In a region known for its cinematic beauty and storied villas, Passalacqua rises above, not just in its history, but in heart, heritage, and hedonistic charm. Tucked away in the peaceful village of Moltrasio, this meticulously restored 18th-century villa is the latest masterpiece from the De Santis family, who are also behind the beloved Grand Hotel Tremezzo. With just 24 suites, each brimming with personality and poise, Passalacqua feels less like a hotel and more like an exquisite private residence steeped in history.
As spring ripens into summer on Lake Como, Passalacqua invites discerning travelers to step into a world where the past and present coalesce—where frescoes whisper stories of Bellini’s compositions, and garden terraces once admired by Churchill now host plein air painting sessions.
We sat down with the CEO and owner Valentina De Santis, the one behind this remarkable estate, to explore the vision, craftsmanship, and philosophy that make Passalacqua a defining destination for the new era of boutique ultra-luxury travel.
Passalacqua has played host to legends like Vincenzo Bellini, Winston Churchill, and even Napoleon. How is this extraordinary history woven into the guest experience today?
Passalacqua doesn’t just preserve its history but invites you to live inside it. Guests are surrounded by original elements: frescoes by the school of Appiani, vast marble staircases, and centuries-old trees that have shaded luminaries across generations.
For those who stay in the Bellini Suite, there's exclusive access to the Sala della Musica, where the composer crafted La Sonnambula. Guests can sit at the grand piano, gaze out over the lake, and imagine the notes echoing in the same space nearly two centuries ago.
Winston Churchill, an occasional guest of the estate, once painted from our upper terrace. Today, guests can follow his footsteps through curated plein air painting experiences, capturing the serenity and soul of the landscape on canvas with expert guidance.
Restoring an 18th-century villa is no small feat. What were some of the greatest challenges in preserving its character while aligning with the expectations of modern luxury travelers?
We sought to restore it with reverence while ensuring guests experience comfort at the highest level.
From the restoration of original terrazzo floors and frescoes to the concealed integration of state-of-the-art technology, every choice was guided by a philosophy of elegance and innovation. As Italians say, “La necessità aguzza l’ingegno”—necessity sharpens ingenuity. We collaborated with the finest local artisans to create bespoke solutions, from climate control systems that disappear into 17th-century walls to lighting fixtures designed to echo historic craftsmanship.
Every corner of Passalacqua feels like stepping into an Italian art history book. How did you approach the interior design to ensure it feels authentic yet elevated?
The design is a marriage of heritage and imagination. Every original element—be it a hand-carved cornice or a faded fresco—was restored to perfection. We then layered in curated antiques from across Italy, sourced from specialist dealers and historical auctions, giving each room a soul.
But we didn’t stop at the past. We commissioned new pieces: Murano chandeliers, handmade brass lamps, and silk tiered lampshades, all from today’s finest artisans. It’s the same approach Count Lucini Passalacqua would have taken in the 1700s—only we’ve done it for the 21st-century connoisseur.
J.J. Martin of La DoubleJ brought a distinct flair to the pool and greenhouse. Can you share more about that collaboration?
JJ was the perfect partner—vibrant, fearless, and deeply Italian in her joy for life. When she saw the estate during restoration, she instantly connected with the vision. Her brief was simple: make the pool area and 19th-century greenhouse into places of unfiltered joy.
She infused the spaces with her signature explosive prints, maximalist color palettes, and unexpected textures. Today, the greenhouse blooms with life year-round, and the pool becomes a stage for barefoot glamour under the sun. Guests step in and smile—it’s that infectious.
With only 24 suites, how does Passalacqua deliver such a bespoke, home-like experience?
At Passalacqua, we embrace the spirit of villeggiatura—the noble Italian tradition of escaping to the countryside or lakeside for long, leisurely holidays. We encourage guests to do as much or as little as they wish. Cruise the lake by private boat, knead pasta dough in the kitchen, or simply nap under an olive tree. The rhythm is yours.
This estate is designed as a personal retreat for experiences that feel spontaneous and soul-nourishing, like staying in the summer home you've always dreamed of.
Culinary excellence is clearly a pillar at Passalacqua. How do you incorporate local traditions and seasonal ingredients into your menus?
Under the helm of Executive Chef Viviana Varese, our cuisine celebrates both Lombard roots and aristocratic grandeur. Expect dishes like Riso in cagnone con pesce persico—creamy risotto paired with crisp lake perch—alongside inventive creations inspired by 19th-century recipes.
Much of our produce is grown on-site: eggs from our coop, jams from our own fruit trees, tomatoes and kiwis picked at peak ripeness. Our open kitchen invites guests to interact with the chefs, watch pasta being rolled by hand, or taste a cake fresh from the oven. It’s not just dining—it’s a cultural immersion.
How do you approach wine curation at Passalacqua?
Our wine philosophy is rooted in storytelling. Our sommeliers pair the legends of Italian wine—Biondi Santi, Gaja—with rising stars like Stella di Campalto, a biodynamic producer redefining Brunello. Each label reflects its terroir, its vintage, its maker’s spirit.
Private tastings in our cantina explore regional nuances and rare vintages, thoughtfully matched to Chef Viviana’s menus using the Italian philosophy of contrast and complement—bold with delicate, bright with rich.
Guests often describe Passalacqua as ‘stepping into a dream.’ What creates that emotional response?
It’s the alchemy of intimacy and wonder. A stroll through the gardens may lead you past one of our 15 bubbling fountains or a hammock tucked beneath ancient branches. Guests collect eggs from our coop, snack on sun-warmed figs straight from the tree, or stumble upon a spontaneous gelato cart in the orchard.
And then there’s the indoor pool—hidden behind stone tunnels, opening into a glowing aquamarine space that feels more like a dreamscape than a spa. It’s those gentle surprises that make time at Passalacqua feel enchanted.
Sustainability and legacy often seem at odds in heritage properties. How do you strike the balance?
Sustainability for us means more than green initiatives. It’s about reviving a local legacy, creating jobs, and preserving culture. From wood-fiber sheets made from sustainable birch to hiring and training from within the community, we see ourselves as guardians of Lake Como’s heritage.
This villa was once in foreign hands. Restoring it as a family-run Italian estate—open to the world yet rooted in tradition—was the ultimate expression of giving back.
As Lake Como continues to attract the global elite, how does Passalacqua define the future of luxury hospitality?
True luxury today isn’t about extravagance—it’s about essence. Passalacqua doesn’t overwhelm you. It embraces you with soul, with sincerity, with softness.
Our model is deeply personal, family-led, and proudly Italian. We draw inspiration from hoteliers of the past—those who infused their properties with love across generations. In an era of ever-expanding brands, we believe the future is in the beautifully small, the profoundly thoughtful, and the timelessly human.
