EVERLASTING MEMORIES IN LAKE COMO

For centuries Lake Como has been renownedfor its imposing setting, lakeside villages, and glamorous celebrities. Located at the foot of the Alps, it offers some of the most romantic and picturesque scenery in Italy, a destination of pure beauty, a dreamy place that exceeds expectations.

Having visited most of Italy, Lake Como has been one placethat has always eluded me (I really don’t know why) and so when I was invited to visit this truly exquisite part of Italy there was really no other answer than yes!

We were staying at The Hilton Lake Como, a luxury hotel, just a picturesque 15-minute walk from the historical centre. Located on the site of an old silk factory, merging old and new together in a bright and elegant contemporary way. The old part of the hotel has been ingeniously connected to the new part by a ‘glass cube’, an all-glass lounge filled with plants and large plush sofas, just like an exquisite gardenroom, decorated in a soft palette of neutrals and browns to further enhance the outdoor feel. Fall into one of the sofas and you won’t want to get up they’re so comfyand justthe perfect placeto sit, peoplewatch and while away the hours.

And then there’s the smell, so exquisitely floral, it lingers in the air wherever you walk (courtesy of the large diffusers dotted around).

Heading up to the 6^th floor for a little lunch in Terrazza 241, surrounded by rolling mountains, lush foliage, and panoramic views of the iconic crystal blue Lake you literally have your breath taken away, and it is at this moment you realise what all the fuss about ‘Como’ is! It’s the most idyllic backdrop for a wedding, minimoon, honeymoon or romantic getaway, the most heavenly place to create memories.

There are a selection of rooms and suites at Hilton Lake Como, many with impressiveviews of the lake and scenery beyond. We were lucky enough to be staying in a suite, an oasis of tranquillity with large floor-to-ceiling windows ensuring plenty of light, whilst tones of brown complimented the neutral delicate palette in the bedroom and soft hues of grey in the living area crafted a calm lakeside ambience that was further enhanced by a marble bathroom, including a large free standing bath to luxuriate with bubbles of both kinds in. The icing on the cake to this sumptuous suite was the balcony offering even more serene views of the lake and its surrounding natural beauty, the perfect spot for an aperitif, morning coffee or just because.

Italy is renowned for its exceptional food, and Hilton Lake Como keeps this reputation alive. Terrazza 241 offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, a place to enjoy alfresco at its best, and if the weather isn’t perfect, the restaurant has inside seating so there’s no chance you’ll miss out on the delicious dishes. Whether it’s breakfast fit for a King or a dining delight it really is a foodie’s heaven. The menu offers creative contemporary dishes inspired by traditional recipes, the lobster spaghettoni was an explosion of mouth-watering flavours, the pasta was cooked perfectly (hubbie’s Italian, so he’s the ideal critic) and just divine as was the Mediterranean sea bass served with cherry tomatoes and taggiasca olives, the flavours just tempted the tastebuds mouthful after mouthful, and then there was the scallops, tender and flavoursome allaccompanied of course with champagne, memorable views and a symphony of colour when the sunset, it really is a place for romance and an Italian culinary journey that’ll stay forever in your memories.

Explore your foodie journey even further with of course a stroll to the main town, where although its only ten minutes away will take you far longer as you veer off track looking at exquisite villas, hidden alleyways and of course lake views from all angles. Maybe you’ll even spot an ‘A-Lister’or two, and wonder if thatspeedboat on the lake is part of a new Bond film, who knows, the possibilities are endless, all I know is there’s no better way to reward yourselffor all this exploring than with a cool AperolSpritz and traditional pizza with the lake as your backdrop.

If all this eating, drinking and exploring has worn you out, then it’s most definitely time to pay the hotel’s award winning eforea spa a visit. A place to savour serenity and romance as you wrap yourself in a soft fluffy robe and are pampered with an enchantingtreatment followed by a glass of bubbles as you relax and rejuvenate in your own cocoon of bliss.

The spa has an indoor pool, but if the sun is shining it’ll be calling you to the rooftop where you can enjoy the outdoor rooftop pool, overlooking the lake and the natural beauty beyond. Sit back in one of the surrounding loungers, a glass of something cold in your hand and who knows, you may get a little feeling of not only calm but maybe a slight glimpse into how George Clooney actually lives!

Hilton Lake Como really is a couple’s dream, a tranquil setting with exhilarating views that allows for you to do as little or as much as you want. Lie around the poolsipping cocktails, tempt your tastebuds with delightful dishes, spoil yourself at the spa or wander into the town and take a boat out on the lake, the possibilities are endless, all you have to do is envelop yourself in a bubble of love and enjoy.