Passalacqua
Moltrasio, Lombardy, Italy
Set on the shores of Lake Como, this 18th-century villa offers a high-end Italian retreat steeped in history. Built by Count Andrea Lucini-Passalqua, the villa has welcomed luminaries such as composer Vincenzo Bellini, who penned La Sonnambula here. Travelers passionate about history and seeking exclusive lakefront experiences will find the intimate atmosphere and personalized service truly exceptional.
Rooms and suites
The hotel offers just 24 rooms spread across three residences, each with its own character. In the Villa, the main building, twelve luxurious rooms feature Como silk taffeta curtains, Murano chandeliers, and antique furnishings from across Italy. Suites like the Suite Bellini offer up to 250 square meters of space with panoramic lake views, accommodating guests who appreciate expansive luxury. The Palazz, situated behind the main villa, features eight rooms with a cozy atmosphere and elegant design details. Closer to the water, the Casa al Lago offers four lakefront rooms and suites, including the Junior Suite al Lago with Lake View, catering to guests who value proximity to the lake.
Amenities and experiences
Refined Italian home cooking by Michelin-starred chef Viviana Varese, with dining options such as breakfast in the open kitchen, dinner in frescoed dining rooms, and casual meals at the pool bar designed by La DoubleJ, all emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Spa in the Palazz with vaulted-ceiling treatment rooms using Seed to Skin organic products, an underground heated pool within a historic tunnel to the lake, outdoor treatments in the orchard, and yoga sessions under ancient magnolias.
Lake-view pool surrounded by climbing roses and lily-petal parasols, with an adjacent Winter Garden bar styled by JJ Martin.
Vintage and modern boats, including a restored Riva Olympic and an Aquariva—for trips to Bellagio and Villa del Balbianello.
Tennis on the clay court, bocce near the vegetable garden, open-air cinema evenings, cooking classes with Chef Viviana, floral design sessions, and use of the hotel's vintage orange Spiaggina (a Fiat 500 open-top) for local excursions.
Terraced gardens with ancient cypress trees, fruit orchards, an olive grove, and a kitchen garden supplying fresh produce.
How to get here
Located in the historic town of Moltrasio, Passalacqua is a 15-minute drive (about 8 kilometers) from Como and about an hour (60 kilometers) from Milan. The nearest airports are Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) and Milan Linate Airport (LIN); private transfers can be arranged. For guests arriving by car, valet parking is provided.
