Hotel Villa d’Este on Lake Como has just opened Villa Garrovo. These private posh digs have views of the garden and lake but we say the best part is that it’s located close to the action, just steps from the Cardinal Building, one of the resort’s main “palaces.”
Villa Garrovo is oozing with history; built in 1833 as a private hideaway, it has hosted royalty, Hollywood stars, musicians and writers. The three-story villa, which was completely refurbished in 2015, today works well for families or couples traveling together, thanks to its six bedrooms. All told, it has 7,535 square feet of space, which includes a large living area, a full kitchen, plus a gym and relaxation room. Nice Touch: The bedrooms have marble bathrooms. We also love that guests here can soak up the Italian sun simply by sitting on a veranda, which opens onto hidden garden. We also suggest sipping drinks on the second terrace, which extends to a large patio. To create a special stay, luxury travel advisors should contact Tamara Forlini ([email protected]).
During their stay, VIPs should hire a self-drive boat to see the lake, says Andrea Grisdale, CEO of IC Bellagio, which creates bespoke experiences in Italy. She advises that because these self-drive boats zoom around with less than 40 horsepower, there’s no need for a boat license. For a fun foodie experience, book pizza-making class with a local family in Lezzeno, the central lake area. Guests make the dough in the morning, then, later in the day, they’ll explore the family’s orchard for fresh vegetables before putting the pizza in a traditional wood oven. Lastly, guests should consider spending some time with Marco Cassina of Peter Ci, known for his beautiful tailoring for both men and women in the area. Luxury travel advisors can contact Andrea Grisdale at [email protected].