Spend an unforgettable luxury vacation right on the shores of Lake Como at the sublime Passalacqua, an elegant private villa where the composer Bellini once lived. Named the best hotel in the world in 2023 for good reason, this boutique hotel captures the hearts of its guests with a reinterpretation of opulent baroque chic. Amidst magnificent frescoes, antiques, and blooming terrace gardens, you will be pampered with quintessential Italian cuisine and high-quality treatments in the underground spa. Sunbathe by the pool, play a game of boccia, or glide across the water in the hotel's own boat. The Passalacqua is an immaculate creation with a touch of historic grandeur and the intimate ambiance of a secluded private estate of exceptional beauty.
The 24 impressive rooms and suites are spread across three buildings: the villa, the palazz, which is housed in the former stables, and the Casa al Lago ("house by the lake") with four bedrooms and its own garden. The interior is characterized by baroque opulence with modern accents: meter-high Murano glass chandeliers, playful antique furniture, original stucco work, and frescoes are complemented by elegant marble bathrooms and Dyson hair dryers. An ode to Italian art and history, all accommodations offer completely individual furnishings, but in the huge Bellini Suite—where opera composer Vincenzo Bellini once wrote unforgettable pieces—you will feel like you are staying in a neoclassical museum.
Look forward to quintessential Italian cuisine with traditional dishes based on tried-and-tested family recipes. The day begins with a sumptuous breakfast; the buffet includes jam made from fruit from our own garden, homemade bread, and eggs from our own hens. Get in the mood for dinner with an aperitivo: a Negroni by the pool or a glass of champagne in the nostalgic bar is followed by an elegant candlelit dinner on the shore of the lake or in the elegant dining room. Let yourself be tempted by the local delicacies – the finest gelato with white truffles, tiramisu, or a wine tasting pave the way for enjoyment.
Indulge in complete relaxation with the celebrated Italian art form of dolce far niente ("sweet idleness") – whether in the magnificent heated pool, the elegant flowering gardens, or the atmospheric wellness area, which has been created from the cellar vaults and underground passages that run in a labyrinth down to the lake. Facials with products from Dr. Barbara Sturm will leave your skin glowing and your soul at peace; active guests can enjoy a round of tennis or bocce. Two sleek boats at the hotel's own jetty are available for excursions on Lake Como; on land, pasta cooking classes, gelato workshops, and outdoor yoga await.
Built in 1787, later serving as the residence of opera composer Vincenzo Bellini, reopened as a luxury boutique hotel in 2022, and just one year later ranked number one on the prestigious list of the "World's 50 Best Hotels," the historic Passalacqua private villa looks back on a rich history. Its picturesque location on the shores of sparkling Lake Como, which has always attracted artists, philosophers, and Hollywood stars, suggests a grandeur that reaches its peak in the magnificent interiors. A declaration of love for Italian craftsmanship, the dedication to decoration is impressive. The 24 individual rooms and suites are peppered with valuable antiques, carpets, stucco, and frescoes, which lend the accommodations an almost museum-like flair; Carrara marble and silk Fortuny lampshades shimmer beneath opulent Murano glass chandeliers.
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