LIVE, LOVE, TASTE, EXPLORE
where - Teeny tiny Moltrasio, with it’s layers of rust-coloured roofs, deep green shutters and earthy stone villas weaving their way higgledy-piggledy across the mountainside, is really really pretty. Past the glitziness and glamour of Grand Hotel Tremezzo and George Clooney puff, you will find Passalacqua politely perched.
la villeggiatura - At Passalacqua’s grand baroquely Italian suites, spread across three impeccably restored edifices, the focus is on the sheer unabashed joy of “la villeggiatura”. Where the only sounds you can hear is water spouting from fountains intermingling with the gentle tolling of bells from the ancient church.
explore - Seven acres of landscaped terraced gardens, olive groves, ancient climbing roses, fat terracotta pots plump with lemon trees, cedar trees and magnolia bask in the rippling shade of emerald from the lake. Romantic landscapes ribbon out on all sides so you really feel the beauty of Lake Como here; the abundant open natural gorgeousness of it all.
live - The 12-suite Villa in a soft cream, with pale green shutters dates back to the 18th Century. It’s grand neoclassical music room was where Vincenzo Bellini composed the opera La Sonnambula. Acquired by the De Santis family at auction several years ago, its been lovingly restored. Amongst the original frescoes and carvings you will find exquisite suites furnished tastefully with heirlooms, artwork and one-of-a-kind pieces, so that each room has it’s own personality. I stayed in Agata, a ginormous duck-egg blue and cream suite, with it’s silk drapes and shutters that when pulled open envelope you with views of Lake Como, pine trees, mountains and big open skies. All are decorated with flawless good taste – minibars housed in etched-glass cabinets, Bottega Conticelli vintage-style steamer trunks and Beltrami bed linens made with natural wood fibres. And there’s more. Thick, mustard-yellow leather note books … fat coffee table books … juicy fresh oranges on silver plates. And the smells – bespoke Aqua di Como diffusers, bath products and eau de parfums, all simply divine.
dolce far niente - In a moment of quiet, before we met Moltrasio born and bred Alex, and before the Negroni aperitivo and frothy martinis, and before the dinner that evening where we sat in the Sala Ovale and ate fresh Italian cuisine I just pootled, slowly through the gardens and olive groves and stared and stared at the lake. Most fun of all is the bright orange Spaggina to whisk you about and the lake-view pool with it’s JJ Martin cheeky parasols lined with bright pink roses, olive padded sun loungers and yellow tiled side tables like egg yolks.
love - We took to the water on a vintage motor launch, glided across to pretty Bellagio and saw pistachio coloured villages, smart smart estates and islands. Villa Balbiano – House of Gucci, Villa del Balbianello – Casino Royal and Villa La Casinalla – Richard Branson. We jaunted across to the Grand Hotel Tremezzo and sucked Aperol Spritzers through orange straws. At midday we ate raw fish at Giacomo. And I feel in love … with Italy all over again. Caragh sang opera with Alberto. We were seduced by classic Italian guitar music. So special, so warm, so friendly. Jenny repeatedly had tears in her eyes! Valentina treated us like family; and there was laughter. Lots and lots of laughter.
inspiration - Click here for more glorious inspiration on Passalacqua follow me on Instagram for snippets of joyful travel inspiration, spectacular offers and go to the contact form or call me to discuss your travel plans.
Clare xx