Nestled below a sleepy village on the shore of Lake Como, Villa Lario combines the romantic drama of the deepest lake in Italy with the charm of the Dolce Vita of its shores dotted with stunning modern yet traditional villas and wonderful gardens.
Villa Lario is an exclusive all-suite property in a private and secluded location in Lario, perched on a cliffside overlooking the Lake Como. Monochromatic colours combined with vivid white tones give the sophisticated interiors a clean look. The suites feel like home away from home with their comfortable furniture and modern statements.
This piece of land was purchased 130 years ago by the Lombardi family and was no more than a common Lake Como’ boat cave just to house their extensive collection. 10 years ago, the current owners fell in love with this then abandoned villa, and after the purchase, work on a hotel began. The very passionate conservative renovation lasted for 8 years. All in total harmony with the history and the surrounding nature.
Accessed sharply from Como’s one road, this place feels definitively private, set apart, very much on its own picturesque high pinnacle hanging over the water. Spread out on a hillside more than 160ft above the lake, offering jaw-dropping vistas.
From the main road a panoramic lift descends to the main villa, which is flanked by a leafy terraced garden with infinity pool with sunbeds looking out over the water and hills. From here a second lift goes down to the lakefront garden from where it’s possible to stroll into the tiny village of Pognana Lario – no tourists here, just the occasional resident (or dog) strolling the front.
And last but not least, it has something no other five-star hotel around here can quite claim: a very secluded pontoon that guests can swim off directly, bothered by nothing but the occasional boat dropping somebody off for lunch.
The beauty of the wild nature typical of Lake Como is interspersed with the respectful hand of man exclusively with regard to the care of the magnificent old trees, such as the beautiful cedars, the flowering hedges, and the many works of art located on the property.
The attractive and stylish interiors are neat and tidy palettes of soft greys and whites, while large windows allow for plenty of light. The astonishing scenery inevitably draw the eye outside. Not too bad on a rainy day though.
In the lounge and restaurant, floor-to-ceiling shelves are neatly stacked with coffee-table books on cookery and art, alongside large candles and glass containers. It’s sophisticated, contemporary and stylish – a welcome change from the lake’s historic establishments filled with antiques and heavy drapes.
Very famous, as Villa Lario is the only property on the lake with a view of the sunset, the panoramic restaurant and the two very stylish bar areas, located respectively in the garden in front of Villa Bianca and in front of the Palazzo with a view of the private pier, are also open to non-guests of the structure for a romantic dinner or an aperitif with a view.
Villa Lario consists of 18 suites up to 36 guests which gives a real intimate, boutique hotel feeling. There are four different styles – some to suit couples on a romantic break, others for families with a nanny. The walls have a nude color with hand-painted frescoes, monochrome prints stand along the headboard , and natural light floods in through the balcony doors, where on a bright evening, reflections from the water dance on the floor.
All suites have kitchenettes with kettles, fridges, hobs and Nespresso machines. You won’t find a TV – the idea is for guests to switch off that nothing will distract you from the incredible views outside. Some have small terraces with sun loungers. Set on two levels, the Garden Suite is the most secluded of all, tucked away in the villa’s greenery by the lake.
This hotel offers something no other five-star hotel around Lake Como can claim: a very secluded pontoon that guests can swim off directly into the lake, bothered by nothing than the occasional boat dropping somebody off for lunch or aperitif. Inexplicably, most hotels don’t encourage swimming in Como itself.
There’s also an attractive terraced garden shaded by cedar trees with an 20-meters infinity pool looking out over the lake with sunbeds.
In the open-plan kitchen of the restaurant, head chef Michele Tamburrino prepares superb dishes that change with the seasons from regions throughout Italy: agnolotti (pasta pockets) filled with sausage, mandilli (freshly boiled lasagne sheets) with pesto sauce from Liguria, Tuscan spelt and bean soup, and endives from Alessandria in nearby Piedmont for instance. All to give the guests the opportunity to experience some of the country’s regional dishes.
All very delicious, homemade cooking served in an elegant and classic way. The homemade bread and focaccia is excellent too. At breakfast there are freshly squeezed juices and smoothies to take, while freshly baked croissants and pastries are served at each table. Hot dishes are made to order while you enjoy the magnificent view over the lake.
LOCATION
Hidden away in the tiny village of Lario, twenty minutes from the city Como, this small boutique hotel is the ideal place for those hoping to switch off, relax, and enjoy everything that Lake Como has to offer.
RATES
From £415 per night.
ROOMS
The 18 suites sleep a relatively small total of 36 guests.
STYLE
Picture a super-private residence in Malibu, supercharged with Italian opulence and elegance.
FOOD
The restaurant is located inside Villa Bianca where chef Michele Tamburrino prepares simple, mouth-watering Italian dishes, which delicately balance tradition and modernity.
X FACTOR
The private pier, which hosts four sought-after deckchairs, is a special spot to sit back and take in your surrounds. From here you’ll likely be tempted onto the waters for jet-skiing, lake swimming, or some other water-related sporting activity.
BOOK TO PACK
“Villa Balbiano” by Ruben Modigliani
Villa Lario
Via Giacomo Matteotti 25
22020 Pognana Lario, CO, Italy
+39 031 537 50 64
villalario.com
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