There are many palaces in Europe, but few can match the splendor of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo. Recently voted best hotel in Italy by readers of the prestigious Conde Nast Traveler magazine, the palace has stood proudly on the shores of Lake Como for over a century. It’s a hotel that looks like it’s straight out of a movie. Pascal Languillon, founder of Luxe Wellness Club, had to go and test this palace and its new “T-Spa”, an unrivalled lakeside wellness area. Full account of a dream holiday.
A glamorous palace with historic charm
Opened in 1910, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo is one of the finest examples of Belle Epoque Art Nouveau architecture. It still features original frescoes and furnishings from the last century, and has remained virtually unchanged since Hollywood icon Greta Garbo made it her summer residence. The finesse of the details, the beauty of the interior architecture, the landscaped gardens: everything has been thought out to create a universe that is both sumptuous and warm. Spending a night here is an invitation to travel back in time.
All this splendor wouldn’t have the same flavor if it weren’t echoed in the immaculate beauty of Lake Como, which can be admired from most of the 94 rooms. A hiking trail within the estate leads up to a belvedere offering breathtaking views of the village of Bellagio and the snow-capped mountains in the distance.
The hotel closes every winter for renovation, so despite having now celebrated its 110th anniversary, everything is in impeccable condition. Guests can enjoy exuberantly decorated rooms, top-notch cuisine and world-class service, which even seems to get better with time according to the awards won each year.
The latest renovation in 2020 saw the hotel extend its private beach (the “T beach”) and decorate it in homage to the 1950s Italian Riviera, with orange and white parasols facing its iconic floating pool on the lake.
The Grand Hotel has a total of 3 swimming pools, as there is also a park-side pool and an indoor pool in the spa. Most rooms offer magnificent lake views, and some also include a terrace with a Jacuzzi.
Sports enthusiasts will love the park’s tennis court and jogging tracks, as well as the extraordinary fitness center housed in a beautiful 3-storey historic building.
Upon reservation, you can rent one of the hotel’s motorboats to discover the lake’s hidden charms. I particularly recommend a visit to the village of Bellagio, opposite the hotel, which can also be reached by ferry.
The Emilia suite: the must for a romantic spa getaway
If you want space and privacy, the Emilia Suite is for you. It is located in the 18th-century Villa Emilia, which is separate from the main Palace building. The suite has private access to the “T-Spa” wellness oasis.
It was this 90 m² suite, the hotel’s largest, that I had the chance to try out, and it was a huge coup de coeur. Extremely comfortable king-size bed, magnificent living room with three windows overlooking Lake Como, soothing tones of light blue and grey… The sober decor combines the old and the new, in harmony with the moods of the lake.
The facilities are of the highest quality: flat-screen TVs in every room, Geneva stereo system, well-stocked minibar, and a large library with books on yoga and health.
The bathroom is anabsolute luxury. White Lasa marble adorns the private mini-spa equipped with a hammam, a double Italian shower and a gigantic whirlpool bathtub. The courtesy products are by Aqua Como: chamomile shampoo, thyme shower gel… These are the kind of products you pack in your suitcase to prolong the hotel experience back home.
What a pleasure to soak in this bathtub, glass of champagne in hand, listening to the classical music coming from the living room…
The T-Spa: an unrivalled wellness area on Lake Como
Grand Hotel Tremezzo’s new spa, the T-Spa, boasts over 1,000 m² of wellness space, including five elegant treatment rooms, a hammam suite, and a brand-new wet area, the “Heat Experience”. The latter includes a Mediterranean bath, a steam bath and a sauna with a breathtaking view of Lake Como, as well as an ice fountain. The relaxation area is set in a magnificent room with a period ceiling and comfortable armchairs.
I particularly enjoyed the indoor infinity pool, where you can bathe in water heated to 30°C at any time of year, and the outdoor Jacuzzi that runs alongside it.
It’s worth noting that the hotel also offers yoga classes on request, which I wasn’t able to try out for lack of time.
The spa has teamed up with Italy’s top skincare brand, Officina Santa Maria Novella Firenze, guaranteeing the quality of a range of cosmetics based on natural ingredients. Spa guests can enjoy anti-stress, anti-aging and energy-balancing treatments, all tailor-made by Officina Santa Maria Novella Firenze.
I was able to appreciate the quality of this brand, admittedly little known internationally, during theexcellent 50-minutebody and face treatment I received from a highly qualified therapist.
The delicate scents and fine texture of the products were particularly appreciated when applied to my face. I also liked the quality of the heated massage table, which was very comfortable.
Good to know: For a romantic experience, couples have the option of indulging in the elegance and intimacy of the couples-only T Spa suite, tucked away in the hotel gardens. This suite features a treatment room with two massage tables, a private relaxation area with opulent whirlpool bath, sauna and Turkish bath with contrasting showers and cascading jets… Everything you need to spend a relaxing moment together.
Here, La Dolce Vita lives up to its name
I’ve traveled the world and seen some beautiful hotels here and there. One thing’s for sure: the Grand Hotel Tremezzo is a hotel that leaves a lasting impression.
A final word on the food: the three restaurants offer an embarrassment of riches, from bistro to gourmet restaurant. Among other things, I enjoyed a fine, tasty pizza and a quality steak frites. Special mention for the breakfast buffet, with many delicious Italian products, and light and gluten-free options for those who wish.
Even if the Grand Hotel Tremezzo is not a hotel entirely dedicated to wellness, I can highly recommend it as part of a stay in northern Italy, particularly in conjunction with a stay at the Lefay Lago di Garda to Lake Garda, to experience the two pearls of Lombardy. Two or three nights at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, with a few treatments at the magnificent T-spa, is the perfect way to round off a wellness holiday in style, even if it means splurging on Mozzarella di Bufala!
Our feeling
It’s all here: the beauty of the natural setting, the splendor of the palace, the historic charm and impeccable service. A real dream hotel!
Luxe Wellness Club
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Rates: From around 600 euros per night.
Take advantage of our expertise in wellness breaks and contact us for a personalized quote.
or call us for the USA on +1 (646) 980 6652 and for the UK on +44 20 4577 3258 to discuss your holiday plans.
Tested and approved in October 2020.
