Passalacqua, one of Lake Como's most spectacular private homes, has opened its doors to its new luxury spa after a three-year restoration project.
Standing above the village of Moltrasio, with seven acres of terraced gardens sweeping down to the lake's shore, the 18th-century Villa is steeped in history.
Passalacqua is the passion project of one of Italy's leading hoteliers, the De Santis family, owners of the iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo. Less than two years after opening, the hotel has unveiled its latest hidden secret: a brand-new spa located in the villa's tunnels and ancient greenhouse, overlooking the magnificent gardens and with panoramic views of the lake.
This restoration also included adding an 18-metre indoor pool connected through the atmospheric tunnels.
The Passalacqua Spa is a space where each detail has been meticulously designed and imagined by the De Santis family and executed by Venelli Kramer studio.
Marking a new interior design chapter for Passalacqua, the spa has aimed to preserve the property's history while breathing new life into an underground space.
Accessed directly from the Palazz, it is located in the ancient stables of the villa and has been expertly restored to give it a new lease of life. Nature plays a predominant role in the design, starting from the entrance, where guests will be greeted by precious tapestries replicas of the frescoes from the famous architect Portaluppi's house in Milan, depicting a lush and refined herbarium of exotic plants and more.
Entering the hall of columns, guests will encounter a space dedicated to relaxation and wellness. Amid granite columns and ribbed vaults, the relaxation room includes glistening chandeliers by internationally renowned light artist Yahya.
The spa's treatment area consists of two elegant cabins, where visitors are surrounded by warm wood panelling and soft lighting. Light filters through panels made of Viennese straw, elegantly intertwining with Yahya's intricate chandeliers.
The true sanctum of the spa is discovered in the mysterious and fascinating world of the villa's underground tunnels, built by Count Lucini Passalacqua in the late 1700s. What was once an 18th-century delivery road is now an enchanting path along the entire length of the Scala Santa of Moltrasio. Starting from the basement of the Palazz and reaching the shore of the lake, the tunnels connect to each of the hotel's terraced gardens.
Guests can also experience a massage in the new elegant outdoor pavilion in the orchard designed by Guido Toschi.
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