Hotel Review: Mandarin Oriental, Lake Como

A wonderful lakefront location set in a lush botanical park on the southeastern shore. Hemmed in by mountains, this part of the lake is narrower; as you travel north, the landscape opens up and the lake becomes broader and brighter (zip along the water in one of the hotel's motor launches to reach the lake's major sights). The resort is a 15-minute drive north of Como along the lake's winding lakefront road.

By plane: direct flights from London (under 2 hours) and Manchester (2 hours 15 minutes) to Milan Malpensa. The hotel is around an hour's drive from the airport. Free on-site parking available. Book flights to Milan.

The décor combines distinctive Italian sophistication with oriental flavour (think chinoiserie wallpaper and delicate works of art on Japanese cotton paper). Bespoke furnishings are made by local artisans, with Italian terrazzo floors and rich Fortuny fabrics in the restaurant. Villa Roccabruna is the heart of the hotel, housing the bistro and lounge area, as well as some of the hotel suites. The Neoclassical villa oozes history (it was once the home of Italian soprano Giuditta Pasta); original features have been preserved where possible, including coffered ceilings and inlaid wood floors.

There's a delightful spa, floating swimming pool, leafy gardens, and boats and kayaks for rent. Service is inspired by the group's heritage, combining Asian care with warm Italian hospitality. Guests can travel in the hotel's iconic 1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta, take part in Italian mixology classes, learn how to make woodfired pizzas and enjoy an aperitivo aboard one of the hotel's elegant boats.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Garden
• Swiming pool
• Gym
• Spa
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms exude a light and breezy feel, with plenty of light flooding in through large windows. Most rooms have balconies or terraces offering pretty lake views, while bathrooms are particularly spacious, with marble showers or bathtubs.

Room types: Superior, Deluxe, Vista Lago rooms; Junior, Duplex, Premier, Vista Lago, La Residenza, Penthouse, Panoramic suites; Villa

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer, tea and coffee-making, TV, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi

Michelin-starred L˜ARIA serves Italian dishes with subtle Japanese influences (seared tuna with tropea onion and fresh herbs, tiger prawn and yuzu). Co.Mo Bar & Bistrot offers a more informal dining experience and great cocktails prepared by expert mixologists. Breakfast includes sweet and savoury treats along with hot dishes made to order.

L˜ARIA: Open daily for breakfast and Tue-Sun for dinner. Dishes from €18.

CO.MO: Bistro and bar. Open daily for lunch, dinner, afternoon tea and apertivi.