Set on Lake Como’s enchanting lakefront in the small town of Cernobbio, this grand 16th-century building surrounded by 10 hectares of pristine botanical gardens is the epitome of aristocratic grandeur. Villa D’Este was built as a summer residence for a cardinal, later played host to princesses and tsarinas, and became a hotel in 1873. Each room presents a taste of its illustrious history, and all have stunning views of the gardens or glittering lake. The hotel – and its marvellous swimming pool that seems to float on the lake – is open only in the summer, when Lake Como’s seductive glamour is at its peak.
The larger town of Como and streets lined with boutiques are a 15 minute drive or short boat ride away. Yet a passeggiata through Villa D’Este’s grounds or along the shore is a leisurely luxury that only this part of the world can afford travellers.
