This sleek hotel offers a peaceful escape on the shores of Lake Como

On the on the southwest fork of Lake Como, Global Travel Editor Annabel Grossman embraces serenity at the at the minimalist Il Sereno

Aug 4, 2026 - 21:15

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This sleek hotel offers a peaceful escape on the shores of Lake Como

An elegant lakefront property with beautifully designed rooms boasting some of the best views across the water, with a Michelin-starred restaurant and a selection of boats to enjoy the lake

Location

Il Sereno has an exquisite position on the southwest fork of Lake Como in Torno, a small town with winding streets, a scattering of shops and a few local restaurants. The city of Como, which sits on the southern tip of the lake, is roughly a 10-minute drive (around 7km), where you’ll find high street and designer shops, restaurants, a bustling port and Como football club with its stadium on the shores of the lake. Most travellers will reach this end of Lake Como via train or plane into Milan, which is a roughly one-hour drive (around 55km) from Il Sereno.

The vibe

Quiet luxury. Il Sereno is private, peaceful and effortlessly chic, without feeling pretentious. It has a more modern look than other high-end hotels on the lake that will remind you of “old Italy", but the hotel has been beautifully designed to blend into its surroundings. The design showcases sleek lines and plenty of texture – you feel like you want to run your hand along every wall and surface. The lake is clearly the star of the show, and everything is focused on the magnificent view.

Il Sereno has the enviable location on being situated on the lake with direct access to the water

Il Sereno has the enviable location on being situated on the lake with direct access to the water (Il Sereno)

Service

Attentive, charming and easygoing. Service was particularly impressive in the restaurant, where recommendations were flawless, from pairing the wine with dinner (effortlessly incorporating our personal tastes) to suggesting breakfast options to suit dietary requirements.

Bed and bath

With just 40 rooms, Il Sereno has a boutique, intimate feel. All rooms face out towards the lake with a balcony or terrace. They are light-filled, minimalist and spacious (the smallest is 45 square metres), with cherry wood features, floor-to-ceiling windows to make the most of the view, and a natural, yet striking, colour palette.

Bathrooms are spacious with marble sinks, rainfall showers, Japanese toilets, and all but one have a freestanding bathtub. The toiletries from Parisian brand Ex Voto smell divine.

The well-stocked minibar, which features local snacks along with drinks, is complimentary (excluding the wine, champagne and spirits). A Nespresso machine and kettle with a selection of teas are available upon request.

The rooms at Il Sereno are spacious and all have lake views

The rooms at Il Sereno are spacious and all have lake views (Annabel Grossman/The Independent)

Food and drink

The hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant Il Sereno Al Lago, led by executive chef Raffaele Lenzi, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner from an enviable lakefront position. Vegetarians and vegans are very well catered for; Lenzi is not afraid to let vegetables take centre stage, with a menu that revolves around fresh and raw produce. The seven-course tasting menu is offered in three varieties, including one that is plant-based. Dishes include quinoa kebab with seitan and red cabbage kraut, gratinated fennel with sea grapes and green curry, and Jerusalem artichoke cream and chicory, although the menu varies depending on seasonality. There is a 60-page wine list, and the impressive cellar focuses on local varieties.

Breakfast is à la carte, including omelettes, pastries, avocado toast, vegetarian frittata, cereals, fruits and berries, and the waiter will bring around an elegant sweets cart.

At The Lobby Bar, guests can choose from a range of cocktails and mocktails, which can be enjoyed while sinking into soft leather sofas and enjoying the view over the lake.

The Al Lago restaurant has a Michelin star, and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner

The Al Lago restaurant has a Michelin star, and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner (Il Sereno)

The beautiful freshwater infinity pool at Il Sereno appears to spill over into the lake and is heated, so can be used throughout the season.

Il Sereno’s spa was built in the old boathouse so it fits in seamlessly with the hotel’s design, and there are two treatment rooms that look out directly onto the lake. There’s an outdoor jacuzzi, as well as a small gym with Technogym equipment that’s open 24/7. Treatments, which use Valmont products, include deep massages and rejuvenating facials.

The lake is the main focus of Il Sereno and the hotel has its own boats that guests can use, either self-driven or chauffeured. These include Jetto boats, a water limousine and a 200-year-old row boat, as well as paddle boards that can be used when the lake is calm.

There's a short, steep hike (around 4km there and back) through Torno up into the village of Piazzaga with stunning views. It’s relatively simple to find once you get through the windy town streets, and the staff at reception will provide a map.

Wine tastings and olive oil tastings are also held at the hotel from an exclusive provider on the shores of Lake Como.

Boats are available to borrow, either self-driven or with a chauffeur

Boats are available to borrow, either self-driven or with a chauffeur (Il Sereno)

Accessibility

Il Sereno’s entry level suite Piccoletta has been designed with accessible and adaptable features, but the whole hotel is considered accessible. All floors – including the lower level with pool and spa – can be accessed by a wheelchair-friendly lift.

Family friendly?

Yes, children are welcomed at Il Sereno. Many of the rooms have the option of being inter-connected, and the Family Grand Suite Lago and Family Corner suite are designed for guests with children.