Love and Luxury in Lake Como

This adventure really starts with flying from New York to Milan… look out your window as you approach Northern Italy and you are greeted by the peaks of the Swiss Alps, which is truly breathtaking. The snow- capped mountains are as far as the eye can see. Landing in Milan is a treat in itself because it’s a fashion capital for Europe.

As I collected my luggage, I got into a car and made my way to Lake Como to stay at Villa D’Este. The views are spectacular here. Not only because Lake Como sits near the Alps, but the architecture of this place is amazing.

Villa D’Este sits on the banks of one of the most romantic lakes in the world and just north of Milan; this amazing hotel was built in 1568 as the summer residence of Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio. The property sits on 25 acres of manicured gardens.

The Veranda restaurant overlooks the Lake and the gardens. It is formal and elegant. Glassed-in or al fresco, windows are automated and can disappear into the ground creating an amazing venue for dinner.
Whether you are in a classic or a suite, you will feel like royalty the brocade silk curtains and artwork on the walls, make you feel like you are a queen for a day. I was most impressed with the amazing vaulted ceiling hallway that led to the steps to the rooms in the main building... For those couple who want to splurge on luxury over seas, this is my number 1 choice!

Villa D’Este treats their guests like royalty. The food is great and so is the staff. The manicured gardens are a perfect place to host a ceremony. There is a terrace that overlooks Lake Como that can only be described as breathtaking. This can be used for cocktails or intimate dining/reception area. The terrace view looks beyond the lake and you will see the Swiss Alps in the distance, which is a short drive away, one can buy the best Swiss Chocolate in the world.

Their dining rooms overlook the gardens and terrace that offer equally breathtaking views of the area. We enjoyed a wonderful meal that featured the best risotto I have ever tasted following by braised short ribs cooked in a wonderful Chianti sauce.

Once you see your bedroom, you will feel like a king and queen. As you enter the rooms your mouth will drop in awe at the majestic feel to the room- the oversized bed features a fabric silk canopy that just invites you to fall onto the bed. The living area and the view makes you want to stay in your room.

As you venture into the region - you will enter the wonderful town square for amazing gelato and visit the Duomo in town - perfect place to host a ceremony.

As you sit by the terrace and feel the sunshine, swim in the floating pool that sits on the lake - and as you venture on to the lake via boat, wave at George Clooney's villa that sits next to Villa D'Este.
Everything about this site will take your breath away; it’s truly a favorite of mine!

For more information please visit our site at www.elegantoccasions.com

Please note two of these photos were taken from the brochure...

"Sempre Amore" in Santa Caterina, Amalfi

Italy is the country that is home to a romantic language, food, and people. Located in the amazing seaside town of Amalfi, sits a hotel high on the bluff called Santa Caterina. This family-owned hotel offers guests luxurious comfort with amazing views of the Amalfi seaside village.

One of the best meals, from being in Ravello, Sorrento, Rome and Amalfi, we had was at their restaurant with award-winning cuisine. I was served the most amazing stuffed zucchini blossoms I have ever tasted. I also tried this homemade ravioli dish with the most delicious lemon alfredo sauce. Honestly, if we could have licked the plate, we would have!

For a romantic night a great dinner is key but amazing scenery always helps. The glass enclosed restaurant overlooks the glittering lights of the seaside village below. The wrap around terrace for breakfast is awe-inspiring.

The hand-painted mosaic-tiled floor invites you to a lobby filled with smiling staff who are all quick to help you find a great local restaurant or tour of the area.

The rooms are well appointed, with the suites that are larger than most rooms in the states. Many rooms have patios and balconies all overlooking the ocean. The bridal villa is this little retreat tucked away from the main hotel. It has a private infinity pool, duplex apartment with lower level sitting room and an upstairs bedroom, truly one of the most romantic little hideaways I have ever seen.

The Al Mare Restaurant at the lower level of the hotel is accessible by riding a glass elevator, through the mountain to the bottom of the mountain. There, the doors open to a grotto feeling area and then you enter the pool deck where the Al Mare Restaurant is nestled amongst lemon trees.

Cocktail can be hosted on the terrace and reception can be hosted in either the Al Mare Restaurant or the upstairs dining, next to the terrace. I’ve worked in Italy many times, and this would be my choice as a venue to use for your cocktail and reception if you are staying in Amalfi.

What a great place to celebrate the tradition and passion of love! Sempre Amore! Always Love!

"I do" as the Romans do...

Along the Southern coast of Italy, in the mountains, sits the town of Amalfi. Everyone stayed at the five star luxury Hotel Santa Caterina, which has a breathtaking view and some great spots to host events. The couple hosted their welcome party there, and if it wasn’t booked on Saturday, they might have held their wedding there. This hotel’s service is impeccable; everyone is willing to help you.

We arranged a boat excursion to Sorrento (about an hour and half). While in Sorrento, guests had about 2 hours to shop and eat. We would suggest a little more time because there are great little shops and places to eat, but it all requires taking the time to walk around. You can also arrange for a mini bus to take guests who are not interested in taking the boat.

The couple got married in this beautiful church in Ravello (about a 15 minutes drive from Amalfi), the next town over. After they said their I do’s, they walked into the piazza as two guitarists led them and their guests up the path to Villa Cimbrone. This is probably my favorite thing that really shows the culture of the area.

Although walking up (and down) to get there can be bear for your older guests, it’s still a memorable place. For the older guests, there is a man that has a motorized chair to help them up and down, but it takes 20 minutes per way and only one person at a time. We also shipped flip flops for the ladies to change into for the walk-up and down.

Villa Cimbrone is this gorgeous venue that has a terrace with one of the best views, ever. Cocktails were held in the gardens nearby the terrace. The reception was held in the Villa’s crypt that is literally carved into the side of the mountain. The crypt has these gothic-style arches that give this area incredible drama.

It’s hard for me to describe this beauty of Italy in words. Even these photos don’t do it justice. Italy is one of my top three places for a destination wedding because the guests are excited to travel to Europe and we usually choose a place that most people have not been to. It’s easy to do a wedding in Rome, but traveling south to Amalfi, people get to see the countryside of Italy, as well as the mountains. It is nothing like Milan, Venice, Rome, Florence, or even Tuscany. This area has so much more character.