An Italian Art Nouveau Gem: Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como

Grand Hotel Tremezzo, an Art Nouveau gem on the western shores of Lake Como, was built in 1910 for the wealthy, with every detail designed to meet their pursuit of pleasure, from opulent balls to grand dinners. Today, the sumptuous palace hotel offers a similar level of decadence with stunning decor and guest suites, three pools, a lakeside private beach and fine dining. And their private villa Sola Cabiati is available for hire all year round for the first time. Even the hotel’s private boats exude luxury: guests can tour the lake in sleek mahogany water limousines and see opulent homes like Villa del Balbianello, a film location for James Bond’s Casino Royale.

The views of the lake and mountains are unbeatable, especially from the lakeside terrace suites. The family-run hotel has ninety elegant rooms, including 15 suites and one villa. The rooms overlook either the lovely gardens or the lake and feature period interiors with antiques as well as all the modern amenities. The Greta suite, with its large terrace and the spacious Emilia suite each have their own heated outdoor jacuzzi.

The interiors throughout, are incredible with vivid colors on furnishings and walls. The lounge features vibrant orange, fuchsia and lime green velvet armchairs, fine materials such as prestigious Como silk and statement furniture from the historic Palace collection.

Food and drink options are impressive with five different restaurants. Fine dining at La Terrazza offers the most amazing views, L’Escale Trattoria & Wine Bar is where to sample regional wines and the more casual T Pizza is outdoors in the pretty grounds behind the hotel.

The hotel’s T-Spa, located in the 18th-century Villa Emilia, features a heated indoor infinity pool, outdoor whirlpool tub, sauna and steam room. It offers traditional hammam treatments and signature wellness experiences exclusively designed by Santa Maria Novella. The panoramic relaxation lounge with sunbeds has floor-to-ceiling windows with lovely lake views. And for guests who can’t miss a workout while on holiday, there’s a well-equipped gym plus al fresco yoga classes are on offer.

New for 2023, history and culture enthusiasts can enjoy private hire of Villa Sola Cabiati near the hotel, all year round. This beautifully preserved example of Italian neoclassical design was built in the 16th century and bought by the Dukes of Serbelloni in the 18th century. It’s clear that no expense was spared to make the Villa the most spectacular on the Lake with the detailed extravagant design, artwork and gorgeous gardens.

Complete with its own extensive gardens with pool, private 24-hour service team and access to the lake via a discreet mini marina, the luxurious six-bedroom abode includes stunning original frescoes, Como silks and elegant antiques with fascinating histories. This is the place for a hedonistic escape.

For History and Art Buffs

Be sure to visit the historic Villa Carlotta and gorgeous gardens, a short lakeside stroll from the hotel. Built at the end of the seventeenth century by the marquises Clerici of Milan, the villa tells the story of over three centuries of great collections and each year also opens the gates of a beautiful botanical garden. The art collection includes sculptors such as Antonio Canova and painters like Francesco Hayez. The 20 acres of gardens feature pergolas with orange and camellia trees, rhododendron and 150 types of azalea as well as beautiful trees like cedars, palms and redwoods.

Practicalities

Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Via Regina, 8 Tremezzina, Lago di Como 22016 Italy is about an hour’s drive from Milan and its airports. Book through Abercrombie & Kent who offer a two night stay from £1,999 pp, based on two people sharing a Park View Prestige Room including breakfast, flights from London and transfers. Or a three night stay at Villa Sola Cabiati from £48,000, based on 12 people sharing or from £4,000pp on a B&B basis including flights and transfers.