Villa Cristina
Our family vacation on Lake Como exceeded our expectations in every way. We couldn’t believe how beautiful the property and the Villa were. We were greeted upon our arrival by the lovely Daniela and champagne. From that moment on we felt like royalty. The villa itself was luxurious and opulent, yet comfortable. Our family group consisted of 12 adults (including my 85 year old mother) and four little girls, ranging in age from two to four years. The Villa and the grounds offered something for everyone. We utilized the pool, the playground for the children, the lighted tennis court and the game room.
And of course, the wine cellar!! All of our bedrooms had private modern, updated bathrooms that still retained an old world quality. With the grand staircase, antique furnishings and extensive art collection, along with our personal chef and daily housekeeping, we nicknamed Villa Cristina, “the Italian Downton Abbey”. Each morning our chef, Giancarlo, arrived early to set the formal dining room table with beautiful linens and then serve a breakfast complete and an array of delicious pastries, ham, cheese, cereal, fruit, coffee and blood orange juice. If you wanted eggs, Giancarlo would make them to order. All you had to do was ask. He could not have been more accommodating and sweet.
And of course, the wine cellar!! All of our bedrooms had private modern, updated bathrooms that still retained an old world quality. With the grand staircase, antique furnishings and extensive art collection, along with our personal chef and daily housekeeping, we nicknamed Villa Cristina, “the Italian Downton Abbey”. Each morning our chef, Giancarlo, arrived early to set the formal dining room table with beautiful linens and then serve a breakfast complete and an array of delicious pastries, ham, cheese, cereal, fruit, coffee and blood orange juice. If you wanted eggs, Giancarlo would make them to order. All you had to do was ask. He could not have been more accommodating and sweet.
We went out to lunch a couple of days during our one week at the villa, but none of us wanted to leave the villa for dinner. Each morning we selected the four course dinner menu (from a wonderful selection of Italian specialties) for the following day. Giancarlo did the shopping, cooking, serving and clean up. The outdoor dining table overlooking the lake was large enough to accommodate our group and I doubt there was a restaurant with a better view. The views of Lake Como from the villa were breathtaking. Like nothing I have ever seen before.
The service we received was 5 star. Our guest relations manager, Daniela came to the villa each morning to check on our needs. She assisted in recommending and making lunch reservations for us or providing us with information about the area. She went above and beyond when one of my grand nieces, 3 year old Bella, was running a fever. Daniela escorted Bella and her parents to the local hospital to make sure everything was all right and so that the parents would have someone there to translate. Thankfully Bella made a quick recovery.
Our week at Villa Cristina was very special and we will always remember it with fondness. That said, I hope to return one day and create new memories. Our family formed a connection or call it an attachment to Villa Cristina. If and when we return to Lake Como, we wouldn’t want to stay anywhere else.
Thank you for making this event an unforgettable memory!!