The Italian Lakes
A see-and-be-seen luxury oasis.
Written by Hayley Bloomingdale
Once home to the gilded palaces of the Italian royals and elite, the Italian lake region is now home to some of the world’s grandest villas and hotels making it the very top of most travelers' dream list. Set against the foothills of the Alps in northern Italy, Lake Como has three branches that intersect into the towns of Bellagio, Menaggio and Varenna with boat service being the preferred travel method to jet around. In addition to Lake Como, Lake Garda is another must-visit spot in the region
Credit: Dico Baskoro
Credit: Emilia Wickstead
EXPERT TIPS
Emilia Wickstead
Born and raised in New Zealand, fashion designer Emilia Wickstead established her eponymous label in 2008. Originally founding her business with a unique made-to-measure model, Emilia’s collections now comprise seasonal ready-to-wear, homeware and bridalwear, as well as bespoke and made-to-order services. Her designs have been showcased at London Fashion Week since 2011.
Known for her fluent use of colour and exacting craftsmanship, Emilia Wickstead’s designs effortlessly combine tradition and the romance of bygone eras with refined silhouettes and contemporary twists to create timeless, elegant clothing with a clear point of distinction.
IN FLIGHT ESSENTIALS: I always carry three essentials: Manuka honey from New Zealand, Emma Lewisham’s Supernatural Face Oil, and an Emilia Wickstead sweater so that I’m prepared for all temperatures.
PACKING TIPS: I try to be a minimalist packer but always end up packing too much. I design a vacation capsule every summer, specifically for the traveling woman, but also to ensure that my own holiday wardrobe is pre-planned in advance.
THE FILM TO WATCH/BOOK TO READ BEFORE DEPARTURE: : The Talented Mr Ripley, for the ultimate holiday style inspiration
FAVORITE HOTEL: Passalacqua – what the De Santis family have created there is so special. It’s like stepping into another world. I was thrilled to collaborate with Valentina de Santis on a colourful swim and resortwear collection this summer, which is available at Passalacqua and via their website, Sense of Lake.
MEMORABLE MEALS: Harry’s Bar in Cernobbio for elegant outdoor dining right on the lake.
THE DRINK TO ORDER: Always champagne.
BAR OF CHOICE: The bar in the Winter Garden at Passalacqua is the most magical setting for evening aperitivo.
FAVORITE SHOP: The shop at Grand Hotel Tremezzo has the most extraordinary selection of beautifully curated things.
WELLNESS TREATMENT TO TRY: A facial by Seed to Skin at the newly opened spa at Passalacqua
Along this coastal stretch, storybook scenes extend in all directions…
STAY
The only problem with a luxury trip to the Italian lakes is choosing where to stay. There are so many fantastic options, you’re genuinely spoilt for choice: from grand spots with widespread lake views and incredible people watching to more secluded and intimate hotels and villas, there is something for solo travelers, honeymooners, and families alike.
SAVOR
You can’t go wrong dining in any of the chic hotels in the area but when you’re craving something a little more local and want to try the “cucinda lariana” or just want a stroll through town, there are a whole host of options from classic fish tavernas to simple, but delicious, trattorias.
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ristorantegattonero.it
Address: Via Della Liberta 69, 22012 Cernobbio, Italy
Phone: +39031512042The ideal spot for a romantic dinner or special occasion, Il Gatto Nero is a candlelit rustic-chic spot with fantastic lake views and even better people watching. Don’t miss out on the pasta with rabbit ragout sauce or the lobster spaghetti.
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lasperanzina.it
Address: Via Dante, 16, 25019 Sirmione BS
Phone: +390309906292With views over the lake and the castle, La Speranzina is a romantic Mediterranean-style restaurant that offers various tasting menu options featuring elegant dishes and plenty of local flavors. An excellent wine cellar and selection of champagnes make this a great spot for date night.
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grandhoteltremezzo.com
Address: Via Regina, 8, Tremezzina, Lake Como, Italy 22016
Phone: +39034442491The elegant La Terrazza restaurant is set within the stunning grounds of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo and boasts cuisine made by executive chef, Osvaldo Presazzi who worked and trained with Italy’s infamous Gualtiero Marchesi. La Terrazza is the only restaurant in the world offering some of Marchesi’s most famous dishes including his “dropping di pesce” tribute to Jackson Pollock and his “Raviolo aperto” scallop, ginger and butter dish. This is one spot not to miss!
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ristorantelatortuga.it/
Address: Via XXIV Maggio 5, 25084 Gargnano
Phone: +0396571251A proud holder of a Michelin star for over 40 years, La Tortuga is a small, charming spot located on a square overlooking the harbor of Gargnano. Expect dishes full of local flavors and specials that highlight the seafood and fish from the lake.
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locanda-sanvigilio.it
Address: Punta San Vigilio, 37016 Garda, Italy
Phone: +390457256688A lovely option for lunch or dinner on Lake Garda, Locanda Sanvigilio has tables on a stunning terrace under the awning of an ancient fig tree and offers up Italian classics in a relaxed and romantic setting. The perfect place for an aperitivo and dinner under the setting sun.
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ristorantemateria.it
Address: Via Cinque Giornate 32, Cernobbio 22012, Como, ItalyPhone: +390312075548
Materia is a Michelin-starred restaurant tucked away on a sleepy side street that offers exceptional quality local cuisine with a global and modern twist. Signature dishes include the linguine with butter, sea urchin with calf brain mousse and a bone marrow gelato.
Credit: La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi
Credite: La Speranzina
EXPLORE
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A must stop for any design or fashion lovers, Como’s silk museum covers every step of the silk production process as well as showcasing the local history of silk in the region.
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Take a boat ride over to this 17th century villa turned museum and take in the intricate frescoes, neoclassical sculptures and stunning architecture. Plan for a lovely stroll through the 20-acre terraced garden and enjoy the arches citrus tree tunnels that surround the property.
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For a true taste of medieval Italian life, visit Borgo Corenno Plinio, a small town nicknamed the village of “1000 steps.” Explore the medieval castle and the 12-century Saint Thomas Becket of Canterbury church and follow the narrow lanes to the top of the village to look out over the red-roofed buildings for a magnificent view.
Credit: Villa Carlotta
Mantero
SHOP
A classic Italian brand, a stop into Mantero is a must for any fashion forward travel for their beautiful silk scarves, wraps and ties. Word has it that Mantero makes scarves for Dior and Chanel too so you know you’re getting the best quality available!
WELLNESS TIP
Lefay Resort and Spa
A day out at Lefay Resort and Spa on Lake Garda will rebalance the body and rediscover energy through their world-renowned programs which blend Eastern and Western therapies.
Credit: Lefay Resort and Spa
STYLE TIPS
Easy to pack and even easier to wear, a two piece set from Dolce & Gabbana can take you from boat cruise to sunset cocktails.
Don’t even think of leaving for Italy without a trust pair of shades, as much to shade your eyes as to shield them while people watching!
A neutral bag that goes with every outfit you packed is a must on any holiday. Bonus points for a cross body strap that make this one perfect for a day of sightseeing and boat hopping.
visualsoflukas
LOCAL FLAVORS
Cherry Tomato Tarte Tatin
from Passalacqua Chef, Viviana Varese
INGREDIENTS
1 roll of puff pastry
300g cherry tomatoes
20g sugar
oregano
basil
lemon peel
salt
evo oil
DIRECTIONS
For the cherry tomatoes:
Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes.
Take a 24-cm-diameter baking dish and place a sheet of baking paper on it.
Place all the cut cherry tomatoes, season with a drizzle of oil, salt, sugar, spices and lemon peel.
Bake at 180° for 10 minutes.
For the tarte tatin:
Prepare a baking dish. Place the cherry tomatoes very close together and all over the baking dish.
Cover them with puff pastry, prick with a fork and bake at 180° in a ventilated oven for 25 minutes.
Once cool, turn the pie out onto a plate and decorate it with herbs as taste.
ON OUR RADAR
The Carlton hotel by Rocco Forte is set to open in nearby Milan in 2025.
IMMERSE YOURSELF
PLAYLIST: Discover our Lake como playlist, available on Spotify
PLANNING SERVICES
Let Glimpse founder Jordan Rhodes help you plan your next vacation.
As an advisor independently affiliated with Brownell Travel, a luxury, Forbes endorsed, Virtuoso Agency, Jordan has a whole team helping plan her clients’ vacations.
