Dazed with the ethereal beauty around us, we head down to the harbour to catch the ferry across to neighbouring Bellagio. By now, feeling somewhat fatigued in the 86-degree heat, we stopped for a refreshing tea at the Villa Serbelloni and fortified ourselves with superb Italian coffee. A short stroll to the lakeside and we found Florence restaurant, the trailing plane trees and wisteria providing a welcome canopy to enjoy our Parmesan omelette and lasagne. Service was fast, attentive and the food delicious. Fresh ingredients and quite possibly the best omelette I’ve ever tasted.
It’s easy to travel between the golden triangle villages of Bellagio, Menaggio and Varenna in one day, but I’d recommend taking it slow, especially in the summer heat.
As well as the villages, there are world-famous villas to explore: d’Este, Carlotta, Melzi and Balbianello (used as a backdrop in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones) all with beautiful gardens and stunning lakeside vistas. No wonder Lake Como has inspired creatives from Wordsworth to George Lucas.
Nestled in verdant, luxuriant surroundings, Como, for the most part is about refinement and luxury. A relaxed enjoyment of sensual and visual pleasures, despite the tourist hordes in peak season (tip: visit in late Spring or mid-September). The local people are friendly and welcoming, English is widely spoken and even the birdsong sounds happy.
The city of Como, with its Renaissance architecture, is also worth an hour or two of your time. Take the funicular up to the mountain town of Brunate. There’s a taxi rank near the station for a ride back to Casta Diva. Or just call the hotel and they will send a car.
The region is completely enchanting and beguiling. On the western side stark rock faces the softer wooded slopes and undulating hillsides on the east. And when you’re staying in a hotel as beautiful and luxurious as the Casta Diva Resort & Spa, you’ll realise you’ve found Nirvana – as we did.
I’m completely in agreement with the sentiments of Hungarian composer Franz List who opined: “When you write the story of two happy lovers, let the story be set on the banks of Lake Como.”
He’s right. Lake Como is quite possibly the most romantic destination in Europe.
Casta Diva Resort Where and How
Double room costs from €450 per night, including breakfast. CastaDiva Resort, Via Caronti 69, Blevio, Italy (Tel: 00 39 031 32511).
Milan Malpensa Airport: www.milanomalpensa-airport.com
Lake Como official website: www.visitcomo.eu/en
Como Wedding Planners: www.mylakecomowedding.com
Getting to Lake Como
Planes: Daily flights to Milan Malpensa airport from major European cities.
Trains: The rail network runs the entire eastern side of Lake Como and connects to Milan as well as Malpensa, Bergamo and Linate airports.
Automobiles: Casta Diva will arrange airport transfers.
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