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Villa Roccabruna, a Historic Villa with an Artistic Past
There are luxury hotels where the architecture makes the first impression, and others where the setting takes centre stage. At Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como, it is the combination of the two, together with the quality of the people, that makes the experience so memorable. We have visited several outstanding properties around the lake, but Mandarin Oriental offers something quite different from the traditional Italian grand hotels. It combines the atmosphere of an historic residence with a contemporary, understated style and a resort setting designed for relaxation.
An Eighteenth-Century Villa and a Garden by the Lake
The arrival is already part of the experience. A beautiful drive descends through a series of bends towards the main eighteenth-century building, Villa Roccabruna. We were welcomed by the valet team, who kindly allowed us to park beside the hotel rather than in the guest car park. It was a small gesture, but one that made our evening much easier.
The history of Villa Roccabruna is particularly interesting. The property dates back to 1799 and was acquired in 1827 by the celebrated Italian opera singer Giuditta Pasta. She transformed it into a meeting place for composers, artists and intellectuals. Among its distinguished visitors was Vincenzo Bellini, who developed a close relationship with Pasta. His operas Norma and La sonnambula are closely connected with her artistic career and were written for her voice.
The villa was part of a wider cultural world that extended across Lake Como. Pasta's residence stood in Blevio, while Bellini also spent time on the opposite shore. Today, that historical connection is particularly interesting because Mandarin Oriental and Passalacqua maintain a close relationship, with guests moving between the two properties for dining and other experiences.
The resort itself is spread across nine buildings, with 73 rooms and suites and two standalone private villas. The historic main building sits within an extensive botanical garden, with terraces and outdoor spaces throughout the grounds. Mandarin Oriental has created a particularly effective balance between the character of the original property and its own contemporary design language: elegant, minimal and quietly luxurious.
Rooms, Gardens and Extraordinary Views
The resort was busy during our visit, so we were able to inspect only one suite. Anna, our sales representative, told us it was her favourite, and we understood why. The room was spacious, the bathroom impressive and the views across the lake exceptional.
With accommodation spread across several buildings, choosing the right location is important. There are nine distinct buildings and a variety of outdoor spaces, so the best choice depends on what each guest values. We particularly appreciate the terraces. They are among the property's greatest assets, offering different perspectives across the lake and places to enjoy the changing light.
For us, the sunsets were a highlight. Marisa and I both enjoy watching the light change over the water, and from this side of the lake the views can be extraordinary. Every few minutes the colours and reflections seemed to offer something different.
The botanical garden adds another dimension. Rather than feeling like a hotel built around a single main building, the property unfolds as a landscape of gardens, villas and terraces. The spa and wellness facilities are also an important part of the resort's identity, alongside its emphasis on sustainability. One practical detail worth mentioning is that the spa does not impose age restrictions on access.
The Mandarin Oriental Standard: Service That Feels Personal
What impressed us most was the staff. Mandarin Oriental has a particular ability to combine highly professional service with genuine personal engagement. The team is attentive and observant, but never makes the guest feel that every interaction is scripted.
One evening, we moved to a different terrace after dinner, and the waitress remembered which wine we had been drinking. She simply asked whether we would like to continue with the same wine. It was a small detail, but exactly the sort of attention that makes a stay feel personal.
We also experienced this care when an ingredient in one of the dishes caused an allergic reaction. The menu could have been more precise about its ingredients, but the team's response was exceptional. Everyone was concerned, professional and genuinely kind. We felt looked after rather than treated as a problem to be managed.
We noticed the same attention among the staff themselves. When a small issue arose with a colleague's service, it was immediately noticed and corrected. The team worked together naturally, with consideration for one another as well as for the guests. This is what we consider the highest standard of hospitality.
The food offering includes a bistro and a more refined Italian-Japanese restaurant. We dined at the bistro and enjoyed excellent quality, although we found the culinary approach at Passalacqua more inventive. Mandarin Oriental offers several bars and dining settings, both indoors and outside, so guests have plenty of choice without needing to leave the property.
Choosing Mandarin Oriental on Lake Como
We would recommend Mandarin Oriental to travellers who appreciate contemporary luxury, beautiful design, exceptional service and a resort atmosphere. It is particularly appealing to couples and younger luxury travellers who prefer a more modern style than the traditional grand hotels of Bellagio.
This is a property where we would encourage guests to spend time enjoying the grounds, the spa, the terraces and the views. It is not simply a convenient base for sightseeing. Arriving by boat is part of that experience, and we strongly recommend water transfers rather than driving along the often congested and narrow roads around the lake.
One of the advantages of Mandarin Oriental is its relationship with Passalacqua. The two properties complement one another rather than compete. We have seen guests combine a stay at Mandarin Oriental with a few nights at Passalacqua, or visit the other property for a meal. It is a wonderful way to experience two very different interpretations of luxury on the same lake.
For clients who value the Mandarin Oriental brand, its standards and its distinctive approach to service, this is an excellent choice. The setting is historic, the design is contemporary, and the people bring the two together exceptionally well.
Experience Mandarin Oriental with DeSalvio Travel
We have a close relationship with Mandarin Oriental through our preferred-partner connection, in addition to our Virtuoso affiliation. This gives us access to special rates and amenities, as well as direct communication with the individual hotel teams. Having visited the property and met the people responsible for looking after our clients, we can discuss the differences between its buildings, help identify the right setting and make informed requests. Those details can make a significant difference to a stay.
Marisa DeSalvio
CEO DeSalvio Travel
Travel design specialist
Adventure Travel Specialist
Asia/Pacific specialist
More impressions from Mandarin Oriental Villa Roccabruna
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