Seaplanes, speedboats, supercars. There are several ways to make a swish entrance into Lake Como (although we must admit we have soft spot for an Italian road trip in summer). But after your high-octane arrival, time almost immediately slows to a standstill. From the mustard yellow villas scattered along shimmering shores to the fluorescent orange spritzes being sipped by stars on sun-drenched terraces, everything is brighter – and just better – here. So, here’s how to spend one perfect day living la dolce vita in Lake Como. 

MORNING 

Wake up at Villa d’Este 

Blink once. Blink twice. Your eyes aren’t just adjusting to the light of a new day streaming through your shutters – they just can’t quite believe it’s all real. Because every waking moment at Villa d’Este (home to one of Lake Como’s best luxury spas) is magic. But first things first: slip on your dressing gown (from your heated wardrobe, no less) and slink down to breakfast in the dining room of your private villa, served up by the estate’s expert chefs who’ve whipped up your eggs just the way you like them. 

Lounge by the floating pool 

You know that feeling of sleepiness that sweeps over you when being gently rocked back and forth? Well, we dare you to stay awake whilst lounging by Villa d’Este’s famous floating pool (and the first of its kind in Como). Read your book under the beating sun, order a mid-morning aperitivo (it’s 5 o’clock somewhere…) from your lounger, and switch between dips in the heated pool or jacuzzi. Poolside or lakeside? The semantics don’t matter – it’s perfection. 

AFTERNOON

Order Bellinis at Harry’s Bar 

It’s time to go (just) beyond Villa d’Este’s borders into the dream-like village of Cernobbio. All it takes is a short stroll past designer boutiques and through winding alleyways for you to pop out at Harry’s Bar – an American cocktail bar-turned-restaurant with a terrace on the lakefront that locals love (so you know it’s good). Start with a round of its famous peach Bellinis, follow with a trusted recommendation from your waiter from the daily specials, and end Italian-style with a post-lunch espresso. Buonissimo. 

Set sail on a boat trip on the lake 

A Como itinerary without a boat trip on the lake? Unfathomable. Luckily, Villa d’Este’s extensive array of boats – the chic Tullio Abbate Super, the prestigious Riva Aquarama, the romantic Vintage Vaporina, and the entirely electric E-Next – have you covered (complete with Champagne and aperitivos, of course). As you cruise around the water taking it all in from an entirely new perspective, it’ll soon become clear why so many big names (like Clooney and Versace) once decided to call the grander villas here home. 

EVENING 

Taste wine from Italy’s largest collection 

Fact: Villa d’Este is home to the largest collection of wine in the whole of Italy. Fact: you can’t miss tasting a smidge of its whopping 150,000 bottles during your stay. That’s where the expert sommelier team come in. Wine Director Alex Bartoli will carefully curate a trio of premium wines, each paired with its perfect accompanying appetizer. And whilst it’s unlikely they’ll make an appearance in your glass, don’t miss the opportunity to ask about the hotel’s rarest (and most bank-breaking) bottles. 

Dine on elegant Italian dishes 

Pretty much everything at Villa d’Este is perfect, to be honest – but the food might just be the pièce de résistance. And there’s no finer spot than the Veranda Restaurant. Part retractable glasshouse, part yellow-and-blue striped dining room, it serves up classic and contemporary Italian cuisine on circular, white-clothed tables adorned with elegantly branded China and glassware. To eat: order the Crêpes Suzette for a table-side show. To wear: dress up but keep it comfortable – you’ll thank us later when eyeing up another plate.