La Dolce Vita: Why True Luxury Comes In The Form Of A Spontaneous Trip To Il Sereno
Lake Como’s beloved panoramas are home to many world-class escapes – but none more idyllic than the award-winning perfection that is this luxurious hotel
There are luxury hotels, and then there are luxury hotels – and Il Sereno, an elite escape for those both discerning and in-the-know, is certainly cut from the second cloth. If it were a suit, it would be the finest, sharpest Italy has to offer – timelessly beautiful, of course, but with the kind of added flair that comes from bespoke detailing and an almost-obsessive attention to design.
This comes from the perfect alchemy of three key ingredients. Firstly, a location whose vistas are so exceptional that it’s little wonder they have drawn the world’s glitterati for years. Second, pleasingly Bond-esque mid-century décor by famed Spanish interior designer, Patricia Urquiola; a departure from Lake Como’s traditional old-world flavour but also somehow the perfect fit. And lastly, second-to-none service that is preternaturally attuned to your needs without a hint of intrusion. All in all, a spot to write home about. Unless, of course, you’d rather keep this gem to yourself, in which case, we really wouldn’t blame you.
Not that ubiquity is in Il Sereno’s DNA. With only 30 suites and a newly opened penthouse, exclusivity and privacy runs in its blood, and with the rooms quite so fabulously decked out in wood, glass and marble that recall the tones of the scenery outside, holing up in one seems like a very enticing option. Especially when the floor-to-ceiling windows offer such spectacular views over the expansive lake and its rolling green surrounds.
The lure of said lake, and of the temperature-controlled infinity pool below, though, might prove too much to resist – not least thanks to the two bijou, custom-made wooden Riva yachts moored at the pontoon that guests are encouraged to take for a spin on the water. Undoubtedly the most picturesque way to live out any dolce vita fantasies you may well be harbouring.
Meanwhile on dry land, equally romantic escapades can be found in a passeggiata around the immaculately landscaped gardens, aperitivo on the deck at sunset, a couple’s massage at the spa (where Swiss-made Valmont products come as standard), or by dining at Il Sereno’s Michelin-star eatery, Berton al Lago. The ideal spot to don your best dress to sample the traditional-with-a-twist cuisine crafted by Executive Chef, Raffaele Lenzi. Choose from a five, seven and nine-course tasting menu while you gaze out across the water through the Moltrasio stone arches – quite possibly while pondering your luck at having found yourself here.
After all, the property has just been awarded Travel & Leisure’s Best Hotel in the World. No mean feat, but also rather unsurprising. Il Sereno seamlessly blends design you can’t help but pay attention to with unparalleled vistas, all the while maintaining a balancing act where one never overwhelms the other. It has succeeded in redefining luxury in a way that is both exciting and truly chic.
You may head to Lake Como expecting to feel like you’re the lead character in a Sophia Loren classic. The actual experience, however, is far greater than that, proving that fantasy is all well and good – but real life is sometimes even better.
For more information, visit serenohotels.com
