RELAIS REGINA TEODOLINDA

Elegant garden villa with front-row views of Lake Como

GUESTS ARRIVING AT THIS CHIC little relais on the shores of Lake Como – just a stone's throw from George Clooney's own lakeside villa – are instantly smitten. Fronted by lush gardens, Relais Regina Teodolinda has grandstand views of glittering water, bobbing boats and the far shores of the lake.

The setting is captivating, and everything here has the feel of a rich friend's private villa. You can arrive or leave in style using the owners’ private wooden jetty, marked by Venetian style stripey landing posts. Sit beneath the shady wrought iron gazebo with a glass of vino on summer days, when the gardens are brimming with flowers and lush vegetation.

Inside Regina Teodolinda, walls have been beautifully distressed and rooms have a pared-down simplicity, uncluttered by decorative frills. Up-to-the-minute comforts have been unobtrusively installed among original ornate plasterwork, soft colours and delicate frescoes.

Gossamer drapes

Huge lake view suites with front-row lakeside vistas (we adored our top floor suite) are simply but stylishly furnished with ornate mirrors, gossamer drapes and tiled floors, while bathrooms come with indulgent hydro-showers and Turkish baths. Attic suites have a cosy-Como feel though you'll miss those views.

Breakfast is served in the little rustic bar with its welcoming open fireplace, or on the terrace beneath a giant sail. There’s a small lounge on the top floor where you can read, check emails or have a game of chess.

Steps lead directly from the gardens to Regina Teodolinda’s landing wharf. Just hop aboard a Riva motorboat or an old-fashioned rowing boat to zip across the waves – perhaps to reach one of Como’s small beaches or simply to admire the graceful Belle Epoque villas clinging to the shore. You can also take off in a canoe, a seaplane or even a hot air balloon.  

This is a place for relaxation. Most likely you’ll opt to chill on the sun deck around the pool, atmospherically lit with flares at dusk. Secret secluded corners and a romantic little promenade for evening wanders make this one-time summer residence of the local aristocracy a real treat.


Relais Regina Teodolinda was reviewed for Room for Romance by Tasha Munro

Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.

Dining in
There's no restaurant, but you can have breakfast in your room (so no early rising) or out on the indoor-outdoor terrace in summer. The well-stocked buffet has an emphasis on what's fresh and local.

Breakfast
Buffet breakfast is served until 10:30.

Room service
Late risers can have breakfast in bed.




See & Do
Take in the sights and atmosphere of gorgeous Bellagio, Menaggio and Cernobbio around Lake Como's shores. Quiet strolls along mountain and lakeside paths are a must to take in the ever-changing lake vistas – so make a start along the old mule path winding towards the neighbouring village of Carate. More strenuous iis the climb towards Sighignola to the so-called Balcony of Italy – rewarded with an amazing vista of the Alps.

Go boating and canoeing on the lake (you may pass George Clooney's neighbouring Villa Oleandra), hop on a ferry or lake steamer, or tour Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo and some of Como's other historic villas and gardens.

Diary Dates
June-September
The summer-long Lake Como Festival combines jazz, blues and the classics with weekend firework spectaculars.

GETTING THERE

Location
Via Regina, 22010 Laglio, Lake Como

Parking
There is secure free guest parking (gated entrance).

Trains
Como station – 15km

Taxis
EUR 35 from the station

Airport
Milan Malpensa – 60km. EasyJet flies to Malpensa Airport from several points in the UK.

ESSENTIAL INFO

Rates guide
EUR 220 - 400

Open/closed
Closed December – mid February

Check-in
3pm

Check-out
11am

Minimum night stay?
No

Children
Welcome

Pets
No

Air conditioning
Yes – all rooms

Wedding license?
No, but the Relais can host lakeside wedding parties for up to 120 people.