The scene was reminiscent of a regatta on the Tyrrhenian coast off Tuscany. Cheery and colourful sailboats glided across the horizon as luxe yachts cut across the viridian waters.
On this second largest of scenic Italian lakes, pretty medieval villages dot the shores lined with cypress trees and profuse green covers. A surge of excitement fills you as you take in the wide-angled vistas in a slow, gentle sweep.
The leisurely bicycle ride through narrow hilly lanes often squeezed for space by oncoming vehicles allows the punctuation of views across the lake.
Cycling is an enjoyable and much favoured activity here around Lake Como, it opens out bracing vistas of frames that often stops you to notice and capture on your lens. One cannot hurry or hasten here, time has to be tamed for reviving, rejuvenating and reorienting your spirits.
The mighty Alps unload their icy largesse into Lake Como and one is never too far away from the snowy peaks that add to the lingering romance of the experience.
The ascending mellow rays of a mild autumn sunrise colour the ancient ranges across the pristine and placid lake. A solitary blue-beaconed security boat inches slowly across the water’s edge. Villages lining the waterfront have already woken up to the call of yet another day and trekkers are seen along the wooded trails that crisscross the lake periphery.
This is the fabled year-round getaway of the Italian cognoscenti and global who’s who. Graceful, classical high-end luxury villas of the super rich are a familiar sight along the colourful lake front.
The stately mansion of Villa Roccabruna with its floral blooms was once the home of celebrated 19th century Soprano Giuditta Pasta. This classical stone edifice commands magnificent views across landscaped acres on the waterfront.
Trekkers and cyclists have even more to discover around the thickly-wooded inclines, walking and biking trails around Lake Como. Avid kayakers leisurely row past grand mansions and signature private homes that command vantage views across the abundant lake.
The tiny village of Blevio toward the southern edge of Lake Como is home to the historic Villa Roccabruna.
This Lake Como’s most famous property once reverberated with the classical musical energy of its owner and her celebrity guests.
Behind this are terraced levels of swish lifestyle suites and this fabled address now called CastaDiva boasts an eclectic Michelin star gourmet landmark.
The sprawling and lush botanical park within its acres is inhabited by century-old trees of different species. This remarkable address is a preferred wellness and rejuvenation destination of many prominent luminaries.
A gentle, unhurried jet boat cruise takes you to Hollywood biggie George Clooney’s lovely Italian Villa Oleandra in village Laglio. Richard Branson’s opulent second home also commands curious attention from keen visitors while Madonna and Brad Pitt are also among the chosen breed of celebrities who have dropped discreet anchor on this beautiful lake.
For some ‘Me moments’, here’s a highly recommended way to catch the genteel wind in your face and soak in the peace here…! Before you set out to explore the magic of this haloed environment, soften your breath on a lone bench by the lake.
Breath in the pure Alpine air, allow the sound of lapping waves and breeze to caress your face intermittently. Calm your thoughts, relax and absorb the experience for half-an-hour. As your pulse relaxes and you slow down your mind and body rhythm, you are one with the environs and the universe. It’s a refreshing start before discovering the small, quaint villages along the lake.
As your jet boat hums past Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo and onward to the spectacular Villa del Balbianello at Lenno, you see the distant Alps looming majestically on the far horizon. The mind-stilling village of Bellagio covering a tiny peninsula promontory welcomes you at its pretty, idyllic pier. The lake front is the place to be and spend a good time gazing across the lake.
Anchored sail boats colour the small jetty side, nothing moves, all is silent. Bliss here. Shadows lengthen early in autumn and strokes of peach and lavender deepen across the skies as you sail back. Somewhere across terracotta roofs and twinkling village glows church bells ring in a long night.
The gentle rocking of your boat on nocturnal waves inch up an excitement in you. To the reviving and rekindling charm of this memorable haven. Until next time!
Lake Como is an hour’s drive from Malpensa airport in Italy.