Valentina de Santis — Passalacqua is a place with a soul

On Lake Como, the De Santis family has added a second dream destination to its legacy, following the Grand Hotel Tremezzo. Voted Best Hotel in the World 2023 by The World's 50 Best Hotels, Passalacqua is nothing short of a jewel. A conversation with its owner, Valentina de Santis.

Why is Passalacqua such a special hotel?
Valentina De Santis: It is a treasure of history. Originally built as a private villa by the Lucini Passalacqua family, whose mission was to spread art, literature, and culture throughout Italy. The composer Vincenzo Bellini even lived here for several years. It is a place imbued with soul, overlooking Lake Como, and designed to celebrate the beauty of this very special corner of the world.

One of the property's most unusual features is its network of tunnels… They were built together with the villa at the end of the 18th century, and they run from the lake directly up to the ancient stables on the back of the main building. Today, they serve as the official entry for guests arriving by boat, and also house our Spa with sauna and Turkish bath, as well as our indoor swimming pool.

Which room would you recommend booking?
That's a difficult question. Each room here is different and unique. The Suite Bellini is majestic, with its Murano three-metre chandelier in Sala della Musica, once the apartment where Vincenzo Bellini composed his most famous operas. Guests can dine whenever they wish on our signature pasta, patate e pistacchi, take a floral design class, or play a round of bocce in the veggie garden.