The Tamesis
Like many five-star hotels in Lake Como, the Mandarin Oriental is housed in a historic villa. In this case, Villa Rocca Bruna was once the home of Italian soprano Giudita Pasta, who legend has it that she would serenade composer Vincenzo Bellini from across the lake. While the Hong Kong-based group has expanded the historic estate – 75 rooms, suites and villas are now spread across nine buildings within the botanic gardens – the sense of old-world grandeur remains. Gorgeous public areas are decorated with handcrafted wallpaper, Venetian glass chandeliers and neoclassical marble columns, all accented by stunning floral arrangements. The rooms are more minimalist and modern, allowing the environment to take center stage. Even the entry-level rooms have balconies and lake views.
One of the hotel’s most talked about features is the floating swimming pool designed by Herzog & de Meuron, which is designed to gently sway with the waves of the lake and reflect the changing hues of the water. The hotel also has the largest spa in the region, with multiple saunas, spacious steam rooms, ice showers, hydrotherapy pools, Zen gardens, and offers treatments using 111Skin, Team Dr Joseph and the cutting-edge Swiss Perfection range. The most eye-catching of the three restaurants is LäARIA, where chef Massimiliano Blasone blends Italian and Japanese flavors in a striking space with floor-to-ceiling windows and a breezy terrace overlooking the lake.
address: By E. Caronti, 69, 22020 Blevio CO, Italy
facility: Restaurants, bars, gyms, spas, swimming pools.
Extra tips: Those looking to get married can choose from fantastic on-site venues including a glass-enclosed conservatory with lake views, a classical amphitheater and Villa del Lago. The latter is a neoclassical villa with floor-to-ceiling windows that can accommodate up to 180 guests and has a private dock on the lake.
Courtesy of Casa Olea
