Villa d'Este

Lake Como | Italy

Nestled in Cernobbio, Villa d’Este graces the shores of a romantic lake, surrounded by unparalleled beauty. Beyond a hotel, a destination, a tradition, a legendary place.

Villa d’Este: Where Timeless Elegance Meets Legendary Hospitality on the Shores of Captivating Cernobbio

Nestled in Cernobbio, Villa d’Este graces the shores of a romantic lake, surrounded by unparalleled beauty. Beyond a hotel— a destination, a tradition, a legendary place.

Indulge in the “dolce vita” lifestyle amidst the Italian Alps, near Como, a hub for the silk industry, and conveniently just 30 minutes from Milan. As a distinguished member of the Leading Hotels of the World, Villa d’Este, under the ownership of a prominent Italian entrepreneurial family, proudly stands as the flagship of its esteemed hospitality group.

Established in 1568 by Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, Villa d’Este, designed by architect Pellegrino Pellegrini, has a storied history as a lavish summer retreat. Owned by the Gallio family for over two centuries, the villa later passed through the hands of notable figures such as Marquees Calderara, Count Domenico Pino, Princess Caroline of Brunswick, Prince Torlonia, Baron Ciani, and Czarina Maria Feodorowna.

In 1873, the villa transformed into a luxury hotel, becoming a sought-after destination for the European aristocracy during the Grand Tour. Today, Villa d’Este’s timeless charm is evident in its architecture, featuring lavish halls, adorned vaults, intricate plasters, arches, statues, paintings, and Murano chandeliers—a testament to enduring elegance.

Explore the sprawling 25-acre gardens surrounding the villa, a renowned example of Baroque scenography, declared a National Historical Monument since 1913. Discover architectural wonders like the Shepherd’s Arch, the Temple of Telemachus, the fortress, Hercules’ perspective, and the iconic Mosaic. Amidst century-old trees and diverse flora, the Chef’s Garden, curated by Executive Chef Michele Zambanini, provides herbs for his culinary creations. This garden is part of the “Grandi Giardini Italiani” network dedicated to preserving Italy’s botanical treasures.

The 152 rooms and suites with picturesque lake and park views are in the Cardinal Building and Queen’s Pavilion. These refined accommodations exude classical elegance with period furniture, marble bathrooms, and lavish velvet and brocade fabrics.

For a more secluded stay, guests can rent one of four private villas on the hotel’s grounds. Inspired by Villa d’Este’s tradition and Lake Como’s patrician residences, options include Villa Cima and Villa Malakoff, each with four lakefront bedrooms dating back to the 19th century. Villa Garrovo offers six bedrooms and a private gym, while the Mosaic House, nestled in a charming corner, is tailored for two people.

Villa d’Este

Villa d’Este offers an exquisite dining experience in sophisticated settings, featuring cuisine crafted for any time of day under Executive Chef Michele Zambanini’s expert guidance. La Veranda, the premier restaurant, provides an elegant lakeside panorama with “pieds dans l’eau” dining on the terrace during warmer months .

The Grill offers a chic, informal atmosphere for Mediterranean dishes, and in summer, dining is available in the garden. II Platano, the most intimate restaurant, offers creative Italian cuisine.

For drinks or light snacks, guests can choose between the elegant Bar Canova with a lakeside terrace or the laid-back Sundeck by the floating pool in warmer months.

 

Villa d’Este

A passage through the Mosaic links the Cardinal Building to the hotel’s sports and wellness area. The esteemed Sporting Club, valued by guests and exclusive members, provides a range of well-being services: gym, sauna, Turkish bath, eight tennis courts (six clay), jogging paths, squash court, golf simulator, putting green, indoor heated pool, outdoor heated pool for children, and the iconic floating pool. Water sports like windsurfing and kayaking are available, and within a few kilometers, six golf courses, including the challenging 18-hole Golf Club Villa d’Este, await.

On the first floor of the Cardinal Building, the Beauty Center provides a refined and serene atmosphere with green marble, subtle decor, soft lighting, and a tranquil wall waterfall. Ideal for restoring psycho-physical balance, it offers indulgent massages and personalized facial/body treatments by skilled physiotherapists and beauticians, incorporating sophisticated technologies for an enhanced experience.

Read more artisan stories

Soneva Jani, Medhufaru Island – Maldives

Soneva Jani, Medhufaru Island – Maldives

Soneva Jani transports both children and adults into a dreamlike realm, where they traverse the lush interior on bicycles, lounge in hammocks on deserted beaches reminiscent of Robinson Crusoe, delight in thrilling slides, frolic amidst vibrant coral reefs, and marvel at dolphins darting through shimmering waters.

The Peninsula, London – United Kingdom

The Peninsula, London – United Kingdom

The Peninsula London, the inaugural British hotel from the esteemed 157-year-old company, debuts in the heart of Belgravia, infusing the area with a remarkable blend of style and luxury.