After Genoa, I took to the road again to visit one of the most beautiful properties on Lake Como: the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, which was still on my bucket list. Since opening in 1910, it has hosted glamorous guests from Greta Garbo to Natalie Portman. This family-owned icon commands spectacular panoramic views over the town of Bellagio and the Grigna mountain massif. Its 90 rooms offer stunning views of the lake or the magnificent park and gardens. I’m a keen swimmer but I found it hard to decide where I would like to do my laps each day. I could dive into the amazing floating pool on the lake, the lake itself or the beautiful pool in the park.

This is one of the few places where you check in and then don’t think of leaving. Why would you? It has those three incredible pools, T Beach, an amazing spa treatment area designed by Santa Maria Novella, a top-notch gym, yoga classes, tennis court, the T Shop and last but not least five restaurants and bars. I had the pleasure of dining in La Terraza Gualtiero Marchesi, named after the founder of modern Italian cuisine and whose influence lives on in the kitchens of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo. It serves iconic dishes prepared by chef Osvaldo Presazzi, who trained under Marchesi. I tremendously enjoyed the saffron risotto with gold leaf followed by monkfish on a red bed of tomato sauce. The next day, for something more casual, I ate at the more informal L’Escale which serves traditional Italian trattoria fare. It has a spectacular view of Lake Como through the window behind the bar. How funny that I had to come here to discover the best spaghetti all’amatriciana I have ever had. Better even than in Lazio. Bartender Ricardo prepares exquisite cocktails and L’Escale has also an impressive wine list. If you want to go for a little adventure outside the property, I recommend you do what I did and book an excursion on one of the hotel’s beautiful Venetian launches. My captain, Carlo, showed me all the hidden gems and villas on the lake. Or, of course, you can visit the nearby Villa Sola Cabiati. Once belonging to the Dukes of Serbelloni, this magnificent residence is renowned for the authentic beauty of its rooms, with frescos of the Tiepolo school, and its magnificent gardens. It now also offers guests of Grand Hotel Tremezzo unique experiences and events. Back at the hotel, I really like the fact that this grand Art Nouveau palazzo has been brought into our modern times with great taste and without losing its wonderful heritage by the use of chic, lively colours like orange, fuchsia and lime green in its décor. The service is impeccable and it really is refreshing to see a young and dynamic staff. Just before I left, I had the pleasure of meeting Valentina De Santis, the charming and energetic owner and CEO. She explained with passion how her grandfather had bought and developed the property, how her father, a fervent art lover, had organised exhibitions at the hotel and how important it is for her to work closely with the hotel team, who she sees as her big family. This is truly a home away from home.