It’s been a week since we’ve returned from Villa La Collina and everyone is still talking about the trip.  The Villa exceeded ALL expectation—it is simply as beautiful as the views from every window.  Our flight was delayed and so we did not arrive on schedule, but Elena was lovely in meeting us promptly and giving us many wonderful suggestions for restaurants as well as local itineraries. Our goal for the trip was to take in Lake Como in a relaxed and leisurely way.  The Villa was perfect for relaxing and gathering.  The grounds were beautiful and well kept. The pool was divine especially after the recent heatwave and provided many hours of relaxation.  The furnishings and amenities in the Villa itself were perfect in every way.  The high design element and the care taken to create the feeling of modern serenity and rustic calm at the Villa was evident—stunning and comfortable at the same time. The owner was able to update the Villa in a quiet and beautiful manner but also keep the most charming aspects of the building intact. Civenna is a quaint and beautiful little town that was a short stroll from the property. We went in each morning for our cappuccino’s and baked goods, and the local butcher/grocery shop had excellent salumi and cheeses which paired perfectly with ouststanding wines that we purchased in Bellagio. One of the delightful surprises of the location was the small town feel of the location. We felt like locals for a week.  We asked each other many times if we would rather be directly on the water or up high above the Lake in Civenna and there was no argument—high up above Bellagio was the ideal place to be. It was a short drive to Bellagio center, to catch the ferry or shop and dine.  The location was very convenient and we were absolutely amazed each time as we took in the gorgeous views during the ride down into town. But the views each morning from the Villa were most gorgeous.  The changing light throughout the day created a view which one could never get tired of looking at.  The even, relaxing cross breeze, the views, the rooms, the pool and property all made it very difficult to leave the Villa. 

 

One thing in Bellagio that I would highly recommend, as the concierge suggested, is to take a beautiful stroll through i Giardini di Villa Melzi to end at Alle Darsene di Loppia under the pergola for a gorgeous lunch. We also had a guided boat tour of the lake one day, saw many of the famous villas from the water and stopped for lunch on Isola Comacina—a boat tour is definitely the way to see the lake.  You get to feel the size of the lake when you’ve been out all day and haven’t even gone to the end of one leg of the lake. Varenna was also a highlight of the trip—by far the prettiest town on the lake.  One day was saved for a day trip to St. Moritz.  This is highly recommended if you are in Bellagio or any of the towns north.  It was 1hr 45min by car and the views and scenery—the mountains and the lakes– can not be described in words!  While shopping in St. Moritz and visiting the amazing chocolate and pastry shops was entertaining, the highlight of the day was taking the gondola to the peak and then stopping for a refreshing drink and lunch at the restaurant attached–Muottas Muragl—it was spectacular especially if you get any of the Rösti . The views from the top are totally breathtaking….not to be missed if you are in the area (it’s slightly outside of St Moritz town center).

 

We had the trip of a lifetime!  A special thank you to Christine for guiding me the entire way through the planning process.  She was 100% in all of her recommendations and so lovely to plan a trip with—like talking to a good friend! I would highly recommend to PVOI to anyone!