Il Sereno Lago di Como opens

Sereno Hotels has announced the opening of Il Sereno Lago di Como, the first new hotel on Lake Como in decades, designed by famed architect and designer Patricia Urquiola. The hotel features 30 suites, all with their own furnished terraces and lake views.

“We are thrilled to open the doors of the much-anticipated Il Sereno Lago di Como,” says Luis Contreras, owner of Sereno Hotels. “This project has been a true labour of love between Sereno Hotels and Patricia Urquiola; and we are excited to introduce an entirely new design concept to Lake Como. We know devotees of Sereno Hotels and new guests alike will enjoy the exquisite design coupled with unparalleled attention to detail, amenities and relaxed service our brand is known for.”

In keeping with the Sereno Hotels philosophy of intimate, design-driven hotels in highly desired destinations, Lake Como was selected for the site of Il Sereno, as the location has long seduced visitors with its natural beauty and dramatic vistas of the southern Italian Alps.

Sereno Hotels partnered with Patricia Urquiola and her team at Studio Urquiola to create a contemporary hotel with understated décor, in contrast to the classical designs that can be found around Lake Como. Urquiola and her team envisioned every facet of the hotel from the architecture to the interior design, as well as designing custom furniture, rugs, wall coverings, lamps, bathtubs and bathroom fixtures.

At the centre of the hotel an original stairwell serves as one of many focal points around the property. Made with natural materials including walnut wood, the large steps are encased in bronze and effortlessly float. The dark and beautiful veins of the walnut wood complement the ceppo di grè stone found throughout the hotel. Marble walls with bas-relief patterns mimic the patterns found in the Venetian terrazzo floors of the restaurant, which has a large outdoor terrace right on the lake.

Modern and custom furnishings created by Urquiola complete the elegant and sophisticated design, with understated earthy tones of grey and walnut with touches of blue and green hues to incorporate the colours found in the surroundings of the iconic Italian Lake.

In the hotel’s main garden sits a 60-foot, lakefront freshwater infinity pool surrounded by a broad sun-deck and bar; at the helm of Ristorante Al Lago, four Michelin star winner and celebrated Chef Andrea Berton presents modern Italian cuisine; elsewhere breathtaking works of art designed by acclaimed botanist Patrick Blanc feature over 2,000 types of plant.

Il Sereno is the third property to join the Sereno Hotels portfolio after Le Sereno Hotel & Villas in St. Barthélemy and Villa Pliniana, also located on Lake Como.

www.ilsereno.com