One of the most coveted holiday destinations in the world, Italy’s Lake Como, just keeps getting more extraordinary. 

For centuries, the glacial lake located in the northern Italian region of Lombardy, surrounded by the majestic Alps and near the Swiss border, has been famous for its crystal-clear waters, lush greenery, and picturesque landscapes.

 

The serene, scenic… and cooler environment has been attracting the who’s who of Italian society escaping the summer heat of the cities for centuries. And travelers from around the world are in on the secret now, too.

 

Lake Como has attracted celebrities and prominent figures for decades. George Clooney, for example, famously owns a villa on the lake, and the region has been the backdrop for various films (one of Clooney’s “Oceans…” films, James Bond and more) and high-profile events, further adding to its allure.

 

The towns and villages that dot the shores of Lake Como are incredibly charming and offer a taste of traditional Italian life. Some of the most famous towns include Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, and Como. These towns feature colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, quaint cafes, and beautiful gardens and both humble and traditional, as well as world-class fine Italian dining, making them perfect for leisurely strolls and exploration and indulging in Italian lifestyle.

 

The region boasts elegant villas and palaces, such as Villa Carlotta, Villa del Balbianello, and Villa Serbelloni, which showcase architectural beauty and house art collections. Additionally, there are churches, museums, and ancient ruins that provide insight into the area's past.

 

For those not privileged to have a villa on Lake Como, never fear. The region is also known for its luxury hotels, spas, and dining establishments, making it one of the most privileged vacation destinations in one of the most popular countries for tourists.

 

 

Visitors can the Italian summer heat in the crystal-clear waters, including swimming, boating, and water sports. Visitors can rent boats, kayaks, or paddleboards to explore the lake's pristine waters. Sailing is particularly popular, and the lake hosts regattas and boat races throughout the year.

 

Lake Como is also a celebrated Italian wellness destination. Many luxurious hotels and spas offer stunning views of the lake and provide a serene atmosphere for rejuvenation and pampering.

 

In such an elevated atmosphere, one luxury Lake Como hotel has upped the ante.

 

The Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como, occupies a private setting on the sunlit shores of the lake in the 19^th-century Villa Roccabruna, transformed into a hotel with 73 rooms and suites and 2 private villas.

 

In addition to relaxing walks around the property and activities arranged by the resort’s Sports and Adventure team, guests now have new ways to drink in the hotel’s idyllic lake views.

 

The resort’s new, 131+ foot floating pool on the lake (pictured, top) is one of the largest infinity floating pools in the world. An architectural and stylish masterpiece, it was designed by the ‘star-chitectect’ firm Herzog & de Meuron. Spectacularly situated right on the lake and offering unobstructed views across the water, the pool’s sundeck or new café are the perfect spots for basking on sunloungers or in cabanas from morning to sunset.

 

The Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como also has a redesigned Spa featuring two private Spa Suites, two single treatment rooms, one couples’ treatment room, a beauty studio, a holistic heat and water experience area, and a zen garden with lake views.