6 of the Best Hotels For a Decadent Minimoon on Italy’s Lake Como

17 Feb

If you’re after a dreamy European escape straight after your wedding day, then Lake Como could be just the ticket for a relaxed yet beautifully scenic minimoon. Nestled amidst stunning mountains and glistening waters, this idyllic destination provides the perfect blend of romance and tranquillity. Couples can indulge in luxurious accommodation, gourmet dining experiences, serene boat rides and exploring the local charming villages such as Bellagio and Varenna for a touch of la dolce vita. However with many of the hotels treating you to decadent lake fronted swimming pools and terraces, you may never want to leave your sun lounger!

Below we’ve listed 6 of our favourite hotels to stay in for a minimoon (or honeymoon!) in Lake Como, to help get you inspired.

1. Passalacqua

Dating back to the 18th century, the picturesque Passalacqua was originally created as a place for friends, family and loved ones to connect over delicious food and good company, and as a hotel they aim to honour this legacy through all that they do. Once home to the composer Bellini, the beautiful hotel is nestled right on the shoreline of Lake Como and is surrounded by 7 acres of old cedars, magnolias and olive groves, bringing a wonderful and fragrant atmosphere to the place. The hotel comprises of 24 rooms including 9 suites, with the rooms set across three buildings - The Main Villa, The Palazz and Casa al Lago. Each room is kitted out with a sound system that features three channels of playlists, with one purely playing opera music by Bellini. During your stay there, be sure to make the most of the waterside pool, hidden spa, yoga classes, cinema nights, tennis courts and sunset boat rides with Beppe the Boatman. The hotel also has a number of tunnels beneath it, one of which will take you directly to the marina.

Visit website

2. MUSA Lago Di Como

Located right on the waterfront opposite Isola Comacina, MUSA Lago Di Como is a beautiful boutique hotel with just 12 bedrooms, perfect positioned right by a public jetty so you can easily hop on a boat and explore. Run by two acclaimed chefs, you can expect delicious food and drinks in the comfort of lovely contemporary interiors and an overall earthy and natural aesthetic. Enjoy fine dining in their main restaurant Roteo, with beautifully presented, delicious dishes, followed by innovative cocktails in their bar. Enjoy a real restaurant experience every morning at breakfast too, with all dishes made to order. The hotel is also home to a swimming pool, complimentary paddle boards, an open air workout area, sauna, steam room and treatment room.

Visit website

3. Grand Hotel Tremezzo

A stunning Art Nouveau mansion filled with history located on the shoreline of Lake Como, this 90 bedroom hotel is home to an impressive three swimming pools with one right on the lake, another in the garden and one indoors, all nestled within beautiful 100 year old gardens. When you’re not lazing under a pinstriped parasol by one of their many pools, you can enjoy their luxurious T Spa which uses prestigious Santa Maria Novello products and is home to five treatment rooms, a spa suite for couples, nail bar, hammam, sauna, steam bath and whirlpool. It even has a constant stock of herbal teas and snacks to enjoy during your time in there. Throughout your stay you can expect impeccable service, delicious food and beverages and enviable views as you truly unwind. Plus if you’re feeling really fancy, why not stay in one of their gorgeous rooftop suites complete with their own heated outdoor jacuzzis.

Visit website

4. Mandarin Oriental

As to be expected from this highly acclaimed hotel group, Lake Como’s Mandarin Oriental is a true beauty. With romance woven through its history as the former home of opera singer Giuditta Pasta, with composers such as Bellini and Rossini holidaying there, this continues on through into their sumptuous and pretty interiors. Relax in rooms filled with beautiful Chinoiserie inspired wallpapers or in the light filled Drawing Room with tall french windows looking out onto the lake, soaking in all the beauty both the hotel and the surroundings have to offer. Consisting of a large grand villa and several annexes surrounded by manicured botanical grounds, it’s a calm oasis due to it being set a slight distance from the more touristy parts of the lake. That being said, it is still just a short boat ride from attractions, and the hotel also has a complimentary shuttle service that runs guests into the centre of Como. Dine in their premium 'L’Aria restaurant, which serves Italian-Japanese fusion food, or in their casual Italian restaurant Como Bar and Bistro. The hotel is also home to the area’s largest spa, offering a expansive steam room, multiple saunas, plunge pool, ice showers, hot tub, large hydrotherapy pool along with having a beautiful floating pool right on the lake. The hotel can also organise a number of experience, including forest bathing, wine tasting and boat tours, to name just a few.

Visit website

5. Hotel Belvedere

Lovingly run by the Martinelli Manoni family since the 1880s, this history filled hotel has had five generation care for it, with each generation adding its own special touch. Encouraging you to enjoy a slower pace of life and savour the moment, every room is designed to feel like a family home, with beautiful serene and modern bedrooms. A well-loved hotel for both far flung travellers and locals, it is known for its high levels of service, accommodation and food. Consisting of three buildings surrounded by beautiful gardens with wonderful views over the eastern shores of Lake Como, you’ll find the rooms either located in the main house or within villas in the garden, along with plenty of sun terraces on their private tiered lawn, a swimming pool and massage pool. The 64 bedroom hotel also has a spa and health centre, including a gym, Turkish bath, sauna, sensory showers and spa. In the daytime walk to the Bellagio just 15 minutes away and enjoy the cobbled streets, shops, cafes and eateries and in the evening unwind at their A La Carte Panoramic Restaurant, as you tuck into delicious food and drinks looking out over the lake and mountains.

Visit website

6. Hotel Villa Cipressi

Nestled right on the lake in Varenna, one of the most romantic towns on the lake, the pretty Hotel Villa Cipressi offers an authentic Italian experience. Just a short two minute walk from the main village and jetty where you can explore Lake Como by boat, it consists of three buildings that used to be individual private residences, with the oldest one dating back to the 1400s. Recently renovated to bring it into the modern day whilst still retaining its original features and grandeur, you can expect interiors filled with Corinthian columns, decorated ceilings, marble and wrought iron staircases, with several rooms looking out over the terrace and lake beyond. The hotel also has an elevated pathway leading to their sister property Hotel Royal Victoria, where you’ll have access to their private wellness area consisting of sauna and steam rooms, complimentary yoga and sound bath sessions, and their restaurant Victoria Grill. Plus you’ll have unparalleled access to their incredible gardens, which are one of the area’s major highlights in themselves.

Visit website