Il Sereno Como

Il Sereno brings a new era of luxury to the banks of Italy’s iconic Lake Como. Awarded the title of “Most Anticipated New Luxury Hotel Opening in 2016” by Luxury Travel Advisor magazine, Il Sereno’s ethos of understated elegance presents a freshness to this well-established destination.

Designed by Patricia Urquiola, Wallpaper* Magazine Designer of The Year 2015, the all-suite hotel promises modern style and an authentic flair, all in the name of effortless comfort. This Lake Como Hotel incorporates the unparalleled beauty of the Lake in its seamless design with panoramic view from every inch of the outstanding property.

The 30 spacious suites, ranging from 40 square meters in size to The Penthouse at 200+ square meters, all make full use of the natural light and awe-inspiring scenery with floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the peaceful waterfront.

Keeping with the Sereno promise that there is no substitute for space and a view, this intimate yet sophisticated property complements the breath-taking mountains, and tranquil waters with ease.

Guests can relax at the hotel’s full-service spa, situated under original, century-old arches. The property features a private beach, as well as a dock, allowing guests to arrive via one of the hotel’s boats, custom-built by Ernesto Riva.

The 60-foot-long freshwater infinity pool suspended over the lake is without a doubt one of Il Sereno’s show-stopping features, and the large sundeck is perfect for spending a leisurely afternoon under the Italian sun.

THE DESIGN
Revered Milan-based architect and designer Patricia Urquiola achieves a stylish modern look at Il Sereno, moving away from the Faux Renaissance and Neo Classical designs that dominate the area.

The New York Post, who predicted that Il Sereno “will bring a dose of highly contemporary style to the shores of Lake Como”, placed the hotel among the World’s Top 19 Hotels to Visit in 2016.

Urquiola worked with the exquisite scenery and complements the natural surroundings with a flawlessly simple, yet contemporary design. One of the leading names in design today, Urquiola has been commissioned by brands including Louis Vuitton, Baccarat, Panerai and Missoni, amongst many others.

The peaceful sanctuary created by Urquiola uses the surrounding elements to ensure complete relaxation, and draws inspiration from Lake Como’s culture, lifestyle and history. The well-developed design sensitivity that Urquiola brings to the space ensures that each room incorporates and showcases the unique beauty that surrounds it.

This project is of special importance to Urquiola with the hotel being close to her hometown, Milan, allowing her to have a real sense of what the property needs to remain authentic in its divine location.

Il Sereno is made largely from natural materials, including wood, stone, wool and other fabrics, to create an aesthetic full of authenticity and personality, whilst remaining timeless.

Joining Urquiola on the project is esteemed botanist Patrick Blanc, whose two delicately-crafted vertical gardens and awe-inspiring sculptures can only be described as living works of art.

This unique creation is made up of three different aspects, Le Mirroir Vert du Lac, Le Canyon and Les Racines Echasseesm, which is particularly noteworthy, as it makes Il Sereno the only place in the world where Blanc has done three distinct pieces in one project.

Inspired by the colours and movement of the lake, this stunning artwork ensure that the hotel blends effortlessly with its backdrop. Key to the design has been to instil the same principles that have made Le Sereno St. Barths a success.

Sereno Hotels strive to ensure guests feel a strong sense of place, a well-developed design sensitivity and a feeling that the challenge of exclusive, sophisticated and high-end services in a relaxed and simple manner has been achieved. A central brand promise is that no matter how luxurious or well-designed, there is no substitute for space and a view.

SUITES
Following the Sereno brand’s philosophy of contemporary luxury in an intimate setting, the hotel features just 30 lake front suites, each with grand high ceilings, and just steps from the waterfront.

The spectacular lake views and private furnished terraces make for an exceptional holiday experience. Suites range in size from a generous 60m2 (600sq-ft) to The Penthouse at 200m2 (2,150sq-ft); which includes an expansive private terrace and garden

THE PENTHOUSE SUITE
The Penthouse Suite is incredibly spacious, and perched on the top floor of the hotel. The suite enjoys a grand outdoor terrace and a private hot tub. Inside, there are two bathrooms, a dining room, wet-bar, multimedia room and an expansive walk-in closet.

The Penthouse Suite is complete with a master bedroom, and can accommodate up to four people (2 adults and 2 children up to 16 years old) using the innovate day & night system. The floors are inlaid with Venetian terrazzo, and the large bathrooms are paneled in stone.

Apart from the jaw-dropping views, another advantage of being on the top floor is that the rooms have large skylights, which allow gorgeous natural light to fill the bathrooms and corridors. As is the case for all the suites in the hotel, the exquisite interiors and furnishings are by Patricia Urquiola.

The floors are inlaid with Venetian terrazzo, and the large bathrooms are panelled in stone. Apart from the jaw-dropping views, another advantage of being on the top floor is that the rooms have large skylights, which allow gorgeous natural light to fill the bathrooms and corridors. As is the case for all the suites in the hotel, the exquisite interiors and furnishings are by Patricia Urquiola.

PICCOLETTA SUITE
The Piccoletta room is handicap equipped. Complete with a luscious king size bed and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Lake Como, this entry level room is an intimate retreat. The Piccoletta room uses the pattern of natural materials that is seen throughout the hotel: stone, walnut, bronze and glass.

This color palette is enhanced with rich fabrics designed exclusively for Il Sereno by Patricia Urquiola. Please note that the Piccoletta bathroom is handicap equipped. The room’s area is 400-sq. ft., excluding the small garden.

THE DARSENA SUITE
This Grand and unique suite was built on the site of an ancient Darsena, and is right at water level, allowing the large terrace of the suite to touch the gentle waves of the lake. The Darsena Lago Suite provides an additional and individual feature, its private and direct access to the lake.

The suite has two bathrooms, a dining room, wet-bar, multimedia room, a huge walk-in closet, plus a fully furnished terrace on the lake that includes a sitting area and dining area.

The suite has a master bedroom, and can accommodate up to four people (2 Adults and 2 children up to 16 years old). As is the case for all the suites in the hotel, all the interiors and furnishings are by Patricia Urquiola. Average size is 2,000 sq. ft

BERTON AL LAGO
Sereno Hotels welcomes guests to experience Lake Como dining at its finest at Il Sereno’s Ristorante Berton Al Lago, One Michelin Star, 2018. Savor artfully prepared regional specialties with the freshest local flavors by Michelin star chef Raffaele Lenzi presented in a uniquely contemporary space designed by renowned Patricia Urquiola.

Designed with rich traditional Venetian Terrazzo and Travertine stone, the restaurant features a beautiful large outdoor terrace overlooking Lake Como, including a section that is built right over the water.

At the center of the restaurant, a dramatic and intricate stairwell solidifies the restaurant as a visual experience, as well as a culinary one. At Berton Al Lago, guests can celebrate life, love and friendship in a casually elegant environment set against stunning Lake Como views.

THE FOOD
At the helm of Ristorante Al Lago, Chef Berton and Chef Lenzi present modern Italian cuisine in a relaxed yet refined atmosphere for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The menu’s inspiration comes from the local surroundings—the lake with its fish and aromatic herbs, the mountains of Valtellina known for its incredible wines, cheeses and meats, and the nearby Pianura Padana, known for its risotto and other fantastic ingredients, are all incorporated in a tribute to the rich and diverse area.

The restaurant also offers a seven-course vegetarian tasting menu, taking full advantage of all the incredible produce from the regions surrounding Lake Como and making use of ingredients from the hotels’ own herb garden. Wine pairing with the menu is also available.

THE CHEFS
Sereno Hotels partnered with decorated Milan restaurateur Andrea Berton to lead Il Sereno’s signature restaurant, Ristorante Berton Al Lago. With more than 27 years of industry experience, Chef Berton is a celebrated and respected restaurateur who has won four Michelin stars across three restaurants in Milan.

Berton is currently the chef of his newest namesake Ristorante Berton in the futuristic area of Milan, Porta Nuova Varesine, in addition to being owner and consultant of Milan Restaurant: DRY Cocktail & Pizza.

Il Sereno tapped Raffaele Lenzi as executive chef of Ristorante Berton Al Lago, where he is responsible for the hotel’s daily culinary operations. Most recently the chef at the luxury TownHouse Galleria hotel in Milan, Lenzi has nearly 20 years of experience in the culinary industry, beginning with his first job at his family’s bakery.

Lenzi has six years of international training between London, New York and Rome, and he has had the privilege of training under top, award winning chefs: Elio Sironi at Bulgari in Milan, Pino Lavarra to Rossellinis restaurant in Ravello, Stefano Baiocco a Villa Feltrinelli on Lake Garda in Italy.

Il Sereno, Berton and Lenzi deliver, “Italian dishes that are enhanced with a modern twist,” which can be seen in the simple yet imaginative takes on classic dishes, like the Saffron Risotto made with Genovese ragout and mushroom powder or the Veal Milanese made with almonds, turnip tops and spicy sauce.

There were so many different textures and flavour combinations, it’s truly inspiring to see what the chef created. Chef Raffaele Lenzi has created a seven-course vegetarian tasting menu, which should inspire even non-vegetarians … With the unique view, everything tastes twice as good.. You will be taken away by a cuisine as modern and inspired as the decor (by Patricia Urquiola)

THE WINE CELLAR
Discover some of Italy’s finest vintages in the Il Sereno Wine Cellar. Il Sereno offers guests a curated selection of Italy’s top award-winning wines. The state of the art wine housing facility boasts an excellent selection of boutique wines spanning the spectrum of cultivars and areas of origin within Italy.

Working closely with local producers, our objective is to help guests discover truly exclusive wines in a spectacular setting. Be sure to ask our in-house sommelier to give you an overview of the wines on offer, and savour some of the finest wines in the world with your next meal at Berton al Lago.

THE SUNDECK
The Sundeck at Il Sereno is the ultimate vantage point from which to drink in the spectacular views of Lake Como. The beautiful outdoor terrace overlooks Lake Como, and includes a section that is built right over the water. Whether you’re in the mood for dining outdoors or savouring one of our signature cocktails at sunset, the sun deck is the perfect location.

Be sure to sample our range of signature dishes, including favourites such as the Amaranth Salad, Hamburger Berton, Garganelli Bolognese, Spaguetti Pomodoro Mozzarella, a range of snack platters as well as our classical club sandwich.

Savour the freshest local flavors by Michelin star chef Lenzi presented in a uniquely contemporary space designed by renowned Patricia Urquiola. Come celebrate life, love and friendship in a casually elegant environment set against stunning Lake Como views.

THE LOBBY BAR
The hotel has a large and comfortable lobby, designed as a series of lounges and living rooms where drinks and snacks are available. Surrounding the lobby, there is a spectacular outdoor terrace right on top of the lake and situated over the historic darsena (boat house) upon which the hotel is built.

Anchoring the lobby is the hotel’s main bar. We recommend ordering a cocktail and taking in the stunning lake views – the sunsets in Lake Como are especially spectacular. Each signature cocktail on the menu has its own unique story.

Only the very finest locally sourced seasonal ingredients are used, and our professional mixologists tend to avoid processed sugars. Be sure to sample our flagship cocktail, Serenity, comprising a tantalising blend of passion fruit, camomile and limey flavours…

Easily accessible by car or boat, the restaurant’s prime location allows guests to bask in natural sunlight as late as 10 p.m. in the summer months.

Ristorante Berton Al Lago is open seven days a week, between 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. to both hotel and outside guests. Menu items from Berton Al Lago are also available on the terraces and poolside for hotel guests only. Valet parking is available for cars and boats.

WEDDINGS ON COMO LAKE 
il Sereno Hotel provides the complete experience when it comes to wedding bliss on Lake Como. Situated on the banks of Italy’s most iconic lake, the hotel provides everything from a beautiful setting, to luxury accommodation and scenery which stretches back centuries.

Guests can be accommodated in one or all of our 30 suites, and should more accommodation be required Villa Pliniana is available.

MEETINGS & CELEBRATIONS
Il Sereno not only provides the perfect location for your ideal wedding, but contains the facilities for meetings and celebrations of all kinds. The water level restaurant terrace is the ideal location for dinner under the stars.

The expanded deck around the pool provides space for intimate gatherings on the banks of lake. The Darsena Suite converts into a stylish meeting room which can accommodate up to 30 people, making it an exquisite location for small meetings.

The luxurious wine cellar is stocked with numerous award winning wines and can be used as a venue for smaller, more intimate events. For larger events, needing further accommodation, our sister property, Villa Pliniana, provides ample space and luxury.

THE SPA
Originally built as the Darsena (boathouse) of the property over a century ago, the SPA has been transformed by the well-known designer Patricia Urquiola into a modern and relaxing facility which reflects its history and Lake Como.

The SPA disposes of an outdoor relaxation area with a pool literally built over the water, which is the perfect place to rest and cool down. There are also a sauna and a steam room, both designed by Patricia Urquiola and finished with Italian tiles.

The SPA at Il Sereno offers massages along with a wide range of rejuvenating treatments and Valmont products, renowned cellular cosmetics and anti-aging treatments inspired by nature.

Whether you are looking for a facial or a body treatment, the SPA at Il Sereno will offer you a unique and tailored experience, leaving you with visible and effective results signed by Valmont.

THE GYM
Also built inside the Darsena the il Sereno gym is located one level below the spa. The gym is open 24 hours 7 days a week with the following machines available: treadmills, rowing machine, bicycle, bench & weights and elliptical machines.

BOATING
In the grand tradition of guests traveling and experiencing Lake Como via boat, Il Sereno commissioned three custom Cantiere Ernesto Riva boats from the namesake family that has been building boats by hand in the nearby town of Laglio since 1771.

Il Sereno guests are able to travel to other destinations on the lake via two Jetto’s or the grand Vaporina del Lago which features interiors designed by Patricia Urquiola.

WINE TASTING & COOKING CLASSES
Enjoy the local and exquisite flavours with either a wine tasting or a real Italian cooking experience.

HIKING
Lake Como offers an enormous variety of hiking possibilities, from easy walks for families to the more difficult ones for skilled hikers.

The itineraries we present allow you to discover the old connection paths which run along the lake, or the woody hills with their rural settlements, or to the more scenic heights of the mountains along Lake Como.

SHOPPING
No Lake Como holiday would be complete without splashing out on some serious Lake Como shopping. Around Como there are many small shops and boutiques, and in the larger towns you will find a great range of boutiques, designer stores and department stores.

GETTING TO COMO LAKE
The hotel is less than 6km (4 miles) from the center of Como, just a short 8-minute drive; and approximately 50 minutes from both Milano Malpensa airport and the center of Milan. For ease of lake transportation, the hotel features its own private docking facilities and custom boats.

Guests may arrive by boat, via helicopter or by car, and can visit the many exceptional locations the lake has to offer via water-taxi or via the hotel’s boat services.

Rooms: 30

Price: from 770 EUR per night

Source: www.serenohotels.com