Relish in timeless elegance at Villa d’Este on Lake Como’s shores this summer
Villa d’Este is located in Cernobbio, on the shores of one of the most romantic lakes in the world and surrounded by a panorama of rare beauty. Share
Villa d’Este is located in Cernobbio, on the shores of one of the most romantic lakes in the world and surrounded by a panorama of rare beauty. Everything at Villa d’Este recalls the art of living: the beauty and elegance of the location are the perfect backdrops for exceptional service, thanks to the staff’s care and attention to detail that will satisfy even the most demanding guests.
Enjoy the “dolce vita” on the foothills of the Italian Alps close to Como—the Italian capital of the silk industry and just 30 minutes from Milan. A proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Villa d’Este is the flagship of the homonymous hospitality group and is owned by an eminent family of Italian entrepreneurs who also own a luxury resort in Florence, Villa La Massa.
The history of Villa d’Este began back in 1568, when Tolomeo Gallio, the wealthy cardinal of Como with a passionate interest for art, commissioned the architect Pellegrino Pellegrini (known as “The Tibaldi”) to build a sumptuous villa overlooking the lake set to become one of his summer residences. The villa was owned by the Gallios for more than two centuries, then it became property of different eminent personalities over the years: Marquees Calderara, Count Domenico Pino, the Princess of Wales and future Queen of England Caroline of Brunswick, Prince Torlonia, Baron Ciani, Czarina Maria Feodorowna.
In 1873 Villa d’Este was transformed into a luxury hotel, becoming a discerning holiday destination for the European aristocracy and upper middle class and an essential stopover for the Grand Tour. Today, crossing Villa d’Este’s threshold feels like entering a world apart, where ancient splendour is eternalized in the architecture and atmosphere that denote timeless elegance: lavish halls, decorated vaults, plasters, arches, statues, paintings, Murano chandeliers.
Strolling around the 25 acres of luscious gardens surrounding the villa, one of the most picturesque examples of Baroque scenography in Italy and considered a National Historical Monument since 1913, you will come across a series of architectural and landscape wonders: the Shepherd’s Arch, the Temple of Telemachus, the fortress, Hercules’ perspective and the iconic Mosaic. Among century-old trees and countless varieties of plants and flowers, you will find the Chef’s Garden, where herbs and aromatic plants are lovingly grown by Executive Chef Michele Zambanini, who uses them to prepare his dishes.
The 152 rooms and suites, with views over the lake and the park, are divided between the Cardinal Building and the Queen’s Pavilion. The rooms are refined and spacious, with period furniture, marble bathrooms, velvet and brocade fabrics, the atmosphere recalls old-time private residences. For a more intimate and independent stay, it is possible to rent one of the four private villas located on the hotel’s premises and conceived respecting the atmosphere of the patrician residences on Lake Como and the tradition of Villa d’Este: Villa Cima, on the banks of the lake, and Villa Malakoff, a jewel dating back to the 19th century, both featuring 4 bedrooms; Villa Garrovo, with 6 bedrooms and a private gym; the Mosaic House, for two people and located in a lovely corner of the iconic Mosaic. The privacy and exclusivity of a private residence is combined with all the hotel’s services: simply luxury.
Villa d’Este’s restaurants and bars welcome guests in refined ambiences, with cuisine perfect for any time of the day under the expert guidance of Executive Chef Michele Zambanini and thanks to the flawless service that identifies the hotel’s style. La Veranda is the hotel’s main restaurant and most elegant offering. It offers a magnificent panorama over the lake and its wide windows accentuate the impression of being immersed in the park.
The wonderful terrace is available for “pieds dans l’eau” dining in the warmest months. The Grill offers typical Mediterranean dishes in a more informal yet chic atmosphere. During summer, it is possible to dine in the garden in the shade of majestic century-old trees. Il Platano, the most intimate of Villa d’Este’s restaurants, proposes creative Italian cuisine. For a drink or a light snack, guests may choose between the elegant Bar Canova and its lake terrace or, during the warmest months, the more relaxed Sundeck by the floating pool.
For further information, visit villadeste.com
