Villa d’Este – One of the Most Romantic Spots in the World

Villa d’Este by Lake Como, Photo coutesy of Villa d’Este

Imagine your first few days as husband and wife waking up in Villa d’Este, named one of the best hotels in the world by Travel & Leisure, Conde-Nast Traveler, and Forbes Travel. Experience the splendour, the grandeur, the intrigue and the magic of Villa d'Este- an opulent hotel overlooking one of the most romantic lakes in the world, Lake Como.

Villa d’Este, Photo courtesy of italianlakeswedding.com

This famous resort destination located in the town of Tivoli, north of Milan, Italy, has been widely praised for its beautiful gardens, exquisite cuisine, gala celebrations, impeccable décor, extraordinary cuisine, and excellent service. A tranquil getaway in every sense of the word, Villa d’Este is not as much a base for exploration elsewhere, but a beautiful and restful place with the beauty and peacefulness of Lake Como.

Hotel located on Lake Como, Photo courtesy of Villa d’Este

Frequented by the rich and famous, Villa d’Este is an enchanting place where guests feel they have found “heaven on earth!”

Formal Italian gardens with fountains, Photo courtesy of myincrediblejourneys.blogspot.com

Built in 1528 as the summer residence of Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, this outstanding mansion is built on a hill overlooking 25 acres of  spectacular terraced gardens which contain beautiful flowers and over 500 impressive fountains of  all shapes and sizes.

Villa d’Este Fountains and Pools, Photo courtesty of Wikipedia

Over the years, the villa has been continuously renovated and updated without losing its old world charm.

Interior of Villa d’Este, Photo courtesy of Julie Pace at ScottsdalePhoto.com

The 153 guest rooms include double rooms, junior suites, and suites. Each room is different in décor with elegant and comfortable rooms which feature antique, period furniture, oil paintings, Como silk and linen sheets. All rooms have air-conditioning, direct dial telephone, high-speed internet connection, mini-bar, colour satellite TV, and marble bathrooms.

One of many beautiful bedrooms, Photo courtesy of Villa d’Este

Although each day at Villa d’Este is unique and full of wonderful discoveries, here is what guests  experience each and every day at this legendary romantic escape:

Refreshing Mornings: Awake to the sounds of lapping water on the lake and the scent of pancakes and roasted coffee. Open the heavy silk curtains to take in the incredible views of the gardens and the  pools or the misty lake. Breakfast is served on the terrace under an apricot awning canvas which shade you from the early-morning sun.

The Terrace, Photo courtesy of Villa d’ Este

Choose from a seductive buffet which includes breakfast pastries, a variety of cereals,  succulent cheeses, fruit and eggs and pancakes.  Enjoy your second cup of coffee shaded by one of the ancient horse chestnut trees located beside the terrace as you enjoy the view. After a delightfully satisfying breakfast, take a stroll through Villa d’Este stunning gardens with its myriad of colors and fragrances from the numerous flowers and enjoy the beauty.

Lovely walkways, Photo courtesy of Villa d’Este

Villa d’Este garden, Photo courtesy of fivestaralliance.com

Delightful Days: Spend your day relaxing  by book reading in the garden or  take a water taxi from the pier to see some of the mini palazzo and villages to the north – Motrasio, Laglio or Ossuccio. Be sure to spend one day walking to Cernobbio which is just a short walk from the Villa d’Este. Find a seductive restaurant for lunch where the tables are overhung with azaleas and honeysuckle. On another day,  take a motorboat ride around the lake to the 18th-century Villa del Balbianello which can only be reached by water.

Villa Del Balbianello, Lake Como, Photo courtesy of linnyloo

Be sure to take in the “Romantic Journey” tour which takes you to Lake Como and Florence, two of the most attractive and romantic destinations in Italy.

Seductive Evenings: As the day comes to a close, relax by the pool as the sun slowly sets.

Heated pool on the lake, Photo courtesy of fivestaralliance.com

Have a formal dinner at “The Veranda,” the  hotel’s elegant, main restaurant, whose house specialty is  hand-made pasta, risotto, and fish.

The Veranda, Photo courtesy of Villa d’Este

If you are not ready to retire, grab a drink at the “Canova Bar” or go outside on the terrace overlooking the lake as you listen to the music from the nearby piano. Don’t be surprised if you see George Clooney, Robert De Niro, or Elton John at the next table.

The Canova Bar, Photo courtesy of Robert Bonardi

Private Retreats: After a wonderful day, retreat to your spacious suite for a good night’s rest. Accommodations range from a double room with a courtyard view, to various levels of suites with a park or breath-taking lake view. With such a wide selection of rooms, and views, including the gardens, the courtyard, and the lake, Villa d’Este accommodates all guest preferences.

Beautiful suite, Photo courtesy of fivestaralliance.com

You need to visit Villa d’Este yourself and see if you agree that it is one of the most romantic spots in the world.
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Muriel MacRae is an associate wedding coordinator, a design consultant and event choreographer, and a destination wedding coordinator with Creative Weddings and Occasions and the owner of a boutique travel agency called Del Sol Travel.  She is a certified wedding planner and destination wedding coordinator through the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada. Getting to know and understand her clients is critical in helping turn their ideas and vision into a unique and memorable masterpiece when creating their dream wedding. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans weddings, destination weddings, and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at muriel@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com or phone 403-477-0643.