Il Sereno
lake como, ITALY
THE PERSONALITIES
Modernists. Design devotees. Lakeside romantics. Boaters. Architects and aesthetes.
MOMENTS
Gliding across the lake aboard a custom Riva boat. Floating breakfasts on a private terrace. Aperitivo hour with sweeping mountain views. Sunlight catching on stone and glass. A quiet swim in the infinity pool as the lake reflects the sky.
BEST VISITING MONTHS
May through mid-October is prime - when the lake is at its most vibrant, boats dot the water, and the surrounding gardens are in bloom.
COST
WHY STAY
Il Sereno is the modernist’s answer to Lake Como’s old-world grandeur. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, the hotel brings clean lines and contemporary elegance to a place known for opulence. Every detail is refined and intentional: floor-to-ceiling windows, natural materials like walnut, stone, and bronze, and a palette that mirrors the surrounding landscape.
With just 40 suites, intimacy is part of the experience. Each room opens to the lake, inviting it in like a second heartbeat. There’s a sense of lightness throughout - of form following feeling. From the floating staircase in the lobby to the quiet corners of the garden, everything is designed to honor the view.
This is where modern design and natural beauty meet; where Lake Como’s timeless allure is reframed through a contemporary lens.
WHY WANDER
There’s more to Como than villas and vistas. Charter one of Il Sereno’s custom Riva boats for a private cruise past lakeside villages and neoclassical mansions. Visit Bellagio or Varenna for an afternoon of wandering and gelato. Hike into the surrounding hills or explore Como town with its cathedrals, cafes, and design shops.
Or do nothing at all. Let the rhythm of the lake set the tone - slow mornings, long lunches, sun-warmed afternoons. Exploration here is about savoring rather than checking off.
INDULGE IN
The Michelin-starred Ristorante Il Sereno Al Lago serves seasonal menus rooted in northern Italian traditions—think lake fish, wild herbs, and delicate handmade pastas. Dine al fresco with views of the water or order breakfast to your private terrace. Don’t miss the signature negroni, best enjoyed poolside at golden hour.
GETTING THERE
Fly into Milan Malpensa or Linate Airport, then drive or take a transfer to Torno, the quiet lakeside village where Il Sereno rests. The scenic drive takes just under an hour.
WILD INITIATIVES
Il Sereno was built with sustainability at its core: solar panels, green roofs, and natural ventilation work alongside low-impact materials and local stone. The garden, created by botanist Patrick Blanc, is vertical—living walls that bring biodiversity into the architecture itself. A seamless blend of design, nature, and intention.
*Images property of Il Sereno