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I was extremely tempted to gatekeep this stunning new project in Hudson, New York, but I refused to be the reason you didn’t discover this design masterpiece for your next group trip. As a personal fan of exposed brick, red leather, and sculptural lighting, I knew immediately that Pocketbook wasn’t created for passive guests. It was created for groups who want to inhabit a world. A world where a bathhouse sits next to a café and bar that serve a perfect espresso martini and a subterranean nightclub that feels designed for dancing past your phone battery’s lifecycle with your best friends.

Pocketbook is a case study in convergence: design, play, scent, sound, architecture, appetite, and the art of being with other people. It occupies a historic textile factory from 1885, and AD100’s Charlap Hymen & Herrera has treated it less like a renovation and more like gesamtkunstwerk (combining artforms in a space). You feel that in the way the communal bathhouse encourages collective rituals, in the open-fire kitchen that makes food feel social rather than precious, and in the galleries where art is not installed for observation but woven into your movements. This is a hotel venue that functions like a living system.

And the scenarios practically write themselves. From gastronomy-led weddings to a much-needed getaway with the girls, Pocketbook Hudson earns its place on our list of new hotels built for true amusement. Shared Negronis, boiler room DJ sets, and restorative art exhibitions are only the beginning. Bring your friends and see why this sensory palace is a must-book.

Photography by Adrian Gaut & Sean Davidson

Rooms Designed for Rest, Rehearsal, and Reunion

The rooms at Pocketbook feel less like hotel accommodations and more like the apartment your coolest art friend kept in Bushwick that had perfect lighting and hosted the best dinner parties. Every room type has its own mood: private enclave, social den, soaking-tub sanctuary, or full-scale suite designed for the group organizer who insists on hosting pre-dinner drinks.

There’s a room here for every type of guest and every style of gathering. Couples who want a moody hideaway. Friends who need space to sprawl. Families who travel like a small delegation. Weekend Studios are compact and romantic, with a movie projector and a glass cube shower. Lounging and Bathing Studios give you more room to breathe, banquette seating for late-night debriefs, custom vanities, and windows that turn the space into a soft-lit set. And the Loft Suites, perched within historic roof trusses and split across two levels, bear an uncanny resemblance to a gallery opening in DUMBO.

Although I’m obsessed with the sleeping arrangements, Pocketbook makes a compelling case for spending most of your time outside of them.

The Social Architecture of Pocketbook

Pocketbook’s shared spaces function as a network for gathering. The spa brings people together through saltwater thermal pools and group-oriented recovery rituals. The café and bar operate as a flexible hub for meetings, planning, light meals, and pre-dinner drinks.

Ambos, led by Chef Norberto Piattoni, anchors the property with a menu shaped by Argentine techniques, fermentation, and live-fire cooking, supported by Arley Marks’ cocktail and tonic program and a wine list centered on Argentina, Italy, Spain, and regional makers.

Cultural programming happens across the galleries and performance areas, where workshops, sound-focused sessions, and artist-led activations pull from the Hudson Valley’s creative community.

Ether, the restored boiler room, expands the hotel’s social footprint with movement classes, sound baths, DJ residencies, and evening events built for groups who want a shared experience that isn’t predictable. The Pocketbook Market adds a retail and community layer through rotating makers, designers, and collaborative workshops. Each space contributes to the property’s larger goal: environments built for groups to participate, connect, create, and inhabit.

A Weekend in Hudson (If I Brought My Best Friends)

Friday

Check-in and room selection negotiations
Spa soak and quick reset
Get ready with whichever friend booked the Loft Suite
Dinner at Ambos: Pro Tip*
- Start with Martini Eleanore (vodka or gin, Monmouth sea salt, charred olive, smoked olive oil) or Negroni Claro (Yola mezcal, Luxardo Bitter Bianco, dry and sweet vermouth, lemon twist)
- Order the bread, scallop crudo, beef heart carpaccio, mushroom agnolotti, strip steak, and miso winter vegetables for the table
- Finish with smoked chocolate mousse paired with a bottle of Madeira “Colheita”
Descend to Ether for a “we needed this” moment in front of the DJ booth

Saturday

Brunch at the café
Hudson wandering: shops, galleries, antiques
Bathhouse hour for group recovery
Evening Pocketbook programming or a gallery activation

Sunday

Coffee, pastries, and planning the next trip back
Quick stop at the Market for take-home goods that turns into impulse buys and telling the Uber “coming now” for the second time.

A Composition for Gatherings

If your first instinct was to forward these photos to your wedding planner, Pocketbook Hudson doubles as an elegant venue for “I dos,” champagne towers, and the largest “just married” tiramisu you could dream of. Here’s what you need to know:

The Gathering Hall
Pocketbook Hudson is available for select private events. The Gathering Hall is a spacious, column-free banquet space that accommodates up to 200 guests. It opens onto an expansive porch overlooking the courtyard, offering a seamless indoor–outdoor setup that works for ceremonies, receptions, or tented events.

Ether
For parties, the subterranean club Ether is equipped with a high-fidelity sound system and accommodates up to 100 guests. It’s the hotel’s built-in after-party location, ideal for late-night gatherings, DJ sets, and any celebration that needs atmosphere without added production.

Garden Lab
Adjacent to the Hall, the Garden Lab functions as a test kitchen and private dining room for up to 25 guests. It’s suited for intimate dinners, tastings, micro-weddings, workshops, or chef-led gatherings where the group wants a more contained setting.

Drift From the City, Into Upstate this Fall

Pocketbook Hudson arrives at a moment when upstate hospitality is becoming more intentional, more design-led, and more group-friendly than ever. In our recent roundup, Upstate, Upgraded: Inside the Catskills’ Best Luxury Lodges for Autumn Retreats and Group Escapes, we saw how a new wave of properties is redefining what a weekend outside the city can look like. Pocketbook joins that conversation and does so with the confidence of a project shaped by CHH’s architectural clarity and a community of artists who know how to design an inspiring landing-pad for group getaways and celebrations.

If your group has been circling dates, this is the sign to choose one. Book your stay, book your dinner at Ambos, book the bathhouse slot your friends will thank you for, and let Hudson do the rest.

Explore More Destinations and Design Stays

🔑 Boutique Hotels and Design-Forward Stays → Think coastal inns, modern lodges, restored estates, and interiors that feel like someone with excellent taste lives there. Browse stays designed for group getaways, creative retreats, and weekends that leave you with a camera roll full of ideas.
🧭 Read More on Our Favorite Design Spaces to Bookmark for Your Next Gathering→ From architectural A-frames to sculptural event studios, discover spaces with personality. Perfect for pop-up dinners, creative offsites, and gatherings that deserve thoughtful design.
🗽 Search our Other Venues in New York → Find everything from Catskills cabins to Hudson Valley estates to penthouses in the city. Whether you are planning a weekend escape or a private dinner, the ideal space is closer than you think.
🛎️ Room Service by Venue Report → Planning a group trip or private dining weekend? We match you with stays and spaces that set the scene and handle the logistics for free.

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Photography by Adrian Gaut & Sean Davidson

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Think Hogwarts meets Bridgerton, and you’ve got the Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay, a 900-year-old restored abbey, just outside of Paris. This awe-inspiring hotel boasts 185 acres of untouched countryside, interiors by Cordélia de Castellane, the Artistic Director of Baby Dior and Dior Maison, and a blend of medieval and Neo-Gothic French architecture with the feel of a contemporary members-only club.

Photo Credits: Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay

Where History Meets Modern Luxury

Just a short 45-minute drive from Paris, nestled in the heart of the Chevreuse Valley forest, lies Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay. This isn't your typical high-end retreat, it’s a transformed 12th-century Cistercian abbey reborn as a sumptuous country house hotel. Imagine classic British estate charm infused with effortless French chic. The team behind this stunning transformation? Laurent de Gourcuff, Founder and CEO of The Paris Society, collaborated with Cordélia de Castellane to reimagine the interiors. Following a meticulous €60 million restoration, the abbey welcomed its first guests in October 2023. With this property, The Paris Society, known for iconic Parisian hotspots like Maxim’s, Giraffe, and CoCos, brough its signature style to the French countryside. With 145 bedrooms and suites, guests can choose from the main abbey building (L’Abbaye), the charmingly converted stable yard (Les Haras), or one of the private Pavillons—ideal for a family getaway. Each offers a distinctive ambiance and style.

This Abbey's Seen It All (and Lived to Tell the Tale)

The Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay boasts a rich, nine-century history, beginning in 1118 when Cistercian monks established their abbey in this secluded forest. Despite surviving wars and plagues, the abbey was abandoned in 1790. Its fortunes turned in 1873 with Baroness Charlotte de Rothschild, a true Renaissance woman—art lover, painter, and musician—who lovingly restored the buildings and shaped the estate’s layout much as we see it today. The Rothschild era ended during World War II with the German occupation, and the property subsequently changed hands several times. Finally, in 2019, a visit from Laurent de Gourcuff marked a turning point, ushering in a new chapter for this historic landmark.

Where History Gets A Hip Makeover

Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay’s redesign is the work of none other than Cordélia de Castellane, Artistic Director of Dior Maison and Dior Baby (and a childhood friend of de Gourcuff!). She masterfully paid homage to the property’s rich history, infusing each space with a vibrant warmth, delicate patterns, and a thoughtfully curated collection of furniture and artwork. The result? A lavish take on the classic French country retreat.

Abbey Chic

Cozy Bridgerton vibes for a family get-together? Yes please! Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay is home to 145 well-appointed guest rooms and suites, each with its own unique character. Cordélia de Castellane’s careful attention to detail is showcased in the rooms at L’Abbaye, Les Haras, and the Pavilions, where she has crafted a fresh interpretation of classic country-house design aesthetic. Inspired by the estate's rich history, Castellane has incorporated textures, patterns, and hues via carefully curated artwork and furnishings that bring each space to life. The interiors are charming, featuring beautiful floral prints and Toile de Jouy fabrics from Pierre Frey, William Morris wallpaper, vintage radiators, and porcelain light switches.

Moreover, each guest room is equipped with modern amenities including a TV, a minibar, a Nespresso coffee machine, a tea-making kit, free bottled water, bathrobes and slippers, a hairdryer and bespoke bath products. Meanwhile, at La Ferme de l’Abbaye, interior design guru Corinne Sachot, known for her work on the stylish CoCo restaurant at Paris’ Palais Garnier, lends her signature touch. Her vision adds a modern and chic twist to this part of the property.

Pictured Above: La Pagoda

Pictured Above: La Ferme

Dining Experiences That Will Make Your Instagram Pop

Hello leisurely meals in grandiose European-style spaces! Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay is home to six one-of-a-kind dining spaces, each an experience in itself, and all perfectly in tune with the region’s changing seasons.

French Countryside Elegance

Conceptualized by Cordélia de Castellane, Les Chasses is a rustic manor-esque eatery with interiors that scream Rothschild hunting lodge chic. The food menu? Beautifully plated, elegant French dishes exhibiting the best seasonal ingredients. We can’t help but picture ourselves at the estate’s most elegant dining hall, sitting by the roaring fireplace in winter, and soaking up the sun on the terrace in summer.

Biophilic Beauty

For a more relaxed vibe, L’Auberge is your spot. During the summer months, dine under a majestic weeping willow, its branches draping over a serene pond. As the sun sets, fairy lights twinkle, a pianist plays, and laughter fills the air. L’Auberge is straight out of a fairytale!

Put Your Wands Away!

Calling all Harry Potter fans! Make your way to Le Réfectoire des Moines. Candles illuminate the arched ceiling, crafting a captivating Hogwarts-esque ambiance. This Insta-worth eatery is a must-visit. Breakfast is served here daily for guests, and on weekends, they put on a delectable brunch buffet fit for kings (or anyone willing to pay extra – it's open to non-guests too!).

A Lively Italian Gathering Spot

Craving Italian? Head to La Trattoria in La Ferme de l’Abbaye. This modern classic serves up all the favorites – truffle tagliatelle, wood-fired pizzas, homemade tiramisu – in a casual, nature-meets-indulgence setting.

Craft Cocktails And Croque Monsieur

Located in L’Abbaye, James’ Bar is the heart of the social scene. Whether you’re in the mood for an indulgent club sandwich, an afternoon game of chess with snacks on a cozy couch, or expertly mixed cocktails and a fine cigar in the evening, James’ Bar has you covered. Their snacks menu is top-notch. It features comfort food classics like Croque Monsieur and smash burgers alongside lighter options like a delicious green bean salad. This bar also boasts a curated wine list and a team of expert mixologists ready to craft your perfect drink.

Aperitivo Anyone?

Lastly, we have Betty’s Bar, named after the legendary Betty de Rothschild. Situated in la Ferme de l’Abbaye, this striking bar embodies her hospitality and artistic spirit. Aperitivo is the name of the game here, with delicious concoctions designed to delight. Order the Limoncello Spritz, Negroni or Martini, and you will not be disappointed! Betty’s Bar is where Italian flair meets French countryside charm, making it the perfect spot for a milestone birthday or anniversary celebration.

From Tennis To Tranquility, The Abbaye Has it All

The Abbaye’s communal spaces are just ideal for unwinding. They have that welcoming country house feel, striking the perfect balance between luxury and comfort. Elsewhere on the grounds, you’ll find a kids’ club, a private cinema, a gaming room, and tennis courts. And there’s acres and acres of gardens and the encompassing forest just waiting to be explored. Active guests can start with a tennis match, then zen out with a rejuvenating yoga class (courtesy of Bandha Yoga/Alexandra Capton) after a quick warm-up on the fitness trail. Adrenaline junkies? Grab a bike to roam around on land, or take a boat out on the lake for a different perspective.

Party animals, listen up! Kick things off with a game of boules, hit the gaming room, and then head to the cinema or belt out some tunes at karaoke. Families can check out the vegetable garden and meet the Abbaye’s resident animals, which include alpacas and peacocks. Kids can captain remote control boats on the pond, and younger children (ages 3-8) will be delighted by the Tartine et Chocolat-designed kids’ club. This dedicated space houses a games room, an art studio, and a charming village area, promising hours of fun.

Get Your Zen On (And Your Glow Up)

No family getaway is complete without some well-deserved pampering, and the Abbaye’s spa and wellness area is the perfect sanctuary. At the spa, guests are enveloped in serenity, surrounded by botanical accents and indulging in luxurious treatments featuring the legendary Tata Harper skincare line. The spa menu, curated by Paris Society, offers a variety of experiences, from relaxing facials that will leave you glowing to transformative body therapies.

Enhance your relaxation with their innovative ‘sound menu,’ allowing you to create a personalized audio escape. For a deeper dive into wellness, the Abbaye hosts year-round workshops and events with renowned experts, all designed to help visitors discover inner peace and a renewed sense of well-being.

Shop ‘Til You Drop (Country Chic Style)

Forget your average hotel gift shop – the Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay’s quaint boutique is a treasure trove of French country chic. It’s brimming with a curated range of everything from stylish clothes and accessories to jewelry, watches, tableware, and gourmet delicacies. This boutique retails custom creations with vintage finds and has partnered with some seriously cool brands like Le Chameau, Bernardaud, Tartine et Chocolat, and Mellerio. Basically, it’s the perfect spot to find a special souvenir to take back home.

The Takeaway? Stay a Little Longer, Indulge a Little More

Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay isn’t just a hotel—it’s an invitation to slow down, savor, and sink into a world where history meets modern-day magic. Whether you’re sipping a Bloody Mary in a candlelit hall straight out of Hogwarts, lingering over a croque monsieur in a sun-drenched courtyard, or losing track of time wandering through the gardens, this is the kind of place that begs you to stay just a little longer.

So book the trip, order the extra cocktail, and let yourself be swept up in the effortless elegance of it all. Because at the Abbaye, perfection isn’t about being polished—it’s about embracing the beauty of the moment.

Ready to experience it for yourself? Send this to your travel crew and start planning your escape to this enchanting French countryside retreat.

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Friends, we must travel. The first-ever hotel designed by none other than famed French shoe-designer Christian Louboutin opened in April of 2023. The 13 room boutique hotel is tucked away on the coastline of a quaint beach town in Portugal and is filled to the brim with art and craftsmanship from local and international artisans.

We had heard whisperings of this opening for quite some time, and we will admit that we weren’t quite ready to fall head over heels (red-soled heels to be exact). Sometimes luxury fashion doesn’t always seamlessly translate to fantastic interior design, but we’re always ones to admit when we are wrong. On a scale of one to perfect 10, this warm, eclectic design is a true perfect 10. The kind that you will be saving into your home inspiration folders. Each one of the 13 ornate rooms is a unique work of art washed in hand-painted murals, handcrafted artwork and antiques from Louboutin's own personal collection.

You will discover plenty of nods to the iconic brand's signature red popping up throughout the space via plush velvet sofas, embroidered sheets, pool towels and custom beach totes. The venue is more than just a beautifully designed hotel, it’s a place to relax and rejuvenate with a world-class spa and award-winning Portuguese restaurant bringing the Louboutin red cherry on top.

The Backstory “La Vie en Rouge”:

A few decades ago, the French shoe-designer was roaming around Portugal and fell in love with the idyllic beach town of Comporta which became a favorite vacation destination. He soon started exploring further down the coastline and discovered the even quieter town of Melides, becoming entranced with the sleepy village life and eventually moving his atelier there. Louboutin realized that the idyllic beach town didn't have many overnight accommodation options for visitors and in 2019 began working on the design of hotel Vermelho. The name ‘Vermelho’ comes from the iconic shade of bold red that coats the sole of the designer’s luxury shoe collection.

Pictured Above: The Lobby entrance. Vermelho collaborated with Indian design team Klove Studio to craft the green and gold glass-blown art piece inspired by Egypt.

Upon entering the quaint hotel through age-worn wooden doors you will be greeted by a ‘home-like experience’. Accents of alabaster, custom hand painted tiles, ceramic clad floors and walls in fantastic cacophony of colors will feed your gypsy soul. The posh, prestigous paradise is like walking into the vacation estate of a long lost eccentric relative. While the aesthetic is maximalist and eclectic, the service, spa, heated pool and sleepy town will deliver the perfect respite away from the bustling towns of Porto and Lisbon.

Good for Groups: The hotel boasts 13 rooms which makes this an ideal spot for a buyout.

Dinner with Friends: Portuguese Chef David Abreu is at the helm of the onsite restaurant Xtian which can accommodate up to 60 guests. During the daylight hours, the space will comfort you with relaxed bistro style seating, as the sun sets the restaurant is adorned with candles, delivering a romantic wash of flickering light. You will feast on dishes like porco à alentejana (pork with clams), a chicken broth recipe that comes from the chefs grandmother. The olive oil, fruits, fish, produce and meat are all sourced from local farmers and the property will soon have it’s own orchard.

Inside Scoop: If you are a fan of the iconic fountain of Le Sirenuse in Positano created by Italian sculptor Giuseppe Ducrot, then you will love the iron ornaments adorning the hotel, crafted in the new rococo style.

Pictured Above: Greek artisan, Konstantin Kakanias painted both the Matinha and Bagas Suites, using inspiration from classical Portuguese design.

Around Town: Away from the hustle and bustle of Lisbon, you will discover the sleepy town of Melides, a pine tree paradise and cosmopolitan mixture of surf spots set along a sandy coastline known famously for being set on "Europe’s longest stretch of uninterrupted beach". With whitewashed houses lining the streets and locals playing cards on bistro tables in front of cute cafes, the beach town is roughly 20 minutes from the popular Portugal destination of Comporta. The small village is more than 500 years old and is famous for its white and blue palette which is characteristic of the Alentejo region, but is starting to see a lot more tourism.

Things to Do:

Explore the Lagoa de Melides, a beautiful large lagoon that is an ideal spot for wildlife watching, swimming and having beach picnics. The fresh water lagoon, whose sandbar separates it from the ocean, is one of the most photogenic spots in the region. Rent a stand-up paddleboard tour for you and your crew with Surf in Comporta.
Visit the downtown shopping area of Comporta and follow it up with lunch on the beach at Sublime Comporta Beach Club
You won’t want to skip dinner on the tiny rooftop of local village restaurant O Melidense after a long beach day. Make sure to try their star dish of grilled sardines, for the vegetarians in the group there are lots of veggie dishes on the menu as well
Try the traditional arroz de pato (rice and duck) at Tia Rosa
Have dinner and watch the sunset at local restaurant Sem Nexo. The restaurant is also available to hire for private events and dinners
Go shopping: the village has two quaint shops to buy souvenirs: Vida Dura, where you can pick up handcrafted dinnerware painted in bright colors and Noemina, which is owned by Noemi Marone Cinzano, Louboutin’s dear friend and the famed heiress of the historic Italian liquor family. The sweet little shop sells home decor, clothing and accessories
Horseback riding on the beach
Visit the nearby villages of Porto Covo and Alcácer do Sal

Getting There: The quaint village is about a 90 minute drive from Lisbon. It is highly reccommended to rent a car, as you will want to visit the nearby village of Comporta, beaches and embark on one of the many outdoor experiences. If you don't have transportation, the hotel is roughly 10 minutes from the beach and will provide car service for you and your crew to get there.

Photography: Provided by hotel Vermelho

Rave Reviews: Sometimes the price of a 5 star hotel doesn't align with the service given. A quick glance at online reviews and it seems as though Vermelho is living up to it's luxury status:

"One of the most notable new five star hotel openings we have seen in years. Every detail of the tasteful decor, guest-focused setup, five star service, Michelin level menu was incredibly well thought out. The choice of the location is a perfection. Away from a more touristy Comporta and near Melides beach which is much less busy despite being more scenic and has an exceptional restaurant (Sem Nexo) where we ended up going 3 times. Lastly, the staff's attention to detail and comfort of guests was unparalleled even in comparison to most 5 star hotels. Great cocktails and lots of interior design inspirations!"
"Vermelho! What a wonderful hotel, magical and beautiful. I came with my childhood best friends, we stayed 6 nights, and it wasn’t enough. The service was impeccable, the food spectacular, every architectural and interior design detail fascinating. We returned home this week, and are already talking about coming back to Vermelho! Thank you for a fabulous experience."

Read More Portugal Guides Here:

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Lake Como, Italy with its operatic stage and dramatic setting of villas, sprawling gardens and Renaissance architecture is already a bucket list trip in itself. Add on top of it a boutique hotel that overlooks the famous cerulean blue waters and has just earned the prized spot of 'Best Hotel in the World' by World’s 50 Best Organization, and we now have ourselves a doubly dreamy destination to drool over. Say that five times fast.

Not only was Passalacqua recently named the best hotel in the world, a huge accolade for any property—but this smashing award is especially sweet for a boutique villa that just opened in June 2022. The property perfectly embodies the famous Italian phrase “La Dolce Far Niente” (The sweetness of doing nothing). In fact, every aspect of this property is designed to transport you to a place unlike any other and create a feeling that will transcend beyond your stay.

My husband and I had a chance to stay at the ever so magical Passalaqua at the beginning of October. The boutique hotel and villa is a place where time moves slow and happiness is cultivated by the beauty around every corner. Built in 1787, this private villa has since been transformed into an elegant and luxurious 24 Suite hotel with a “la villeggiatura” vision. La villeggiatura is an annual ritual for Italian families; an eagerly anticipated seasonal move from city house to country abode. It brings more than a change of scenery; it’s an opportunity to recharge the body, enrich the soul and expand the mind.

The History

Nestled above the village of Moltrasio, the property sits on three acres of terraced gardens meandering all the way down to one of the worlds most famous lake shorelines. It has played host to some of the world’s most well know musicians, writers, artists, and politicians. From Napoleon Bonparte to Bellini to Winston Churchill. The land was originally owned by Pope Innocent XI and is now owned by the De Santis family. One of Italy’s most well-known families, Paolo, Antonella and Valentine are more famously known for owning the ever so iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo. Being just a third of the size of Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Passalaqua offers an even more private stay on another gorgeous part of Lake Como.

Pictured Above: La Double J Lounge

The Experience

From the moment the gates opened we felt the Passalaqua magic. Upon first entering the Villa we got a wiff of the boutique hotels signature scent. This beautiful aroma is carried throughout the property in an understated and elegant way.

We first explored the ground floor of the Villa, featuring an intimate bar, a functioning library, a walk in kitchen and two dining rooms. It felt as though we had just been welcomed into a opulent private Italian Villa which is not suprising as the hotel states on their website that they are "reviving the Italian tradition of villeggiatura. As much a state of mind as a vacation, la villeggiatura was an annual ritual for Italian families, an eagerly anticipated seasonal move from city house to country abode. It brought more than a change of scenery."

As we were handed our room key, we grabbed some chocolates from the lobby candy bar, and then were led to our room. Classic Italian music played as we entered our suite setting the tone for us to feel like we had been welcomed to stay at a the home of a royal friend. We spent our time playing tennis, lounging by the pool and exploring to make sure we experienced every nook and cranny they have to offer. From the thoughtful gifts left in our room, to special treats brought to the table at breakfast, the incredible experience does not stop. More important than just the experience, is that indescribable feeling that you aim for on every vacation, but only get it at those really special places.

The Property

Passalacqua’s lake view pool stopped us dead in our tracks. The pool is just below the main villa with gorgeous lake como views of vintage speedboats bobbing on the water. Surrounding the pool are green loungers and striped parasol umbrellas with a hidden pops of floral patterns peeking out from underneath. Just behind the pool sits the Winter Garden, a former greenhouse that has been transformed into a colorful and playful bar. Designed by Milan based designer JJ Martin of La DoubleJ, the space features fun mix of patterns and colors making the sun dappled Winter Garden both joyful and vibrant.

Below the main Villa stretching all the way down to the lake are four different levels of gardens and terraces split by a spiral driveway and surrounded by breathtaking water features. From the lake level you can look back and see the iconic Villa framed by cypress trees and pristine landscaping. Starting back up from the Villa level there are two terraces for dining. The Bar Terrace that looks over the pool and the Restaurant Terrance that looks over the beautiful garden which feature, quaint seating areas and lots of water fountains, crafting a feeling of being plunked down into a bygone era.

The next level down features the “Rose garden” and the “ancient fruit garden” which is also home to the chickens. Guests are encouraged to explore and interact with the chickens and pick fresh produce from the trees.

Pictured Above: Junior Suite in the Villa

The Rooms

None of the 24 suites are similar. Everything has been hand picked to make you feel as though you are staying in an elegant Italian Villa and not one detail was missed. The Suites are spread between the historic main Villa, The Palazz and the four bedroom Casa Al Lago. You feel truly submerged in Italian culture and luxury as every detail is made and sourced by the best of the best throughout Italy. The suites feature marble, Venetian terrazzo flooring, silk curtains, impeccable stucco work, antique furniture pieces with intricate patterns and many show stopping Murano chandeliers.

At the bottom of each bed is a beautiful custom crafted bespoke leather trunk, by leather artisan Bottega Conticelli, from which flat-screen TVs elegantly emerge. To top the elegant touches, each room also comes chock full of custom branded Passalaqua, Dyson hair tools. We were left fully in awe of all the fabulous details. Around every corner, behind each door, within in each decorative box, something to be amazed by.

Pictured above: Grand Junior Suite Villa Bathroom

The Spa

Step into the Spa located in the Palazz. As you walk in, the lobby sets the tone for what is to come. Featuring romantic stone columns, intricately designed vaulted ceilings which can be enjoyed on large loungers. Next, change into your robe and head down below the property and into the Sottoterra: a vaulted stone chamber with a sauna and steam bath. The Sottoterra also leads to a secret passageway tunnel that goes underneath the hotel and all the way to the lake. I suggest the private 45 minute session for a relaxing afternoon going from the sauna to the steam bath as this portion is included in your stay. You can also book an appointment for a massage or facial featuring products exclusively from Dr.Barbara Strum.

The hotel also offers a variety of complimentary activities from morning yoga to flower arranging courses, gelato making and pasta making. Always something to do at Passalaqua whether it’s relaxation or diving into Italian culture.

“Casa al Lago” provides two larger suits a bit closer to the lake. These suits sit adjacent to our favorite clay tennis court and outdoor cinema space. Since there are only 24 rooms on property, you may not see another guest while exploring these unique areas. No outside guests are allowed on property, so you really feel like you have the whole place to yourself! There is always a seat at the pool, plenty of spaces to relax to read a book, take a nap or take in the view and endless property to explore

The Food and Drink

Echoing the country home feel, Passalaqua has an open style kitchen, encouraging guests to wander in, grab a snack and chat with the chef. Breakfast at Passalaqua might just make the trip worth it by itself. You’re drawn into the big Italian kitchen from the smells of hot coffee and warm pastries just removed from the oven. As you walk in, you will have an abundant variety of options to fill your plate (or two…or in my husband’s case 4). A chef is ready to hand prepare whatever you fancy. Eggs laid fresh from the hens that morning prepared however you like… the possibilities are endless. Every meal can be enjoyed at the open air restaurant terrace overlooking glistening Lake Como.

Pictured above: Interior of Restaurant

For lunch, we opted for a classic Margherita Pizza at the Bar Terrace above the pool and let me tell you, it was the BEST pizza we have ever had. After gabbing to the waiter with how obsessed we were, he shared that the Chef is from Naples and it’s his famous 20% flour and 80% water recipe that makes the pizza dough melt in your mouth delicous.

Inside Scoop

Located back in the main Villa is the cozy bar, perfect for an aperitivo before dinner. As the sun sets, guests retreat to their rooms to freshen up for dinner, the candles are lit in preparation for guests to come as they please and enjoy another delicious meal. The menu stays true to its roots, offering fresh seasonal and classic Northern Italian dishes, many sourced with ingredients from the Villa’s very own garden.

Good for Groups

The only regret we had about our stay at Passalaqua, was not experiencing it with our friends and family. The villa is perfectly designed for romantic vacations, but is also an idyllic place to embark on a group adventure, retreat or corporate outing.

The dreamy hotels website says it all:

"Passalacqua pastimes can be as simple as a family board game played in the snug embrace of the library, as invigorating as a game of tennis on our clay court or a round of bocce within sight of the vegetable and herb garden, as absorbing as a cooking lesson with the chef, who likes nothing better than to share his culinary expertise with guests in the Villa’s open kitchen. We are especially proud of our open-air cinema evenings, where Italian and international classic movies play out under a canopy of stars. Whether you decide to tour the lake’s historic towns and gardens, catch waterborne glimpses of Hollywood royalty’s Como boltholes, enjoy an enticing chef-prepared ‘chic-nic’ or a romantic Champagne cruise, nothing beats messing about in boats on a lake that has inspired generations of lovers, poets and dreamers."

Venue | Passalacqua

Photography Credits | Photos by Ruben Ortiz provided by Passalaqua Hotel /

Photos + Report by Venue Reporter Alessandra Brontsema

7b:T8cd,

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