On the shores of Lake Como lies an original 18th century retreat.

Originally built as an opulent 18th-century aristocratic home, Passalacqua has hosted political, musical, and artistic figures, making it one of the most popular hotels for international travelers.

Situated on 7 acres high above the northern Italian village of Moltrasio, it features terraced gardens that extend to the shores of Lake Como. This historic 18th century estate has been reinvented as a retreat with 24 monumental suites.

Steeped in history, the property has hosted the aristocracy as well as some of the world's most brilliant minds in music, literature, art and politics, from French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte to Italian composer Vincenzo Bellini and former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

 

 

Passalacqua offers luxurious suites in three accommodations - Palazz, La Villa and Casa al Lago - each with its own distinctive character and charm.

The main historic residence, La Villa, offers 12 sumptuous suites celebrating the grand Italian Baroque style and original frescoes, including a double-height balustraded music room where Bellini played the piano.

The Palazz, originally known as "The Old Stables," houses 8 suites with centuries-old exposed beams, gleaming damask walls, and an impressive spiral staircase. It is a romantic retreat tucked away behind the villa like an opera intermezzo, combining the warmth of a country house with exquisite design details.

The Casa al Lago, for its part, is immersed in the greenery of the estate's garden, close to the water. It represents a magical world of its own. Its four rooms overlook Lake Como and are the most charming and eclectic form of Passalacqua.

 

 

 

 

The Wonderful Fountains

The majestic terraced gardens overlooking Lake Como are simply extraordinary, with private retreats and more than 15 enchanting fountains. The grounds are filled with centuries-old trees that are considered some of the most historic and well-preserved in all of Italy.

The Italian Gardens are located at the highest point of the property and offer a panoramic view of the lake, while the ancient conservatory overlooks the 65 ft. swimming pool, surrounded by umbrellas and sunbeds covered with a fabric created especially for Passalacqua by fashion designer JJ Martin.

The hotel, restaurant and gardens are open exclusively to guests, as is the bright orange Spiaggina, the original old Fiat 500 convertible used to transport guests to their suites.

 

 

When it comes to dining

Passalacqua's culinary philosophy focuses on a relaxed "home away from home" approach. Guests can enjoy authentic and simple home-style Italian cuisine, with dishes prepared with fresh ingredients, and are encouraged to visit the kitchens and chat with the culinary team to discuss the day's menu. Guests are invited to choose their dining location on the property, either on one of the terraces, in the rose garden, or by the lake.

In addition to romantic gourmet dinners, casual alfresco lunches, and light, fresh Italian fare at the Double J Pool Bar Pavilion, it is possible to get caught up in an impromptu pasta-making session that might turn into a wine tasting or be interrupted by the arrival of a box of truffles to savor.

The spa at the Palazz is a world unto itself. Located in the soaring vaults and columns of the ground-floor lobby, it combines the rural style of Como with a mystical touch. The salon and treatment rooms pay homage to a golden age of travel and relaxation.

To create the menu of services, they turned to renowned wellness innovator Barbara Sturm, an aesthetic physician with a strong background in anti-inflammatory medicine and a natural, non-toxic approach to skin care. Massages and facials are at the heart of the spa's menu, inspired to relax, revitalize and restore health.

 

 

 

An original spa

But the most surprising discovery is underground: the Sottoterra Spa. Beneath the Passalacqua Gardens, which connect the Palazz, Villa and Casa il Lago, there is a secret gallery excavated sometime in the 18th century. The purpose of the passage - whether it was for the passage of servants, a dry route for rainy days, or the facilitation of a romantic rendezvous - is not known for certain. We may never know, but one thing is certain: the sauna and steam bath were installed in this vaulted stone chamber, the most atmospheric feature of the gallery.

To get physically in tune, yoga and meditation are part of the Passalacqua's daily routine. For fitness enthusiasts, there is one of the most picturesque gyms, equipped with the latest machines, where you can walk through the ancient greenhouse and into the olive grove to enjoy the best workout with a unique view.

As a result of the attention paid to Passalacqua, in the inaugural list The World's 50 Best Hotels by 50 Best, published at a ceremony held at the Guildhall Palace in London, where exceptional hotel experiences around the world were highlighted, Passalacqua topped the list for the quality of its services and facilities. The ranking reflects the best travel practices as determined by 580 anonymous voters, a mix of hoteliers, journalists and experienced travelers from around the world.

 

 

 

 

Text: ± Photo: Hotel Passalacqua