A Very Raffles Romance – Dust off your linen suits and wide-brimmed hats—Raffles is coming to Lake Como, and she’s arriving in style. Picture this: a 1920s villa with old-school Italian charm, transformed into a five-star playground for romantics, dreamers, and anyone who thinks “just one more glass of wine” is a perfectly acceptable life philosophy.
Yes, Raffles Hotels & Resorts—that legendary name in luxury—is finally making her Italian debut, with a grand entrance scheduled for 2027. Her chosen home? The spectacular Grand Hotel Imperiale in Moltrasio, freshly reimagined as Raffles Lake Como. And if the setting weren’t breathtaking enough, imagine waking up to postcard-perfect views of the Alps and the glittering lake every morning. Swoon.
History, With a Side of Espresso and Elegance
Originally built in the roaring ’20s, the villa already has great bones—and possibly a few scandalous secrets. But don’t worry, she’s getting a glow-up. The original Art Nouveau flourishes? Staying. The marble? Polished to perfection. The vibe? Equal parts old-world romance and modern glam.With 84 rooms, 18 suites, and two private villas, this dreamy retreat is made for slow mornings, long lunches, and dancing barefoot under the stars. Most rooms will come with front-row views of the lake, which is really just nature showing off at this point.
Ciao, Como! You’re Looking Delicious
Lake Como has always been the cool older cousin of Italian destinations—glamorous but low-key, mysterious yet always dressed to impress. It’s where George Clooney hangs out, and where anyone with good taste and a soft spot for limoncello wants to be.Raffles Lake Como fits right in, with private docking access so guests can explore charming lakeside villages by boat—because if you’re not arriving in style, are you even in Italy?
Long Bars, Lakeside Bites, and a Love Letter to Italian Cuisine
Let’s talk food. Or better yet, let’s swoon over it. Dining at Raffles Lake Como will be a feast for the senses. Expect locally sourced delights, international flair, and lakeside settings that make every bite feel like a scene from Call Me By Your Name.Oh, and did we mention? The iconic Raffles Long Bar and Writers Bar are tagging along—only now they’re infused with a touch of Italian romance. Whether you’re sipping Negronis or penning your next bestselling novel, these spaces will be buzzing with creativity (and probably the best olives you’ve ever tasted).
From Spa Bliss to Ballroom Glitz
If you’re the unwind-by-the-pool type, or maybe the deep-tissue-in-a-luxury-spa kind of traveler, Raffles has you covered. The resort will feature indoor and outdoor pools, a full spa, a state-of-the-art gym, and even a private beach club—because yes, Como has those too.Planning a wedding, corporate retreat, or birthday bash for someone fabulous? Raffles Lake Como’s event spaces are built for wow-worthy moments. Think: candlelit garden dinners, lakeside vows, and parties that people will not stop talking about.
A Dream Team with Vision (and Very Good Taste)
This dazzling new chapter is brought to you by the folks at CL Hotel SPA, with support from UniCredit and a gentle nudge from the brilliant team at EY Hospitality. Together with Raffles, they’re crafting a luxury experience that honors Lake Como’s history while giving it a very chic update.As Andrea Girolami, Principal of CL Hotel SPA, puts it, “Raffles brings heritage, heart, and service with soul—a perfect match for Lake Como’s timeless magic.”
Raffles’ European Fairytale Continues
This Italian love story joins a distinguished cast of European icons: Raffles London at The OWO, Le Royal Monceau Paris, Raffles Europejski Warsaw, and Raffles Istanbul. From Tokyo to Goa, the Raffles family keeps growing. But always with the same promise: meaningful moments, impeccable service, and just enough sparkle.So if you’re dreaming of lakefront elegance with a twist of heritage and a whole lot of heart, mark your calendars for 2027. Raffles Lake Como is setting the stage for your next grand escape.
