Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como

Theres no shortage ofluxury hotel competition in Lake Como, Italy.

I arrived in early June with my newly minted husband for the midpoint of our honeymoon.

To say wed already been spoiled would be an understatement.

Exterior of the Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como

Credit:Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como

But nowhere more so than at the Mandarin Oriental.

Legend has it that Pasta often serenaded composer Vincenzo Bellini, a neighbor across the lake, at night.

The rumor is Bellini later wroteCasta Divafrom his opera Norma for Pasta.

Interior of the Penthouse bedroom at the Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como

Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como

So, we didnt.

I never skipped the chocolate chip cookie, a sweet treat to set the tone for the day.

If the itinerary sounds like heaven on Earth, it was.

Interior of the Penthouse living room at the Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como

Here, my honest thoughts on Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como.

All rooms feature custom furniture, luxuriously sized walk-in showers, Diptyque toiletries, and marble bathrooms.

It seemed like all hotel guests gathered here each night to enjoy an aperitivo.

The Penthouse terrace at night at the Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como

The restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lake and a terrace for al fresco dining.

But you must order the grilled Chilean sea bass, a dish worth traveling for.

Poolside restaurant NAMI Cafe offers Asian-inspired healthy and comfort food.

Interior of the Penthouse bedroom at the Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como

alongside maki, chirashi, and seafood taglioni.

Activities and Experiences

Dont miss the floating pool by Herzog & de Meuron.

Theres a built-in ledge for kids to splash or adults to sunbathe.

Interior of the Penthouse living room at the Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como

Its the largest in the area.

), which was recommended to him by a fellow honeymooner, and the various hot tubs.

For 80 minutes, my therapist focused on stress-holding areas like the back, neck, and shoulders.

The Penthouse terrace at night at the Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como

I initially described any massage over 50 minutes as overkill, but I wouldve laid there all day.

Note the spa is a digital-free zone.

The propertys restaurants are also accessed the same way.

Interior of the COMO Bistro &Bar at the Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como

Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como

The hotel prioritizes sustainability.

It responsibly procures the seafood in its restaurants and only serves cage-free eggs.

The hotel is also single-use plastic-free and buys electrical energy from renewable resources.

The Laria terrace at the Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como

Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como

A switch to LED lighting is in the works, and electric vehicles are available for guest use.

The hotel’s renovation was developed closely with local and national heritage groups.

Its about a 60-minute drive or boat ride to Bellagio, one of the areas more popular towns.

Interior of Nami at the Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como

Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como

Aerial of the floating lake pool at the Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como

Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como

The spa’s indoor pool at the Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como

Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como