The Italian Lakes have been on our bucket list for sometime now, so when our friends invited us to join them for a part of their adventure around the north of Italy we jumped at the chance for a midweek get away to sunnier climates.  After a very short flight we landed in Milan and soaked up the lovely Italian sunshine the moment we stepped off the plane.  A relief from the down pours in London. 

From the airport we decided to take the train up to the lakes which took us about an hour and half to Lake Como.  However if you wanted to hire a car it’s about a hour, so worth thinking about.  Unfortunately we were not able to escape train delays from home and had a little wait at Saronno, waiting for the connecting train to Como Lago station.  Although this did give us chance to grab some coffees and tuck into some Palma ham and mozzarella focaccia, in the country five minutes and stuffing our faces….This didn’t stop throughout the trip I’m happy to say.   

Our friends were staying in Tremezzo, so from Como Lago, we ran onto the first boat we saw, quickly realising it was not the speedy service we thought.  This did panic us a little, as this was our fourth method of transport that day and we were only staying for three.  However, a member of the crew told us “to relax and go the bar, soak up the scenery on the top deck for an hour and half trip, enjoy, this is Italy.”  So we did, we ordered a couple of glasses of Prosecco and sat back and breathed out, Sì siamo stati in Italia!

We tend to always lean towards the coast for the sea and the beach, so it is easy to forget how calming the lakes are.  A backdrop of all shades of green, little towns all piled up with the yellows and pinks of the houses and clock towers popping out at you.   Balconies of washing, and flags, and families create the perfect postcard of this calm, tranquil and oh so pretty part of the world.  Very Italian, in style and beauty but with the added flavour of Swiss sprinkled right on top.

You can spot the stunning Grand Hotel Tremezzo from way back, ‘grand’ in the title for a reason, traditional Italian elegance with a swimming pool to beat all swimming pools, water on water, this certainly took centre stage floating on the lake.  We felt like we had stepped back into the decorative ‘Golden Years’ of the early 1900’s, charm and elegance all the way. The over one hundred year old hotel epitomises the charm and elegance of the Art Nouveau era, with panoramic views of Bellagio and the stunning Grigne mountains. In no time we were dipping into ‘that’ pool and relaxing at the hotel’s T Beach, soaking up that breathtaking view, ah Italia!

The hotel itself does not fail to keep impressing.  The glass elevator takes you up to the grand lobby, where red velvet chairs, love seats, the prettiest, fresh yellow roses and even a help your self pick and mix of all kinds of sweeties, welcome you. There seemed to be a treat for your eyes around every corner.  Walking through the glamorous hotel and up the stairs leads you to the second swimming pool, sun loungers and tennis courts with the whole focus towards the stunning lake.  This was without a doubt one of the most beautifully constructed and decadent hotels we have ever visited.

The Lake View Prestige rooms are filled with light interiors, beautiful grand beds with white, crisp lining. Stylish, marble bathrooms with white  fluffy white robes.  Saving the best ‘til last, a chilled bottle of Prosecco and chocolate strawberries were waiting for us,  which we delved into on the little balcony watching the speed boats come and go on the stunning Riviera delle Azalee from Bellagio to Punta Balbianello, dreaming Mr Clooney was on his way (and that wasn’t just the ladies).

The hotel has three restaurants, so after a round of Apple Martinis on the Lake Side Terrace at the T Bar, a beautiful, classic design, with a feel of a time of secret and romantic encounters, we decided to have dinner at T beach. 

That evening the were offering their summer solace menu in celebration of the summer commencement, with culinary expertise and fine flavours from the Onfalos BBQ. We tucked into a four course meal complete with cocktails created to fit your choice of food.  Stunning!

A beautiful Italian evening, conversation and lots of laughter, in a calm and tranquil setting.  We sat and watched the light change, the Grigne turn pink and the moon rise above the mountains; a little pinch me moment.  A very special night!

………More Tales from Como coming soon.

We flew Easy Jet to Milan.  You can catch the train to Saronno from Milan Malpensa, Terminal 2, we then changed here to Lago Como, just remember to stamp your train tickets before you get on the train.  From Lago Como there are many ferries and hydrofoil’s to take you to the many different areas of the Lake.  If time is on your side, relax and take the ferry, Beautiful! You can book The Grand Hotel Tremazzo through their website http://www.grandhoteltremezzo.com/en/luxury-hotel-lake-como/ and also through https://www.mrandmrssmith.com/luxury-hotels/grand-hotel-tremezzo