A guide to quiet luxury, historic villas, and lakeside living

By Blackthorne & Rowe | Travel & Escapes Archives

"We don't chase places. We return to them. That's the luxury of timeless living."

There are few places in the world that hold their atmosphere quite like Lake Como. Tucked into the foothills of the Italian Alps, this Y-shaped stretch of deep blue water has long served as a sanctuary for writers, artists, and those who appreciate understated elegance.

Far from the rush of fast-paced itineraries, a journey to Como is about slowing down: watching the morning mist clear over Bellagio, gliding past 18th-century gardens in a wooden Riva boat, and ending the afternoon with a quiet Aperol or espresso on a sunny stone terrace.

Here is our curated guide to experiencing Lake Como's luxury with restraint, style, and intention:

I. When to Go: The Golden Months

While July and August draw large summer crowds, Lake Como is at its absolute finest during the shoulder seasons.

• May to Early June: The spring blooms—particularly the azaleas and rhododendrons at Villa Carlotta—are in full force, and the weather is warm enough for boat rides without midsummer heat.

• September to October: The summer rush fades, leaving crisp morning air, warm afternoon light, and golden autumn foliage framing the lakeside mountains.

II. Where to Stay: Historic Elegance

To truly absorb the spirit of the lake, opt for properties that prioritize historic architecture and serene garden grounds over grand modern displays.

• Grand Hotel Tremezzo (Tremezzina): An iconic Art Nouveau palace offering sweeping views toward Bellagio, famous for its floating pool directly on the lake and lush private parklands.

• Passalacqua (Moltrasio): An 18th-century villa restored with incredible craftsmanship. With just 24 suites, terraced gardens, and hidden passageways down to the water, it feels like staying at a private aristocratic estate.

• Villa d'Este (Cernobbio): A former 16th-century royal residence set amidst 25 acres of manicured renaissance gardens. It remains one of the world's standard-bearers for classic European hospitality.

III. The Essentials: What to Do

The real beauty of Lake Como is that "doing nothing" is an art form ( il dolce far niente ). However, a few curated experiences are unmissable:

• Charter a Classic Wooden Boat: The lake is meant to be seen from the water. Charter a private wooden boat (such as a classic Cadenazzi or Riva) for two hours at sunset to view the lake's famous facades—like Villa Balbianello—from their intended angle.

• Explore Villa del Balbianello (Leno): Perched on a wooded promontory, this 18th-century villa features terraced gardens and climbing ficus trees sculpted around ancient stone arches.

• Village Hopping by Ferry: Take the mid-lake passenger boat between Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio. Skip the main tourist thoroughfares and lose yourself in the steep, cobblestone stairways ( scalinate ) lined with quiet wine bars and local artisan shops.

IV. What to Wear: The Riviera Capsule

Lakeside style demands an effortless balance between formal tailoring and relaxed holiday wear. Stick to lightweight natural fabrics and a soft, grounded palette.

• The Men's Palette: Cream linen button-downs, stone-coloured double-pleated trousers, dark brown suede loafers, and classic tortoiseshell sunglasses.

• The Women's Palette: Flowing ivory slip dresses, neutral knit cardigans draped over the shoulders, structured leather top-handle bags, and low leather sandals.

• Colour Palette: Ivory, Limestone, Sage, Navy, and Warm Chestnut.

A truly memorable trip isn’t defined by how much you see, but by the pace at which you take it in. Whether you are finalizing your Italian itinerary or curating a wardrobe for the season ahead, the art of living well lies in the details. Explore our full collection of destination dispatches, outfit series, and digital living archives at Blackthorne & Rowe to inspire your next escape.