On the shores of Lake Como, where history and aesthetics harmoniously converge, stands Passalacqua — the hotel crowned as the world’s best in 2023 by The World’s 50 Best Hotels. This 18th-century villa, once home to composer Vincenzo Bellini, has been lovingly restored by the De Santis family into a refined sanctuary that blends grandeur with heartfelt intimacy.

With just 24 suites, Passalacqua offers guests an experience of exclusivity and peace. Interiors adorned with Murano chandeliers, frescoed ceilings, and antique furniture evoke a timeless charm, while the lush terraced gardens cascade gently toward the lake. Culinary artistry here is led by chef Viviana Varese, whose menus celebrate Italian heritage through a modern lens, echoing the essence of “alta cucina di casa” — high cuisine that still feels like home.

Assouline, renowned for its luxurious publications, has created a book dedicated to Passalacqua, capturing the soul of this extraordinary retreat. Through its pages, readers are transported into a world where Italian elegance, history, and hospitality unfold with poetic beauty — an invitation to experience la dolce vita in its most authentic form.