Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como

The Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como sits in pretty gardens on Lake Como, guaranteeing breathtaking views. It is in the village of Blevio, just 5km from downtown Como, which is easily reachable from the hotel.

The rooms, suites and villas combine classic Italian elegance with warm Oriental touches, alongside beautiful marble bathrooms. The villas offer private gardens and pools, as well as your very own butlers and chefs - so you won’t have to lift a finger during your stay.

The views are showcased with floor-to-ceiling windows and spacious balconies and terraces - look out on the lake and bask in the natural, untouched beauty of this renowned region.

Enjoy authentic Italian gastronomy with a modern twist at L'Aria restaurant, where you can dine on the terrace on lakefront and watch the chefs at work in the open kitchen. The hotel's menus are presided over by chefs who have catered for English royalty and American presidents - perfect for savouring classic Italian dishes.  

Sit back on the terrace overlooking the lake and enjoy an aperitif at sunset, and finish your day at the elegant CO.MO Bar & Bistrot, which combines an attractive Art Deco atmosphere with a romantic 1940s cigar lounge ambience.

The impressive spa, spread over 1,300 square metres, has treatment rooms, private spa suites, a Finnish sauna, an indoor pool with massage stations, a Himalayan salt room and a fitness centre, but the hotel's best feature is its irresistible pool, which floats above the lake. Relax poolside on a lounger and soak up the sun and the lake views.

Tucked into the Rhaetian Alps, surrounded by towering wooded hills and pretty villages, Lake Como is a beguiling natural haven. With its winding shoreline and deep blue waters, it's not surprising it has been attracting travellers since Roman times and can now count celebrities, notably George Clooney, among its residents.

Visit the grand villas dotted around the lake, such as the 19th-century Villa Elba, which features in the film Ocean's Twelve. If you have a taste for adventure, enjoy a scenic cycle ride or head out on the water for some sailing or water-skiing. Climb to the top of the Volta lighthouse to enjoy more panoramic views over the lake and beyond.