Overlooking the shores of Lake Como, in Pognana Lario, Villa Lario inaugurates the 2026 season with a major renovation project aimed at consolidating the property's role as a destination dedicated to high-end hospitality and a gastronomic experience. After a period of renovations and restyling, the reopening is scheduled for June 1st and will bring with it a new addition destined to expand the property's offerings: Casa Làrio, Bottega & Cocktails.
The new offering is part of a growth path that in recent years has led the hotel to receive several awards in the hospitality and restaurant sectors, including the 2025 Michelin Star, the Two Forks of the 2026 Gambero Rosso Guide, and a nomination among the best hotels on Lake Como by Condé Nast Traveller.
A new gastronomic proposal open all day
The heart of the 2026 innovation is Casa Làrio, a space dedicated to informal cuisine and conviviality located inside Il Palazzo, the property's historic building overlooking the lake.
The formula is designed to accommodate both guests and the general public. Service will be available daily from 12:30 pm to 10:00 pm, offering a culinary offering that showcases Italian ingredients, traditions, and flavors in an accessible and contemporary way.
Among the project's distinctive features is the possibility of reaching the destination directly from the lake thanks to the private dock, an increasingly rare feature along the Como shores.
Chef Davide Maci's philosophy
Leading the gastronomic offering is Davide Maci, executive chef of Villa Làrio and also responsible for Villa Bianca, the property's fine dining restaurant.
His cuisine draws inspiration from a Mediterranean vision that transcends geographical boundaries to become a cultural and convivial approach to food. The menu focuses on distinctive dishes and quality ingredients: artisanal, long-rising pizza, raw fish, recipes that reinterpret Italian tradition, and dishes meant to be shared at the center of the table.
The stated goal is to bring the dining experience and the value of gastronomic storytelling back to the forefront, transforming mealtime into an opportunity for encounter and participation.
“The Edit” is also coming
This season's new offerings don't stop at the kitchen. Starting June 10th, "The Edit" will open, a pop-up store offering an international selection of high-end fashion brands and Italian food and wine.
The initiative stems from the desire to enhance the guest experience with a space dedicated to style, research, and Made in Italy excellence, appealing to both visitors and the local public.
A story of recovery and valorization
Villa Làrio is the result of a long architectural restoration project initiated with the aim of breathing new life into an ancient building and enhancing one of the less frequented but most evocative areas on the eastern shore of Lake Como.
Today, the property comprises 19 suites spread across several buildings nestled within approximately two hectares of private gardens. The spaces were designed by the Castagna 1939 studio, led by Pietro Castagna, with a work that combines traditional Italian craftsmanship with contemporary comfort.
The Palace between history and contemporary design
Among the most representative buildings on the estate is Il Palazzo, which houses eight suites overlooking the lake and large common areas.
During the restoration, numerous original 19th-century elements were recovered, including the monumental fireplace in the old kitchen and several historic armories integrated into the attic rooms. The project involved local artisans and professionals specializing in the restoration of historic buildings, with particular attention to frescoes and decorative details.
Also noteworthy is the work done by Fantini Mosaici, which created a Venetian floor inspired by the reflections and movements of the lake water.
Suites surrounded by greenery and overlooking the water
The accommodation offer is spread between Il Palazzo, Villa Bianca, the Pavilion and the Garden Suite.
The Pavilion, located right on the waterfront, features independent access, private living spaces, and direct access to the pool and garden. Villa Bianca offers suites with spacious terraces and lake views, while the Palazzo's penthouse offers a spacious accommodation with a private terrace and multiple bedrooms.
Experiences of the lake, sports, and wellness
Alongside hospitality and fine dining, Villa Làrio offers a range of activities for relaxation and leisure.
Guests can enjoy the twenty-meter infinity pool, participate in the yoga sessions held every morning, or access the lake directly from the private dock. Water sports opportunities abound, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and water skiing, as well as boat excursions and hiking trails that allow you to discover the local villages.
The facility also has spaces for remote working and for organizing corporate meetings and conferences.
Davide Maci's Return to Lake Como
For Villa Làrio, Davide Maci's arrival also represents the return to Lake Como of a chef with extensive international experience.
Throughout his career he has collaborated with professionals of the calibre of Bernard Fournier, Enrico Derflingher, Pierre Gagnaire and Gordon Ramsay, working in prestigious establishments between Rome, St. Moritz, London and Versailles.
His culinary offering focuses on essential and contemporary cuisine, showcasing the finest ingredients without sacrificing elegance.
Botanical Bar: The garden comes into your glass
Among the most original elements of the 2026 season is the Botanical Bar, developed around the “Botanical Garden to Glass” concept.
Aromatic herbs grown in the property's gardens are the protagonists of cocktails, cordials, liqueurs, and syrups made in-house. The project places particular emphasis on sustainability and waste reduction through mixology techniques geared toward recovering and enhancing raw materials.
The beverage offering complements Casa Làrio's culinary offerings and complements one of guests' favorite moments: an evening aperitif overlooking the waters of Lake Como.
A new chapter for Villa Lario
With Casa Làrio, the Botanical Bar, and The Edit project, the 2026 season marks a new phase for Villa Làrio. The goal is to expand the concept of hospitality, transforming the property into a meeting place where cuisine, design, wellness, and lifestyle interact.
An itinerary that caters to both international visitors and local audiences, within a context that focuses on quality hospitality and the promotion of Italian excellence.
