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The Glorious Hotels of Lake Como:Magical settings for exquisite hotels
By Carolan Nathan
There are many exquisite spots to visit on our planet earth but one of the most magical of all is Italy where land and sea meet in a glorious cacophony of sight and sound. Wherever you visit in this diverse country, you are struck by the beauty of nature, the incredible works of man and, on a more mundane level, the diversity of wine and food.I would like to suggest a visit to a charming hill town and a beautiful villa overlooking Lake Como. History records that Pliny the Younger stayed in this villa in AD 114 and that later it became the home of the Serbelloni dukes. In 1872, the Grand Hotel Villa Bellagio opened its doors and visitors from all over the world flocked to stay in this extravagantly embellished hotel with its expensive tapestries, rare antique carpets and high gilded ceilings. Over a century later, the
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is still a haven of luxurious comfort and tranquility with its four star restaurant featuring cucina alto adige which is sophisticated cuisine influenced over the centuries by the cuisine of Italy's many conquerors. All bedrooms are en suite with views of either Lake Como or the villa's flower filled gardens. A Health and Beauty Center is situated behind the Villa and it is most pleasurable to walk the wooded slope and enjoy the gymnasium, squash courts and classes in relaxation techniques, aerobics and yoga besides the many beauty treatments that are offered. The little hill town of Bellagio has many sidewalk cafes and shops. Tiny winding
passageways curve upwards in a series of almost endless steps. But the climb is very worthwhile because the view of the mountains reaching down to the waters of Lake Como and soaring up to be lost in the cloudless sky. These are the Pre-Alps towering in front of the snow-tipped Alps bordering Switzerland. In early April, I was fortunate to be at the annual opening of the Hotel du Lac situate on the main thoroughfare. With a world-renowned restaurant featuring cucina autentica, cucina povera - authentic cooking of regional local produce, this lovely little hotel offers much to travelers who want to enjoy the pleasures of comfort and eating in a relaxed ambiance. Luca Leoni and his charming English wife, together with June Leoni, the grand dame of this establishment have combined their talent, each bringing forth a different aspect to satisfy the needs of their guests. Tea and cakes have become a fashionable rite in the area and, on Saturdays and Sundays, the lake in front of the hotel is crowded with boats waiting to moor because there is not enough space on the landing stage. Everyone flocks to sit under the porticoes to enjoy aromatic teas and coffees, homemade cakes and pastries, cocktails, aperitifs and tasty snacks.
A little bit of whimsy for you. Arturo Leoni and his wife June were on a boat trip on the lake when the boatsman, chatting about this and that, pointed to an old Bellagio hotel that was on the market. Right then and there the Leoni's decided it was for them and since 1954, the hotel has been run as a family establishment with Luca continuing the good work and his sons sharing their father's passion and enthusiasm. The rooms are not overly large but well furbished with ensuite bathrooms tiled in the glorious blues and acqua colors of the ever-changing waters of the Lake. The barman, chef , maitre d'hotel and room manager have all been with the Du Lac for years and the clientele, many of whom not only return year after year, but often take up residence for the whole summer to enjoy the warm and friendly pleasures offered by this reasonably priced family hotel.
There are many little towns bordering the cool waters of Como and it is easy to journey from one to the other on ferry boats that chug merrily across at all hours of the day and night. Varenna is just one of the delightful places I visited. The Hotel Royal Victoria sits in sartorial splendor in the central square, overlooking the Lake on one side and the busy marketplace on the other. This deluxe four-star hotel combines the charm of a bygone epoch with up-to-date, refurbished bedrooms and bathrooms ensuite . Deep comfy lounges to sit and relax in for coffee and tea. A beautiful flower-filled patio overlooking the Lake where cocktails, dinner and breakfast can be enjoyed. In the dining room the food is created by a knowledgeable chef well-versed in Italian food and wine.
Lago di Como has many interesting places to visit and stay. If you are looking for a darling little bed and breakfast, the Hotel Milano, owned by a charming lady offers homey comforts and some bedrooms overlook the Lake.
You can take lovely walks by the lakeside in Menaggio; visit the Cistercian Abbey of Piona ; the Museum of the Grigne Mountains in Ensino and the Villa Cipressi. Not far over the pass is Lugano in Switzerland; Milano is 60 km. distant and Malpenso airport 100 km. Drive the winding lakeside roads and see magnificent scenery with picturesque villages nestling in wooded hills.. Or drive up into the San Primo mountains and find lovely little trattorias serving venison and other game dishes with polenta, a speciality of the Lombardia region. Stop for delicious food and wine and forget about what your nutritionists and the media have told you about butter and salt and cream, just enjoy God's bounty, you'll be amazed how good you look and feel!
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
Bellagio, Como
Hotel du Lac
Bellagio, Como
Tel.031/950320
Hotel Royal Victoria
Tel. 0341 815111
