Joel Edgerton, Juergen Teller, John Pawson and Mickalene Thomas were among the guests helping to ring in the opening of The Lake Como EDITION last weekend, bringing the Ian Schrager lifestyle hotel chain to the tony shores of the Italian vacation destination.
The opening of the EDITION in April brought out an intimate group of international stars and local artists alike, for a weekend of culinary and cultural festivities. Events included a private al fresco lunch at local restaurant Al Veluu, perched high in the winding hills, and treatments at the property’s The Longevity Spa, where an extensive menu of offerings features everything from cryo and biohacking treatments, to LED therapy, Turkish bath and massages for sculpting and stress relief alike. Guests also enjoyed an afternoon on the lake, riding in Como’s iconic flat-hulled wooden Lucia boats.
Martha Stewart was spotted enjoying dinner at Renzo, the property’s second-floor terrace restaurant that pairs contemporary Italian cuisine with panoramic views of the lake and the picturesque town of Bellagio in the distance. Stewart posted about her stay on Instagram, with the media mogul and entrepreneur praising the “handsome” staff while boasting about her two “glorious nights eating the food” of chef Mauro Colagreco, who brings his three-michelin star pedigree to Italy from his home base of Menton, France.
Other guests over the weekend included Wallis Day, Douglas Friedman, Ferragamo creative director Maximilian Davies, and Gian Luca Passi (sans wife Jessica Chastain), with the celebrations culminating in a private dinner at the property’s signature restaurant, Cetino — helmed by Colagreco — before partygoers descended to the lobby bar for a night of music and dancing.
The opening of the Lake Como EDITION merges the brand’s minimalist and modern aesthetic with the region’s classical Italian grandeur, to create a “new vision of lakeside luxury,” per a release.
Located near the foot of the Alps where the lake branches out into its Y-shape, the new property offers 148 guest rooms set inside a historic 1830s palazzo, which retains much of its original charm, only now paired with contemporary touches and conveniences. Indeed, the 19th-century property, which first opened its doors as The London, retains its original exterior color palate, and many of the lake-facing rooms still feature original French balconies, which have been lovingly restored. The interiors, meantime, boast marble-faced archways, terrazzo floors and rooms framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, while a new reflection pool and fountain greet guests as they step inside the entrance.
Cultural programming includes everything from guided hikes high above the property’s lush surroundings, to planned culinary, art and design installations that celebrate the region’s storied past while welcoming Italy’s new guard. A prime example: the EDITION’s opening weekend celebration kicked off with a welcome mixer that featured pours from Katkoot, the arty, fashion-inspired Italian wine brand that’s drawn fans like Rick Owens and A$AP Rocky.
“This opening marks a new era in the EDITION story, where the timeless glamour of Lake Como converges with a new generation of luxury,” says George Fleck, Senior Vice President and Global Brand Leader, EDITION. “Renowned for its elegance and cultural prestige, this iconic destination provides the perfect canvas for our most captivating chapter yet, a defining moment that reflects EDITION’s continued evolution on the global stage. The Lake Como EDITION represents the next frontier for the brand, setting a new benchmark for contemporary luxury defined by individuality, sophistication and a strong sense of place.”
Lake Como is the 21st location in the EDITION brand’s portfolio. See rooms and rates here.
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