This year, it’s not “Ho, ho, ho” that ushers in the festive season, but a hearty “Buongiorno”, as Santa Claus has taken up residence at Villa d’Este on Lake Como. With life-size nutcrackers, festive decorations, a cozy greenhouse and a chocolate room that invites guests to sample traditional treats, the Grand Hotel promises a feast for the senses that captures the magic of a Christmas fairy tale in all its facets.

Since Villa d’Este was converted into a grand hotel in 1873, it has been considered the place to be on Lake Como – but until now only in the warmer months, as it traditionally remained closed in winter. To mark its 150th anniversary, it opened for the first time last year over the Christmas period and caused a sensation with an Advent spectacle. This year, the Villa d’Este will once again shine in winter splendor and transform into a glamorous winter residence until January 6, 2024.

The extravagant Christmas decorations, created by floral designer Vincenzo Dascanio, transport visitors to a fairytale world. Glittering trees line the colonnade like an avenue and the sweeping staircase becomes a stage, decorated with ornaments, berry branches and dozens of nutcrackers.

A specially built greenhouse overlooking the lake is transformed into a cozy oasis, furnished with velvet sofas, tartan cushions and two fireplaces, where you can relax with afternoon tea, an aperitif in the evening and live music. A chocolate paradise awaits those with a sweet tooth in the Sala Colonne, where Christmas desserts, pralines and homemade panettone can be enjoyed and even purchased as souvenirs. Patissier Fabrizio Bertola offers baking courses for those who want to get hands-on.

Other culinary highlights are provided by the hotel’s renowned head chef, Michele Zambanini, with special festive menus. From the traditional fish menu on December 24th to the Christmas lunch with on Christmas Day. The New Year is rung in with a seven-course New Year’s Eve menu, where caviar, lobster, truffles and fillet of beef are served with the best French and Italian wines. The gala night culminates in a colorful fireworks display on the lake, followed by the most glamorous party on the longest night of the year.

About Villa d’Este

Villa d’Este, one of The Leading Hotels of the World, is home to 152 rooms and luxury suites as well as four elegant private villas and is located directly on the shores of Lake Como, which is considered the most beautiful lake in Italy with its impressive landscape and is synonymous with glamor. The legendary estate not only impresses with its extraordinary atmosphere and listed architecture, but also with its extensive park, the famous nymphaeum with its numerous fountains and water features and the pool floating on the lake. Villa d’Este is around 40 minutes by car from Milan Malpensa Airport.

Photos: Villa d’Este

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Villa Passalaqua, Lake Como

The family behind Lake Como’s legendary Grand Hotel Tremezzo has secured a second lakeside site for a 24-room sister hotel. Passalaqua is sitting on land that was originally owned by 17th century Pope Innocent XI. The building was once owned by a wealthy Italian nobleman after whom the hotel is now named. Thanks to its elevated position, Passalacqua dominates the western shore from above and offers some of the most fascinating views of Lake Como. The hoteliers promise a playful luxury hideaway, complete with hidden bars and secret tunnels, a swoony rose garden for romantic walks at dusk, an antique orchard packed with centuries-old trees and even a private dock from which vintage boats will take visitors out on the waters. Opening summer 2022.

Hotel de Len, Cortina d’Ampezzo

Hotel de LEN is a tribute to its place and to the natural element of wood. A story of well-being and sustainability that begins in the heart of the structure. de LEN, “of wood” in Ladino, a neo-Latin language spoken in the Dolomite communities, is a tribute to the true protagonist of this architectural structure, a sustainable, renewable and functional element. The 22-room property is a welcome addition to one of the most glamorous ski resorts in the world in Italy’s Dolomite Mountains — home to the 1956 Winter Olympics, and soon the 2026 edition, too. Its name is a nod to the natural, sustainable materials used to construct the minimalist design. The oversized rooftop spa, with views out across the Cortina slopes, is a perfect après-ski hideaway. Opening was in January 2022.

Vista Palazzo, Verona

Verona is the city that made Shakespeare fall in love. And the new Vista Palazzo Verona is worthy of a Romeo and Juliet level of love. Vista is set in the UNESCO World Heritage Site-designated historic center, in an elegant palazzo that has been renovated to reflect a mix of traditional and contemporary styles. Historic Italian designs are paired with modern furnishings from Italy’s best craftsmen throughout this stylish palazzo. The 16 spacious suites are furnished with pieces from top Italian designers, from the custom-made marbles sinks to fine cotton towels by Rivalta Carmignani. Not to miss is the rooftop terrace with a 360-degree views. The spa features a pool, whirlpool, Turkish bath, saunas and a small gym that can be privatized. Head to the panoramic terrace to find the bar and restaurant, both looking out over the Verona rooftops and out to the vineyards just outside town. Opened in March 2022.

Portrait, Milan

The multitasking cobbling family, Ferragamo, has dominated its hometown hotel scene with a series of elegant, understated spots flagged under the Lungarno collection brand. Now it’s branching out beyond its Tuscan base with this flagship in Italy’s northwestern hub, Portrait Milano. The hideaway will be housed in a former seminary, with a show-stopping Baroque entrance dating back to 1652. One of the new location’s greatest attributes is that it will welcome hotel guests, visitors and residents alike, modifying pedestrian access through the fashion district by joining Corso Venezia to Via Sant’Andrea. The huge building will also host restaurants, a shopping arcade and plenty of space for events, making it a major lifestyle hub in the heart of Milan’s fashion district. Expect sleek, functional rooms with knowing winks to the owners. Opening summer 2022.

Hotel La Palma, Capri

Capri’s first hotel, built in 1822, is currently being transformed into an elegant and exclusive 50-room-and-suite hotel. Located mere steps from the famous Piazzetta, Hotel La Palma will comprise a rooftop restaurant and bar, its own beach club, a newly built pool deck, a spa and high-fashion boutiques. Hotel La Palma will be the incarnation of Capri’s original hotel that has long hosted a collective of notable artists, poets, writers, and musicians from all over the world. Once again, it will be at the epicenter of the social scene on the island. It’s set to be a swoon-worthy jet-set spot this summer and the ideal romantic break, as, supposedly, Oetker CEO Dr. Timo Gruenert proposed to his own wife on the island four years ago. Opening summer 2022.

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When Il Sereno Lake Como opened in 2016, it brought a new era of luxury to the banks of Italy’s iconic Lake Como. The all-suite hotel features a modern style and an authentic flair, all in the name of effortless comfort. While the Penthouse has consistently been rated among the best in the world, according to Il Sereno, famed architect Patricia Urquiola and hotelier Luis Contreras have joined forces to update the Suite.

Penthouse Suite

Perched on the top floor of the hotel, the Penthouse showcases use of rich materials, including Canaletto walnut ceilings, Palissandro Blu stone walls and Ceppo di Gre local stone floors. Venetian terrazzo floors are combined with geometric tiles of Ceppo for a “new yet classic” look. The bedroom wall is also made of Ceppo, specially grooved to provide additional texture. Another local stone, the green Verdi Alpi, covers the living room wall.

Accessed by a separate elevator, there will be approximately 1,600 square feet of living space, including a 320-square-foot terrace, plus an additional 538-square-feet of grass garden around the parameter. There is a large living room with dining space, two bathrooms and main bedroom, sleeping up to four.

Apart from the jaw-dropping views, another advantage of being on the top floor is that the rooms have large skylights, which allow gorgeous natural light to fill the bathrooms and corridors.

The Hotel

Il Sereno Lake Como is the epitome of elegance and luxury. The 30 spacious suites, ranging from 500 square feet in size to The Penthouse at 1,600 square feet, all make full use of the natural light and awe-inspiring scenery with floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the peaceful waterfront. Just as the Penthouse Suite, the complete hotel was designed by Patricia Urquiola, award-winning architect and designer.

The property features a private beach, as well as a dock, allowing guests to arrive via one of the hotel’s boats. The 60-foot-long freshwater infinity pool suspended over the lake is without a doubt one of Il Sereno’s show-stopping features, and the large sundeck is perfect for spending a leisurely afternoon under the Italian sun. Guests can also relax at the hotel’s full-service spa, situated under original, century-old arches.

Dining

The hotels Michelin Starred restaurant Berton al Lago is open for lunch and dinner and will allow two different culinary experiences: For dinner you can choose from a selection of elaborate multi course tasting menus while enjoying a pairing of the regions finest wines. For lunch, there is an a la carte menu of  typical Italian specialties from the various regions around Italy, presented in a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. The setting in both locations is beautiful with splendid views of Lake Como. 

The Lobby Bar with its panoramic terrace, is the ideal setting for an aperitif accompanied by an exquisite menu of cocktails and mocktails. How about ordering a cocktail and taking in the stunning lake views? The sunsets in Lake Como are especially spectacular. Make sure you order at least once, their flagship cocktail “Serenity” – a tantalizing blend of passion fruit, chamomile and limey flavors.

Wine Cellar

Il Sereno features a fantastic wine cellar where you can discover some of Italy’s finest wines and French champagnes. Guests are offered a curated selection of Italy’s top award-winning wines from the biggest producers in Italy to the smaller producers around Lake Como. The hotel works closely with local producers, so guests have the opportunity to discover truly exclusive wines in a spectacular setting. The in-house sommelier will be happy to give you an overview of the wines on offer.

Relax

Originally built as the Darsena (boathouse) of the property over a century ago, the SPA has been transformed into a modern and relaxing facility which reflects its history and Lake Como. The SPA disposes of an outdoor relaxation area with a pool literally built over the water, which is the perfect place to rest and cool down. There are also a sauna and a steam room. The SPA menu offers massages along with a wide range of rejuvenating treatments and Valmont products, renowned cellular cosmetics and anti-aging treatments inspired by nature.

Also built inside the Darsena, there is a gym, located one level below the spa. It is open 24 hours 7 days a week with the usual equipment such as treadmills,  rowing machine,  bicycle,  bench & weights and elliptical machines.

Situated on a sunny promontory next to the village of Torno and surrounded by peaceful views of Lake Como’s natural beauty, lush gardens and idyllic small towns. Il Sereno’s lakefront location stretches approximately 450 feet along the eastern shore of Lake Como. The hotel is less than 4 miles from the center of Como, just a short 8-minute drive; and approximately 50 minutes from both Milano Malpensa airport and the center of Milan.

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Located on a large inlet of Lake Como’s western shore at the foot of the Valle d’Intelvi, Argegno is a quaint fishing village dotted with colorful houses in hues of yellow, pink, orange, red and green – and everything in between.  It offers sweeping panoramic views of the lake’s deep blue waters and rolling hills in the distance.  A decorative black fence lines part of the shore, with attractive pink and red flowers adding impact to the picture-perfect scene.

From Argegno, on a clear day, it is possible to see as far as the town of Bellagio to the north and the small village of Nesso to the south.

Lake Como is situated in northern Italy, just north of Milan in the Lombardy region, not far from the Swiss border.  Reaching depths of over 1,300 feet (400 meters), it is one of the deepest lakes in Europe.  The long and narrow lake is shaped like an inverted ‘Y’ and stretches for 31 miles (50 kilometers).  Bellagio, the ‘pearl of the lake’, is located in the promontory between the two ‘branches’ where the lake splits into two.  At the end of the two branches are Como and Lecco.

The town of Como is at the foot of Mount Brunate.  Surrounded by hills and mountains, it is the most important town in the Lake Como precinct and has fantastic transportation connections along with a bustling waterfront filled with shops and restaurants.  Como is easily reached by train from Milan and ferries depart each hour for the various towns around Lake Como.

The beautiful yet diverse landscape, with gorgeous villas and gardens to be found along the shore and striking mountainous landscapes in the distance, is attracting visitors from all over the world.  US travelers seem to be especially taken by the gorgeous surroundings.

Although Argegno may not receive as much attention as some of the more popular Lake Como towns such as Bellagio or Varenna, it is fast becoming a popular alternative for travelers that want to visit the area but avoid all of the hustle and bustle.  The town is not as overrun by tourists; however, the summer months can still get quite busy, and its buildings still exhibit a great deal of old-world charm.

Argegno is a petite town with a small population of approximately 700 people, and it stretches only two square miles (5 km²).  Businesses in the area therefore rely quite heavily on tourism.  It is a great base to explore Lake Como’s many destinations.

Argegno has Roman origins and was named after the consul Publio Cesio Archigene.  Like many of Lake Como’s lakeside towns, Argegno was built as part of a defensive system, strategically located to guard the shore from enemies and quickly put an end to any attempt at invasion.

The towns surrounding Lake Como have a pleasant and mild climate throughout the year.  Although winter can get quite cold, this weather is only short-lived, giving rise to the blossoming warmth of an early spring and warm summer – and the beautiful colors of flowers in full bloom.  Autumn is another beautiful time to visit.  During this time of the year, the area looks quite different as the color of the mountain slopes change to include the typical shades of the season – orange and red.

Argegno is crossed by the Telo stream and divided into two parts which are connected by an old stone bridge that features an arch.  The main lakeside village is situated on the road that runs parallel with the lake.  Here, you will also find the ferry terminal and main bus route.  Along this strip, there are several bars, cafés and restaurants offering local cuisine including everything from pizza and pasta to the freshest seafood.  Within the village, there is also an authentic gelateria where you will find delicious homemade gelato, and a bakery luring in passersby with the scent of freshly baked bread and sweets.

Behind the main strip, follow the hilly, windy cobbled back streets, paths and steps for a glimpse at how the locals live.  Wooden shutters adorn the windows with plants dotted here and there.  As I walk through these paths, the only signs that this area is inhabited, are the clothes that have been hung outside some of the windows to dry and an elderly lady who sits on her doorstep peacefully watching people walk by.  Several hidden restaurants can also be found within these back streets and paths.  Lakefront dining is tempting but try one of those trattorias in the little side streets.  You may be surprised of the delicious and authentic food you get served there.

No visit to Argegno is complete without seeing the Sanctuary of Sant’Anna, a church that dates back to the 17th century but was later renovated.  Inside, it features beautiful frescoes from the 17th and 18th century.  If you take the cable car from Argegno up to Mount Pigra, you can visit the 15th century Oratory of San Rocco in Pigra with more beautiful frescoes.  Plus, at an elevation of 2,600 feet (850 meters), you will enjoy fantastic views of the lake.  From here, the Valle della Camoggia, which is part of the Argegno-Cima della Duaria conservation area, can be explored.

A small harbor with a marina and pebble beach can be found, not far from the Sanctuary of Sant’Anna.  The small beach is a popular area for sunbathing and swimming.  Fishing boats line the marina, which is partially enclosed by a stone wall.  For those interested in fishing, there is a tackle shop close by.

Argegno is best explored on foot.  It offers many hotels situated within the town, not far from the main village.  Follow the old cobbled paths, trek up the winding hills and you may be surprised at what you discover.  The town is a great place to relax and unwind – whether you are making a day trip or planning an extended stay.

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