24 TRAVEL
14 OCTOBER 2021
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Grand Hotel Tremezzo - Lake Como The Grande Dame of the Lake BY CARON BLUESTONE Unbelievably, this visit was to be my first. Four days of blissful exploration, pampering, gorgeous views and old school luxury in an idyllic setting. I’ve been to Italy many, many times. Countless summers in Forte Dei Marmi, Alassio and Santa Margarita. Driving from the U.K. with my parents, stopping in France, then to Switzerland and St Moritz for walking in the mountains before descending into Italy for the beach. Family memories that I treasure. This trip, although somewhat romantic - you can’t help but feel romantic with this backdrop, was however a family trip. Flying into Milan and renting a car was a breeze. Thirty minutes to Luton Airport, where parking is quick and easy, also, it’s mere minutes away from the terminal. No queues and drive-through, pre-departure Covid-19 testing in the car park next door. At the time we travelled, this was needed for entry into Italy, as it is at time of writing. Results were emailed to us, dropping into my inbox before we’d arrived at check-in. The process was stress-free, both upon departure and more so upon arrival, with luggage out quickly and no waiting at passport control. The advantages of smaller airports. Driving from Milan to lake Como took just eighty minutes. Our transfer and hire car pickup was extremely quick and easy, which makes a weekend in Lake Como a very attractive prospect. Motorway north from Milan, hit Como centre and the rest of the drive meanders through the picturesque, small villages and very narrow streets around the lake. Streets that twist and turn with views that attract a fair few bikers! We were staying at the grande dame of the lake. An iconic, art nouveau masterpiece, surrounded by some of the most exquisite gardens imaginable. The Grand Hotel Tremezzo. Taking pride of place in Tremezzo, on the western shore of lake Como, with views across the water to the splendid village of Bellagio. Then the Grigne mountains beyond and towards Switzerland in the north and St Moritz again in the central eastern Alps. This being my first time in lake Como, I was especially excited. Expectations were high, I’d heard only good things. As the hotel comes into view, I knew that I’d chosen well. With the beach club sitting directly on the lake, it’s one-of-a-kind, floating pool, deck chairs and cabanas reminiscent of a bygone era, sit on the beach and surround the chic Giacomo al Lago restaurant. The hotel’s unmissable, signature bright orange awnings that dress the art nouveau facade let you know that you have reached your destination. Built into the hill directly above the lake, it is the most magnificent palace imaginable. We pull into the circular gravel driveway that is flanked with palm trees, where the valets are eagerly waiting to
Pool with a view
relieve us of our car and to instantly magic away our luggage. We are invited to walk up the grand steps, to a magnificent wood-panelled, glass lift which transports guests to the main lobby of the hotel and into a world of full-on glamour. Walk out of the doors and you have truly arrived. There’s no doubt that this is a palace. Built in 1910 for the social elite to enjoy, nothing has been spared. The scale and opulence is what strikes you first. The taste with which the exquisite decor has been designed; it’s simply beautiful in every direction that you look. Traditional yet contemporary, brought to life by the juxtaposition of modern, brightly-coloured velvets on sumptuous love seats and Chesterfield sofas, perfect parquet flooring, intricate cornacing and period furniture topped off with vertiginously high ceilings. The
enormous, unusual, flower arrangements, the signature orange roses. It truly takes your breath away and is an Instagramers dream. Everything here is photogenic. From the jaw-dropping panorama- turn around and the whole front of the hotel with its floor to ceiling glass panels, is open directly on to the lake and mountains beyond, down to the tiniest details of the brightly-colourful sweets that are housed in delicate, blownglass jars, to which the children delighted in helping themselves one too many times! Despite the uber-luxurious and opulent nature of the hotel, what really makes for an unforgettable experience is this combination with a warm and totally professional team of staff who make it their job to make you feel immediately at home. Italy is wellknown for being extremely child-friendly but there’s always a risk of snootiness, the
The spa infinity pool
higher up the hotel class ladder you climb. At the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, we felt truly welcomed and ours were certainly not the only children at the hotel. They soon made friends in the clubby snooker room, which they quickly discovered whilst exploring the grandiose corridors of the hotel. Every space in this Belle Epoque triumph has a unique feel and personality. Statement furniture, luxurious Como silks, the elegant dining rooms and splendid halls are a joy in themselves. What is extremely appealing about the hotel though, is definitely the homely feel. You want to sit down, relax, take everything in and enjoy the surroundings. No feeling of being in an ornate museum here. Every detail adds value, creates wonderful memories. The views to the back of the palace are as extraordinary as those to the front. For this is the park side. The verdant park that extends high up to the top of the hill - a fifteen minute easy trek with a surprise at the top - well worth the walk if you don’t mind heights - the secluded, awe-inspiring second, heated outdoor pool, the tennis court and outdoor pizza restaurant are all ensconced in its exotic greenery. Plenty of sun beds set in intimate corners, attentive staff at hand and views again to the lake beyond the hotel. Once checked in, we took the fabulously ornate, back lift up to the fourth floor and to our interconnecting rooms. We could have walked up the fabulous staircase with huge windows and garden views but left that for
Lush Green Gardens
Breakfast with a view of the lake
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