Lake Como EDITION Hotel: A new kind of cool for Italy’s most iconic lake

On a lake famous for its centuries-old grandeur, the Lake Como EDITION Hotel arrives as something genuinely different: sophisticated and yet effortlessly cool. We check in to discover bold Michelin-starred dining, Italy’s first EDITION longevity spa and a floating pool that beats walking the shores any day

There is a new darling on the shores of prestigious Lake Como in Italy’s north. Located in the very quiet, nearly tourist-free town of Cadenabbia, the modern, design-led hotel brand EDITION recently opened their second property in Italy. The highly anticipated opening couldn’t have come sooner for travellers who frequent the famous lake, with the new hotel bringing a more relaxed, effortless style of holiday to a destination known to be frequented by well-heeled vacationers. 

After spending more than 10 consecutive days in both Rome and Milan visiting exciting new restaurants and hotels, and braving tourists on crowded streets, I am well and truly ready for some R&R when I arrive at the Lake Como EDITION. A seamless private car service had whisked me from Milan to Como in less than two hours, but my arrival coincides with that of numerous guests checking in while demanding last-minute dinner reservations, late check outs and even for the outdoor pool to be heated because it was “too cold”. With the tension in the air palpable, I am immediately skeptical about finding tranquility at the Lake Como EDITION or even coming close to recalibrating on the lake – but because of the brand’s reputation, I remain hopeful.

Sipping on a fruity welcome cocktail and having some lunch before finding my room proves most beneficial to my nerves. Sitting on the first floor terrace of the hotel’s restaurant, Renzo, with sweeping views of Lake Como and Bellagio in the distance, I suddenly remember why Como makes such an impression on first-time visitors. Surrounded by mountains, fresh air and the promise of great Italian hospitality instantly reduces my stress levels, as does the warm greeting from Anton Moore, the well-travelled, highly experienced and newly-appointed General Manager of Lake Como EDITION, who settles any doubts about my stay.

“Travellers come here with a certain level of expectation,” says a smiling Moore. “Our opening represents a new chapter for this iconic destination. We’ve created a retreat that honours Lake Como’s legacy while introducing fresh energy through innovative dining, pioneering wellness, and spaces designed for both tranquil escape and dynamic social connection,” he says. 

Lake Como EDITION is unlike any other property on the lake. Easing into my seat with sun on my back and breeze in my hair, smiling, energetic staff make immediate introductions on a first-name basis. I like this, I think. It’s relaxed yet sophisticated, and not stilted like the vibe found in other properties dotted around the lake where suit, ties and formalities are often expected.

Contemporary and cool

Part of the allure of the Lake Como EDITION is its modernity – and it can be found in many forms around the property. There are 148 rooms, including 25 suites and two penthouses, with some offering stunning views of the lake. While the property is housed in a restored 19th-century palazzo with subtle historical nods in public areas and rooms like the arched French doors and Juliet balconies, everything feels brand new and elegant in design.

As a food writer first and foremost, I spend most of my time in the restaurants and bars of the hotel and find the dining to be contemporary and in step with what’s happening in culinary trends around the world.

Collaborating with three-Michelin starred chef, Mauro Colagreco, Renzo is a sun-drenched terrace offering leisurely breakfasts, long lunches and aperitivo in the evening. During my visit, I sip locally-produced wine from Lombardy, feast on home-made tortellini filled with ox-tail and indulge on a rather upscale affogato that could easily have been a riff on tiramisu (you don’t want to miss it).

For guests who don’t want to have to leave the hotel for dinner after a busy day of touring the lake, there is thankfully also Centino, the property’s fine-dining restaurant. The menu offers snippets of Colagreco’s menu from his famed restaurant in Menton in France, as well as new dishes created by the in-house team where Chef Luca and Francesco elevate Italian classics. There is also a craft cocktail menu to pair with the dinner, which is a must – it’s fun, trendy and very much in-line with the EDITION brand and experience.

During my visit, I sip locally-produced wine from Lombardy, feast on home-made tortellini filled with ox-tail and indulge on a rather upscale affogato that could easily have been a riff on tiramisu.

Wellness on the lake

For good balance, EDITION Lake Como has a massive wellness centre – and the first longevity spa housed in an EDITION property. It’s a real head-turner. As a bonafide sauna aficionado and cold plunge lover, I am instantly drawn to the EDITION Longevity Spa. Indoors, the spa features seven treatment rooms,  a vitality pool, floor to ceiling lake views, multiple steam rooms and outdoor relaxation terraces. The treatments range from manual hands-on massages to high-tech rituals that include infrared, LED and even cryotherapy.

The beauty of the property is that many guests who visit are first-timers and eager to tour the lake, so I practically have the spa to myself. I float freely in the vitality pool, willingly plunge myself in the icy cold waters and revitalise weary bones in the hot Swedish sauna.

The coolness factor of EDITION can be found outdoors and in front of the storied palazzo where the lake’s largest floating pool sits with parasols, cabanas and friendly pool boys waiting to welcome guests. It definitely beats walking around the lake if you have visited the destination before.

If long lunches, aperitivo with carefully crafted cocktails and chilling out on a lounger with views of Bellagio are on your bucket list – put the EDITION Lake Como on your radar. With this new addition, Lake Como remains a well-earned calling card for la dolce vita.

Hotel Notes

Rates at the Lake Como EDITION start from €800 per night, including breakfast. editionhotels.com