Nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps, Lake Como is a haven of serene beauty and refined elegance, making it a coveted destination for the luxury traveller. With its pristine azure waters and dramatic mountainous backdrop, this idyllic lake has captivated poets, celebrities, and discerning tourists alike. Its shoreline, dotted with opulent villas and hotels, charming villages, and lush gardens, offers a picturesque setting that combines natural beauty with the height of Italian luxury and culture. Whether it’s cruising on a private boat to explore hidden coves, dining al fresco in world-class restaurants, or simply soaking in the tranquil ambience, Lake Como provides an exquisite escape that embodies the quintessence of a lavish, Italian-style retreat. Here are our favourite luxury villas to rent in Lake Como.
Le Collectionist – Villa Felicita
Spanning 1000 square metres, this rural retreat provides direct views of Lake Como. Extensive manicured grounds comprise a football field, tennis courts and a BBQ area. The heated saltwater swimming pool is situated inside the pretty pink mansion, boasting a classical Italian architectural style. But along with original features, like arched ceilings and exposed brick walls, the contemporary interiors offer mod cons like partial air conditioning, a lift to access higher floors and a fitness room. With nine bedrooms and seven bathrooms, the villa caters for up to 18 guests.
Le Collectionist – Chalet Gatsby
Only a glass balustrade and some lush vegetation stand between you and Lake Como here. Chalet Gatsby is a five-bedroom property perched in a mountain enclave. A saltwater infinity plunge pool overflows beside these sublime views. Besides which are a selection of sun loungers and dining spaces for two, four and eight — catering for family meals, casual lunches and intimate dinners a deux. Further dining facilities are found inside, along with a living room with a fireplace and sound system. There’s also a sauna, for that in-villa spa experience.
Ak Villas – Villa Narciso
Set directly on Como’s shore with access for boating and swimming (the villa has its own dock and boathouse), Villa Narciso overlooks Monte Bisbino — which you can reach via a hiking path beside the property. You and 15 friends or family members can spend days by the lakeside pool, in the garden jacuzzi and on the expansive enclosed terrace. Inside, the villa boasts many original features, complemented by period furniture and tapestries, as well as a wine cellar, a modern kitchen, table football, table tennis, media streaming facilities and air-conditioning. Villa Narciso is found in Cernobbio and has eight bedrooms.
Ak Villas – La Palazzina di Moltrasio
The pastel pink and balconied stone facade of this classical villa makes for a landmark well observed from land or lake. An old fountain sits at the centre of the carefully tended lush gardens, with a swimming pool set on a raised terrace for prime views. The Lido di Moltrasio is close by if you prefer a dip in the lake, as are the pretty town’s amenities. Bicycles are provided for you to explore, or you can stay onsite and play billiards or pool, soak in the jacuzzi, cook up a BBQ for your group, or spend time in the sauna. The villa has six bedrooms, one of which is a single.
The Plum Guide – The Sofia Rose
Immerse in a tangible sense of history, this villa dates back to the 17th-century villa. Located in the village of Baveno (which is easily walkable), it is around 56 miles away from Milan for transfers and city life. Ideal for families, it is furnished with all of your home comforts to entertain kids and teens; Netflix, Amazon Prime, board games, a library and a games room. 12 beds are spread across 10 bedrooms, with half as many bathrooms as bedrooms. Sculpted gardens look toward the mountain tops, while a long narrow swimming pool provides an elegant centrepiece and a pink inner patio provides a pretty place to relax.