Just Back From...Lake Como

Just Back From…Lake Como

After discovering this Italian gem with The Club, Members Joe and Jana Crawford have a new favorite European escape.

Written by Jen Murphy

Lake Como, with its dramatic scenery set amidst the foothills of the Alps, is a dreamy escape often topping the travel wish lists of Exclusive Resorts Members. After discovering this enchanting locale, Members Joe and Jana Crawford recount their most memorable experiences.

Members Joe and Jana Crawford explore Lake Como.

What was the appeal of Lake Como as a destination?

Jana: This was the first year we chose a non-beach destination with The Club. I’ve been to Italy several times and love the people and the food. We were looking at Exclusive Resorts’ Lake Como villa online and the mountain and lake views were dreamy enough to compete with the beach. I can honestly say I would list this as one of my favorite places I’ve traveled with The Club because of the food, the scenery, and because there was something for everyone— from shopping to hiking.

Joe: I think everyone in our group agreed this was the best vacation destination they’d been to. You really can’t describe the beauty. We have to show people photos of the grounds of the villa for them to understand just how phenomenal the place was.

Who did you travel with?

Joe: We have a group of three other couples who we have traveled with every year since we joined The Club. We’ve been to Costa Rica, Real del Mar, Los Cabos, Grand Cayman, and Turks & Caicos together.

What were some standout features of the villa?

Joe: Villa Pendio is in the village of Argegno. We had a pool and the grounds were so well manicured and serene with panoramic views of the water, town, and the San Sisinnio church below.

Jana: Four of the bedrooms are on the second floor and all had balconies with lake views. We brought a private chef and she was able to sleep in the fifth bedroom, located downstairs. The villa had a gourmet kitchen and a wine cellar. It was so nice to come back after a day out and not have to dress for dinner. We could use the steam room, then go down and grab a bottle of wine to enjoy on the patio while the sun set and our chef cooked dinner.

Local cuisine is enjoyed during a private chef dinner

How did your local host make the experience special?

Jana: There were fresh-cut flowers in the villa upon our arrival as well as a welcome basket of her favorite local artisanal products, including olives, salts, and cookies. For our first evening, she arranged a wine tasting at a local bistro paired with different appetizers and cheeses.

Joe: She is a retired Disney employee and one of the best Local Hosts we’ve ever had. One day our float-plane trip was cancelled due to weather and she was quick to come up with alternatives.

What was your most memorable experience?

Joe: We took a six-hour tour in one of those sleek wood motorboats. Our driver, Flavio, was great and pointed out George Clooney’s house and the area’s most magnificent villas. We ended up in the famous town of Bellagio for lunch at an outdoor restaurant called La Punta.

Jana: I liked how all of the couples could do their own thing by day and regroup at the villa at night. Joe and I prefer hiking to shopping and our Local Host pointed us to an 11-kilometer trail that went through four villages. It took about 3.5 hours, including our lunch and wine stops. I felt really accomplished at the end.

Al fresco fun with friends at The Club’s Lake Como residence.

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The European Collection

Every year The Club releases a new Collection of residences available for summer travel in Europe. Each residence has a dedicated Local Host whose sole responsibility is to help Members plan their ultimate trip and provide local insights. Villa Pendio in Lake Como is part of the Europe 2019 and 2020 Collections. To view the rest of Exclusive Resorts’ Europe 2020 Collection, visit: ExclusiveResorts.com/ Europe-2020.

Lake Como, Italy

Villa Pendio • 5 bedrooms

All five bedrooms feature en suite bathrooms—ideal for families or couples traveling together—plus a sitting area and modern décor. Enjoy a stocked wine cellar and Turkish hammam, sip apertivos in the sunroom, explore the villa’s beautiful garden, or soak in the private infinity pool overlooking Lake Como.