Sat on the western shores of the lake, the hotel looks out across the water to the pretty town of Bellagio and the dramatic Grigne mountains. Not to be outshone by its famous neighbour, Villa Carlotta, the hotel sits within beautifully landscaped gardens filled with rare and ancient magnolias, palm trees and flowers that explode in clouds of red, purple, pink and blue.

Rooms come with large windows that look out over lake or gardens, and the views from the rooftop suites are hard to beat. It’s not just the scenery that’ll catch your eye, however, and there’s plenty to admire inside as well. The lounge is filled with brightly coloured furniture and features ornate silk hangings on the wall, while the billiards room is home to an original table from the 1800s.

Guests can dine on seasonal Mediterranean cuisine in the restaurant where in the warmer months, food is served on the terrace. The trattoria and wine bar is perfect for more casual dining, offering the relaxed atmosphere of an ancient wine cellar with a touch of modern elegance.

Relaxing here is easy; the hotel has a secluded outdoor pool in the gardens and its own man-made beach, located just in front of the water-on-water floating pool on the lake. The indoor infinity pool and spa look out over the water and offer luxurious Santa Maria Novella products and treatments. The hotel also has its own water limos for when you want to explore and discover the lake.

Lake Como

Villa d’Este

The beautiful Villa d’Este is located at the southern end of Lake Como and was once the summer residence of Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio. Spread across the Cardinal’s Building and the Queen’s Pavilion, the hotel has lost none of its grandeur and is the perfect place to relax at the water’s edge.

Properties on Lake Como are famous for their beautiful gardens and Villa d’Este is no exception. It sits within 25 acres of grounds filled with sweet smelling roses and jasmine and magnolia, cypress and chestnut trees. Great care was taken during the restoration to maintain its character and charm, and each of the 152 rooms are beautifully decorated with antiques, vintage prints, silks and brocades. Many come with terraces or balconies so you can gaze out across the lake from the minute you wake up. There are also three private villas within the grounds.

The Verranda restaurant overlooks the lake and gardens and features glass windows that keep guests warm in the cooler months and disappear into the ground when the sun’s beating down. There is also a grill for a more informal dining experience and several bars and terraces. There are two outdoor pools, including one which juts out into the lake with an in-built Jacuzzi. The fitness and wellness centre with sauna and Turkish baths is the perfect place to relax, or if you fancy exploring then the hotel can arrange boat trips and scenic flights.