Among Italy’s most iconic destinations, Lake Como continues to hold a unique position. Its mix of historic villas, cinematic scenery and discreet luxury has long attracted creatives, celebrities, royals and international travelers searching for a slower, more refined atmosphere.
Now, a new opening is bringing a different kind of energy to the lake. The Lake Como EDITION arrives in Cadenabbia with a concept that blends contemporary hospitality, social spaces, wellness culture and design-led luxury, all overlooking the waters facing Bellagio.
Rather than recreating the classic grand hotel experience traditionally associated with the lake, the property takes a noticeably more modern direction. The atmosphere revolves around relaxed elegance: long aperitivo evenings, slow mornings by the water, lingering lunches and a social environment that feels curated without becoming overly formal.
The hotel occupies a historic lakeside building originally opened in the 1830s as The London hotel, now entirely transformed through a collaboration between EDITION, the design studio Neri&Hu and Italian architects De.Tales. While the architecture retains traces of its heritage, the interiors reinterpret Italian design in a more understated contemporary language.
Warm walnut textures, terrazzo surfaces, sculptural staircases and marble detailing are softened by natural light and greenery throughout the property. Instead of overpowering the setting, the design constantly directs attention outward toward the lake, with expansive windows framing the landscape almost everywhere inside the hotel.
That balance between intimacy and vibrancy seems central to the experience. During the day, the mood feels calm and restorative; by evening, spaces like the Lobby Bar shift into something far more social, filled with candlelight, cocktails, music and an international crowd dressed for the occasion. It’s a dynamic that reflects the EDITION brand’s signature identity particularly well in a destination like Lake Como.
Accommodation across the 148 rooms and suites, including penthouses and a limited number of stays inside Villa Gina, follows the same philosophy. The aesthetic remains soft and restrained, with pale blue accents inspired by the lake, curved furnishings, custom walnut beds and marble bathrooms finished with polished brass details. Several rooms also preserve original French balconies, helping maintain a connection to the building’s historic character.
One of the strongest aspects of the project may ultimately be its culinary direction. Chef Mauro Colagreco, internationally known for Mirazur, oversees the hotel’s food program and introduces multiple dining concepts throughout the property. Each venue carries its own atmosphere while remaining connected through an ingredient-focused philosophy.
Cetino offers a more elevated and experimental dining experience, while Renzo, positioned directly on the lakefront, focuses on relaxed Italian hospitality and shared meals. Additional spaces include a seafood-led poolside restaurant and the now-signature EDITION Lobby Bar, expected to become one of the social focal points of the hotel.
The property also leans heavily into wellness, though in a more contemporary way than the traditional luxury spa model. In collaboration with The Longevity Suite Group, the hotel introduces treatments and recovery programs centered around longevity, sleep quality and performance-focused wellbeing. Alongside thermal areas and saunas, guests can access more advanced therapies tied to biohacking and recovery culture, reflecting the direction luxury hospitality is increasingly moving toward.
Another standout feature is the floating pool positioned directly on the lake itself, surrounded by loungers, cabanas and a waterfront bar designed for spending entire afternoons without leaving the property. At the same time, the location along the Lake Como Greenway makes nearby villages such as Tremezzo and Lenno easily accessible on foot.
More than simply another luxury hotel opening, The Lake Como EDITION appears designed to attract a newer generation of travelers: guests looking for something stylish yet relaxed, design-focused yet approachable, social while still intimate. And few destinations seem better suited to that combination than Lake Como itself.
