Glamorous personalities, influential politicians and illustrious people – the guest list of Villa d’Este is long and 2022 will be a birthday season full of surprises
On March 3 it will be hoisted – the flag in front of Villa d’Este. This traditional ceremony heralds the 150th season of the luxury hotel on Lake Como. For 150 years now, discerning travelers and gourmets, royals, jet set and legendary Hollywood stars have resided here. They can choose between the Cardinal Building, once built as a summer residence for Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, the Queen’s Pavilion, named after Caroline of Brunswick, Princess of Wales and Queen of England and four private villas spread across the extensive estate. Three of them – Villa Cima, Villa Malakoff and Villa Garrovo – are ideal for families and friends and the Mosaic House is the romantic hideaway for couples. To celebrate its grand anniversary, the luxury hotel will be open for the first time over the Christmas season until January 2023. For more information, visit:
© Villa d‘Este
Villa d’Este is a place that has always captivated travelers. Once the noble summer residence of Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, the stately home is now a legend. In 1873, a group of Milanese businessmen bought the property and turned it into what it remains today: one of the most extraordinary luxury hotels in the world. Not only the location directly on the lake, but also the special atmosphere of the magnificent, ten-hectare park, which extends to the water, make the five-star hotel so special. The guest list is also legendary, from George Clooney, Robert de Niro, Naomi Campbell to Madonna, John Legend, Lady Gaga or Alfred Hitchcock – they all already went through the revolving door to happiness at Lake Como.
In the 150th season of Villa d’Este, guests can expect, in addition to the big birthday party on June 28, 2022, a mix of events, exhibitions and culinary highlights. Since 1873, the luxury hotel has been considered the chosen destination for distinguished events of. Once again, annual events known far beyond the country’s borders will take place, including the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este (May 2022, 2022), Villa d’Este Style one lake one car (May 1, 2022), Villa d’Este Style Vintage Yachting (June 12, 2022), Villa d’Este Style Electric Yachting (September 17, 2022) and grand gala dinners (July 4 and August 15, 2022). All of them are dedicated to the 150 years and are a tribute to the traditions as well as the historical anecdotes of the hotel.
© Villa d‘Este
That is also reflected in the menu. During this special season, Chef Michele Zambanini will create special menus featuring traditional dishes from 150 years of Villa d’Este. He personally harvests the ingredients, often early in the morning, in the hotel’s own kitchen garden. A small green paradise that many call the garden with the most beautiful view of Lake Como. Instead of eccentric creations, he relies on understatement in perfection: he spoils his guests with classic, authentic Italian dishes and thus remains true to his credo “authenticity instead of extravagance”. As delicate as the food is, as unparalleled is the panorama that guests enjoy in the restaurant La Veranda. The evening is perfectly rounded off with a refreshing signature cocktail. Five in number have been created especially for the anniversary season, each one dedicated to a famous owner of Villa d’Este.
Tradition and innovation have always defined the character of Villa d’Este. When guests arrive, they will find three charging stations for electric cars in the garage of the historic palace and a charging station for electric boats on the shore. In an exhibition organized especially for the anniversary season, travelers discover the historical roots of Villa d’Este from today’s perspective: “Then and Now” is the motto of the exhibition, which is spread over several stations throughout the luxury hotel and features pictures and notes steeped in history. Historical anecdotes are also promised by the themed evenings in collaboration with the Teatro Sociale di Como, which will take place on April 14 and September 22, 2022 and where culture lovers will spend an interactive evening with the actors. After numerous highlights throughout the year, the icon is pleased to welcome visitors for the first time also during Christmas season and for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve on Lake Como. And for those who also want to experience a piece of 150 years of Villa d’Este at home, a limited collection of noble accessories and travel companions can be found in the on-site store as well as in the online boutique of the luxury hotel.
© Villa d‘Este
About Villa d’Este
Villa d’Este, which belongs to The Leading Hotels of the World, houses 152 rooms and luxury suites as well as four noble private villas and is located directly on the shores of Lake Como, which with its impressive landscape is considered the most beautiful lake in Italy and stands for a lot of glamour. The legendary residence impresses not only with its extraordinary atmosphere and listed architecture, but also with its extensive park, the famous Nymphaeum with its numerous fountains and water features, and the floating pool on the lake. Villa d’Este is about 40 minutes by car from Milan Malpensa airport. For more information, visit.
