Lake Como has long been one of the most luxe, Instagrammable destinations beloved by the rich and famous. The freshwater reservoir in northern Italy is known for its wishbone shape and the fact that George Clooney is a resident. And it’s no wonder: With forest-filled and snowcapped mountains that soar into powder blue skies and outdoor dining under leafy pergolas, it’s one of the most insanely good-looking settings in all of Europe. It’s the sort of place you go when you want to be both lazy and luxurious at the same time.
Now, with the new Il Sereno boutique hotel, about 20 minutes from the city of Como itself, there’s no cooler place to sit, drink a spritz, and watch the world float by. All 30 rooms, which run upwards of $1,000 a night (cash in those points!), come with direct lake views and are outfitted with the most James Bond–esque tech features—like no-touch, motion-censored lighting. (Never has a trip to the bathroom in the middle of the night been so easy, even after two bottles of Nebbiolo.)
The space was designed by Italian decorator and stylist Patricia Urquiola, and rose gold and tan leather accents abound—from drawer knobs to faucets—while vibrant vertical gardens and herbal structures by botanist Patrick Blanc help the property blend into its natural landscape. But the real draw is the (heated) 60-foot infinity pool that looks over the lake, with the sort of view that will make you forget you’re spending an entire paycheck on a night or two of extremely sound sleep. It’s a great way to cosplay Clooney for a few days. And if you just got a promotion or a tax refund, go all out and captain one of the hotel’s custom Cantiere Ernesto Riva boats for $190 an hour.
No word on whether you can successfully sneak into this pool; if that's your thing, enter at your own risk. Maybe brush up on your Italian first.
