Il Sereno, one of the most celebrated hotel launches of the 21st century, reopens for an exciting 2025 season with new exclusive experiences. Set on the tranquil shores of Lake Como, Il Sereno redefined luxury in the region with its contemporary design and impeccable service. Every single one of the hotel’s rooms and suites are stylishly appointed with the finest Italian furnishings and have floor to ceiling windows with direct views of the lake, offering an intimate connection to the lake’s beauty. This season brings exciting new updates and curated experiences that enhance its status as a standout destination.
INTRODUCING THE LISTENING SUITE
This season, Il Sereno unveils a groundbreaking experience: The Listening Suite—an intimate sanctuary where music and design converge. Conceived under the artistic direction of Patricia Urquiola, the suite reflects a significant investment of hundreds of thousands of euros, setting a new global benchmark for immersive hospitality.
Inspired by Japan’s revered listening rooms—exclusive spaces where vinyl records are appreciated with quiet reverence—the suite elevates the art of listening. Handcrafted soundproof walls, made from locally sourced acoustic fabrics, ensure flawless sound quality, while bespoke walnut furnishings create an inviting, sophisticated atmosphere. At its heart lies a state-of-the-art sound system featuring audio equipment including vacuum tube amplifiers, a refurbished reel-to-reel players and speakers made from the same wood as the rest of the hotel (Noce Canaletto) weighing over 200 kg—delivering sounds with unmatched purity and depth. A curated collection of vintage vinyl records, generously donated by Il Sereno’s owner and lifelong music aficionado Luis Contreras, allows guests to curate their own soundtracks.
With inspiring views across the lake and private access to the water, the Listening Suite serves as a private music club where guests can savour bespoke cocktails or dine while immersed in flawless sound. Available for an overnight stay or as an exclusive venue for private dining or events, it offers a rare and intimate experience. The space was conceived by Angelica and Luis Contreras to have different functions, either lounging on the floor listening and playing music, enjoying a meal in the new massive stone-table in front of the speakers, or sharing the almost 200 sq.mt. of the suite with friends and family.
Lake Como has long inspired creative minds, from Manzoni and Stendhal to Liszt and Hesse. In the 1830s, Franz Liszt lived on the lake with his lover, Countess Marie d’Agoult, composing works that captured its beauty and melancholy—reflected in Années de Pèlerinage (Years of Pilgrimage). Today, the lake continues to inspire icons like Beyoncé, Miley Cyrus, and Bruno Mars (all former Sereno guests). The Listening Suite honours this legacy, blending Japanese listening culture with Italian elegance for a truly unique experience and it this the world's first in its kind.
VINTAGE CAR AND YACHT EXPERIENCES
Discover the timeless allure of Lake Como, hailed by the Latin poet Virgil as “our greatest lake.” Set in one of Northern Italy’s most breathtaking locations, Lake Como remains an enchanting destination for romantic getaways and refined exploration, either by car or by boat.
Stepping back in time with a vintage car tour through Lake Como’s most scenic roads is an experience that captures the glamour and romance of Italy’s golden age. The lake offers the perfect set to feel the allure of driving a beautifully restored classic car along winding lakeside roads, framed by secular trees and charming villages. Escorted by a lead car, you will pass through iconic towns like Bellagio and Menaggio, where elegant boutiques and lively piazzas evoke the charm of Italy’s golden era. The sensation of the engine’s hum, the scent of Italian leather, and the breeze from the lake create a nostalgic journey reminiscent of classic Italian cinema—a timeless blend of elegance and adventure.
Another captivating way to explore Lake Como is from the water, and Il Sereno offers two exceptional options. For a more traditional yet exclusive experience, guests can enjoy a private boat excursion with an expert skipper, uncovering hidden corners and iconic landmarks such as the famed Villa Balbaniello near Lenno, the majestic Villa Pliniana in Torno (a sister property to Il Sereno), and the elegant Villa Melzi d’Eril, a 19th-century masterpiece surrounded by manicured gardens and neoclassical sculptures. For those seeking adventure, Il Sereno also offers the thrill of a self-drive Ernesto Riva wooden motorboat, perfect for independent travellers eager to explore the lake at their own pace. The hotel’s impressive collection of vehicles extends beyond the water, featuring a Vespa APE, Fiat 500, Fiat Topolino, and three Maseratis, providing guests with even more ways to discover the timeless elegance of Lake Como by land and water.
SERENO AL LAGO UNVEILS A SEASON OF INNOVATION
Executive Chef Raffaele Lenzi opens the season of the elegant waterfront Michelin starred restaurant “Sereno Al Lago” with the new philosophy "A modo mio", that reflects his extremely personal and essential approach to cooking. The protagonists of the homonymous menu A Modo Mio (My Way) are not only vegetables, which have always been a hallmark of the Chef's culinary proposal, but also creative reinterpretations of traditional dishes, such as Roman Style Artichoke with lapsang souchong reduction and Risotto alla Pescatora. Indeed - says Lenzi – prepared and served "in my own way".
The restaurant offers breathtaking panoramic views, providing a sophisticated backdrop for Lenzi’s masterfully crafted dishes where simplicity, plants and depth of flavour creates an elevated dining experience defined by harmony and authenticity. “I want guests to feel satisfied and light, with a desire to return,” Lenzi explains.
Alongside the new proposal, Executive Chef Lenzi confirms two of his iconic paths "Vegetables, tubers and roots" and "Homage to tradition".
Adding to the excitement, Sereno Al Lago will inaugurate the Andata/Ritorno Series (“Roundtrip”), a curated programme of culinary events featuring some of the world’s most celebrated chefs.
The first event, on March 29th, will welcome Chef Carlo Cracco, often hailed as the “Gordon Ramsay of Italy.” Renowned for his Michelin-starred restaurants and groundbreaking contributions to modern Italian cuisine, Cracco’s presence promises an extraordinary culinary experience that reflects the very essence of Italian gastronomy.
Rates at Il Sereno start at €950 per night. For more information or to book a stay at Il Sereno Lago di Como, please visit www.ilsereno.com, email info@serenohotels.com or call +39 031 547 7800.
