Under wide awnings, the outside table settings are dappled in warm, golden light. Lovers stroll among the grandfather trees, whispering sweet nothings. Passalacqua is so idyllic and inviting that you can’t help but become a romantic, one captivated by dreams of love. Ever since Bellini wrote two of the world’s greatest operas here, Norma and La sonnambula, he has become Passalacqua’s guardian spirit, its genius loci. His serene, sensuous nature still echoes through the villa and the gardens that flow down to the lake.

Named the World’s Best Hotel in 2023, Passalacqua embodies the very essence of the Italian dream. This eighteenth-century estate sits within mature terraced gardens overlooking Lake Como, offering just twenty-four intimate rooms and suites designed for ultimate relaxation and refined luxury. Reimagined as a true home away from home, it is both a welcome retreat after a day of exploring the region’s breathtaking beauty and a haven you may never want to leave.

This volume was created in close collaboration with owners Paolo, Antonella, and Valentina De Santis, inviting guests to spend unforgettable days on the grounds of Passalacqua. From the moment you pass through the gates to the moment you leave—reluctantly— the experience unfolds like a dream. Passalacqua: A Love Letter to Lake Como features exclusive illustrations from Andrea Ferolla, photography from Daria Reina, and reflections from beloved guests such as J.J. Martin, Donna Hay, and Emilia Wickstead.