Lake Como, Italy | Passalacqua
Passalacqua: Italian Grandeur Reimagined on the Shores of Lake Como
Few places in the world capture the essence of timeless elegance the way Lake Como does. And among its centuries-old villas and shimmering blue waters lies one of its most enchanting hideaways: Passalacqua. This lovingly restored 18th-century estate sits quietly along the shores of Moltrasio, offering a deeply personal and exquisitely luxurious experience that feels less like a hotel and more like stepping into a living piece of Italian history.
While Lake Como is home to some of Italy’s most celebrated retreats, Passalacqua sets itself apart through the intimacy of its experience, the refinement of its design, and the soulfulness of its hospitality.
A Noble Heritage Reborn
Originally built in 1787 by Count Andrea Lucini Passalacqua as a private residence, this grand villa was designed to inspire. Throughout the 19th century, it played host to some of Italy’s most brilliant minds — including composer Vincenzo Bellini, who famously composed portions of “Norma” within these walls.
More than two centuries later, the villa has been meticulously restored to its original splendor by the De Santis family, with the singular vision of turning it into a private estate-style hotel that honors the property’s rich past while embracing the comforts of modern luxury. With just 24 rooms and suites across three separate buildings — the Villa, the Palazz, and Casa al Lago — Passalacqua offers an atmosphere of true privacy and personalized care, rarely found even in the most celebrated properties around the world.
The Rooms: Every Detail Tells a Story
Each of Passalacqua’s 24 accommodations is uniquely designed — no two are alike — and each one radiates a warm, lived-in elegance that feels completely authentic to its place and history. From restored frescoed ceilings to antique fireplaces, every detail is bespoke.
The estate is composed of three distinct areas:
Villa
The heart of the property, this is where the most iconic suites are located. These rooms feature:Hand-painted ceilings
Original terrazzo or herringbone floors
Panoramic views of Lake Como and the surrounding gardens
Oversized soaking tubs and period antiques
Palazz
A more secluded building located above the villa, offering:Earth-toned interiors with a modern twist on Italian elegance
Privacy and quiet, tucked away among olive trees
Open-plan suites with garden views
Casa al Lago
An exclusive lakeside cottage just steps from the water, ideal for guests seeking:Immediate lake access
Private garden terraces
A romantic and intimate escape
Each room features luxurious linens, curated in-room libraries, and thoughtful design touches that nod to the villa’s artistic heritage.
Dining: Simple, Seasonal, Sublime
Dining at Passalacqua is not about pomp or pretense — it’s about warmth, authenticity, and joy. Meals are guided by the rhythms of the day and the season, and are often shared with a glass of Franciacorta in hand and laughter echoing across the garden.
Culinary experiences at the property include:
The Main Kitchen
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in a sunlit dining room or al fresco beneath lemon trees
The menu changes daily, featuring regional produce and family-style service
Chefs often invite guests into the kitchen for impromptu cooking sessions
Outdoor Grill and Pizza Oven
Located near the pool for relaxed summer dining
Handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and grilled lake fish served at sunset
Private Dining
Romantic tables set under magnolia trees or beside the fountain
Custom tasting menus available upon request
The culinary philosophy here is rooted in Italian tradition but reinterpreted with creativity and soul — elevated but never overcomplicated.
Wellness: Tranquility Below Ground, Nature Above
In keeping with the estate’s understated approach to luxury, wellness at Passalacqua is immersive and personal. Rather than a sprawling spa complex, guests discover an intimate sanctuary built into the villa’s ancient stone foundations.
Wellness features include:
Underground Spa
Vaulted treatment rooms carved into 18th-century tunnels
Indoor plunge pool and steam room with stone walls
Signature facials and massages using natural products from Tuscany
Outdoor Fitness & Recreation
Open-air gym in a shaded olive grove
Personal trainers available upon request
Morning yoga sessions beneath 200-year-old magnolia trees
Lakeside Serenity
A serpentine swimming pool with views of the water
Loungers set amid lavender, citrus, and jasmine
A secluded “quiet garden” perfect for meditation or reading
Wellness at Passalacqua is less about routine and more about rhythm — of breath, of water, of time slowing down.
Experiences on Property and Beyond
Passalacqua’s concierge team is deeply connected to the land and culture of Lake Como, curating bespoke experiences with the warmth of a friend and the precision of a seasoned guide.
Signature experiences include:
Private Lake Cruises
Sunset rides aboard restored wooden Riva boats
Champagne and aperitivo service on board
Stops at iconic lakeside villages or hidden swimming coves
Culinary Classes & Tastings
Handmade pasta workshops with local chefs
Wine and olive oil tastings from family-run vineyards and estates
Tennis & Bocce Courts
Lakeview tennis with optional instructors
Bocce matches with aperitivo in hand
Open-Air Cinema
Summer screenings in the garden
Classic Italian films and Hollywood favorites
Blankets, lanterns, and Prosecco under the stars
Guests are also invited to explore nearby villages, with suggestions and arrangements provided for local trattorias, artisan boutiques, and historic landmarks.
The Gardens: A Living Canvas of Color and Calm
Descending in terraces from the villa to the lake’s edge, the gardens at Passalacqua are nothing short of a masterpiece. Sculpted hedges, centuries-old trees, fountains, and citrus groves blend together into a dreamlike space designed for wandering and wonder.
Secret corners for reading or writing
Panoramic lawns with sweeping lake views
Water features restored from the original estate plans
Flowering pergolas and romantic archways that change with the seasons
This is not a manicured garden, but a soulful one — lived-in, layered, and lush with life.
A Quiet Crown Jewel of Global Hospitality
Passalacqua has quickly become one of the most talked-about boutique properties in Europe — and for good reason. With just 24 rooms, a staff trained in understated excellence, and an atmosphere that feels more like a home than a hotel, the experience here is profoundly personal.
There is no formality for formality’s sake. Staff remember your favorite wine. They notice when you linger near the garden’s lemon trees and suggest breakfast there the next morning. Every interaction feels sincere.
In a world full of big, shiny luxury, Passalacqua offers something increasingly rare: genuine soul.
Where Every Moment Lingers
The true luxury of Passalacqua is how it makes you feel. Not dazzled — but deeply moved. There is an art to living here, whether it’s in the way the morning light hits the lake, the warmth of homemade bread delivered to your table, or the silence that fills the air just before sunset.
It is the kind of place you never truly leave. Because long after your bags are packed and your car winds back through the hills of Moltrasio, the feeling of Passalacqua stays with you — and calls you back.
