Written by DLX contributor, Nancy Barkley, founder of Honeymoons and Get-A-Ways.
After spending 3 days in Lake Como, located in the foothills of the Italian Alps, I quickly learned why JFK said “It is the most beautiful lake of the world.”
Forming an upside-down Y, Lake Como is an hour’s drive north of Milan.
I had the privilege to stay at the elegant Villa D’este in Cernobbio, named one of the best hotels in the world by Travel & Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler and Forbes Traveler.
It is truly challenging to describe how beautiful this resort is. Upon checking in at the Cardinal Building, I was told I would be staying in the Queen’s Pavilion, together offering 152 rooms and suites.
The villa was originally built in 1568 as the summer residence for Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio and was the playground of an Empress, an English Queen and aristocrats. In 1873, it was transformed into a luxury hotel and all rooms were individually decorated and furnished with antiques, silk brocade drapes, oil paintings and Como silk furnishings.
While being escorted to my room, I quickly became in awe of my surroundings. To the left, 25 acres of luxuriously landscaped gardens complete with 16th-century mosaic monuments with the lower part of the gardens from the Renaissance period. To the right, the lakeside terrace and unique floating swimming pool facing the picturesque mountains.
My room overlooking the lake was classic elegance. No two rooms in either building are alike in size or décor and are furnished with every comfort.
This hotel is the definition of sophistication; no wonder why the romances of Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner, The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and Rita Hayworth and Orson Welles began here.
This hotel is more than just a villa, it is a destination. Upon reaching your room, you might not want to leave. However, there are an abundance of water sports to choose from as well as the Sporting Club. Located in the Cardinal Building this club is connected by a secret passageway offering a fitness center, sauna, squash court and much more. Outdoors, there are hiking trails, a tennis center and trademark floating pool to choose from. One can also enjoy playing a round of golf at the beautiful Golf Club Villa Deste, considered to be one of the most challenging par 69’s in Europe.
Have a Bellini lakeside as the sun sets before moving to the Veranda for world-class dining.
I am still dreaming of my early morning wake up calls. Doorbell rings, and the waiter rolls in a gorgeous white linen table bearing silver pot of coffee and fresh flowers, as I glance at the morning newspaper, the windows open, in a room with the ultimate view.
For more information on weddings and honeymoons at Villa D’Este please contact Nancy Barkley, Honeymoons and Get-A-Ways. 215-793-4808.
All images courtesy of Villa D’Este.