Lake Como has never been short of grand old dames draped in neoclassical finery, but Il Sereno flipped the script entirely when it opened in 2016. Built on the foundations of a centuries-old stone boathouse in the peaceful village of Torno, it's luxury through and through — but it looks nothing like its neighbours. The clean-lined design is all about walnut, stone, bronze and copper, letting the jaw-dropping lake views do the talking. With just 40 suites, a Michelin-starred restaurant and an infinity pool that practically floats on the water, it's intimate, effortlessly stylish and the epitome of modern Italian design.
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All 40 suites face the water, and all have private terraces that feel like you're literally floating above the lake (some ground-floor suites have private gardens instead). The interiors are warm despite the minimalism: think walnut panelling, caramel marble bathrooms and bespoke fabrics in earthy hues with bursts of colour when needed. Rooms range from the Lario suites (50 square metres) to the Penthouse, a 200-square-metre showstopper with a terrace that wraps around the building. And if you're really taken with the design, the furniture throughout is shoppable, from the B&B Italia sofas to the Gio Ponti vintage chairs.
Every single suite faces the lake. No corridors, no internal views, just floor-to-ceiling glass and water as far as the eye can see.
Rent one of the handcrafted Riva boats and pilot it yourself around the lake. You don't need a licence, and it's easily the highlight of any stay.
Il Sereno is a seasonal hotel, open from roughly mid-March to early November, so booking well in advance is advised.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
Il Sereno Hotel can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Italy trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Italy trips featuring Il Sereno Hotel or get advice and suggestions from one of our Italy specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Il Sereno Hotel start from around $1.6K, or US$1.6K, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
Lakeside real estate, dreamy hotels and the epitome of the good life.
