Rich Italian fabrics and Carrera marble again feature highly. Plush reds purples again the colour scheme; original Italian marble in the bathroom. The perfect romantic hideaway for couples, newlyweds and even those renewing their vows, Lake Como is the backdrop to romance. Another portrait of the fabulous Giuditta Pasta hangs above our bed. I have a feeling I might be dreaming about this woman, such is her omnipresence.
For guests wanting, even more, privacy, Villas Norma and Amina, situated in the grounds, are available for short-term residency, complete with private housekeeping, butler and chef. Designed by Italian interiors maestros Erasmo Figini and Alice Fratti Lucini, they have a more modern touch with the use of Como silks, wood and marble. Amina has a wonderful full-length balcony on both floors with stupendous views of Lake Como through its floor-to-ceiling windows.
Villa Norma, at the farthest end of the estate is a popular choice with celebrities who like to arrive by boat – incognito – via the Villa’s own private dock. Built in Neo-classical style, this three-bedroom villa offers guests four floors of completely secluded luxury. Enjoy a full kitchen, lakefront Jacuzzi, and games room with pool table and wet bar, a terrace and private gardens with additional security detail if required.
Keen to cool down in the 86-degree heat we headed for the large pontoon pool deck below. It feels very Talented Mr Ripley here… hot sun, cool drinks and amazing views. There’s a bar here too. Ancient trees provide cooling shade and as the hot afternoon turned a dusky orange the fountain’s light show came alive a form of colour therapy that’s echoed in the amazing spa area.
Housed underneath the main Villa in a rock-like cavern, Casta Diva’s wellness area is immense. A pool with Jacuzzi jets, huge Hamman that could fit a party of 30. A sauna for 20… everything radiates space and calm. There are four private spa suites for maximum indulgence: fire, earth, air and water. Each boasts its own kingsize waterbed, steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi. The earth suite is my favourite – built into the rock face it’s a sexy Bond-like cave lair and very peaceful. And I love the giant tropical fish tank in the water suite. You could easily spend the entire day luxuriating in this haven of tranquillity.
Other facilities in this massive wellness complex include a vitality pool with hydromassage (love those jets!), a divine Himalayan rose salt relaxation room – perfect for clearing sinuses and hangovers, special showers with mint and exotic fragrances and a Kneipp circuit and ice cascade.
The extensive range of massage and facial treatments use divine Sodashi and La Vallée products. I had a fabulous deep tissue massage which put me in a languorous mood for a Ruinart Champagne aperitif on the balcony before our al fresco dinner on the terrace at the magical L’Orangerie – Casta Diva’s upscale fine-dining restaurant.
As dusk fell into night, we watched the sunset from our lakeside table while Executive Chef Massimiliano Mandozzi and his team worked their magic in the kitchen. Chef Mandozzi is partnering with iconic Chef Enrico Derflingher as Consultant Chef to produce a series of culinary events at Casta Diva this summer.