Villa Passalacqua, the latest hotel project by the De Santis family – also owners of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo – was designed in the late 18th century for Count Andrea Lucini Passalacqua and quickly became a gathering place for countless prominent figures from the worlds of music, literature, art, and politics. In 1829, Vincenzo Bellini chose it as his residence, composing two of his most famous operas there: Norma and La Sonnambula. Inaugurated as a luxury hotel in 2022, this enchanting property now offers 24 magnificent suites distributed across three distinct buildings, each with its own unique character. The main residence, the Villa, features 12 sumptuous rooms adorned with frescoes, stuccoes, and precious decorative details. The eight suites in the Palazz – the former stables – are characterised by a more intimate and welcoming atmosphere, with exposed beams and hand-painted walls. Finally, just steps from the water, Casa al Lago houses four suites, each with its own private garden. The Palazz is also home to the spa, which includes a fascinating wet area carved out of an underground tunnel – one of Passalacqua’s many hidden secrets. Every detail and furnishing has been carefully curated to celebrate the finest Italian craftsmanship: Rubelli and Fortuny fabrics, Barovier & Toso glass chandeliers, Barbini mirrors, and Beltrami bed linen made from a natural material derived from birch trees that is softer than silk. If the interiors recreate the magic of an aristocratic, refined, and intimate stay, the terraced gardens are equally enchanting: an elegant Italian garden, a solarium with pool, a delightful rose garden, a meditation area perfect for yoga, and even a henhouse where guests can collect fresh eggs for breakfast. Two luxurious Riva motorboats take guests out to explore the lake, while on the culinary front, Chef Viviana Varese offers an authentic “home-style” dining experience inspired by the most genuine Italian traditions, using fresh ingredients sourced directly “from the garden to the table.”