Passalacqua

A true labor of love from owner Valentina de Santis and her family— the proprietors of nearby Grand Hotel Tremezzo—this Lake Como newcomer already seems like it’s been there for decades. And in one respect, it has: the main building is a thoughtfully restored 18th-century villa that once welcomed such figures as Napoleon and Winston Churchill. De Santis and her family have left no stone unturned in designing the hotel—everything from the gorgeous art collection to the custom pool umbrellas feels as if personally chosen by a consummate host. Passalacqua offers a different experience from other top Lake Como properties: at only 24 rooms and suites, spread across three buildings and five acres of land, the hotel masterfully strikes the balance between elegant and cozy, making good on De Santis’s promise that guests will feel like they’re staying in a home rather than a hotel.

The Standout: The opulent 2,700-square-foot Bellini Suite, the largest in all of Lake Como, named after the storied opera composer who once wrote behind those very walls

Don’t Miss: A private boat day on a classic wooden boat

• The design elements throughout the rooms, all sourced from Italian artisans
• The dreamy gardens, spread across eight terraces, for private dinners or chic picnics
• The secret underground tunnel system that connects the property from the spa all the way to the lake and stunning terraced gardens

With a premier waterfront location and views of the iconic Lake Como, Passalacqua is a dreamy sister property to the iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo that is the perfect balance of historic Italian glamor and playful, modern touches.

Each of the 24 rooms are individually designed with distinct personalities and design touches sourced from all over Italy. Most rooms are located in the main historic villa building (including the famed Belline Suite) or in the Palazz, the building right behind the main building. Casa di Lago, the smallest of the three buildings, has four suites that can be rented out as a whole, giving families or groups of friends essentially their own private villa within the hotel.

There are seemingly endless gardens and grounds for guests to explore and relax in while soaking up the views of the iconic lake, though the pool provides an especially great view of the lake. The property also hosts complimentary activities like gelato-making classes and bocce tournaments, which can make guests feel like they need never leave.

Passalacqua has gone for a casual but elevated approach to dining: while there are restaurants in the main villa and poolside, the kitchen remains open to guests, so you might pop in for a snack between meal times or to watch the chefs in action. The restaurant and facilities are all reserved for hotel guests only, adding a sense of exclusivity that doesn't feel fussy. Without spoiling all the surprises, take note—the stunning bones of the property combined with the De Santis family’s impeccable taste makes for a hotel that you’ll be dreaming of long after you check out.

Most Indagare members will love Passalacqua. There are several connecting options for families, but would work equally well for honeymooners and couples, or groups of friends. If you want something classic with playful modern touches, this hotel is for you.