Passalacqua hotel on Lake Como unveils a new spa

Italian hotel Passalacqua, which opened in 2022 after a three-year restoration project, has revealed its new spa.

Passalacqua stands above the village of Moltrasio, with seven acres of terraced gardens down to the shores of Lake Como.

The 18th-century villa is owned by the De Santis family, also owners of the iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo.

The spa is the vision of the De Santis family, executed by Venelli Kramer studio. The design marks a new chapter for Passalacqua and aims to preserve the property’s history while breathing new life into a forgotten underground space.

The Spa at Passalacqua, in partnership with Seed to Skin Tuscany, is located in the old stables and tunnels of the villa as well as in the ancient greenhouse.

With panoramic views over the garden and Lake Como, an 18-metre indoor pool is located in the greenhouse, connected to the main spa through the atmospheric tunnels.

The custom-designed pool is lined with a mosaic of Palladian marble, in a constellation of shades ranging from green to grey to blue.

It has a hot tub area and views of the Italian garden, created by renowned botanist, Emilio Trabella.

Tunnels and secret passageways

The underground tunnels were created by Count Lucini Passalacqua when he built the property in the late 1700s.

They begin in the basement of the palazzo and go down the shore of the lake, connecting to each of the hotel’s terraced gardens.

In a pair of vaulted grottos, carved into Moltrasio stone, the  wet area is integrated into the underground atmosphere.

Designed in collaboration with Starpool, thermal experiences include a dark fir sauna, a grey marble Mediterranean steam bath and an onyx shower.

The Passalacqua spa menu

Passalacqua has partnered with natural skincare line Seed to Skin Tuscany to offer treatments in two wood panelled cabins.

Guests can also experience a massage in the new outdoor pavilion, located in the orchard and designed by the Guido Toschi.

All treatments and rituals on the menu have been created by Seed to Skin to create a unique Passalacqua-style wellness experience.

“Seed to Skin Tuscany is a skincare line that, like Passalacqua, is a family passion project with a deep commitment to Italian excellence,” said Passalacqua CEO and owner Valentina De Santis.

In the hall of columns, one of the most impressive areas of the spa, there is a relaxation and wellness space. The room includes chandeliers by light artist Yahya, and nature plays a predominant role in the design.

In the entrance area guests are greeted by tapestries that are replicas of frescoes from the famous architect Piero Portaluppi’s house in Milan, depicting a lush herbarium of exotic plants.

About Passalacqua

A year after opening, Passalacqua was voted the best hotel in the world in the inaugural edition of the World’s 50 Best Hotels.

Once a private home, it has over the years been visited by Winston Churchill and Napoleon.

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