Villa d'Este

Villa d’Este occupies an enviable spot on Lake Como, amid 25 acres of luxuriously landscaped park. The villa was originally built in 1568 as the summer residence for Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio and was the favourite playground of an Empress, an English Queen and many aristocrats. In 1873 it was transformed into a luxury hotel and has been continuously updated and renovated. Today Villa d'Este provides the ultimate in modern luxury whilst maintaining its enchanting old-world charm and character and the intimacy of a private home.

Inside, guest rooms and suites are split between the Cardinal Building and Queen’s Pavilion, where over 140 years of tradition blends flawlessly with modern comforts; all rooms are individually decorated and furnished with antiques, silk brocade drapes, oil paintings and Como silk furnishings. Views vary from those looking across the lake to others onto the park and magnificent gardens.

Guests may dine in the elegant atmosphere of the Veranda restaurant overlooking the lake and the gardens, in the cozy and informal “Grill” or simply enjoy an aperitif at the jasmine-scented terrace bar, overlooking the lake.

Activities at Villa d’Este include a variety of sports facilities: floating pool on the lake, an indoor pool, tennis courts, squash, sauna, steam bath and a jogging track, as well as all types of water sports. The Beauty Centre, where principles are based on Zen philosophy, provides the perfect oasis to replenish mind, body and soul. For golf enthusiasts there are a putting green and golf simulator on property and several 18-hole golf courses nearby. Two exclusive private villas, Villa Malakoff and Villa Cima, located inside the property, can be rented for ultimate privacy.