There are many legends about Isla Bella. This small island in Lake Maggiore was owned by Italy’s famous Borromeo family for 500 years. But more recently, it was the Louis Vuitton resort show. The show is a fantastical reinterpretation of a story involving mermaids who are transformed into flowers on the seashore, created by artistic director Nicolas Ghesquière to create a dream-like atmosphere with blooming organza flowers and sweeping architectural skirts. That concept was translated into pastel dresses for him. It was presented with a bespoke hat made by an opera atelier in Rome. After the first show hosted by an Italian house, other French houses followed suit, with Dior presenting a jewelery collection and Jacquemus opening a store. Here are some tips for experiencing the region’s legendary dolce vita.
eat
Albergo Ristorante Vapore, a family-run restaurant in Torno, serves the best grilled misortini on Lake Como. The tree-shaded terrace, almost at the lake level, offers a fitting view.
Stay
Passalacqua, a historic 18th-century villa, opened as a hotel last June and conveys the spirit of Italy. Village Tura Sophisticated Baroque interiors, flowing taffeta curtains, and brightly colored Murano glass chandeliers.
drink
Enjoy an aperitif at La Colombetta, a central Como spot founded by three sisters and frequented by Mick Jagger and Clooney. Or why not linger and order a bottle of Greppone Mazzi Brunello di Montalcino, a local hand-harvested red wine.
This article was published in the January/February 2024 issue of the magazine. Condé Nast Traveler. subscribe to magazine here.