Friday, October 21, 2016

MY FAVOURITE HOTEL IN ITALY: GRAND HOTEL VILLA SERBELLONI





While in Italy, we visited Bellagio, a little town up north, on Lake Como.  To say it was an amazing experience doesn't do it justice because the hotel and scenery were so unbelievably beautiful, you'd think it was out of a painting.

We stayed for two nights, and on our second night we spent it at the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni--the only five star hotel in Bellagio.  The hotel is family owned and has been for generations.  Built as a private home in 1853, it was turned into a luxury hotel 20 years later, and regularly quoted as one of the best hotels in the world.  #ibelieveit

The day we arrived, it was beautiful, warm and sunny.  We took advantage by exploring the property and snapping some photos.  I'm so glad we did, because the following day, it rained all day long--however, considering it was the best hotel of our entire trip, not a bad way to hang out indoors (plus their Internet connection was amazing).







On our first day, we had lunch al fresco by the pool, which overlooks beautiful Lake Como.  The view is unbeatable and I couldn't stop snapping photos!  It literally took my breath away, every which way I looked.




After lunch, we set out to explore.  Villa Serbelloni has beautiful grounds, and part of it includes a private garden that expands across the front of the property.  The flower beds were gorgeous and the little table and chairs a perfect spot for an afternoon espresso.

Fun fact: when the villas on Lake Como were built, the front facing the water was always built the most beautiful because guests would arrive by boat and that would be their first impression.







There was even a small beach, with loungers, for warmer weather... and palm trees! 




The next day, we checked in and explored the inside of the hotel.  

Regal.  

Majestic.  

Royalty.  

These are the words that come to mind when I think about the interior and its decor.





And then we checked into our room...

Magical!  

We had a large room that housed a small seating area off to one side, an office in another corner, huge windows that opened to a lake view, a massive bathroom (#bestshowerofthetrip) and the comfiest bed.  It was pure heaven!




We decided were didn't want to battle the rain so we ordered room service for dinner... the exact same thing we had for lunch the day before because it was that good!  We toasted to Canadian Thanksgiving with the breeze blowing through the windows and the rain pitting on the roof.  

Later on, we went downstairs to check out the live trio that plays every night in the living room.  They were so good and lively, it was a nice way to get out of the room and enjoy something different.




The next morning, we wandered down the hall to the gorgeous brunch dining room to enjoy the buffet.  The meal was a mix of hot and cold items, fresh fruit, pastries, juice and more.  It was delicious, and had it been warmer, we would have taken advantage of the cute patio to eat outside.




We meandered back to our room, took one last look at the view, packed up and headed to check out.

...after a quick selfie, of course.




We wandered around the walking town, while we waited for the Hydrofoil boat to take us onto our next adventure.  There are so many cute shops, restaurants and lots of stairs to find them all.  Wear comfortable, flat shoes and you'll be fine.  

Bellagio is known for silk scarves, woodworking and glasswear art.  There was an amazing Christmas store that was full of beautiful ornaments and decor, all hand made.  We brought back this sweet glass ornament, and I can't wait to hang it on the tree this year!



JACKET  |  SWEATER (SIMILAR)  |  DENIM -- DIY'ED MYSELF (SIMILAR)  |  BOOTIES  |  CELINE BAG (SIMILAR)





There were so many cute coffee shops and restaurants, I loved the outdoor patios and of course the gelato!  The hotel itself has two restaurants, La Goletta (where we ate + room service) and the 1 Michelin Star spot, Mistral.

If you're looking for something active to do, the hotel boasts an impressive fitness centre with a full gym, squash court, outdoor and indoor pools and tennis courts.  You can go water skiing, sailing, canoeing, mountain biking, horse-back riding, kayak or hit up a golf course only 20 minutes away.

There are walking trails around the lake, beautiful gardens to visit, and Bellagio also hosts the famous Museum of Cycling: Madonna del Ghisallo.

Overall, it was truly a magical time spent at the hotel, and would highly recommend if you're looking for somewhere special to make some amazing memories.




Via Roma, 1
22021 Bellagio, Lake Como  -  Italy
Phone: +39 031 950216

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