Mandarin Oriental Lake Como
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Tucked away in the tranquil village of Blevio on Lake Como’s sun-kissed eastern shore lies Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como - a property that artfully fuses historical Italian grandeur with refined Asian hospitality. Centred around the 19th-century neoclassical Villa Roccabruna, once the cherished home of the celebrated opera soprano Giuditta Pasta, this estate has long drawn lovers of beauty and serenity. Now under the Mandarin Oriental banner, following a meticulous restoration in 2019, the villa and its surrounding gardens have blossomed into one of Europe’s most desirable luxury retreats.
From the moment guests arrive, they’re enveloped by six acres of lush botanical gardens that tumble gracefully toward the lake’s shimmering edge. The resort’s layout is wonderfully discreet: nine villas are carefully placed amid terraces and winding stone pathways that weave through ancient trees and manicured lawns, each perspective offering a new, dreamlike glimpse of the water. Perhaps its most iconic feature is the dramatic floating infinity pool, a sleek slate expanse that appears to pour directly into Lake Como. Many guests compare swimming here to drifting through a living painting.
Inside, the hotel offers just 75 rooms and suites, each designed with a calm, understated elegance that blends Italian neoclassical touches with Mandarin Oriental’s signature Asian minimalism. Some suites feature generous private terraces or balconies that capture the lake’s ever-changing moods, while luxurious marble bathrooms, soft textiles and carefully chosen artworks elevate even the quietest corners into sanctuaries of their own.
Dining at Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como is equally transportive. At L’Aria, Chef Massimiliano Blasone crafts a menu that harmoniously marries Italian tradition with subtle Japanese influences. One might savour delicate red prawns on carasau bread, follow with lobster tagliatelle, and end with an exquisitely balanced sea bass, each dish accompanied by local or international wines selected by an expert sommelier. Evenings stretch long on the veranda, where glasses catch the last golden rays dancing across the water. For more relaxed moments, the CO.MO Bar & Bistrot serves elegant yet casual lakeside fare throughout the day, while the Pool Bar offers refreshing cocktails and light dishes to accompany hours spent basking by the floating pool. Meanwhile, NAMI Café introduces playful Asian-inspired comfort food, perfect for a leisurely lunch after a morning’s exploration.
Yet perhaps it is the hotel’s approach to wellness that most distinguishes it. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como is often cited among Italy’s very best. Partially carved into the hillside, it is a sanctuary of slate and soft lighting that instantly calms. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the spa’s immersive thermal circuit, with whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms, experience showers and even an ice bath that all reflect the restorative spirit of the lake. Treatments draw on both European and Asian philosophies: an Oriental Qi massage might be paired with a chakra-balancing ritual that incorporates gemstones and bespoke essential oils, while advanced facials use Swiss techniques for visibly lifted, radiant skin. Couples frequently reserve one of the two private spa suites - complete with their own sauna or Turkish bath - for unhurried rituals that conclude with tea or a fresh infusion overlooking the water. During the warmer months, guests can also take part in complimentary lakeside yoga, tai chi in the gardens, or immersive gong sound baths, each designed to quiet the mind and restore balance.
Beyond the hotel’s enchanting grounds, Lake Como reveals endless treasures. The concierge readily arranges bespoke outings, from private boat charters that slip past centuries-old villas and hidden hamlets, to paddleboarding and kayaking adventures that discover secret coves unreachable by road. Leisurely afternoons might be spent walking the famous Lake Como Greenway, a gentle trail through olive groves and lakeside villages. Those seeking cultural gems will find inspiration at Villa del Balbianello - a Renaissance jewel immortalised by films like Casino Royale and Star Wars - or among the romantic terraces of Villa Monastero in Varenna. Meanwhile, nearby Como town invites unhurried exploration of its Gothic cathedral, charming piazzas and welcoming enotecas serving silky lake fish risottos paired with crisp local wines.
Food and culture weave together beautifully in this corner of Italy. Many guests take the opportunity to join intimate cooking classes in neighbouring villages, learning to prepare hand-rolled pasta or local lake fish before gathering around a rustic table with flowing wine. Evenings often end back at the hotel with a final glass of Franciacorta on the terrace or a quiet boat ride under starlight, the lake now a dark mirror studded with silver.
Throughout it all, the service remains elegantly unobtrusive. Staff have an intuitive gift for anticipating needs - adjusting boat schedules in response to shifting weather, preparing spa treatments tailored precisely to each guest’s energy, or simply greeting returning visitors with the warmth of old friends. Small touches, such as personalised aromatherapy pillows or thoughtfully packed picnic baskets, reinforce the sense that this is a deeply individual retreat.
Rates at Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como typically begin from around £770 to £1,030 per night, depending on the season and room choice. These stays include a generous breakfast overlooking the lake, complimentary Wi-Fi and self-parking. The hotel warmly welcomes small dogs up to 15 kg for an additional modest fee, ensuring even four-legged companions can enjoy lakeside living. While the floating pool sparkles from March through November, the spa and many of the hotel’s other facilities remain open year-round, making this a dream destination whether you seek sunlit summer days or a cosy winter escape by the fire.
In the end, Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como is much more than a luxurious hotel. It is an experience carefully choreographed to draw on centuries of Italian beauty, the serenity of water, and a deep understanding of modern wellbeing. Whether you come to lounge by the infinity pool, surrender to the healing touch of a private spa suite, or glide by boat to discover hidden coves and storybook villas, each moment here feels timeless - a gentle, unforced reminder of how effortless joy can be when everything is done with such grace.
To learn more or to book, please visit: mandarinoriental.com
