making the resort both intimate and, well, grand. An A-lister favorite (George and Amal Clooney were recently photographed on their way to dinner at GHT), the hotel sits right at the edge of the lake, within easy walking distance of the Villa Carlotta ferry stop. I had one of the best massages of my life at the exquisite T Spa, so make sure to carve out time for some pampering alongside your wining, dining, swimming, and sunbathing. No matter how you choose to spend your time on the property, the GHT staff will ensure it’s magical.
Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como
The Mandarin Oriental’s esteemed Lake Como property rests in a 19th-century villa along the shore of Blevio, in the southwestern area of the lake. Complete with 75 rooms and three dining experiences—including L’Aria, Co.Mo Bar & Bistrot, and the poolside NAMI Café—the resort offers quintessential luxury with astounding views every direction you turn. After a morning tennis lesson, book a treatment with one of the spa’s wellness experts before catching a Venetian-style boat ride off the hotel dock.
Passalacqua
If you’re seeking a more isolated experience than what the major resorts have to offer, look no further than the 18th-century villa now known as Passalacqua, a 24-room, three-building jewel of a hotel that also serves as Grand Hotel Tremezzo’s sister property in Moltrasio. Named the world’s best hotel by The World’s 50 Best Hotels Academy in 2023—and dropping only to the No. 2 spot in 2024—Passalacqua opened in June 2022 to near-instant acclaim. As I wandered the multiple levels of terraced gardens earlier this spring, dipping inside the library, bar, and walk-in kitchen, I was struck by the overall sense of calm that permeated the property. The marble, the silk curtains, the gold and velvet decor, the shimmering lake framed by palm trees—they all created a sense of warmth and intimacy rather than untouchable grandeur. Every detail at Passalacqua is perfectly in place.
Pair your lavish excursion with an equally lavish fragrance. I first smelled Santa Maria Novella’s perfumes earlier this year at a Lake Como spa. Acqua, in particular, reminds me of sitting lakeside, its notes of pear, freesia, and lotus as relaxing as they are fresh.
If you’re planning to spend your Lake Como adventure out in the sunshine—as you should!—chances are your skin will need some extra hydration. Italian beauty brand Furtuna Skin makes a wide variety of rich and luxurious skin care products, including this Daily Renewal Cream, which layers smoothly underneath makeup.
A glamorous destination like Lake Como calls for an equally glamorous manicure. But if, like me, you don’t want to fret over the threat of a broken nail, I swear by Glamnetic’s press-on nails, which lasted throughout my trip to Italy this year. One set survived the sun, sweat, and water without protest—and they looked as natural and gorgeous as the real deal.
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