The Castadiva Resort in Lake Como is a very special experience. Re-opening in 2010 after 10 years of extensive renovation, the resort consists of thee original villas along with some new build villas, which are very tastefully and thoughtfully in keeping with the rest. The original villa was once home to Giuditta Pasta - a soprano singer, considered one of the greatest opera singers – who bough the villa in 1827 with the first money she earned as a singer.
The resort boats a very exclusive atmosphere. To get to the resort, you come down its long winding driveway to its tranquil location, which gives the resort a special peaceful and remote feel. You are then greeted under the carport by two smiling doormen, who open the doors and show you to the reception desk.
Once checked in, we were shown to our suite, which boasted a large terrace with sun loungers and a table and chairs. Being just a few meters from the water’s edge of Lake Como, you really couldn’t be any closer unless you were in a boat.
Our suite was a split-level duplex, which gave it the feel of being a mini apartment. The ample space is filled with beautiful wall art, created by Giuditta Pasta herself and there’s a real sense of luxury around every corner. A large walk in wardrobe concealed our luggage – which was a great feature.
The Castadiva Resort’s leisure facilities are a fantastic asset. Well worth visiting is the large spa. Offering a range of impressive treatments, some of which can be taken in a cave style treatment room, it really is worth booking in on arrival. There is also a huge fitness room for those feeling a little more energetic, as well as an indoor hydrotherapy pool, which you access by walking over the glass floor with Lake Como beneath your feet; a great experience!
“…the Castadiva Resort is pure indulgence.”
The must visit at the Castadiva Resort however is the floating swimming pool. Suspended over Lake Como, the pool is surrounded by sun loungers and parasols. It is very beautiful and far too easy to waste a day relaxing poolside.
The staff are a real asset to the hotel. It was well noted by us that each member of staff consistently have a smile on their face and seem genuinely happy to be there. This is sadly not always the case when it comes to hotels these days, however the staff at Castadiva are a true credit to the resort and completed the five star experience for us; above and beyond.
The restaurant, L’Orangerie is also a great selling point of the resort. Serving beautiful traditional Italian cuisine with a modern twist, the restaurant’s offering of fresh pasta and bread is second to none. The Bellini Bar is also the perfect spot for a cocktail at sunset.
For us, the Castadiva Resort is pure indulgence. It encompasses authentic Italian luxury with amazing facilities and exceptional staff. When it was time to leave, we did not want to go and that for us is the true sign of an exceptional stay. Without a doubt, the Castadiva Resort is one of our favourite Italian experiences, and we could not recommend it highly enough.
The Bill: £1200 per night
