8 fun facts we bet you didn't know about Mandarin Oriental Lake Como

A key highlight of all Mandarin Oriental hotels are the sumptuous spas, which explains why the one here at Lake Como was recently recognised as Italy’s ‘Best Spa Hotel’ at the 2021 World Spa Awards. 

Proudly celebrated as the largest spa on the lake, it spans across 1,300 square meters and features two treatment rooms, two private spa suites, a beauty studio, and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. 

Impressive heat-based treatment experiences include a Finnish sauna, steam bath, massage stations and a Himalayan salt room. There is an indoor swimming pool as well as a 16-metre outdoor pool, which appears to be floating on the lake, surrounded by sun loungers for soaking up those rays.

In 2019 we saw the Mandarin Oriental Lake Como opening under its new branded name and with extensive renovations. 

Formerly known as the CastaDiva Resort, the hotel was rather ostentatious with dark, velvety drapes and traditional wooden furniture. However, the MO Group applied its signature magic of elegance, simplicity and modernity all while in keeping with its grand 19th Century neoclassical centrepiece, Villa Roccabruna. 

Now the hotel has been given a new lease of life with bright interiors, floor-to-ceiling glass doors and windows to showcase those glorious lake views, and a few Asian touches here and there with Japanese artworks and reproduction antique Chinese furnishings throughout.

Mandarin Oriental as a company is dedicated to implementing eco-conscious initiatives across its global portfolio of hotels, and Lake Como is no exception. Its ‘Naturally Better’ plan aims to eliminate single-use plastic in favour of 100% recyclable bottles and glass bottles in all guest rooms and suites. 

At CO.MO Bar & Bistro, plastic straws have been replaced with ones made from sugar cane, and disposable items such as stirrers and plastic cups are now made of metal and paper. Its green, energy-saving efforts are also commendable, with an electric car for short-distance transfers, a hybrid boat in production, LED lamps throughout, and limited power and water consumption.
 

The recent Mandarin Oriental Lake Como renovation enhanced the 21 guest rooms and 52 suites to a very high standard. Guest rooms range from Superior and Deluxe with garden views to Vista Lago rooms overlooking the lake with large terraces or balconies. Suites include Junior, Duplex and Premier, increasing in size and spec as they work up to Two Bedroom Premier Suites with kitchenettes, separate bedrooms and additional bathrooms. Larger apartments are super-luxurious with floor-to-ceiling windows, marble bathrooms and grand terraces with panoramic lake views.

But the real stars of the show are the magnificent Villa Della Rocca and Villa Del Lago, with one and three bedrooms respectively, they are the ultimate in private luxury villa accommodation. The latter is spread over four storeys, has a hot tub and even its own private dock for a Venetian boat.

Bookings at Mandarin Oriental Lake Como don’t get much more special than this!
 

For the hotel’s reopening in April 2022 they appointed a new Sports & Adventure Manager to personally see to it that guests make the most of its programme of unique experiences for the new holiday season. 

You can take part in an exclusive Italian mixology masterclass with bar manager Gabriele Contatore, or how about learning the secret to making the perfect Neapolitan pizza in a pizza class by the lake? For a little more adventure, you can rent an e-bike and follow your skilful guide to take in the sights of Lake Como through scenic mountain trails and lush forest, or there’s tennis and golf on offer, as well as yoga and fitness training within the idyllic botanical gardens.
 

Joining the hotel in 2021, Chef Massimiliano Blasone has previously worked elsewhere in Italy, Germany and the United States before returning to his home nation at the Mandarin Oriental Lake Como. It was in the UK where he earned a Michelin star for Apsley’s restaurant at the five-star Lanesborough Hotel in London only four months after taking over as Executive Chef. His innovative style combines a fresh mix of Japanese and Italian cookery, using only the best ingredients from around the world.

Don’t tell us you haven’t pictured yourself cruising on the hills around Lake Como like a 60s James Bond. The Italian lakes provide an iconic backdrop for a wonderful road trip, and fortunately the hotel has its own beautiful 1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta available to hire for EUR 1,860 per day (for two guests), which includes up to eight hours of driving time and a maximum distance of 100km. 

Take the hotel’s suggested routes and absorb the serenity around the lake like its splendid traditional roads, architecture and eateries. Make sure not to miss seeing the illustrious Villa del Balbianello within an hour’s drive, which is often regarded as Lake Como’s most beautiful villa, and a setting for scenes in memorable films such as Casino Royale and Star Wars: Attack of the Clones (Episode II). 

The pretty, hilly town of Bellagio – known as the Pearl of Lake Como – is approximately 40 minutes’ drive from the Mandarin Oriental and is well connected for ferries to explore other parts of the lake too. Meander down its picturesque alleyways and visit shops, boutiques and charming restaurants for a truly magical day out.

Lake Como may seem like it’s a secluded mountainside paradise but it's actually very close to the lively hub of Milan, a city known as a global fashion and design powerhouse with outstanding cuisine and high-end restaurants. 

Let’s not forget its fabulous history, arts, and culture scene; Milan is home to the gothic Duomo di Milano cathedral and the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent, which hosts Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’. From the hotel it takes approximately one hour by car; alternatively, you can get to Como’s train station in 15 minutes and it’s only a further half an hour ride into the city.