Tansy Kaschak

Il Sereno

  • Where:
  • Why:Summer road trip
  • When:August 2021
  • Who:Tansy, Prerna and Tchai

"A fresh, contemporary character in one of world's most iconic destinations"

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Il Sereno What's not to love about a breakfast with this view?

What's not to love about a breakfast with this view?

Il Sereno Prerna, Tchai and I adventured from Milan to Austria in an end-of-summer road trip. First stop: Il Sereno, in Lake Como

Prerna, Tchai and I adventured from Milan to Austria in an end-of-summer road trip. First stop: Il Sereno, in Lake Como

Il Sereno Roads were blocked because of a big storm the night before, so we parked in Cernobbio and were transferred to the hotel aboard this beautiful wooden boat

Roads were blocked because of a big storm the night before, so we parked in Cernobbio and were transferred to the hotel aboard this beautiful wooden boat

Il Sereno The front desk area, which we only visited to say hello to the friendly team, because they have a special, seamless way of checking guests in...

The front desk area, which we only visited to say hello to the friendly team, because they have a special, seamless way of checking guests in...

Il Sereno ... Waterfront, with a couple of botanical cocktails inspired by the hotel’s gardens

... Waterfront, with a couple of botanical cocktails inspired by the hotel’s gardens

Il Sereno The welcome to our room. Prosecco aperitivo, salmon paté and plush beds for all. Someone could not believe his luck

The welcome to our room. Prosecco aperitivo, salmon paté and plush beds for all. Someone could not believe his luck

Il Sereno The understated elegance of our bedroom. And the bed and pillows were best-in-class

The understated elegance of our bedroom. And the bed and pillows were best-in-class

Il Sereno Although minimal and contemporary, there was an overall warm and intimate feeling to all spaces. The caramel marble-covered bathroom was really beautiful

Although minimal and contemporary, there was an overall warm and intimate feeling to all spaces. The caramel marble-covered bathroom was really beautiful

Il Sereno Couldn't take my eyes off this unexpected version of terrazzo flooring

Couldn't take my eyes off this unexpected version of terrazzo flooring

Il Sereno Each of the spacious, waterfront suites boast floor to ceiling windows and large furnished terraces

Each of the spacious, waterfront suites boast floor to ceiling windows and large furnished terraces

Il Sereno The garden filled with herbs and citruses was a sensorial experience on its own

The garden filled with herbs and citruses was a sensorial experience on its own

Il Sereno Bond-style water entrance to the spa

Bond-style water entrance to the spa

Il Sereno Villa Pliniana, set in an 18 acre waterfront private estate, is the oldest property on the lake. Imagine the parties these walls have seen!

Villa Pliniana, set in an 18 acre waterfront private estate, is the oldest property on the lake. Imagine the parties these walls have seen!

Il Sereno A 30-minute hike — or a quick boat ride — from the hotel, Villa Pliniana is Il Sereno's sister property and is available for rental. Ask the hotel to organize a visit and start dreaming...

A 30-minute hike — or a quick boat ride — from the hotel, Villa Pliniana is Il Sereno's sister property and is available for rental. Ask the hotel to organize a visit and start dreaming...

Il Sereno Back at the hotel, and off to dinner we go

Back at the hotel, and off to dinner we go

Il Sereno Michelin-starred plant-based menu at Berton Al Lago

Michelin-starred plant-based menu at Berton Al Lago

Il Sereno We got a little tour of the hotel's new penthouse. Every piece of furniture was designed by Patricia Urquiola and the entire space is shoppable

We got a little tour of the hotel's new penthouse. Every piece of furniture was designed by Patricia Urquiola and the entire space is shoppable

Il Sereno Stormy days during our stay but I must say it made the scenery even more evocative. And a good heated pool never hurts...

Stormy days during our stay but I must say it made the scenery even more evocative. And a good heated pool never hurts...

Il Sereno Checking out and in no rush to leave this lobby

Checking out and in no rush to leave this lobby

Il Sereno My beautiful Prerna, finest traveler and seeker of beauty everywhere, very pleased with Il Sereno's book selection

My beautiful Prerna, finest traveler and seeker of beauty everywhere, very pleased with Il Sereno's book selection

Il Sereno We will miss these ragazzi. Such class and the best drinks. Arrivederci!

We will miss these ragazzi. Such class and the best drinks. Arrivederci!

Il Sereno Designed by the architect genius Patricia Urquiola, Il Sereno has been celebrated as the first contemporary property of its kind on Lake Como

Designed by the architect genius Patricia Urquiola, Il Sereno has been celebrated as the first contemporary property of its kind on Lake Como

Highs & Lows

  • The heated Infinity pool was such a treat

  • The design. Every angle has been considered and executed beautifully

  • All rooms are spacious and lake facing with panoramic views

  • Super comfortable bedrooms. I'm still dreaming about that bed and those pillows...

  • The food at Berton Al Lago left us wanting a little more substance

The Barometer

  • Design
  • Location
  • Future Forward
  • Night's Sleep
  • Service
  • Amenities
  • Takeable Treats
  • Refer a Friend
  • Overall Value
  • Life Changing
Total: 46/50

Important Bits

  • Type

    Contemporary Lakeside Magic

  • Vibe

    Escape from the mundane

  • Location

    Secluded on a quiet shore of Lake Como

  • Rooms

    40

  • Pre-Arrival & Arrival Experience

    Super attentive to coordinate our arrival

  • Future Forward

    Everything is so perfect at the hotel that we'd love Il Sereno steeping up their future-forward game, reducing waste and eliminating single-use plastics

  • Music

    Subtle

  • Year Opened

    2016

  • Designed By

    Patricia Urquiloa

  • Health & Wellness

    Gorgeous, heated infinity pool suspended on the lake and a simple gym with steam and sauna. Take advantage of the spectacular hikes around the lake!

  • Food

    Berton Al Lago serves Michelin style menus

  • Bar, Events & Nightlife

    Lounge style bar with stunning views and snazzy cocktails

  • Minibar & Retail

    Super chic custom designed minibar filled with complimentary goodies including panettone!

  • Accessibility

    This is not a destination accessible to those with limited mobility

  • Pet Friendly

    Luxe treatment for the furry guests, including salmon paté as welcome treat

  • Children

    No

  • Price

    Calling out the HNI!

  • Tel.

    +39 031 5477 800

  • Website

    Visit website

Il Sereno

Il Sereno

Il Sereno, Via Torrazza, Torno, Province of Como, Italy

The brave swim in the lake

The brave swim in the lake

Lake Como, Italy

Villa hopping

Villa hopping

villa del balbianello

Hiking

Hiking

Villa Pliniana, Via Cesare Poggi, Torno, Province of Como, Italy

In the Area

Hotel Location Il Sereno, Via Torrazza, Torno, Province of Como, Italy

One of the legendary lake destinations of the world, Como doesn’t disappoint with its aqua water, dense forests, and abundance of villas and palazzos. Il Sereno boldly shows up as a contemporary design hotel that masterfully blends into a historical setting. Lake Como is a destination for nature lovers, sports enthusiasts, and all of us who are always up to a good dose of beauty and dolce vita.

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