A royal visit to Villa d’Este, Lake Como

Built in 1568, Villa d’Este was originally the summer residence of Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio before it was transformed into a luxury hotel in 1873, becoming a favourite destination for royalty, Hollywood legends, musicians, writers and discerning travellers. Villa d’Este sits regally on the shores of Lake Como, with notable gardens and is home to the first floating pool on the lake.

Immersed in the centuries old park of Villa d’Este are four splendid villas, which can be rented by guests who wish to enjoy all the services of the hotel combined with the privacy and exclusivity of a private villa. This season, two of Villa d’Este’s four standalone private villas have undergone refurbishments. The refreshed interiors of Villa Cima and Villa Malakoff respect the elegance and tradition of Villa d’Este also incorporating contemporary touches. They uniquely marry the intimacy and privacy of a luxury home on Lake Como with the unrivalled, world-class facilities and amenities of Villa d’Este.

Villa d’Este boasts a classic Sporting Club with a range of facilities, including an indoor and outdoor heated pool floating on the lake, eight tennis courts, a squash court, fitness centre, and sauna and steam bath. For guests wishing to explore Lake Como, Villa d’Este can arrange an exciting set of experiences for guests to partake in. These range from exclusive visits to nearby villas, to the famed Como Silk Museum through to privately guided walks, hikes and cycling tours for those wishing to make the most of the Italian outdoors. Notably, Villa d’Este can organise boat excursions visiting picturesque communes and villages on the lake such as Tremezzo and Bellagio. The hotel also has its own beautifully hand-crafted traditional vaporina boat for truly special occasions.

Rates start from €590 (approx. £515) per room per night, based on double occupancy including breakfast. www.villadeste.com/en

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