Botanical lakeside retreat
Tiered botanical gardens drop straight to the shore of Lake Como, surrounding three historic villa wings with ancient cypresses.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Decorated coffered ceilings and antique wings span the fifteenth to nineteenth centuries.
Notable
Stepped Grandi Giardini botanical pathways run through old agaves down to Varenna's shore.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Piazza San Giorgio sits just outside the gates, and the lakefront path leads to neighboring Villa Monastero.
The rooms
Rooms have parquet floors and high ceilings, looking out over the water or the stone lanes of Varenna.
The spa suite
The private spa suite holds a Finnish sauna, a glass Turkish bath, and space for tailored massages.
Dogs stay too.
At the table
Shaded terrace tables look out across Lake Como for evening aperitivi, and Bar Giardino serves drinks beside the water.
How it began
The citizens and friends of Varenna bought the complex through a voluntary public subscription in 1980.
Good to know
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Hotel Villa Cipressi
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Lake Como
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.