Il Sereno Luxury Design Hotel on Lake Como

Close Enough To Switzerland, Far Away Enough To Be Another World…

Lake Como is just around three and a half hours away from Zurich and it makes for a wonderful getaway. If you’re looking for somewhere luxurious to stay which is really special, Il Sereno ticks all the boxes – and more! Bloomberg have described the hotel as “Europe’s most luxurious new hotel” and if you stay here, you will understand why.

It’s a luxury design hotel located directly on Lake Como with a Michelin star restaurant, a beautiful Valmont Spa and the most dreamy infinity pool. What’s more is that each of its rooms has the most amazing views directly over Lake Como. It has a friendly, relaxed vibe where everyone knows your name and you can immediately relax and feel at home.

The hotel is a masterpiece of design. Built into the cliffside of the Como coastline in 2016 in the little village of Torno it is less than 20 minutes from Como. It was the brainchild of Spanish born designer Patricia Urquiola. Known for her B&B Italia and Louis Vuitton collections, the W Retreat and Spa on Vieques Island in Puerto Rico, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Barcelona and well as IGNIV Restaurant Zurich she is regarded as one of the world’s leading designers. Every tiny detail has been thought through. Not only does it look beautiful and in keeping with the coastline from the outside, but its interiors are absolutely stunning.

Growing vertically, the hotel’s botanical gardens were designed by Patrick Blanc and give a connection with nature directly entwined with the building.

Arrival at Il Sereno

Il Sereno is also a great place to visit in the current climate as it is extremely Covid safe since so much of the hotel is outside and its design allows for so much fresh air to pass through the main areas. As you arrive, your car is taken care of and you walk through a discreet temperature sensor along a flower lined path way with orange trees and colourful shrubs towards reception.

Check in takes place outside with a non-alcoholic welcome drink as you take in the magnificent views. The main area is open and breezy and masks and hand sanitizer are readily available everywhere.

A Hotel Full of Lake View Suites

Each of Il Sereno’s 30 suites has a lake view and balcony or terrace with seating.

Our room the “Il Alcova” suite, was bright, spacious and modern. It had a very practical and well designed little “alcove room” complete with sofa bed just off the main room and was perfect for us since we had our daughter in tow. Everywhere you notice that attention to detail is very much in evidence.

The views from the room balcony over the pool, garden and lake are simply stunning.

I really loved the warmth of the copper accessories in the bathroom and the illuminated pop up mirror next to the basin and the dressing room with its rich dark wood. As well as a stylish stand alone bath you also have a separate shower and the floors are made of a beautiful natural stone.

Michelin Star Restaurant Berton Al Lago

The Michelin starred Berton Al Lago restaurant with Chef Andrea Berton and Executive Chef Rafaele Lenzi received its Michelin star within 12 months of opening and the dishes are truly amazing.

As well the A La Carte Menu there are a number of tasting menus to choose from including the 7 course vegetarian menu and the 7 course Mediterranean meu. We chose the 9 course “Surprise” menu which is called “Trust Us”. It’s an absolutely wonderful experience (and best enjoyed when you have only had the lightest of lunches) as you get to try so many small dishes which represent the chef’s cuisine.

The whole menu was not just visually enticing but an amazing sensation for your tastebuds. Our compliments to the chef for an amazing menu for which you can also enjoy a matching wine pairing, or of course simply choose your own drinks to accompany.

Seating in the restaurant is both indoors and outdoors but even inside you have open access to the lake.

We also enjoyed our al fresco breakfast here too, sitting on the water’s edge with the gentle lapping of Lake Como at our feet as the sun shone above. Simply delightful.

The Infinity Pool

The 20 metre long infinity pool with views over the lake is simply stunning. There are plenty of loungers as well as the very pretty and beautifully designed little “tent” loungers which offer shade and relaxation.

The very attentive service means that you want for nothing. Water and drinks arrive before you’ve even wondered if you’re thirsty and relaxation is guaranteed.

There is further seating in the adjoining garden if you fancy a wander and again more magnificent views. You can borrow one of the hotels Stand Up Paddleboards or canoes and take to the lake or simply watch the boats and lake line splendour.

Il Sereno’s Boats

The Hotel’s three custom designed Cantiere Ernesto Riva boats enable you to discover more of Lake Como. You can either go for a ride in the skippered boat or take out on of the two “self drive boats”- what’s more is that you don’t even need a licence.

We had a wonderful experience driving past the colourful little lakeside villages and although we didin’t spot “George” we did have amazing fun. It’s very exhilarating and the perfect way to view the lake.

The Valmont Spa

The Valmont Spa is located in the old boat house and has views directly across the lake. There is a great menu of treatments on the Spa menu and there is also a relaxing jacuzzi there too.

Villa Pliniana

A few hundred metres further up the road is the 16th Century Villa Pliniana which is also owned by the hotel. With 19 bedrooms, 18 acres of beautiful gardens, a private pool and spa area, helipad and private boat dock, the Villa can be rented out or hired for private events.

Conclusion

The hotel is simply fabulous and its staff go the extra mile in every way possible to make you feel welcome. Its unique design, wonderful friendliness and its relaxing vibe make you feel at home instantly. Quite simply, I can’t wait to go back!

Il Sereno