Luxury Newcomers to Lake Como ~ Il Sereno and Villa Pliniana

Happy Friday and Happy Fall! Who is ready to be whisked away to the banks of Lago di Como to discover the hottest new hotel in Italy?

It can easily be argued that Lake Como is one of the most glamorous places in Italy...Mr. George Clooney certainly would agree.  The glam quotient has been increased even more with the opening of the ultra luxe and contemporary new hotel, Il Sereno in the town of Torno, directly on the lake and just 4 miles from the town of Como.

Il Sereno is owned by the same group that operates Le Sereno on St. Barth's. Building on the success of their St Barth’s property, the owners hired Milan-based designer Patricia Urquiola to introduce a "contemporary and more relaxed interpretation of luxury, design and personalized service" to Lake Como. With just 30 suites, the hotel  is a sanctuary for privacy and relaxation for its guests. A private dock allows guests to arrive by boat or explore the lake from the hotel's two custom Riva  "water limousines".

Really want to splurge? Book one of the spacious 2,150-square-foot penthouses for access to an oversized private terrace and garden with rooftop plunge pool...

OR book an entire villa also owned and managed by Il Sereno - The Villa Pliniana is a 16th century palazzo set on 18 lake front acres - with 19 bedrooms for up to 39 guests, it is available for weddings and groups:

Go here if you cannot view the video. It is DEFINITELY worth a minute of your time!

Can you even imagine a wedding there?

While many tourists long for the grand palaces that evoke Italy of days past, for many others the quintessential Italian aesthetic is the cutting edge Italian design found at Il Sereno.  Either one would suit me just fine...how about you?

Wishing all of you a fabulous weekend...wherever you may be wandering...

xoxo

All photos via Virtuoso.com or Il Sereno.