Summary
Passalacqua: Luxury Family Getaway on Lake Como
Passalacqua, one of Italy’s most luxurious new hotels, is the perfect place for a relaxing (and over-the-top) family getaway.
Exploring Lake Como
Lake Como, an upside-down Y set in the Alpine foothills of north Lombardy, is Italy’s deepest body of water and its third largest. It has long been one of those exclusive, understated destinations—perennially fashionable, but never reaching the saturation point of Venice or Capri. Virgil called it “our greatest lake.” Pliny the Younger owned a pair of villas there, named Comedy and Tragedy. Mussolini had the good taste to be shot on the eastern shore in 1945. The views are “unequaled on earth for loveliness,” reflects Countess Pietranera in Stendhal’s novel “The Charterhouse of Parma.” The evergreen hills rising up from the water “have not yet been ruined, and forced to bring in an income, by the hand of man.”
Accommodation at Passalacqua
The Passalacqua Villa had long been considered one of the area’s most fetching private homes. Most of the current property was built by Count Andrea Lucini Passalacqua in 1787, to a design by the architect Carlo Felice Soave; featuring a grand central staircase and frescoes by the Neoclassical painter Andrea Appiani. This luxurious hotel has 24 exquisite suites and terraced gardens offering Instagram-worthy views.
Family Experience
Children are very welcome at Passalacqua. While parents may wish for a tranquil moment to enjoy their glass of Franciacorta, the venue provides ample opportunities for family fun. My children enjoyed playing near the pool and exploring the beautiful grounds filled with chickens and colorful flowers. The luxurious atmosphere is perfectly suited for quality family bonding.
Cuisine at Passalacqua
The culinary experience at Passalacqua is a delight, featuring domestic cooking done with refinement. The head chef, Mauro Verza, crafts a menu infused with local flavors; dishes can range from spaghetti al pomodoro—where simplicity meets sophistication—to lobster salad with melon. Dining under the stars is a memorable highlight, as vibrant storms illuminate the stunning Grigne mountains nearby.
Exploring the Surroundings
The area surrounding Lake Como offers plenty of charming villages worth exploring. Notable stops include Bellagio, recognized for its picturesque views, and Moltrasio, known for its local charm and gelaterias. Renting a bicycle or car provides an excellent opportunity to traverse these hidden gems, experiencing the essence of Italian village life.
Lake Como’s Best Hotels
Grand Hotel Tremezzo: An iconic Art Nouveau palace with a private beach on Lake Como’s western shore.
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni: A 150-year-old hotel set in a Neoclassical villa in the town of Bellagio, showcasing antique Murano glass chandeliers and original frescoes.
Hilton Lake Como: Previously a silk factory, this 170-room property features a rooftop pool and a spa.
Il Sereno Hotel: Designed by acclaimed Spanish architect Patricia Urquiola, this contemporary property boasts expansive suites and a 60-foot infinity pool.
Mandarin Oriental, Lake Como: Located in a centuries-old botanical park on the eastern shore of the lake.
Passalacqua: This historic villa was recently transformed into a high-end hotel, offering stunning amenities.
Villa d’Este: A classic with a rich history, known for hosting celebrity guests.
