18.09.2024.

Nuvole Garden Hotel
to open above Lake Como
in early 2025

Originally designed by Milanese architect Achille Manfredini in 1910-1911, the iconic building, beloved by local residents, has undergone a remarkable renovation to restore its Art Nouveau and Art Deco grandeur. The project, led by visionary engineer Emilio Polillo and acclaimed interior designer Zoltán Varró, has seen this hill-top property transformed into a contemporary design hotel that blurs the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. Their shared vision pays homage to the building’s dramatic location, nestled between the water, mountains, gardens and clouds, and breathes new life into this historic property that had stood derelict for years.

On arrival, guests will be greeted by an astonishing panorama that stretches from the lake to the Alps, with views as far as Milan and Switzerland. The hotel is accessible by the iconic Como-Brunate funicular, a historic railway that has been in operation since 1894, bringing guests and residents right to the property’s entrance in just 7 minutes from the lakeside town.

Nuvole Garden Hotel’s exquisitely designed rooms and suites, set over 5 floors, celebrate the building’s locale and storied history. The extensive selection of accommodation ranges from meticulously styled single rooms through to spacious suites. Many rooms offer private balconies with unrivalled lake and mountain views. The rooms’ design pays homage to the region’s gardens with elegant touches inspired by the outdoors including marquees synonymous with Como since the Renaissance. The terrace, meanwhile, takes inspiration from the interiors synonymous with Como’s historic villas and features a beautiful peacock mosaic carpet alongside a crystal chandelier and limestone armchairs.

The hotel will showcase a variety of F&B outlets, for both hotel visitors and residents, overseen by award-winning, Michelin Guide chef Stefano Mattara. The executive chef will take the helm at Sole Restaurant, the hotel’s flagship fine dining venue with spectacular views from the top floor, to deliver world-class cooking using the very best, local ingredients that celebrate the region. BLU Restaurant will be inspired by the underwater world, featuring giant water-reflecting paintings. Bruschetteria will provide a more casual dining experience whilst the hotel’s Negroni Bar will offer a wide selection of liqueurs and spirits. The Bottiglieria will have an extensive selection of local and international fine wines and host events, also serving as a setting for events.

The hotel’s spa facilities will open year-round featuring saunas, a steam room and a menu of personalised treatments and massages. Guests can also cool off in the indoor pool with hydromassage. An outdoor fountain pool will pay homage to "La Dolce Vita" and the hotel’s glamorous past.

A range of unforgettable guest experiences will be available from private boat, helicopter and seaplane tours to rooftop dining. Health and fitness activities will include wellness programs, guided hiking excursions and yoga sessions.

The project is a collaboration between interior designer Zoltán Varró and engineer and businessman Emilio Polillo who commented: “In its heyday, as a former grand hotel, this building was synonymous with “La Dolce Vita” and welcomed movie stars and Milan's bourgeoisie. I have been working closely with Zoltán and his team to revive this icon as Nuvole Garden Hotel. We wanted to create something very special that honours this building’s storied past and Zoltán, like me, wasn't afraid to dream big and share his bold ideas. We cannot wait to welcome guests when we open early next year.” Reservations are open soon and can be made through the hotel’s website here.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

About Italiana Hotels & Resorts
Italiana Hotels & Resorts, based in Florence, Italy, is renowned for its collection of hotels that blend function and style with modern amenities. Having successfully developed and operated hotels across Italy, with properties in Milan, Florence, Cosenza and Praia a Mare, Nuvole Garden Hotel in Brunate marks a new chapter for the group with its first foray into the luxury market.

About Zoltán Varró
Zoltán Varró, the visionary designer behind Nuvole Garden Hotel, has a reputation for creating iconic hospitality spaces. With numerous international awards, including the Gold Key Award and the World Luxury Hotel Award, Varró’s work spans continents and includes some of the world’s most prestigious hotels. His portfolio includes Aria Hotel Budapest, voted #1 in the world on TripAdvisor's Traveler's Choice, and Sofitel Legend Santa Clara in Cartagena, Colombia, a 17th century convent that he is currently refurbishing in his time-honoured, contemporary style.