Benjamin has stayed and loved; droves of clients approve and Highly Recommend… I ventured to the lake to partake in a dash of Dolce Vita! Repeating my recent suggestion of improving your Italian: among your Italian words and phrases, questo è importante: ‘Il dolce far niente” an Italian phrase and life philosophy, it translates as “the sweetness of doing nothing.”

Two sister properties on celebrated Lake Como. Passalacqua is unique. Back in the 18^th century, it was created as a place of the heart on Lake Como for friends, for love and leisure, for the pleasures of the table and the Italian art of dolce far niente. It is that same place of the heart today. A private Villa, now shared with the world. In sports, it’s called ringside, in theatre it’s orchestra or the stalls, at Passalacqua, the grounds and suites are definitely top tier on the shimmering lake. if there had been an option, I wouldn’t have departed! Seven acres of cultivated gardens, the charm and opulent rooms and suites have been updated with care, sacred grounds originally owned by Pope Innocent XI and later owned by composer Vincenzo Bellini. Prominent figures including Napoleon to Winston Churchill gathered here on the lake, including a bevy of our dear VIP Clients.

The best Season to visit Lake Como? Every season, end of summer is sublime!

Spring, when blossom scents the air and daubs white brushstrokes on green hillsides above cobalt blue water. Summer, when long lazy days merge into magical nights alive with promise. Fall, when the woods are tinged with russet and copper, when fragrant truffles and green-gold olive oil enrich the table. A 5-star hotel on Lake Como with warm, personalized service, Passalacqua is the gateway to a region for all seasons.

Back in the day, they knew that pools made for swimmers could also look stylish. Set on a garden terrace just below the main villa, edged by ancient climbing roses and a magnificent bay tree, la piscina lends itself equally to sporty laps and leisurely dips.

Lake Como – The tiny village with the hidden waterfall. The path meandering through wildflower meadows and cool forests to a medieval church. The little water-side trattoria that’s the insiders’ secret and a few grand hotels.

There are many Palace hotels in Italy, what makes this one so Grand?! Sister property Grand Hotel Tremezzo. The Grand Hotel Tremezzo is housed in an iconic art nouveau villa on the western shores of Lake Como, with views across the crystalline waters towards Bellagio and the sunset-lit Grigne mountain range. Generations of travelers have fallen in love with this legendary hotel’s sumptuous rooms and suites, three pools, lakeside private beach and verdant private park – not to mention its dedication to the warmest hospitality all’italiana.

Each and every room and suite has breathtaking views, and the WOW factor- Water on Water floating pool, where could you find a better lake view? Tremezzo not only has stunning rooms and suites, the off property private Villa with its arabesque gardens, six beautiful suites, and an aristocratic history dating back to the 16th century, Villa Sola Cabiati—reached in minutes from the hotel by car or boat—is our exclusive-booking escape, complete with a private staff to help you live out your Lake Como dream. Old world service, where service is an honored profession, five star amenities. Splendor and Sparkle, lake and dramatic snow capped Alps surround the valley.

An afternoon on the lake can be organized at both hotels, I enjoyed a delightful afternoon spin, Life on the Lake in our typical Five Star Fashion. The lavish property is well-known for its magnificent floating pool, but a better kept secret is the heavenly garden, complete with a tennis court and another pool, shaded by olive, palm and banana trees. Garden aficionado’s note: the famed gardens of Villa Carlotta border the property.

Both hotels are family run by the delightful charming hotelier, Valentina De Santis, send our regards! And now from Assouline, a Love Letter to Lake Como!

Highly Recommend!