Relais Regina Teodolinda

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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.