Villa d’Este opens its 154th season
A new chapter
filled with experiences, gatherings and events designed to celebrate the art of hospitality
When the gates of Villa d’Este reopen in spring,
one of the most iconic destinations in the international hospitality industry comes back to life on Lake Como.
Amidst gardens in full bloom, terraces overlooking the water and salons with a history spanning
over four centuries, the historic residence in Cernobbio continues to embody a vision of
hospitality characterised by beauty, elegance and timeless tradition.
Food and wine
The new season at Villa d’Este begins with a sense of enthusiasm and talent:
Andrea Guerini, formerly the resort’s Executive Sous Chef and now
Executive Chef, takes the helm in the kitchen. A confirmation that speaks of growth and continuity, entrusted to a
professional who has a deep understanding of the establishment’s gastronomic philosophy and
reinterprets its identity with a contemporary sensibility, respect for ingredients and
a keen eye for seasonality.
The Easter Lunch, on Sunday 5 April, will be one of the first events of the season:
a special menu and the traditional artisan Colomba cake accompanied by a collection
of chocolate eggs created by the in-house patisserie. As is tradition,
guests will choose their own hand-decorated egg and will thus have the opportunity to
take home a sweet and unique souvenir of Villa d’Este.
Events
The 2026 season at Villa d’Este promises to be another rich and vibrant one, a
series of eagerly awaited events and new experiences that will make the summer on Lake
Como truly memorable.
The iconic Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este (15–17 May 2026) is back, one of the most
prestigious events in the world dedicated to classic cars and automotive design.
As we approach its centenary, this unique event continues to
attract collectors, designers and enthusiasts from around the world, transforming the hotel’s
gardens into a showcase of timeless style.
Alongside this event, the ever-popular Summer Festivals – on 4 July, 14 July
and 15 August – retain their magic: three evenings in the open air featuring
live performances, international artists and gala dinners that celebrate the beauty of
the lake and the estate’s tradition of hospitality.
And then, the big surprise of the summer: on 9 August, Villa d’Este will host an
exceptional musical evening featuring an internationally renowned artist. The name
will be announced in the coming days, at which point bookings will open for
a truly special experience. The performance will take place in the picturesque Giardino
del Mosaico, which has always hosted the most
emotional musical moments and celebrations in the property’s history: a concert tradition that is revived every
year, transforming the garden into an enchanted setting overlooking the lake.
Emotional experiences and the Centenary of Golf Villa d’Este
The experiences curated by Villa d’Este celebrate the exploration of the local area and the art of
well-being, inviting guests to enjoy unforgettable moments and experiences. Building
on the acclaim received during the winter season thanks to the beauty salons
at Villa Malakoff, the Beauty Centre is continuing and expanding its collaboration with
Biologique Recherche, an internationally renowned leader in
cosmetic innovation and skincare. Renowned for its highly effective protocols, scientific
approach and fully personalised treatments, Biologique Recherche has created
a new collection of rituals that elevates the resort’s wellness offering, providing
guests with a bespoke, sophisticated and deeply rejuvenating experience.
Alongside these exceptional offerings, experiences dedicated to exploring the
local area round off the stay: private boat trips take guests
past historic villas and villages along the shores of Lake Como, whilst the iconic floating pool
– open during the summer season – invites guests to relax completely whilst enjoying an
unrivalled view. The centuries-old park, with tennis courts and areas dedicated to sporting activities,
offers further spaces to rediscover balance and vitality.
Amongst this array of experiences, Golf Villa d’Este stands out, celebrating
the 100th anniversary of its foundation in 2026 with a calendar of exclusive competitions and events,
marking one of the most significant initiatives of the new season.
The return to the ownership
of Villa d’Este has marked the start of a phase of renovation and enhancement,
restoring the golf course to its former glory and setting it on a path towards the future. Among the new features
introduced this year, a prominent role is also played by La Terrazza al Golf, the
club’s new restaurant: led by Chef Orazio Stella under the supervision
of Executive Chef Andrea Guerini, it inaugurates a new gastronomic experience,
deeply rooted in the tradition and excellence of Villa d’Este. The terrace, which
overlooks the 18th hole, offers a breathtaking view of the golf course and the
surrounding countryside, providing a unique setting. The restaurant, open to both
members and external guests for both lunch and dinner, offers everyone the chance
to enjoy convivial moments immersed in a unique panoramic setting.
For hotel guests, special packages are available that combine their stay
with access to the golf course, offering a complete experience that blends
outdoor sport, fine dining and tradition.
Villa d’Este Style
Alongside major international events, the 2026 season also sees the return of
Initiatives organised by Villa d’Este Style, a programme of events that over the years has
strengthened the deep bond between the villa and its local area, celebrating
the tradition, innovation and culture of Lake Como.
It kicks off with Electric Yachting (9–10 May), a weekend dedicated to electric
boating and sustainable nautical mobility. An opportunity to discuss the
most advanced technologies, featuring the participation of leading Italian universities, the
Alessandro Volta Foundation and the Ernesto Riva shipyard, confirming the owners’
commitment to a more responsible future for the nautical world.
On 6 June, One Lake One Car returns, an event dedicated to the legendary Alfa
Romeo 6C 2500 SS “Coupé Villa d’Este”, true masterpieces of vintage motoring.
A tribute to a model that symbolises Italian design, which continues to enchant
enthusiasts and collectors with its timeless elegance.
On 12 September, it will be the turn of Vintage Yachting, which brings
historic boats back to the lake thanks to a collaboration with ASDEC and the Museo Barca Lariana.
This year’s edition will be further expanded and will include a
particularly evocative moment: the parade of participating boats, which will sail past
one by one in front of the Terrazza Lago. From 9 to 19 September, moreover, some of the most
fascinating vessels from the Museo Barca Lariana will be on display in the grounds of Villa
d’Este as part of a temporary exhibition, offering visitors a unique opportunity to
admire this heritage of history and craftsmanship up close.
A long season leading up to the Christmas holidays
Villa d’Este is extending its opening hours until 7 January 2027, welcoming guests
through the most festive time of the year. The most eagerly awaited winter events are back – from
Wine Dinners at Jazz Nights – alongside events designed to let you experience the venue in
an intimate and cosy setting.
From November, the Greenhouse – an elegant extension of Bar
Canova overlooking the lake – will reopen, whilst the Chocolate Room will once again bring the festive season to life
with all the creativity of fine artisanal patisserie, enhanced once again
this year by a second dedicated Greenhouse.
The festive season will culminate in New Year’s Eve, one of the most eagerly awaited
and significant events of the year for Villa d’Este.
Christmas at the Villa, which has now become an unmissable tradition not only for
international guests but also for the local community, is a source of pride for the
owners and a key element in the season-round tourism initiative in which they
firmly believe: a way to experience and showcase Lake Como in all its
beauty, even during the winter months.
