This Is Your Sign to Finally Book That Trip to Lake Como
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
Lake Como lives up to its status as an Italian paradise. The destination is brimming with eye candy—from the natural beauty of the mountainous terrain and sparkling waters to the historic villas with unbelievable interiors. After visiting the popular retreat for two days, I must admit that a time-crunched vacation isn’t the best way to experience Lake Como. Although you can easily take a day trip via a roughly 40-minute train ride from Milan, the destination is well-suited to leisurely holidays and season-long stays. (I’m already daydreaming of renting an apartment there for a month.) But any taste of the majestic location, no matter how brief, is well worth it.
With thoughtful planning from the Rome-based company Imago Artis Travel, I was able to explore and enjoy life on Lake Como along with House Beautiful’s video producer Kaitlin Kemp. We carefully devised a design-forward agenda for our Lake Como jaunt. Browse everything that made our list, including where we stayed, explored, and dined. All of these editor and local-approved recommendations are actually worth every precious minute of your time—and will induct you into the group of celebrities and curious travelers alike who flock to the region for good reason.
The Accommodations
Located in Northern Italy’s Lombardy region, Lake Como is home to many picturesque towns, villages, and villas. When it comes to hotel options, the area is best known for its luxury offerings. We stayed at Passalacqua, and it’s easy to see why the five-star hotel was awarded the titles of World’s Best Hotel and the Best Hotel in Europe in 2023. Guests could easily spend their entire vacation on the property, and it would be a more than satisfactory way to do Lake Como. Staying there feels like being welcomed into a private home with everlasting grandeur.
Passalacqua’s grounds—located in the historic town of Moltrasio—are marked by a gated entrance with a striking archway. The 18th-century villa is the former home of composer Vincenzo Bellini. Designed and owned by the De Santis family, who also run the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, the property is a romantic vision and ode to Italian craftsmanship. All of the interiors are mesmerizing thanks to the use of 20 different marbles, silk taffeta curtains, one-of-a-kind antiques, and precious frescos. I’m especially partial to all of the Murano chandeliers, mirrors, sconces, and candelabras throughout the common areas and in the guest rooms.
The hotel’s 24 rooms are spread across three buildings: the main villa, the eight-room Palazz (formerly the estate’s stables), and the four-suite Casa al Lago (a home down by the lake). I stayed in the latter in a room with access to an outdoor lawn, complete with an umbrella-covered dining table and lounge chairs, that overlooks the glistening lake. All of the room details that made a difference include: the softest bedding I’ve ever felt, heated bathroom floors, a built-in speaker system that connects to Bluetooth, multiple (yes, multiple!) Dyson hair tools, an in-room coffee and tea station stocked with Smeg and Illy appliances, and a hidden TV in an elegant chest.
Other standout features on the property include an outdoor pool designed by JJ Martin of La DoubleJ and a subterranean spa. There’s also a series of terraces for taking in the view, gardens, a fitness area, and a bocce ball court. The hotel even offers boat tours, movie screenings, and daily activities like flower arranging.
The Exploration
It was hard to want to leave Passalacqua with such limited time there, but it had to be done! I dedicated some time to two excursions: a foraging experience and a boat tour. Without a doubt, they were both worth it. Here’s why:
Through Imago, we went on a foraging experience. The hours-long adventure involved going on a short hike to pick herbs, including thyme, basil, and rosemary, along with edible flowers. Then we ventured by foot to a local artist’s home—a dreamy, spacious loft with lake views—where we indulged in an aperitivo. A cook prepared the best focaccia I’ve ever had (no exaggeration!), cocktails, ravioli, and other bites—all using herbs and flowers picked from the hike. The homemade food and good conversation with locals will forever remain a treasured memory.
I would be remiss to visit Lake Como without spending time on the water. I secured a boat ride through Passalacqua, which ended up being a private experience as I was the only passenger on board. The two drivers doubled as tour guides, taking me along the shore (with champagne in hand!) where some notable sights included the town of Como, Versace’s former villa, and the home of the area’s honorary mayor George Clooney. The sunny day brought warmth to the experience, and vibrance to the views, despite the chilly wind from the cool November weather. Note: If you’re not looking to book a boat tour, an easy (and surely cheaper) way to get on the water is by taking the ferry. You can ride it to and from many of the lakeside towns.
The Dining
Naturally, we indulged in Passalacqua's dining options, which are only available to the hotel's guests. But we also hit up a few spots in the nearby towns of Moltrasio and Cernobbio. Here's the rundown:
Breakfast at Passalacqua is everything you could want and more. The hotel offers an incredible buffet spread in the homey kitchen and a menu to order from. But if there’s something you really want that you don’t see, the staff will literally run out to get the ingredients, if need be, and make it for you. It’s basically like having your own private chef. The staff will even walk around the buffet with you—holding your plate and preparing your desired platter. Talk about pampered service! (Yes, the lunch and dinner options are also absolutely worth it!)
Established in 1902, La Moltrasina serves up classic and contemporary Italian cuisine in Moltrasio. There's something for everyone on the menu, from the charcuterie to the robust pizza options. With an unpretentious interior and a cozy courtyard, the trattoria makes for an excellent spot to grab a casual lunch.
Situated in Cernobbio, Gatto Nero is a favorite of locals and celebrities alike (including Kendall Jenner, Bad Bunny, George and Amal Clooney, Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck, and John Legend to name a few!). In an elegant, refined atmosphere, the restaurant serves Italian and Mediterranean specialties made with fresh ingredients. The candlelit tables and panoramic views of the lake solidify it as a romantic spot for dinner.
For dessert, consider heading to Le Giuggiole Gelato & Co. The Moltrasio-based shop whips up some of the best gelato you'll ever consume. Everything is made using natural ingredients with no additives. The shop, named after the owner's grandmother, offers classic flavors, like pistachio and chocolate, and combinations inspired by the owner's memories, like "bread, butter, and jam," which is based on a special childhood snack.
Love looking at designer spaces for inspo? Us, too. Let’s obsess over them together.
Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.
You Might Also Like
