At the five-star hotel Il Sereno, visitors can immerse themselves in the dolce vita lifestyle on the iconic shores of Lake Como. Editor-in-Chief Marina S. Haq enjoyed a serene stay at this beautiful waterfront property and shares her experience.
Il Sereno Lago di Como is a small, intimate luxury hotel located on the eastern shore of Lake Como. Unlike the surrounding traditional neoclassical-style hotels, Il Sereno stands out with its contemporary and unique aesthetics, which seamlessly blend in with nature. Following the success of the Le Sereno on the Carribbean island of St. Barth, Il Sereno on Lake Como was opened, characterized by its contemporary, casual luxury, modern design and personal service. The hotel has received numerous awards, ranking among the top hotels both nationally and internationally. Last year alone, it was awarded the 2023 Travel + Leisure “No. 1 Hotel of 15 Favorite Resorts in Europe” and “No. 1 Hotel of 10 Favorite Resorts in Italy”.
Ambiance
The hotel provides a sense of grounding and connection to nature. The serene setting gives the impression of being far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city, offering a place for relaxation.
Location
Il Sereno is located in the peaceful town of Torno, on the eastern shoreline of Lake Como, a destination known for its southern flair and mild climate. The hotel is accessible both by land and water, with cars and boats offering convenient ways to explore the area. It is surrounded by the scenic beauty of the lake, mountains, lush green gardens, and idyllic villages. Guests arriving by train to Como S. Giovanni are picked up and taken to the hotel, which is less than six kilometers from the center of Como. The nearest airport is Milan Malpensa (MXP), approximately an hour away. From the airport, guests can reach Lake Como by rental car, train or, upon request, by private transportation.
Transport
Whether exploring by land or water, il Sereno offers guests a range of experiences, from riding a Vespa APE or Fiat 500 convertible to cruising on the electric Topolino or one of the new additions, a Maserati or the self-propelled boat Ernesto Riva.
Design
Il Sereno Lago di Como was designed by Milan-based Patricia Urquiola, one of the most renowned contemporary designers. Her aesthetic stands in contrast to the surrounding traditional buildings, characterized by its modern, spacious design and close connection to nature. Il Sereno engaged acclaimed French botanist Patrick Blanc, a pioneer of green walls and vertical gardens. He created three gardens at Il Sereno: Le Mirroir Vert du Lac, La Comete and Le Canyon. Blanc worked with landscape artist Flavio Pollano, who designed the beautiful ground-level garden, adding to the hotel’s natural ambiance.
Rooms
The hotel features 40 suites, ranging in size from 50 sqm to 200 sqm. These include 32 lakefront suites, three corner suites and two large lake suites with two bathrooms, a dining room, a terrace and an outdoor jacuzzi. There are also three penthouse suites, one of which is the hotel’s signature penthouse, furnished with carefully selected pieces by Patricia Urquiola. The rooms offer a lot of privacy and floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of Lake Como.
Drinks & Dining
The hotel’s restaurant, Il Sereno Al Lago, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Located direcly on the water, guests can enjoy stunning views until late in the evening on summer nights. The restaurant offers three different areas: an air-conditioned interior, a covered open-air area directly on the shore and a terrace. The restaurant is led by Chef Raffaele Lenzi, who has experience in Michelin-starred kitchens. The cuisine is modern and cosmopolitan, offering a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, and is also open to external guests. Unlike the restaurant, the pool area, where guests can enjoy a light menu, is reserved exclusively for hotel guests. In addition, the lobby offers a daily aperitivo with light bites and refreshing cocktails from 5pm. This year, guests can enjoy a private mixology experience with the new cocktail trolley designed by Patricia Urquiola, bringing classic cocktails like the Milano-Torino, Negroni, Old Fashioned or Martini directly to the suite or private terrace.
Gardens
The hotel is surrounded by a lush, sun-drenched garden offering fantastic views of Lake como. It features hidden passageways and provides a perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in the idylllic scenery.
Pool
The hotel features a nearly 20-meter-long infinity pool surrounded by sun chairs, offering an ideal spot to relax after a swim. Guests can unwind and enjoy snacks and drinks on the sundecks. A small section near the pool provides direct access to the beach. Besides swimming under the sun, guests can also enjoy the pool under the stars, as it is open 24/7, making it perfect for a midnight swim.
Spa
The spa blends naturally into the architecture of the former boathouse called darsena. The cool appearance of the centuries-old granite walls, combined with various shades of green that reflect the colors of the lake, creates a calming effect on the senses. The treatment rooms offer tranquil views of the water
Villa Pliniana
Located just 900 meters from Il Sereno, Villa Pliniana is an architectural jewel surrounded by lush green gardens, situated directly on Lake Como. Dating back to the 16th century, the villa comprises 17 luxurious suites, a spa, and two ballrooms that can accommodate up to 200 people. It also features private boat moorings, a helipad, and butler and concierge services. Managed by Sereno Hotels, Villa Pliniana serves as a spectacular venue for weddings, large celebrations, and business events.
Further Impressions of Il Sereno Lago di Como
Il Sereno Lago di Como
Via Torrazza 10
22020 Torno
Italy
ilsereno.com
info@serenohotels.com
