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Villa d'Este

Italy

Villa d'Este

In Cernobbio, the boat's waiting for you in front of Villa d'Este. First a cardinal's villa, then the property of a Queen of England, the place has racked up as much historical finery as anecdotes fit to make the finest aesthetes envious. Through suites dotted here and there with antiques, cherished pieces from former owners like the Adam and Eve attributed to Antonio Prestinari in the Canova bar, or overflowing floral arrangements, it's a theatrical Italy that unfolds to the lapping of Lake Como. Hitchcock even dedicated a film to it, aptly named "The Pleasure Garden." In the gardens, you wander the Renaissance landscape theatre, where statues, basins, fountains accompany a light lunch at the Grill, or a glass of spumante on the Sundeck planks. A house with an air of eternity about it.

Accommodations

What we like

The swim

The swim

A few mandatory lengths in the floating pool on the lake.

The panorama

The panorama

The Cardinal Suite, with its broad terrace looking out over the waters of Lake Como.

The flavour

The flavour

A crispy Principe di Fino egg, wild hop shoots and Parmigiano Reggiano Vacche Rosse at La Veranda.

Location

Address

Via Regina, 40

22012 Italy

Airport

Fifty minutes by private transfer from Milan Malpensa airport.

Cernobbio, west shore

Aboard a private boat, explore Bellagio, the Villa del Balbianello, or the charming village of Menaggio.

At a glance

Public areas: free

In room: free

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