Passalacqua

Lake Como, Italy

Overview

This spectacular boutique hotel in prime position offers a quiet, peaceful retreat and jaw-dropping views for Lake Como at its finest.

Key Features

  • 24 unique suites that have seen notable guests including Napoleon and Churchill, while Bellini composed his operas La Sonnambula and Norma while living here
  • The wellness spa is secreted away down in a series of underground tunnels
  • Guests can wander freely in and out of the kitchen, while there are a variety of dining spaces around the property and its grounds for a truly farm-to-table experience
  • Complimentary daily activities, from gelato-making workshops and mixology classes to outdoor yoga and flower-arranging courses

In an incredible location in its private grounds in Moltrasio, Passalacqua offers a retreat away from the crowds when visiting Lake Como. Pope Innocent IX owned this lakefront land before Count Andrea Lucini Passalacque built a sprawling villa in the early 1800s complete with interiors courtesy of famed Swiss designer Giocando Albertolli.

Spread over three estates – the main villa, the Palazz (converted stables), and the four-bedroom Casa Al Lago with its own private gardens – the 24 rooms and suites are elegant in design with impressive views of the lake paired with stylish interiors and spacious bedrooms. Stepping inside is like travelling back in time to an opulent bygone era, with ornate Baroque furnishings such as original stuccowork, hand-painted wooden tables and gilded mirrors. For something special, opt for the Bellini suite – a grand double-height balustraded music room with Albertolli frescoes where Bellini composed.

There are excellent facilities here, from the terraced gardens that spill down to the water’s edge to the swimming pool shaded by vibrant parasols. The Palazz is home to a spa, but to find it you’ll have to navigate a series of underground tunnels. Here you can expect treatment rooms offering Dr Barbara Sturm facials alongside massages, a Turkish bath, and a sauna and steam room.

Sustainability

Passalacqua employs a forward-thinking air-conditioning system that converts frigid water from the depths of the lakes. In their kitchen, there is a predominant use of self-grown produce, complemented by locally sourced items, underscoring a commitment to supporting local agriculture and ensuring freshness in their culinary offerings.

Why we love it

Passalacqua has the air of a very private, refined home. While oozing opulence at every turn and decked out in resplendent décor, it doesn’t feel stuffy. The staff offer a warm welcome and cater to every whim. And you can’t visit Lake Como without setting foot on that famous lake. Take a trip down to the jetty to see Beppe the boatman and head out onto the crystal blue waters, admiring the historic buildings that line the waterfront.

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