Spa On Lake Como
Il Sereno means "The Serene" in Italian, which is certainly the feeling one has when staying at Il Sereno Lago Di Como (from $1,600; serenohotels.com)—a stunningly modern, 30-suite hotel like no other on Lake Como’s eastern shore, or anywhere else in Italy—especially when visiting its spa. The property’s century-old boathouse has been reinvented as the SPA at Il Sereno, a stone structure transformed into an intimate, awe-inspiring escape of health and relaxation. Tucked amid its stone arches are three treatment rooms, a sauna, and a steam room lined with Italian tile. Spanish architect and designer Patricia Urquiola outfitted the spa and the hotel with the accent color of lime avocado green that contrasts beautifully with the blue of the water at the property’s shore and the earth tones of the mountain behind it. Regional stone, walnut woods, and vertical gardens round out her signature aesthetic and create a natural sense of calm and peacefulness.
No matter how far one has traveled to get here, booking the Decontracting Massage is an absolute must. The deep-tissue, pressure-point movements ease muscle tension and improve circulation to alleviate jet lag and enhance overall well-being. It feels like a full-body reflexology session. Afterward, rather than having to get up and throw on a robe to relocate to a relaxation area, the therapist transforms the massage table into a lounge chair, opens the drapes, and serves you a cup of tea and anything else you desire while you look out through the ancient stone arch framing the view of the lake. Private access to the steam, sauna, and hot tub for an hour a day is offered, regardless of booking a treatment. If a facial is more the order of the day, regimens using renowned French skincare brand Valmont will hydrate, lift, and stimulate cell renewal.
For a fitness challenge, a small but powerful gym with all the requisite equipment is located in the lower level beneath the spa. And all guest rooms are equipped with yoga mats for private yoga sessions on the terrace. If water sports are your speed, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, water skis, and more are available. Il Sereno even offers access to a swimming instructor for laps in the lake, or a hiking concierge who will arrange self-guided or accompanied tours on the paths along the shore, in the woody hills, or on the more challenging mountain trails. Exploring the area on an e-bike, mountain bike, or trekking bike is another option.
To top off a wellness-focused stay, Chef Raffaele Lenzi oversees the Michelin-star Il Sereno al Lago, where every dish is inherently healthy. “In savory recipes, I use little fat,” says Lenzi, “and in desserts, I try to reduce the sugar content as much as possible, replacing it with honey or stevia.” It all makes for a delicious respite in one of Italy’s most iconic locales.
