Lake Como: Design, Day Trips, and Dreamy Blue Water

Lake Como was one of those places that lived up to every expectation — and then some. For a few days, we settled into its slow rhythm: wandering cobblestone streets, taking ferries across the lake, and soaking in the beauty that seemed to unfold around every turn. From design-forward stays to cinematic villas, here’s a look at how we spent our time in and around Como.

Staying at Palazzo Albricci Peregrini

Our home base in Como was the beautifully curated Palazzo Albricci Peregrini — a boutique hotel that felt more like stepping into a living design magazine than a typical stay. Every detail, from the arched stone hallways to the handmade ceramics and organic linens, was thoughtful and intentional. There was a quiet elegance to the space, and we found ourselves slowing down just to take it all in.

It was the kind of place that feels like a retreat — grounded, calming, and undeniably stylish. Easily one of our favorite hotels, ever.

A Day Wandering Como

We spent one full day simply wandering the town of Como itself. Walking the narrow streets, stopping into little shops, and taking in the soft light bouncing off historic facades. The colors, the sounds, the texture of the town — all felt cinematic in a gentle, lived-in way.

We ended the day with dinner at Lo Storico, a cozy spot tucked away just enough to feel like a secret. A perfect finish to a quiet, grounding day.

Villa Balbianello: Romance on the Lake

One of the highlights of our time in Lake Como was visiting Villa del Balbianello, perched on a leafy peninsula near the town of Lenno. We took a local bus from Como, then walked along a scenic path that led us to the villa’s gates.

Once there, it was hard to believe this place is real — terraced gardens, sweeping lake views, and a stillness that feels untouched by time. The villa has a cinematic history, too: it’s been featured in Casino Royale and famously served as the setting for Anakin and Padmé’s wedding scene in Star Wars: Episode II.

There’s something deeply romantic about this place. Not just for its architecture or gardens, but for the way it feels suspended between worlds — part museum, part movie set, part private sanctuary.

Following this, we ventured into Albergo Lenno, an upscale hotel in Lenno. We walked around, enjoyed the details, and sat down at the bar to grab a drink while we talked and sipped.

A Fast Boat to Bellagio

For a change of pace, we boarded a fast boat from Como to Bellagio — a classic lake town known for its postcard views and narrow alleyways climbing up the hillside. The water that day was impossibly blue, and the boat ride itself felt like a scene from a dream.

In Bellagio, we wandered. No agenda — just letting ourselves be pulled into shops, scenic overlooks, and hidden stairways. It’s touristy, sure, but there’s still something undeniably charming and graceful about the way Bellagio balances beauty and bustle.

Lake Como gave us a perfect mix of stillness and exploration. From thoughtfully designed spaces to timeless lakeside villages, it offered moments of awe and peace in equal measure. We left feeling a little slower, a little softer — and already dreaming of coming back.