Il Sereno Lago di Como, the first contemporary luxury hotel on Lake Como, designed by famed Milan-based architect and designer Patricia Urquiola, the all-suites hotel features 30 oversized suites, all with their own furnished terraces and lake views. New for 2017, the hotel introduces The Spa at Il Sereno, along with exciting culinary programming from the team at Berton Al Lago, the hotel’s signature restaurant.
Il Sereno is the third property to join the Sereno Hotels portfolio after Le Sereno Hotel & Villas in St. Barthélemy and Villa Pliniana, also located on Lake Como. Decorated Milan restaurateur and Michelin star chef, Andrea Berton, is at the helm of the hotel’s signature restaurant, Berton Al Lago, and rounding out the all-star team, acclaimed botanist Patrick Blanc contributed his signature vertical botanical gardens throughout the property, including a spectacular “green sculpture” work of art. To celebrate the upcoming season in Lake Como, Il Sereno is beckoning guests to experience “the beautiful life” on Lake Como’s picturesque shores with a limited time experience.
This spring, Il Sereno is pleased to announce the opening of The Spa at Il Sereno. Designed by Patricia Uriquola, the spa fits effortlessly into what was formerly the Darsena, or boathouse, of the property. The cool tones of the centuries-old granite walls and green accents that reflect the deep tones of Lake Como create an instantly calming environment. Keeping in the Sereno Hotels tradition of all rooms facing the water; each of the three intimate treatment rooms at The Spa at Il Sereno look directly onto Lake Como. A private outdoor relaxation room with plunge pool offers guests the perfect spot to cool off. Il Sereno has the only spa on Lake Como that features exclusive products and treatments from the acclaimed Valmont skincare brand based just across the border in Switzerland. Valmont is revered for anti-aging treatments sourced from the natural environment of the country, including pure glacier water from the Valais Glacier. The Spa at Il Sereno offers four signature facials, including Vitality of the Glaciers, an iconic Valmont treatment designed to stimulate the skin’s energy and cell renewal, transforming overstrained, lifeless skin into radiant, firm skin, and Peaks of Firmness, an expert anti-wrinkle and firming treatment to treat and prevent the most visible signs of aging. The Spa additionally offers a selection of body treatments, including two unique to Il Sereno, which will be announced later this summer.
Perched overlooking the water at Il Sereno is Berton Al Lago, which has truly come into its own as the most exciting new dining destination in Northern Italy. Celebrated Milan-based Chef Andrea Berton in partnership with Executive Chef Raffaele Lenzi presents modern Italian cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This spring’s all new menus will feature regional specialties such as Saffron Risotto made with genovese ragout and mushroom powder, Ravioli with Lobster served with purple cauliflower and Veal Milanese with almonds, turnip tops and spicy sauce. A strong supporter of local purveyors, Berton Al Lago has taken special care to cultivate relationships that allow guests access to the best of the region. Among these are wines from Cantine Angelinetta, a local winery based in Domaso in the northern branch of Lake Como. Food and Beverage Director Giampaolo Fabrizio recommends the “La Moglie Del Re,” a white wine made with 100% Verdese grapes. Cantine Angelinetta is the only producer vinifying these grapes, and due to extremely limited production, Il Sereno is one of the very few places travelers can actually try this wine from the Lake Como area. The newest talent to the Il Sereno team, Mixologist Marco Gheza, is a graduate of the Associazione Italiana Sommelier (Italian Sommelier Association) with more than 10 years of bar experience. Gheza will bring an innovative twist on classic Italian cocktails, including his irresistible White Negroni.
New this spring, Il Sereno will be hosting a weekly “Aperitivo Hour” at Villa Pliniana, the more than 500-year-old Villa that’s just a quick boat ride away. Stylish Riva boats will transport guests from Il Sereno to spend the early evening indulging in signature Campari cocktails and live music on the grounds of the exquisite estate. In the grand tradition of guests traveling and experiencing Lake Como via boat, Il Sereno commissioned three custom Cantiere Ernesto Riva boats from the namesake family that has been building boats by hand in the nearby town of Laglio since 1771. Il Sereno guests may also travel to other destinations on the lake via two Jetto’s or the grand Vaporina del Lago which features interiors designed by Patricia Urquiola.
Situated on a sunny promontory next to the village of Torno and surrounded by peaceful views of Lake Como’s natural beauty, lush gardens and idyllic small towns, Il Sereno’s location stretches approximately 450 feet along the lake’s eastern shore. Sereno Hotels partnered with Patricia Urquiola and her team at Studio Urquiola to bring to life the vision of creating a contemporary hotel with understated décor; a contrast to the classical designs that can be found around Lake Como. Urquiola and her team envisioned every facet of the hotel from the architecture to the interior design, which includes designing custom furniture, rugs, wall coverings, lamps, bathtubs and bathroom fixtures. Focal points of the hotel include a dramatic 60 foot infinity pool allows guests to literally float above Lake Como and a stunning staircase of walnut and bronze that effortlessly floats from the restaurant to lobby.
