The Grand Hotel Tremezzo is one of the most iconic hotels in Lake Como. And to mark the opening of its 2022 season on April 1, the owner—Valentina de Santis—decided to create a new experience for guests that allows them to meet famed Italian designers (and even have a bespoke item made).
The brand-new “Sense of Lake” experience is meant to show off the Italian tradition of craftsmanship. Created as an extension of the hotel's e-boutique Sense of Lake, guests can now meet with the teams and families behind the items featured in the boutique. Whether it's accessories, fashion items, or homewares, this offering will give visitors unique insight into the level of skill required to make an item. For example, you can visit the Mantero silk factory and create your own silk scarf or meet with the charismatic owner of BRICS luggage to see what inspired them to start the business.
“At the beginning and the end of a journey, we always ask ourselves what we will pack,” De Santis told me. “And the answer is dreams, stories, memories. Sense of Lake is an endless journey, which begins before arriving at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo and continues returning home because beautiful things are also magical: they keep the reflection of emotions. It is a joy to select each object so that the elegance and timeless style of the Lake shines in every part of the world and let them experience the Italian artisan and creative side by visiting some factories and laboratories.”
So, what’s exactly involved in the experience? A car will take you to visit the Italian craftsman for a couple of hours and potentially get to collaborate on a bespoke piece. Guests can go on their own or with a personal guide. And some lucky VIP guests will even be accompanied by Valentina herself. Besides BRICS luggage and the Mantero silk factory, guests can also visit famed skirt designer Gonne Ruffiane in the heart of Como.
Prices start from € 1200 (about $1,300) per couple plus the transfer cost. The cost includes an exclusive visit with a meet-and-greet with a family member of the producer company. In addition, the hotel can add a dining experience with lunch in one of their favorite restaurants in Como town, such as the Michelin Star restaurant Kitchen or Osteria del Gallo (typical Italian Trattoria from 1920 owned by a family, with typical regional dishes). Or, when back at the property, a private dining experience at the brand new restaurant Giacomo al Lago can be waiting.
Beyond this new experience, Grand Hotel Tremezzo is also opening a sister hotel—Passalacqua— this June. The historic property has long been a private home hosting guests like Napoleon Bonaparte, Bellini, and Winston Churchill. But, De Santis and her family recently transformed it into a 24-suite hotel, including the largest suite on Lake Como, where Bellini composed La Sonnambula in 1831.
Discover the fascinating history of Grand Hotel Tremezzo and book your stay!
Read the full article on Forbes here.
About Historic Hotels Worldwide®
Washington DC based Historic Hotels Worldwide is a prestigious collection of historic treasures, including more than 360 legendary historic hotels including many former castles, chateaus, palaces, academies, haciendas, villas, monasteries, and other historic lodging spanning ten centuries. Historic Hotels Worldwide recognizes authentic cultural treasures that demonstrate exemplary historic preservation and their inspired architecture, cultural traditions, and authentic cuisine. Historic Hotels Worldwide along with Historic Hotels of America are official programs of the National Trust for Historic Preservation (United States of America).
