One of my favorite places is Villa D’Este at Lake Como about 40 minutes outside of Milan and just a couple of exits before the Swiss boarder. There are actually two buildings that comprise this world class hotel. I prefer the main hotel and take a room over looking the water. Many others prefer the smaller quirkier Queens building. The Landscape is picture postcard perfect, the lake, the magnificent old villas, the Alps and the rich lush green landscaping and formal gardens of the hotel. An exciting new addition for families is the opening of two new fully renovated villas for family get- a- ways with all the luxuries of home.

Villa D’Este was built in 1568 as the summer estate to an Italian Cardinal. It was opened as a hotel in 1873 for the privileged elite. The current owner Jean Marc Droulers inherited the property in the 1960’s and has been very active it keeping it as a place frozen in time while subtly introducing changes like a floating pool and full spa.

The rooms have the traditional high ceiling and the marble bath room floors are heated from beneath (in the main hotel). So when you step from your marble bath with Bvlgari accessories and wrap yourself in the thick lush heated towel and slip in to one of their robes and sip a great Italian red wine on the terrace over looking the majestic view …..there is just nothing more relaxing!

Villa D’Este is beautiful and full of activity during the main summer season but I find it a wonderful romantic get away just off season in Spring and early Fall. The hotel’s restaurants are truly gourmet and the wine list incredible. Be sure to sign up for one of their cooking classes.

From New York I sometimes go for long weekends. Fly overnight and arrive in the morning and a hotel driver meets my plane. Everything is just easy; it is like arriving at your country club. When you’re there don’t forget to check out the hotel shop where there are lovely designer items incase you neglected to pack something or just want to look at the coffee table books about all the magnificent estates that line the shore of Lake Como. Be sure to take a private boat out during the day to look around. There are even some restaurants at night that can be reached by boat. There is plenty of great food, wine and beauty. I give it a 10 as a romantic luxury get-a-way off season as well as an international hot spot in peak season.

Lorre White, The Guru Of Luxury and CEO of White Light Consulting has traveled the world extensively and stayed at many of the best resorts, spas and boutique hotels in the world. She has traveled with NBA excursions and on USA Dream Teams Olympic Tours. From athletes, to actors, fashion icons to top executives, Lorre White, The Guru Of Luxury has been involved in the top end of the luxury travel market for many years. Lorre can be heard on http://www.guruofluxurypodcast.com and Lorre’s blog http://luxguru.typepad.com