SUMMER, ITALIAN STYLE

The view of Lake Como from Passalacqua

WHERE TO GO NOW

La dolce vita never gets old and this season promises to be one of the very best

BY CHRISTINA OHLY EVANS

After several years of travel disruption, no place is more in demand this summer than the chic cities and dramatic coastlines of Italy. Adding to the general excitement are the opening of new properties from the shores of Lake Como to the cliffs of Capri—all luxurious hotels, restaurants and villas with a rich sense of history, but with the latest in luxury amenities—and each with its own particular brand of warm, Italian hospitality.

PASSALACQUA, LAKE COMO

Perhaps the most anticipated opening of summer (or the year, for that matter) is Passalacqua, a historic private villa that has been lovingly transformed into a 24-suite hotel on the edge of Lake Como, just above the picturesque village of Moltrasio. Once home to composer Vincenzo Bellini, and host to literary and political figures including Winston Churchill, Passalacqua is the passion project of Paolo, Antonella and stylish CEO Valentina DeSantis—a family with multigenerational ties to the lake whose sister property, the iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo, has set the standard for understated elegance for decades.

With majestic terraced gardens dotted with centuries old trees and fountains, the villa is an ideal destination for those seeking a quick, quiet respite from the bustling world beyond. Other painstakingly perfect details include a lush rose garden, a vegetable garden that supplies the hotel’s creative kitchens, an open air gym, and exquisitely restored glass houses—complete with flowering fruit trees. But it is the 24 suites—set within the original villa—as well in the original stables and Casa del Lago—set at the edge of the lake—that are truly stunning. From a double height suite where Bellini once played, to the sumptuous marble-clad bathrooms (each single slab hand-chosen from the Breccia Pontificia in Verona—the same found in The Vatican) and vivid frescoed ceilings, Passalacqua is a relaxing retreat like no other. For shimmering lake views, a game of tennis at the water’s edge or a sunset sail in one of the villa’s beautifully restored vintage boats, book in at Passalacqua and leave the world

behind. passalacqua.it

A guest room at Vista Palazzo VISTA PALAZZO VERONA

Set in a 19th century mansion in the heart of the city’s medieval Centro Storico, the five-star Vista Palazzo Verona is a special, family-owned gem offering 13 palatial suites and just 3 standard rooms that are anything but. Owned by the family-operated Lario Hotels—the group behind the stunning Vista Palazzo Lago di Como—the opulent property offers outsized amenities for such a bijoux hideaway: an indoor swimming pool—the only such hotel facility in Verona—as well as a spa, library, wine tasting room, and athletic facility are all part of the program. But it is the drinks and dining spaces that really differentiate it—from the penthouse level Sottovoce restaurant and bar to a rooftop terrace with 360-degree views of medieval rooftops and the rolling hills of Lake Garda in the dis-

tance. verona.vistapalazzo.com DUJOUR.COM

MORE TO EXPLORE

MANDARIN ORIENTAL MILAN For a stay in this magnificent city there is no place more perfectly situated—or more welcoming—than the Mandarin Oriental, that’s just steps from the Duomo, the Galleria and the shops of Via della Spiga. Set across four 18th century buildings and enhanced with modern M’O touches, the hotel has been welcoming tourists and locals alike for seven years—many of whom come for the outstanding aperitivo that’s on offer at the just launched Mandarin Garden. For a bit of glamour and an authentic Milanese meal courtesy of Michelin-starred chef Antonio Guida, this is the place to

be now. mandarinoriental.com

FROM LEFT: The garden at the Mandarin Oriental Milan; Giacomo al Lago at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo TRAVEL TIP: BLACK TOMATO This is shaping up to be a tough-to-book summer, so you might want to enlist the talents of Black Tomato for exceptional access to Italian experiences ranging from a behind-the-scenes look at the Lamborghini factory in Bologna, to making honey in Taormina, to mask-making in Venice and sculpting with a noted artist in Puglia. No request is too outlandish and a dedicated travel expert will tailor make Italian holidays—but you’ll need to book fast. blacktomato.com

GIACOMO AL LAGO, LAKE COMO This truly unique lakeside fish restaurant is the product of a partnership between the iconic Giacomo restaurant group and the design/ hospitality talents of Valentina De Santis and the Grand Hotel Tremezzo. Come for the Giacomo Milano favorites —crudo of all kinds, housemade pastas—and stay for the sublime views, cocktail in

hand. grandhoteltremezzo.com

The pool area at Hotel La Palma HOTEL LA PALMA, CAPRI

The Amalfi Coast is always a good idea, but now more than ever with the addition of Hotel La Palma, the latest property in the Oetker Collection. Originally built in 1822 as the Locanda Pagano, the hotel was a gathering spot for artists and intellectuals—many of whom left drawings and poems on the walls in lieu of payment. In keeping with that spirit, interior designer Francis Sultana has conceived a 50-room and suite “home from home” complete with new frescoes by Rome-based Roberto Ruspoli. A soothing palette of neutral and sage hues sets the tone for commissioned artwork by Luisa Lambri, while bespoke furnishings and wall hung tapestries by Allegra Hicks add to the island glamour. No detail has been overlooked at this reimagined treasure, with handmade rattan furniture by Bonacina and custom bronze-lined bathroom fittings by Stella all standard. Just steps from the buzzing Piazzetta, the rooftop restaurant Bianca promises to be the summer hotspot with stunning views of Capri Village and the endless sea—and with Campari cocktails to

match. oetkercollection.com

FROM TOP: The pool at Il San Corrado di Noto; one of the suite terraces IL SAN CORRADO DI NOTO, VAL DI NOTO

An ancient masseria once owned by Prince Nicolaci, Il San Corrado di Noto has undergone an extensive threeyear renovation that has yielded 26 exquisite suites and eight pool villas—the perfect jumpingoff points for exploration of Sicily’s surrounding UNESCO World Heritage sites. Streamlinedyetspacious suites feature outdoor patios, while one and twobedroom pool villas offer flexible configurations for families and larger parties.

The property is a mix of Baroque charm and a minimalist aesthetic that pervades two enormous pools, a spa and a fitness room that’s kitted out with stateoftheart equipment. For those interested in the beach, the hotel’s private club is accessible by a short shuttle ride and two signature restaurants—Casa Pasta and Principe di Belludia—offer authentic Sicilian cuisine in relaxed settings at day’s end.