Planning a Lake Como sojourn? Me too. So, to get the hottest local-insider tips on where to eat, drink, shop and explore we spoke to members of the Dream Team behind two of the world’s most exquisite luxury hotels; the ever-charming Silvio Vettorello, General Manager, and the contagiously effervescent Delia Facchini, PR Director of Grand Hotel Tremezzo and Passalacqua. Alongside Valentina De Santis - the owner and visionary behind these two hotels – Silvio and Delia have secured many accolades for these properties, including World’s Best Hotel 2023 and Europe’s Best Hotel 2024. 

You can trust them for the scoop on world class Italian experiences, plus some less-well known, hidden rustic gems.  

LUNCH – HEAD TO THE HILLS 

Tucked into the hills above Tremezzo is Rusall, a family-run gem where lunch feels like visiting distant relatives - if your relatives happened to serve handmade pasta and local wine on a terrace with one of the best lake views around. It’s honest, joyful cooking - what Italians call “genuina” - Sit on the terrace and you’ll see why Silvio keeps coming back.  It’s simple. It’s perfect.

DINE – LAGLIO'S BEST KEPT SECRET 

Tucked into the quiet village of Laglio, La Finestra sul Lago is intimate and refined. The contemporary menu is thoughtful, but it’s the cocktails that seal the deal—Silvio’s order: a dry martini with Grey Goose and a twist of lemon. Unforgettable.

APERITIVO

While off-duty, you’ll find Silvio at Bar Tremezzino, just by beautiful Villa Sola Cabiati. It’s where the oldest locals sip bianchini—a little glass of white wine—while overlooking the harbour of Tremezzo, the church, and the town’s beautiful park. The kind of place that makes you feel like you belong.

SHOP

Trust us, Delia knows where to shop! In stunning Bellagio, she always stop at Pierangelo Masciadri (famed for designing Bill Clinton’s first presidential tie). There you will also find unique pieces: silk ties, leather bags, accessories, foulard, jewellery, and perfume. Every collection is a work of art. Stop by Bellagioseta for Como silks, Saraceno for handpicked jewellery, and the Corner Shop, for unique pieces and handmade classic jewelry that stems from the experience of a family tradition since 100 years. Closer to home, Bottega Tremezzo is a few minutes from the hotel, filled with timeless Italian pieces. And now, Sense of Lake, our signature boutique at Grand Hotel Tremezzo and Passalacqua, brings Como’s design soul to life. Curated by Valentina and her mother Antonella, the shop features collaborations with Bric’s, Borsalino, Emilia Wickstead and more including our exclusive Aqua Como fragrance, which truly captures the spirit of both properties.

ADVENTURE   

Silvio loves to hike from Tremezzo to Ossuccio, through olive groves, up to the Sacro Monte di Ossuccio, a UNESCO World Heritage site with views that stop you in your tracks. On the way back? A glass of red at Il Grifo in Lenno. If the weather turns, he’ll visit Villa Carlotta, then retreat to his cosy cellar with friends for cards and a good bottle of red (I’m not sure we’re all invited to cards…).

MUST DO 

A boat tour is essential—Villa Balbianello, Villa Carlotta, and the gardens of Villa Melzi never lose their magic. End your day with a spritz on the terrace at TBar at Grand Hotel Tremezzo (you might spot George and Amal!), jump into the WOW Pool (yes, the famous one that floats on the Lake), and order the Milanese risotto and steak. It’s everything you want Lake Como to be.