Lake Como doesn’t do refined. And neither does Passalacqua. This place isn’t simply one other boutique resort — it’s the form of villa that appears prefer it was designed by an 18th-century duke with style and a bottomless checking account. Which, because it seems, isn’t far off.
Set on the hills of Moltrasio, Passalacqua is an unapologetic masterclass in old-world Italian opulence —marble, frescoes, stucco, silk — the works. It’s what occurs if you take a historic villa, throw EUR 20 million at it, and let a household of perfectionist hoteliers (the De Santis crew, of Grand Resort Tremezzo fame) go fully nuts with restoration. The outcome: 24 rooms, extra handblown chandeliers than you may depend, and sufficient character to make most different five-star joints really feel like IKEA with a minibar.
Let’s be clear: this place shouldn’t be minimalist. It doesn’t attempt to be cool in that beige-and-bronze, Scandinavian approach that makes you’re feeling such as you’re dwelling inside a startup workplace. No, it is a cigar-in-hand, opera-in-the-background, Murano-chandelier-above-the-bed form of cool. Baroque prospers, deep leather-based chairs, and ceilings that most likely took longer to color than most trendy lodges take to construct.
Learn Extra: Expertise Tantalising Tuscany with COMO Castello Del Nero
But it one way or the other doesn’t really feel stuffy. Perhaps it’s the down-to-earth workers in sharp Giuliva Heritage tailoring, the roaming chickens within the terraced gardens, or the bocce court docket casually perched subsequent to an 18th-century fountain. Perhaps it’s the Aperol-colored Fiat 500 that zips you again up from the lake. It’s the form of place that is aware of precisely what it’s: a luxurious villa with historical past and swagger, however one which doesn’t take itself too severely.
The Rooms
The principle villa homes the grandest suites — 12 in complete, each named after a Bellini opera character (mine was Beatrice, a tragic heroine, which felt a bit of ironic as I bathed in Carrara marble surrounded by silk). There are extra suites within the Palazz (a transformed secure that now smells faintly of cedar and costly cologne), and Casa al Lago, which you’ll take over together with your entourage or maintain to your self if you happen to’re the solitary billionaire kind.
Count on king-size every thing: carved ceilings, heavy doorways, vintage furnishings, and beds so comfy you may rethink your mattress scenario at residence. Tech is slickly hidden — TVs vanish into classic trunks, retailers are future-proofed with USB-Cs (a primary, even for Lake Como), and loos come stocked with the total Dyson arsenal: hairdryer, straightener, and Airwrap. Overkill? Perhaps. Appreciated? Completely.
The Grounds
Seven acres of terraced gardens spill all the way down to the lake, and you can simply lose half a day wandering round and pretending you’re scouting areas for a Bond movie. Olive groves, roses, magnolia timber, and jasmine hit you with that easy Italian countryside scent that makes you query your life decisions again within the metropolis.
The pool is about towards an previous greenhouse, with striped parasols that seem like they wandered in from a vogue shoot. There’s a garden-level bocce court docket, a kitchen backyard, and sure—dwell chickens. As a result of nothing says “I’ve made it” fairly like watching a sundown over Lake Como whereas a hen named Sofia pecks close by.
The Meals
The eating setup is as low-key — or high-key — as you need it. You’ll be able to eat in the primary restaurant (designed like somebody’s very wealthy grandmother’s eating room), by the lake, within the rose backyard, and even within the open kitchen the place the chef will ask you what you’re within the temper for such as you’ve identified one another for years.
The meals is Italian consolation completed proper: do-it-yourself pastas, heirloom tomatoes that style like they had been simply slapped awake by the solar, fresh-baked every thing. Nothing flashy, simply stable components and a chef who is aware of what he’s doing. Breakfast is a full-blown occasion, with muffins, pies, and an omelette bar that would feed a military.
The Vibe
Passalacqua seems like somebody very rich and tasteful determined to open up their household villa to a couple fortunate friends — besides the workers are extra polished, the towels are fluffier, and there’s a ship on the dock together with your identify on it. Whether or not you’re sipping a Negroni on the terrace, taking part in bocce in linen trousers, or pretending to not discover George Clooney’s seaplane overhead, you’ll end up settling right into a form of cinematic, unbothered existence.
Positive, it’s extravagant. However Passalacqua earns it. Each element, from the scent of the room to the hand-stitched leather-based ottoman, feels intentional. Nothing is finished midway, and one way or the other, it nonetheless all feels straightforward.
Learn Extra: Luxurious Mediterranean Properties To Make investments In
Passalacqua is Lake Como on professional mode. In the event you like your luxurious with a heavy aspect of historical past, craftsmanship, and persona, this place is your play. It’s not for everybody — in case your thought of 5 stars contains LED temper lighting and 24-hour room service for smoothies, perhaps stick with town. However if you wish to dwell like a gentleman for a couple of days — with entry to a number of the most stunning views in Europe, a ship, a bar, and a bocce court docket — that is your spot.
Simply be warned: you’ll by no means take a look at one other resort the identical approach once more.
For extra on the most recent in way of life, tradition and journey reads, click on right here.
