ELTIPS AV R T
The suave star is, according to scientists, the world’s best-looking bloke – and the slight chance of seeing him in residence pulls in fans.
When our vessel chugged by his £80million Villa Oleandra we saw signs that gorgeous George, Amal and their freshly-minted twins might be about, but we had no sighting.
But it didn’t matter as Clooney’s mix of gentle-yet-rugged looks are in evidence all around this amazing spot 50 miles north of Milan.
The dark water of Italy’s deepest lake is enclosed by steep, tree-covered mountains that climb to 2,000ft. While lonely churches perch high on the slopes, brightly coloured villages cling to the shore and majestic mansions stand proud in the sun.
When the heat fades and the buzz of motorboats ceases, there is little to compare with the long, slow sunset as it bathes distant peaks in rose pink.
Enjoying the fine food and wine at the Hotel Britannia Excelsior’s waterside Lido restaurant proved the ideal way to relish the spectacle.
This vibrant three-star hotel in Cadenabbia, run with charm and efficiency by the Whieldon family, combines 19th century elegance with 21st century comfort and service. Its Thomson also offers a number of day trips from Lake Como to other destinations, such as St Moritz on the Bernina Express railway, fashionable Milan, the old town of Bergamo as well as Lake Lugano and Lake Maggiore. The Hotel Britannia has a ferry service to Bellagio, free for guests. If you arrive at the weekend you may need to be patient as the traffic can be heavy and the lake road is not wide. It was given to the Italian National Tru Trust in 1988 after the death of its ow owner, businessman turned explorer Gu Guido Monzino, who is laid to rest in t the villa’s ice house. I It houses his collection of art and sou souvenirs from his expeditions, inclu cluding Everest and the North Pole. Its secret passage, hidden stairs and a drinks cabinet behind a fake bookcase would have gone down well with another visitor to the villa – it is where Daniel Craig’s J James Bond recuperates from e excruciatingly painful torture in 20 2006’s Casino Royale. A boat trip that takes you past the vill villa will also transport you to the lake’s only island, Comacina, a good spot for a wander. But for a more spectacular garden experience, trips to the Villa Melzi at Bellagio and the Villa Carlotta facing it across the water are a must.
Melzi is a formal garden with an excellent Japanese corner – with intermingling red and green acers and many exotic trees. Carlotta’s is far larger and more extravagant with citrus groves, camellia, azaleas and lovingly tended rhododendrons.
Villa Carlotta’s paintings and sculptures are so impressive that it formed part of the traditional Grand Tour of Europe by the wealthy from the 17th to the 19th century.
But the beauty of Como has made it a playground for the rich since Roman times – and even today’s celebs, who normally do their utmost to avoid the masses, put their privacy aside to be seen enjoying its charms.
Beyond the ever-present pull of Gravity star Clooney, A- listers including Madonna, Robert De Niro and Elton John have been drawn to the spectacular shores.
Thanks to hotels such as the Britannia, it’s a richness that is now within ordinary folks’ reach. FACTBOX Thomson Lakes & Mountains (020 8610 3139 thomsonlakes.co.uk) offer trips with much to see and do. A week all-inclusive at the three-star Hotel Britannia, inc flights from Gatwick and transfers departing this month is from £702pp. Direct flights from most regional airports at a supplement, from £20.