Possibly one of the most buzzed about openings of 2016, Il Sereno Lago di Como has finally welcomed its first guests this month. The design hotel comes from the same owners as the Sereno in Saint Barthélemy and was designed by Milan-based designer Patricia Urquiola, known as one of the best in the industry. Her products include collections for brands such as Louis Vuitton, Baccarat, B&B Italia, BMW and Moroso.
Urquiola was tasked with using as many local artisans as possible, which included utilizing Como’s famed furniture makers. Il Sereno’s owners wanted a hotel that felt as special their Saint Barthélemy property and one that was contemporary with understated décor. The result? An elegant retreat rich with top Italian names like Cassina, B&B Italia and Molteni as well as custom furniture, wall coverings, lamps, rugs, bathtubs and bathroom fixtures. Among the more notable pieces are $1,700 “Silverlake” armchairs designed by Urquiola as well as $7,000 sculpted wood tables made in Botswana on each suite’s terrace.
With just 30 suites, the sought-after hotel is already booking up fast, with its available rooms not being open until mid-October. All accommodations feature panoramic views of Lake Como and private terraces, along with grey, walnut, blue and green earth tones. Amenities include 24-hour room service, complimentary Wi-Fi, private bar, robes and towels made by D. Porthault, and toiletries by Ex Voto Paris.
Matching its already-esteemed digs, the property’s restaurant has a big name behind its cuisine as well. Helmed by Michelin starred chef Andrea Berton, who received four Michelin stars across three restaurants, the menu is refined yet approachable. The offerings are inspired by the region with everything from Lake Como’s fish and aromatic herbs to the risotto of Pianura Padana, and the wines, cheeses and meats of the mountains of Valtellina.
Il Sereno’s grounds are also works of art. Designed by botanist Patrick Blanc, the property boasts three distinct art pieces: Le Mirroir Vert du Lac, Le Canyon and Les Racines Echasees. The two vertical gardens and one green sculpture (respectively) each include thousands of plant species. The pièce de résistance is Le Mirroir located on the main façade of the hotel and was inspired by colors and movement of water, featuring 2,000 plant types.
Making it easier for guests to explore the lake, Il Sereno also commissioned three custom Cantiere Ernesto Riva boats for the property. The handmade boats were made in the nearby town of Laglio and along with two Jetto's, the grand Vaporina del Lago features interiors designed by Urquiola.
Rates begin at $825 a night.
