Il Sereno Lago di Como, Italy
If George and Amal Clooney didn’t already have a home in Italy’s Lake Como district, the ultra-luxurious Il Sereno Lago di Como could provide them a suitable “babymoon” retreat. Now open for its first full summer season, the 30suite resort is also welcoming a new addition: the Spa at Il Sereno, featuring Swiss skin-care treatments and lake views. Other amenities include Berton Al Lago, the indooroutdoor restaurant created by Michelin-starred chef Andrea Berton; and custom-built boats that allow celebrities and noncelebrities alike to arrive in style at the private dock.
The setting: On 450 feet of lakefront at Italy’s version of Lake Tahoe, but more glamorous or more quaint, depending on the locale. Il Sere- no is a 10-minute boat ride from Como, and 50 minutes from central Milan and the city’s Malpensa airport.
The appeal: La dolce vita amid understated elegance. Unusual for this storied region, the interiors by renowned Milan designer Patricia Urquiola feature natural finishes of stone and wood in contemporary styles. The smallest rooms range from 645 to 710 square feet; penthouse suites run about 2,000 square feet, with wet bar, two bathrooms, private mini-pool, multimedia and dining rooms, etc. When not lounging on the private beach or sundeck by the infinity pool, guests can explore the vast lake’s sights by car or water taxi.
Insider’s tips: Make sure your stay overlaps with the weekly Aperitivo Hour with live music at sister resort Villa Pliniana, a 500-year-old estate that’s a short boat ride away.
Good to know: The somewhat stratospheric rates include full breakfast, Wi-Fi and soft-drinks minibar, but not the 10 percent value-added tax and city tax of 5 euros (about $5.40) per person per day. Il Sereno is open from late March to late October.
Details: Via Torrazza 10, Torno, Italy. (011) 39 031 5477 800, www.serenohotels. com/property/il -sereno/. From $792.