If Lake
Como is the playground of the rich and famous, CastaDiva Resort and Spa is the
most perfect setting to enjoy it with its romantic legend combined with ultimate
luxury.
It’s no secret that
Lake Como has always attracted royalty, stars from showbiz, musicians, poets
and artists. As one of the most romantic locations on the planet it is also the
ideal getaway for weddings and honeymoons. The scenic area surrounding the lake
is dotted with villas of the likes of George Clooney and Richard Branson. While
you may not be able to enter their plush abodes uninvited you can probably
enjoy a similar lifestyle at CastaDiva Resort.
The Story of CastaDiva
The long, winding drive to the porch affords stunning views
of the blue-green Lago di Como (Italian
for Lake Como) fringed with green hills on the opposite bank. The reception
echoes the opulence that lies within with velvet drapes in shades of purple and red coming down from high ceilings, ornate cornices, gold-framed mirrors and
gilded portraits. In fact, there is one mesmerizing portrait of a lady just as
soon as one enters. “This is Giuditta Pasta,” I am told while I gaze at her;
and thus starts the story of CastaDiva.
Giuditta Pasta was one of the most famous Italian soprano opera singers of the eighteenth century when she bought this villa (it was previously a casino). She had it redesigned like Scala Opera Theatre (Teatro alla Scala) in Milan because she wanted to recreate that atmosphere. It soon became a meeting point of many artists, opera singers and composers including Vincenzo Bellini who wrote the famous opera - Norma. Giuditta also lent her voice to a popular aria in that opera called Casta Diva, hence the name of the resort!
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The plush interiors feature opulent drapes and furniture. |
Giuditta Pasta was one of the most famous Italian soprano opera singers of the eighteenth century when she bought this villa (it was previously a casino). She had it redesigned like Scala Opera Theatre (Teatro alla Scala) in Milan because she wanted to recreate that atmosphere. It soon became a meeting point of many artists, opera singers and composers including Vincenzo Bellini who wrote the famous opera - Norma. Giuditta also lent her voice to a popular aria in that opera called Casta Diva, hence the name of the resort!
The resort now features nine villas with 73 rooms in all,
and the original villa known as Villa Roccabruna houses the common areas, the front office, concierge’s desk and a foyer
with a sweeping staircase that leads down to the spa and the upper floor with
four classical CastaDiva Suites. The huge glass doors and windows of the salon offer
picturesque views of the lake but one must step on to the terrace to breathe in
the cool air and take in the 180-degree vista of the cerulean beauty. It’s even
better if you go down the stone steps and walk along the pebbled path – the lake
on one side and the resort set amidst lush gardens makes a breathtakingly
beautiful setting.
Each villa is named after an opera singer and is built in a
different style in terms of both, architecture and décor. You may take your
pick from the neo-classical or modern as per your preference. But if you’re
looking for exclusivity, there are two private villas complete with private housekeeping, butler and chef. Villa Norma, at the
farthest end of the estate offers 360-degree view of the lake as well as complete
privacy since it has a private dock which enables guests to check-in secretly straight
into the villa. Built in Neo-classical style, this three-bedroom villa is
spread over four floors and comes with a full kitchen, lakefront Jacuzzi, a
games room with pool table and wet bar, a terrace and private gardens with
additional security.
My suite in Villa
Dorabella is contemporary and plush, with a separate sitting room and private
balcony overlooking the lake. The only thing better than this view is waking up
on luxe linen to this view as the water glistens along with the rising sun.
Sunsets are equally picturesque. In fact over the course of my stay I enjoyed
the magical sunset over Lake Como from different locations at the resort – the
memory of the blue water turning to liquid gold while I sat on a bench at the
far corner and the cool breeze and happy humming of birds as I lay on the lounge
bed in the garden. These are really the moments that make me love my job!
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The spa celebrates the elements. This is the Terra Suite - an ode to the Earth. |
Time for Spa
The wellness area is as well equipped as it is
aesthetically built. Complete with the
latest facilities it has a vitality pool with hydromassage, a Himalayan rose
salt relaxation room, showers with mint and exotic fragrances and a Kneipp
circuit and ice cascade. But what is really stunning is the private spa suites that are based on the
four-elements - fire, earth, air and water. Each has a personal kingsize
waterbed, steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi. Built like a cave, the earth suite is very
rustic and calming. You can choose from a range of indulgent, relaxing and
detoxifying therapies.
Weddings and Events
The resort offers a variety of venues to host private events
and weddings. An amphitheatre overlooking the lake is ideal for concerts and
intimate wedding ceremonies. While the wood-decked floating swimming pool is
ideal for enjoying sundowners, it can also be covered up and used for private
events to host cocktails or a sit down dinner for a unique experience. The lush
garden over looking the lake can also accommodate upto 200 guests.
Last but not the
least - Food!
A resort can never be complete without good food! Villa
Roccabruna has a lovely Bellini Bar where we are served a memorable meal
comprising the freshest salads, hand-made pastas and most decadent desserts.
The ravioli with artichokes, burrata cheese and candied lemon turns out to be
as delicate as it is delicious. While the bar is ideal for a light meal, it
attracts the swish set till the wee hours. The main restaurant however is the
waterfront L’Orangerie with a gorgeous verandah that makes candle-lit dinners
by the lake utterly romantic. The same venue serves a lavish breakfast buffet
and an array if Italian classics as well as modern fare. If you like the food
as much as we did book yourself a masterclass with executive chef Massimiliano
Mandozzi. Even though he uses some of the most trendy techniques in his
kitchen, he’s sure to demonstrate recipes that you can easily replicate at home
and impress your friends and family. I certainly vouch for the tiramisu recipe
that I learnt.
Experience Not To Be Missed
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First glimpse of Bellagio, also known as the Pearl of Lake Como. |
Experience Not To Be Missed
A visit to Lake
Como cannot be complete without a boatride on the lake. Do check with the
concierge and take the boat tour to Bellagio. As you enjoy the mist spray on
your face the captain also points out all the celeb villas on route. Bellagio
itself is an island in the lake, also known as the Pearl of Lake Como. This
quaint town has flower lined cobbled streets, alleys through which the
turquoise waters of the lake are visible like a jewel at the end of a tunnel
and all the quintessential Italian things to do – aperitivo bars where you must
have an Aperol spritz, shops stocked with Italian leather bags, handcrafted
shoes and exquisite silk scarves, family run cafes serving delicious woodfired
pizzas and a range of gelato bars that make for a perfect Italian holiday.
Como Tip 1
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The best way to enjoy the Lake is definitely by renting a boat. |
Como Tip 1
The resort offers
shuttle service to Como town that is just a few minutes away from CastaDiva. Como
town is bigger yet less touristy than the surrounding towns of Varenna,
Bellagio and Lecco.
Como Tip 2
Book a Como Food
Tour (lakecomofoodtours.com) and enjoy a walk and eat tour along with a glimpse
into the history of city center. Sample fresh focaccia, taste local wine, enjoy
fresh lakefish and local finger food and wind down with a famous Italian
espresso.
Details:
Casta Diva Resort & Spa, Via Caronti 69, Blevio, Italy (Tel: 00 39 031 32511). www.castadivaresort.com
A version of this article
first appeared in Eat Stay Love Magazine, July 2018 issue.
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