The Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, located in the charming town of Bellagio on Lake Como, has been a prominent landmark for the past 150 years. This family-owned hotel, once a palazzo, has been under the Bucher family’s care for over a century. As a renowned luxury destination, it has hosted royals and celebrities, preserving its rich history in its antique-filled rooms and exquisite architectural details.
Last month, on August 26th, the hotel marked its 150th anniversary with a spectacular gala. The exclusive event welcomed a curated list of 50 guests, including celebrities, international entrepreneurs, and socialites. The evening featured a special performance by the renowned artist Noemi, who delighted the attendees with her original songs.
Construction of a holiday villa began around 1850 on the shores of Lake Como for an aristocratic family from Bergamo. However, in 1873, the neoclassical villa was sold to a Swiss luxury hotel company. The company added two wings to the building, and in 1873, Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni opened its doors, establishing itself as a lakeside haven of elegance. The property features a private beach, 94 rooms and suites, two restaurants, a full-service spa, and tailor-made experiences for its guests.
The acquisition of the property by Swiss hotelier Arturo Bucher in 1918 transformed the villa into an unrivaled wine and dining destination. The hotel’s opulent design, with its gold-leaf ceilings, ornate antique furniture, and locally crafted silk bed details, is enhanced by Mistral, one of its restaurants. Mistral boasts an extensive wine list of 400 bottles, perfectly complementing its Mediterranean cuisine.
To celebrate its 150th anniversary, Mistral created a bold experimental a la carte menu, showcasing the best of regional Italian cuisine throughout key moments in history. This seven-course menu, debuted during the anniversary celebrations, pays homage to artists, movements, and culinary visionaries with each specially prepared dish. It offers guests a unique and delicious way to experience history and honor the hotel’s proud heritage.
Throughout the years, the Butcher family, spanning four generations, has made it a priority to preserve the villa’s original features, maintaining its timeless elegance in both design and service. Whether sipping a cocktail served by attentive staff while listening to a pianist or admiring the intricate frescoes on the ceiling, guests can immerse themselves in the unchanged marvels of Lake Como at the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni.
Image Source: www.villaserbelloni.com
