One Of Italy's Most Romantic Hotels Is This Luxurious Icon On The Shores Of Lake Como

When it comes to elegant European escapes, discerning travelers have long been drawn to Italy's Lake Como, full of stunning towns and beach hideaways. Snow-capped peaks, charming pastel villages clinging to the hillsides, and the choreography of boats gliding across the shimmering water. In the heart of this dreamlike tableau, one place has become synonymous with luxury and old-world sophistication: the five-star Grand Hotel Tremezzo.

Perched on the western shore of Lake Como, the family-run Grand Hotel Tremezzo has stood as a beacon of Italian hospitality for three generations. Opened in 1910, it quickly attracted affluent travelers from around Europe. The beauty of the lake is the thread that unites Grand Hotel Tremezzo with its sister property, the exclusive five-star Villa Passlacqua mansion, with the evocative arias of composer Vincenzo Bellini, one of its past residents, still resonating in the galleries.

The location was a hit from day one, directly opposite the iconic town of Bellagio with uninterrupted lake views. The moment guests arrive, the special sense of place, or, as the Grand Hotel Tremezzo puts it, a "sense of lake" makes itself known in the sweeping stone staircases leading to the patrician façade. The noble property has seen its share of drama, requisitioned as a private residence during the two World Wars, a period that threatened its very existence. In 1973 the visionary De Santis family brought it to the modern age while respecting its timeless soul. Now, the third generation is at the helm, with Valentina De Santis as the current owner and CEO.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo is designed to impress, not with bling but with a luxury, bespoke travel experience that assures guests they are in safe hands. The aesthetic is a masterclass in understated luxury without ever feeling stuffy. Picture art nouveau moldings and stately chandeliers paired with pastels echoing the terracotta and sage green from the gardens. Each one of its 80 rooms and suites — starting from just under $2,000 per night — has its own personality, offering elegant comfort in every detail, down to the cuddly mascot "BoBo" the teddy bear. The hotel takes a long winter sleep from mid-November to early April, a time they use for maintenance and refreshing the decor to the ultimate standards.

It's hard to pick the most stunning feature, but the three swimming pools are among the hotel's most dazzling features. The floating pontoon pool places you directly in the blue embrace of the lake. The second pool is tucked into the luxuriant 5-acre gardens and olive groves, and the panoramic swimming pool at the signature spa is designed for lingering with a Negroni at hand. Which brings us to the artistry of Italian food and drink.

Dining is an event in itself, starting with the ritual of the aperitivo on the terrace at the T Bar while enjoying a view of the lake. La Terrazza offers signature gourmet dishes in an elegant glass-enclosed setting, and for something more casual, visit the Trattoria and Wine Bar for its charming veranda or the informal T Pizza by the pool.

If you'd like to bring a new set of skills home, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo invites guests into the kitchen for a hands-on culinary experience. Join a master pizzaiolo for a pizza-making class, a gelato-making lesson using only the freshest natural ingredients, or a coffee experience where you can learn to appreciate coffee culture like a true Italian.

You could happily never leave the hotel's facilities, swimming, playing tennis, or perfecting the art of "dolce far niente" — but the treasures of Lake Como beckon. Villa Carlotta is just a five-minute stroll with its impressive art collection, featuring works by Canova and Hayez, and the real showstopper: the villa's 20-acre botanical gardens. You can continue your hike along the 6-mile Greenway Trail along the charming lakeside villages and postcard vistas.

A private boat tour is a perfect way of exploring Lake Como. Guests of the hotel can embark on vintage classic restored wooden cruisers , allowing them to witness the lake's hidden gems, stately villas, and picturesque villages from the water in true style. The hotel also provides options for personalized boat outings, such as a moonlit swim, or spotting the setting of famous movies. For a taste of adventure, a helicopter tour reveals the magnificent birds'-eye view of Lombardy's storied landscape. Of course you cannot miss the "Pearl of Lake Como," the renowned town of Bellagio which is just a short, scenic ferry hop away. Spend a day getting lost in its steep, cobbled streets lined with chic boutiques, artisan shops, and charming cafés to claim your own slice of "la dolce vita."