There really is nothing quite like the Villa d'Este and Lake Como. I have been exploring Italy now for over 15 years and it is definitely one of my favorite spots in Italy, if not the world. Now I have a lot of traveling to do and places yet to see, but this ranks number one on my list so far.
This hotel, staff, setting,
food, guests….it has it all – and they know it. But despite the style and
sophistication there is most definitely and underlying feeling of family with
the staff. Again, as in most of my travels in Italy, I have the same staff,
waiters and bartenders every year. It really makes it special especially when
you return a year later and they remember your cocktail and how you like it.
Now that is service. 
The hotel is fabulous but so
are the grounds and gardens. Spectacular!!! Set alongside Lake Como the gardens
gracefully dance up the hillsides while spectacular water features trickle
every melodically down the Italian cypress lined alle’s. Pictures, as beautiful
as they are, cannot come close to capturing the splendor of the experience. 
Well, af
Nothing was on the agenda for the day with the exception of a surprise 5 hour cocktail boat ride on the lake to Belagio and then dinner on an island in the lake, Evelyn Jung, who runs my business and so expertly choreographs this trip each year, texted me the surprise final addition to the trip itinerary! My travelers were excited but truly had no clue as to what they were in for, Evelyn, who had went on last year’s trip and put together Isabel and my surprise wedding, obviously knew how I like to end these trips with a grand finale’ and this year was going to be no exception.
After a relaxing day of massages
at the spa – compliments of Isabel as an anniversary gift – napping, shopping, and lunch at the poolside veranda, it was time
to rendezvous at the terrace bar for cocktails and then to board our boat. We
boarded at 6pm just as the magic hour of sunlight was dancing on the hills. We
made our way northward in the lake past the houses of Sir Richard Bransom, Dolce Gabanna and of course, George Clooney. Slowly we made our way to the
village of Belagio as the last glow of indigo light teased our senses in
contrast with the golden twinkle of the lights of Belagio, Magical. 
We took a quick stroll
through Belagio and then it was off to our final destination – the Island of
Comacina and the Locanda della' Isola.What a fun place. Evelyn had set up a family
style meal, so we sat down, and just as so many of our meals with this group – the
food just started coming! The meal was capped off by the owner performing quite
a ritual with flaming coffee that captured the attention of the entire
restaurant. Of course he chose Isabel to sample to concoction and she gave it
the thumbs up so we were good to go! A group picture and it was back on the boat after a 3 hour feast. 
The boat ride home was
beautiful with the darkness broken only by the gold twinkle light of the
villages smattered on the hills, the moonlight, and the revolving beacon from
the lighthouse on the hill. It all seemed
like a dream – and yes it was a dream.
The next day was more the same, sleeping in, enjoying some downtime and then a wonderful farewell cocktail on the terrace and dinner in the dining room of course with none other than George Clooney himself…. J
