II Sereno Hotel

When Milan-based starchitect Patricia Urquiola designed the 40 suites here—and by the way, every guest room is a suite—she spared no expense. There are floor to ceiling glass walls overlooking the water; sky-high ceilings; walnut, stone and bronze surfaces; and plush perks like D. Porthault bed linens and Ex Voto Paris amenities. The Piccoletta start suites begin at a generous 430 square feet; for even more room to sprawl out, we love the 700 square foot Grand Suite Lago for its deep soaking tub and a fully covered private terrace that overlooks the water. We think longtime Lake Como residents George and Amal Clooney would go ahead and book the Penthouse; it has its own private terrace that peers out on the water and a spa-like bathroom with Venetian terrazzo walls and a sky light any movie director would agree are cinematic.

Fronting Lake Como, this modern yet warm retreat is an indulgence, with a freshwater infinity pool (and bar) set over the lake, a high-tech spa, and a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Landlocked. The hotel has a flotilla of custom Cantiere Ernesto Riva boats guests can whirl around Lake Como, a 1930s row boat and even a restaurant on a “water limousine.”

You crave a bit of pampering, and here, you’ll have maid service twice daily, a private bar in your room, zippy free wifi, down pillows and duvets…the list goes on.

From your table at Il Sereno al Lago under a stone arch in a loggia set by the water, you’re nothing less than entranced. Part of it is the views, yes. But this Michelin-starred meal is more worthy of a galaxy, as each bite of your risotto with caciocavallo podolico cheese and fermented lemon powder attests.

Berton Al Lago - Regional specialties with the freshest local flavors prepared by Michelin star chef Andrea Berton