All your cares fade away as you pass the imposing entrance of this incomparable estate bordering Lake Como, surely one of the most romantic lakes in the world. Villa d’Este occupies a stunning location and is surrounded by ten hectares of enchanted parkland with century-old trees, statuary and vibrant flower beds. Surrounded by all this beauty and glamour, it is one of the few grand hotels genuinely worthy of the name. The magnificent views from every part of the hotel are unique and it seems that everyone on the terrazza has time for a good conversation. But Villa d’Este is not a time-capsule because, despite its classical atmosphere, it offers a very contemporary experience: a certain ‘old-world class’ but with a modern feel.

I had the pleasure of visiting this unique icon most recently in September 2022 as it celebrated its 150th season since it opened as a hotel in 1873. Today, Villa d’Este offers 152 rooms in two principal buildings; although they offer different décors, they share the exemplary hospitality that can be expected of one of Europe’s legendary resorts. There are also four private villas within the park, Villa Malakoff, Villa Cima, Villa Garrovo and Mosaic House, offering optimum privacy for those who desire it. You can occupy yourself fully throughout the day; perhaps on tennis courts or in the Spa, the famous Sporting Club which offers every health, beauty, and fitness facility. And in addition to the indoor pool there is, of course, the unique pool in the lake. On the first day of our stay, we opted to dine in Villa d’Este’s main restaurant, The Veranda (men are required to wear a jacket in the evening) and tremendously enjoyed a mezzi paccheri with scampi, artichokes and dried capers and shared the sea bass in salt crust with seasonal vegetables. As an alternative, there is also the Grill, slightly more informal but still offering the impeccable service that characterises the Villa d’Este.

We had a marvellous time and before long I hope to return for the acclaimed Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este where for three days every year the gardens of Villa d’Este host beautiful historic cars and people with a shared passion for motoring.