DESPITE being a renowned destination for some summer sun, Lake Como’s unparalleled beauty continues to shine even through the colder months. An ethereal wintery wonderland appears as mist descends upon the picturesque landscape and frost blankets the delicate foliage. Enter Villa d’Este – a luxurious hotel on Lake Como’s shores, surrounded by 25 acres of park space.
Two years ago, Villa d’Este remained open for Christmas and New Year for the first time. Due to its remarkable success, the hotel will continue to welcome guests over the 2024 holiday season.
Villa d’Este
In celebration of this event, Villa d’Este has curated a special festive menu of experiences to usher in the jolly tidings. To start, the innovative French skincare brand Biologique Recherche Beauty Maison will host a winter pop-up. Villa Malakoff will transform into a magical lakeside spa sanctuary, offering an exclusive 90-minute signature facial treatment—the Soin Magistral—until January 6th, 2025.
Villa d’Este Spa
Meanwhile, the hotel’s resident club and bar will transform into an elegant jazz Club in partnership with Milan’s iconic Blue Note jazz club. Every Friday night from now until December 27th, guests can soak up the bar’s speakeasy atmosphere while enjoying new curated cocktails such as the Jazz Club—a mezcal-based beverage with smoky notes—and the Note Dolci—a refreshing gin drink featuring amaretti and dessert wine.
On a similar note, two glass houses have been commissioned to extend the hotel’s Lake Terrace so guests can enjoy magnificent views of Lake Como while remaining cosy indoors from November onwards.
The first—located outside Bar Canova—will offer aperitifs and cocktails alongside an all-day dining menu, caviar selection, and live music. The second glass house—connected to Sala Colonne—will be the ultimate location for a glamorous afternoon tea. For further sweetness, the decadent halls of Sala Colonne will convert into an artisanal haute patisserie, chocolatier, and sweet shop.
Villa d’Este Dining
For those looking for a delightful gastronomic experience, the hotel will host two immersive beverage-orientated dinners throughout December. On the 4th of December, guests can enjoy an evening with Oliver Krug, representing his prestigious Krug label. Then, on the 18th of December, the dinners will conclude with a meal centred around the iconic Domaine de Romanée-Conti.
And the culinary delights don’t stop there. The hotel has crafted a Christmas Eve Dinner menu and a Christmas Day lunch offering. In a celebration of Italian culinary traditions and local specialities, the two menus intertwine holiday traditions with contemporary flair.
Finally, on the 31st of December, guests can welcome the New Year during Villa d’Este’s New Year’s Eve Gala – complete with a grand firework display over the lake – or with the hotel’s New Year’s Day Brunch, which promises to be a wonderful way to usher in the New Year.
by Sophie Richardson
From €1,300 (approx. £1,117) for a Double Classic Room per night, including buffet breakfast. For more information or to book, please visit here.