Lake Como / Grand Hotel Tremezzo

Offering its own private beach, this family-owned, Art Nouveau masterpiece is enveloped by parkland, boasting lake views across to the rolling Grigne mountains.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to feel like nobility, this is the place. Prepare for full-on luxury at every turn in this wonderfully over the top property – even when it comes to simply taking a dip, you can flit between the water-on-water floating pool on the lake, the flower pool infused with heady seasonal fragrances, and the infinity pool in the T Spa. There’s also T Beach – a classic lakeside lido inspired by the Belle Epoque era, with real sand, loungers, parasols and mountain vistas that have to be seen to be believed.

With a backdrop like this along with  golden views of Bellagio across the water, resisting exploration is near impossible. Wanderers board one of the water limos at the resort marina, or hire a restored mahogany-hulled Venetian motorboat for a mystery tour uncovering the lake’s secret nooks. It wouldn’t be Italy without sampling the cuisine, think long rosé-soaked afternoons peppered with visits to local vineyards, followed by spaghetti vongole on balmy evenings at Tremezzo’s main restaurant La Terrazza.

Travel notes:

• 84 opulent rooms and suites, some with rooftop terraces
• Villa Sola Cabiati and Villa Passalacqua are 2 private residences ideal for larger gatherings
• Award-winning spa including a hammam and heat experiences in its Turkish bath, Mediterranean steam room, saunas and ice fountain
• Lake sports include waterskiing, windsurfing, seaplane hops and biking