Before becoming a luxury hotel, Villa D’Este exchanged hands between a success of princes and barons.
What Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo is to Monaco, Villa D’Este is to Lake Como—the grandest of all dames. Dating back to 1568, when it was built as a private summer residence along the lakefront of Cernobbio, the ornate building, a great architectural treasure of the 16th century, was converted into a hotel in 1873 before changing hands between a succession of princes and barons.
It is now considered not just one of Italy’s most luxurious hotels but one of the finest destinations on the planet – and one of The Leading Hotels of the World.
Guests here are following in illustrious footsteps: the hotel was once a popular haunt for Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. These days, Amal and George Clooney, Lady Gaga, and Jennifer Aniston spend their summers at Villa D’Este, having fell in love with its 10 hectares of lakeside gardens, delicately manicured grounds, trimmed topiary and impressive collection of Renaissance art.
Unsurprisingly, opulence abounds: think gold-hued corridors, Murano chandeliers and 51 dancing fountains designed variously as dolphins, horses, nymphs and owls. But its current owners have managed to maintain the elegance and character of the almost 500-year-old residence while ensuring all the necessary mod cons are on tap. In the 152 regal rooms, a selection of which look onto the water, expect golden silk brocade curtains, ornate headstands and Renaissance-style painted chests; a huge, two-bedroom suite with stone balconies is the pièce de résistance.
There is also an outdoor pool that floats on the lake, tennis courts and a spa. And be sure to book an afternoon to explore the water on one of the hotel’s private boats. Active guests can also enjoy waterskiing, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing and windsurfing.
The service is both impeccable and discreet, with a one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio during high season. Many of the employees have worked here for years.
Of course, the hotel’s dining establishments are appropriately lavish, particularly at Veranda, which serves Italian and international fine cuisine—the foie gras comes highly recommended —in an elegant lakefront setting. Here men must wear a jacket and tie for dinner, and the crockery is rimmed with gold. For something a little more casual, the Grill specialises in grilled fish and meats, while lovers of both fine wine and Japanese food should make a beeline for Il Platano on the terrace.
Sealing the deal, the hotel’s location on the south-western shore of the lake means easy access to the city of Como, just a 15-minute drive away, and if you’re arriving by helicopter, there’s also a small helipad for landings.
